Niagara-on-the-Lake Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Niagara-on-the-Lake featuring heritage architecture, heritage elements and street scenes
Niagara-on-the-Lake
Niagara-on-the-Lake
Niagara-on-the-Lake
Niagara-on-the-Lake

Culture, history, shopping and fine-dining – this charming little town ticks all the boxes.

Tucked neatly against the shoreline of Lake Ontario, Niagara-on-the-Lake is a little town that packs a big punch. Every year, thousands of visitors flock here for culture, shopping, gastronomy and old-world charm.

With historic sites around every corner, culture buffs will be in their element. Take a guided tour of the early 19th-century McFarland House – the oldest building in town, or spend a couple of hours at Fort George to discover more about Niagara’s role in the war of 1812 from well-informed guides in period costume. Step back in time as you wander around the distinguished Old Town admiring the architecture of the buildings. If your feet are starting to ache, hop into a horse-drawn carriage – always a great way to see the sights!

In this town, souvenir shopping is a real treat. Visitors will find a great selection of high-quality regional produce and local handcrafts in the artisan shops sprinkled around the Heritage District.

Feeling peckish? Pack a picnic of fine wine, delectable cheese and crusty bread and seek out any one of the pretty green areas that are dotted about this picturesque town.

Niagara-on-the-Lake holds many special events throughout the year but the highlight has got to be the illustrious Shaw Festival. Named in honour of the great Irish playwright George Bernard Shaw, this festival is packed with lively performances across a number of different theatres, including the Court House Theatre and the Royal George Theatre.

Finally, round off your evening with a stroll by the marina and admire the boats as they bob lazily up and down. This is the perfect spot to enjoy the sunset as it sets the lake ablaze.

Niagara-on-the-Lake is everything you imagine it to be romantic, inspiring, scenic and inviting, and should be your first port of call when visiting this beautiful region.

Where to stay in Niagara-on-the-Lake

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Old Town Historic District

5/5(7 area reviews)

Old Town Historic District is popular for its lake views, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to Niagara-on-the-Lake Golf Club or Shaw Festival Theatre.

Old Town Historic District
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Glendale

4/5(2 area reviews)

While there might not be top attractions in Glendale, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Outlet Collection at Niagara and Royal Niagara Golf Club.

Glendale
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St. Davids

While there might not be top attractions in St. Davids, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Ravine Vineyard Estate Winery and Château des Charmes.

St. Davids
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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 neighbourhood.

Queenston
White Oaks Resort & Spa
White Oaks Resort & Spa
5 out of 5
253 Taylor Rd, Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON
The price is ₹15,798 per night from 23 Jun to 24 Jun
₹15,798
₹19,637 total
23 Jun - 24 Jun
includes taxes & fees
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 and the ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,914 reviews)
"Beautiful hotel near the luxury outlet mall and wineries. About 20 minutes from Niagara Falls by car. They sent a special treat to our room to celebrate my daughter’s birthday!"

Reviewed on 15 Jun 2025

White Oaks Resort & Spa
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
The price is ₹9,536 per night from 22 Jun to 23 Jun
₹9,536
₹11,206 total
22 Jun - 23 Jun
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,563 reviews)
"Very nice clean modern hotel. Short distance to wineries and QEW"

Reviewed on 17 Jun 2025

Holiday Inn Express Niagara-On-The-Lake by IHG
Residence & Conference Centre - Niagara-on-the-Lake
Residence & Conference Centre - Niagara-on-the-Lake
2 out of 5
137 Taylor Road, Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON
The price is ₹8,522 per night from 8 Jul to 9 Jul
₹8,522
₹9,630 total
8 Jul - 9 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and an on-site winery. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
7.2/10 Good! (1,007 reviews)
"It was very clean and the staff was lovely. The mattresses were a bit hard for my liking"

Reviewed on 16 Jun 2025

Residence & Conference Centre - Niagara-on-the-Lake
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 Wi-Fi, free parking and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Fallsview Indoor Waterpark and Clifton ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (64 reviews)
"Quiet and clean. Personable owners."

Reviewed on 12 Jun 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 Wi-Fi, free parking and laundry facilities. Our guests praise the clean rooms ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (159 reviews)
"My wife and I enjoyed our stay at your location. The room was quite comfortable. The only negative was the size of the shower... we are used to having more space to move about. We enjoyed leaving our car in your free parking lot and walking to the museum, to the shore, shops and restaurants."

Reviewed on 17 Jun 2025

Suites On King
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

Reviews of Niagara-on-the-Lake

4.7
Top destination
5 - Excellent
15
5 - Excellent 75%
4 - Good
4
4 - Good 20%
3 - Okay
1
3 - Okay 5%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Beautiful town.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

The most beautiful town, great restaurants and close to Niagara Falls.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

This is a very pretty town with unique shops and good dining. Don’t just visit the centre though; go down to the shore line and visit the parks around town. When going to The Falls take the Niagara Parkway - much more scenic route.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Easy to see why many Canadians choose to retire here!

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

It’s a bit trap a tourist but a lovely place to stay if you are visiting the falls and much nicer than Niagara.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Nice place for a day trip but everything is over priced so wouldn't stay there again.

Cities near Niagara-on-the-Lake