Less than a half-hour drive from the Old Town Historic District of Niagara-on-the-Lake is the major tourist attraction of Niagara Falls, one of the world’s most powerful falls. Compared to the bustling tourist center at the breathtaking site, Niagara-on-the-Lake offers a relaxing retreat with its colorful Victorian-style homes and leafy, canopied streets. Stay in the town to tour this part of Canada.
The area has an important history, particularly regarding the War of 1812 between American and British forces. An important military post, Fort George, is located here where a fierce battle saw the town razed by a retreating American army. Visit the fort, which was rebuilt by the British soon after its destruction.
Tour the artifacts at Niagara-on-the-Lake Museum, which provides a comprehensive study from the time the area was a settlement to present days. Walk a few blocks from the museum to the Shaw Festival Theatre. The beloved venue’s featured plays have become must-do events since the first performance in 1962. Named after playwright George Bernard Shaw, the site has live theater as its prominent feature for most of the year. Originally the troupe traveled extensively throughout Canada and the U.S. before the company got its own building in 1973.
Spend some time in attractive Queen’s Royal Park located along the Niagara River, which flows into Lake Ontario. The gazebo here was originally built as a film prop for the 1980s movie The Dead Zone, starring actors Christopher Walken and Martin Sheen.
As you wander beyond the historic district, which is also a designated heritage conservation area, stop for afternoon tea at McFarland House. This is one of the region’s oldest buildings, dating back to the early 19th century.
Find Niagara-on-the-Lake’s Old Town Historic District from the Canadian side by driving 1 hour east from Hamilton, or north of Buffalo in New York state, allowing time for the international border crossing. History, cultural events and natural attractions will provide an activity-filled vacation.
