Niagara-on-the-Lake

Travel Guide

Niagara-on-the-Lake featuring heritage architecture, street scenes and an administrative buidling
Niagara-on-the-Lake showing general coastal views, a garden and fall colors
Niagara-on-the-Lake featuring general coastal views and a park
Niagara-on-the-Lake showing golf and signage
Niagara-on-the-Lake showing landscape views and heritage architecture

This charming towns offers wineries, spas, a world-class theater festival, gourmet dining and lots of history.  

Built on the southwest shore of Lake Ontario, Niagara-on-the-Lake is a picture-perfect town. It’s full of beautifully restored 18th and 19th century houses, many of them converted into inns or bed and breakfast accommodations. Profusions of flowers adorn parks and gardens in spring and summer. Charming shops selling wine, cheese and other food — as well as other items to browse and buy — line the main street. You won't find many fast-food joints here, but there are restaurants and pubs to satisfy every taste. A big plus is that the town’s surrounded by one of Canada's finest wine regions.

Stroll along Queen Street, located in the picturesque Heritage District, for window shopping. Or, buy regional wine and cheese to enjoy at one of the town’s lovely beaches. Take in a round of golf on a course that stretches along the southwest shore of Lake Ontario or mount up for a horse and carriage tour of the town. These depart from the Prince of Wales hotel in the town's center.

History buffs should head to one of the many historic sites around town. Guided tours are offered through Fort George on the east side of town. It’s well worth the price for a well-informed costumed local to teach you some of the local history. This town was entrenched in the war of 1812 when the British, aided by Canadian Militia, fought the United States.

Visit between April and October to see a performance at the Shaw Festival, named for one of Ireland’s greatest playwrights, George Bernard Shaw. The festival has been a well-attended annual summer event since 1962.

Niagara-on-the-Lake is about 30 minutes’ drive north of Niagara Falls, along the Niagara River Parkway and Queen’s Parade. It’s located in Ontario, on the Canadian side of the Niagara River.

Where to stay in Niagara-on-the-Lake

Old Town Historic District which includes a sunset and a house

Old Town Historic District

5/5(106 area reviews)

Old Town Historic District is known for its lake views, and you can plan a trip to Niagara-on-the-Lake Golf Club and Shaw Festival Theatre while you're in town.

Old Town Historic District
Gardens at White Oaks

Glendale

4.5/5(94 area reviews)

Glendale might not have many top sights, but Outlet Collection at Niagara and Royal Niagara Golf Club are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Glendale
Ravine Vineyard Estate Winery showing signage and heritage elements

St. Davids

4.5/5(15 area reviews)

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in St. Davids and surrounding area, you can visit Ravine Vineyard Estate Winery and Château des Charmes.

St. Davids
Queenston featuring a river or creek and tranquil scenes

Queenston

Lake views, waterfalls, and restaurants highlight some of the noteworthy features of Queenston. Make a stop by Laura Secord Homestead or Mackenzie Printery and Newspaper Museum while you're exploring the neighborhood.

Queenston
White Oaks Resort & Spa
White Oaks Resort & Spa
5 out of 5
253 Taylor Rd, Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON
$132 nightly
The price is $153 total per night from Jul 13 to Jul 14
$153 total
Jul 13 - Jul 14
Total includes taxes and fees
Book a stay at this spa resort in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Enjoy a full-service spa, 3 restaurants, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,933 reviews)
"All good."

Reviewed on Jul 10, 2025

White Oaks Resort & Spa
Hilton Garden Inn Niagara-on-the-Lake
Hilton Garden Inn Niagara-on-the-Lake
3 out of 5
500 York Rd, Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON
$109 nightly
The price is $128 total per night from Jul 27 to Jul 28
$128 total
Jul 27 - Jul 28
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,000 reviews)
"The staff were friendly and helpful. The pool and spa area were clean with plenty of towels. The room was spacious, clean and comfortable."

Reviewed on Jul 5, 2025

Hilton Garden Inn Niagara-on-the-Lake
Holiday Inn Express Niagara-On-The-Lake by IHG
Holiday Inn Express Niagara-On-The-Lake by IHG
3 out of 5
524 York Road, Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON
$125 nightly
The price is $146 total per night from Jul 20 to Jul 21
$146 total
Jul 20 - Jul 21
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,604 reviews)
"Room was clean and customer service was good but there was no complimentary coffee or tea in the lobby. Also my sister requested gluten free bread and almond milk and had to wait a long time. Lastly the carpet in front of the elevator in the lobby was dirty."

Reviewed on Jul 9, 2025

Holiday Inn Express Niagara-On-The-Lake by IHG
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Falcon Cottages
Falcon Cottages
3 out of 5
1501 Line 8 Rd, Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON
Stay at this 3-star cottage in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Fallsview Indoor Waterpark and Clifton ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (69 reviews)
"First time staying in a mobile home and it was lovely."

Reviewed on Jul 2, 2025

Falcon Cottages
Suites On King
Suites On King
3 out of 5
233 King St, Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly apartment in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and laundry facilities. Our guests praise the clean rooms ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (165 reviews)
"The suite was perfect for a short stay and has everything you might need and more! The bed and bedding is high quality and very comfortable. The bathroom with shower was spotless with lots of toiletries. Overall a very delightful space with higher quality dishes and finishes throughout. Would definitely ..."

Reviewed on Jun 26, 2025

Suites On King
NEW/MODERN - Downtown NOTL - Perfect Location!
NEW/MODERN - Downtown NOTL - Perfect Location!
Niagara-on-the-Lake
Stay at this vacation home in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Enjoy a garden, patios, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Shaw Festival Theatre and Peller Estates ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (25 reviews)
Great Location!
"The house is clean and so close to everything! Great house!"

Reviewed on May 22, 2025

NEW/MODERN - Downtown NOTL - Perfect Location!
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Niagara-on-the-Lake

4.8
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
265
5 - Excellent 83%
4 - Good
53
4 - Good 17%
3 - Okay
3
3 - Okay 1%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

I love the shopping and the grape growing area around Niagara-on-the-lake as well as the panoramic Lake Ontario and Niagara River.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

This Hotel had an old charm with modern options. Our room was ample and the fire place was a welcoming surprise. We were looking for a quite Hotel to enjoy Niagara on the Lake and this was the perfect choice for us. My wife and I truly enjoyed.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

This area is adorable. Loved the shops and restaurants. Beautiful houses and B&Bs. Great wineries! Visited for the Icewine Festival, but I'm hoping to go back in the summer time and visit the wineries again!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Lovely town and best to visit off season. Lots of sales, close to The Bay and Ikea, and no crowds!

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

I miss the art galleries. Some still but not as many as there used top be.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

We come every year to see a play at the Shaw Festival. This year it was a Christmas Carol and it was Fantastic, the best version we’ve ever seen! We’ll top of the trip with lunch at Elements on the Falls directly over the Horseshoe Falls! Love Canada

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