Niagara-on-the-Lake is one of Ontario’s most charming destinations, yet is located so close to Toronto. Many visitors come for the wineries; there’s much more to discover, including historic landmarks, waterfront scenery, cycling trails, theatre, great shopping and outstanding dining.
This guide with the Best Things to Do in Niagara-on-the-Lake can help you plan your visit
Quick Guide to Niagara-on-the-Lake
| Attraction | Best For | Time Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Old Town | Sightseeing | 2-3 hrs |
| Winery Tours | Wine lovers | Half day |
| Fort George | History | 1-2 hrs |
| Niagara Parkway | Scenic drive | 1-3 hrs |
| Shaw Festival | Theatre | Afternoon or Evening |
| Cycling Wine Route | Active travellers | Half day |
1. Explore Historic Old Town Niagara-on-the-Lake
When you arrive in Niagara-on-the-Lake, you will want to soak up the historic atmosphere and beautiful 19th-century architecture along the flower-lined Queen Street. The Memorial Clock Tower, a WWI cenotaph, in the middle of Queen Street has a commanding presence.
This was the capital of Upper Canada (Ontario) before moving to Toronto.
There is boutique shopping with heritage storefronts. Maybe grab a coffee at Balzac’s near the iconic Prince of Wales Hotel. Later in the day, horse-drawn carriages would depart from here for a leisurely ride around town.
Take one of the side streets to admire the gardens and heritage homes.
2. Visit a Niagara-on-the-Lake Winery
Niagara-on-the-Lake is famous as the heart of the Ontario wine country with numerous wineries just outside the town. Two Sisters, Peller Estates, Riverbend, Inniskillin, and Reif Wineries are located nearby along the Niagara Parkway.
You would have passed Jackson-Triggs and Wayne Gretzky Estates on Highway 55 on the drive into town.
Out along the shores of Lake Ontario, I suggest you check out Konzelmann Estate Winery with magnificent views.
Insider Tip: Book tastings in advance during the summer and fall to avoid waiting during your visit.
3. Drive the Niagara Parkway
The Niagara Parkway is often called one of Ontario’s most scenic drives, with views of the Niagara River and the U.S. across the way. Expect to see vineyards, fruit stands, a tiny chapel, and historic monuments and homes along the way.
There are many easy places to pull over to admire the view or enjoy a picnic. In historic Queenston, there are a number of historic mansions and museums, including the Laura Secord Homestead. At the top of the Niagara Escarpment is the towering monument to General Issac Brock from the War of 1812.
A little further is the floral clock before you start to reach the many attractions of Niagara Falls, such as the Niagara Glen Nature Centre, Whirlpool Rapids, and Niagara Falls itself.
The Niagara Parkway and parallel Niagara River Recreation Trail continue all the way to Queenston, Niagara Falls, and eventually Fort Erie.
4. Tour Fort George National Historic Site
Give Fort George a full 90 minutes for your visit. You want enough time to catch a musket-firing demonstration, walk the underground tunnel to the watch tower, and photograph the only surviving original structure (the 1796 gunpowder magazine). Talk to the costumed interpreters; their quotes and small details (what 19th-century soldiers ate, how the powder magazine survived).
The fort dates from the War of 1812 and is a good way to learn about British military history of the time. Located on one end of town near the Shaw Festival.
The Canada Strong Pass provides free admission to all Canadian National Parks and Historic Sites from June 19 to September 7, 2026.
5. Walk Along the Niagara River Recreation Trail
Take a walk (or cycle) along the Niagara River Recreation Trail as it follows the river with amazing views and vineyards across the parallel Niagara Parkway and even a winery (Reif Estate).
For me, an even more interesting walk is at the Niagara Glen Nature Centre, where trails lead you down to the river’s edge. Hiking is free, but there is a charge for parking. A much better choice than the touristy White Water Walk closer to Niagara Falls.
6. Attend a Shaw Festival Performance
The Shaw Festival is one of Canada’s premier theatres with performances from April to December each year. They feature a variety of musicals and dramas in several locations.
I usually go to the musicals such as Funny Girl (2026), but in previous years have seen Gypsy, My Fair Lady and others. Book popular shows early for the best seats.
The Shaw Festival runs a bus service from Toronto if you need transportation to a show or do not wish to drive on the QEW.
7. Visit the Niagara-on-the-Lake Waterfront
Take a walk along the Niagara-on-the-Lake waterfront, with Lake Ontario views from the Gazebo in Queen’s Royal Park and from the marina farther along. You can also see Fort Niagara across the river on the U.S. side, dating back to the War of 1812.
There are views toward the Toronto skyline on clear days. Picnic opportunities that people always seem to be taking advantage of during my visits. Another great picnic location is Simcoe Park across from the Prince of Wales Hotel.
8. Dining at a Winery or in the Old Town
With so much local produce and choices on a winery or in town, dining in the Niagara Region is a joy.
- Breakfast is available at restaurants in town but also at Oaklands at Riverbend Estates.
- Several wineries offer brunch on Sunday, plus the Queenston Heights Restaurant with amazing views.
- Lunch and dinner are available at Oaklands (Riverbend), Peller Estates, and Kitchen 76 (Two Sisters); Carolina Cellars offers a more casual lunch. There are options in town including Treadwell, the Olde Angel Inn, and HOB NOB for a romantic/upscale experience.
There is a sunset winery tour visiting 3 and a 3-coursedinner visiting 3 locations.
9. Enjoy Afternoon Tea at the Prince of Wales Hotel
In this beautiful setting in The Drawing Room at Prince of Wales Hotel, enjoy a timeless traditional English afternoon tea. House-made finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones with clotted cream and delicate pastries are served alongside premium Sloane teas.
Surrounded by the regal dรฉcor and elegant table settings, the experience evokes the charm of the Victorian era, inviting guests to indulge in a moment of classic refinement.
10. Cycle Through Wine Country
Very popular and with flat terrain, cycling paths and scenic vineyard roads make Niagara-on-the-Lake one of Ontario’s best cycling destinations. It is easy to ride around the Old Town or to take the paved Niagara River Recreation Trail, which offers scenic views.
You can ride to several wineries near the town on a self-guided or guided tour, with e-bikes available as well. Bicycle rentals in Niagara-on-the-Lake with a line of “Townie” and Fuji Crosstown Bicycles.
11. Visit the Niagara Apothecary
Several shops along Queen Street are unique, including the Niagara Apothecary at the corner of Queen and King Streets. This restored 1869 pharmacy has historic medical artifacts and seems frozen in time with original bottles and fixtures
12. Explore McFarland House
I also stopped at McFarland House, a historical landmark with beautiful gardens located right on the Niagara River Recreation Trail, which offers a guided tour and traditional tea service.
13. Try Niagara’s Famous Icewine
If you’ve never tasted Icewine, Niagara-on-the-Lake is one of the best places to try it. Made from grapes naturally frozen on the vine, it’s intensely sweet and usually served in small tasting portions. Several local wineries offer Icewine tastings and food pairings.
The best time to visit is in the winter and late fall.
14. Visit the Floral Clock
Located a short drive away on the Niagara Parkway and one of the iconic landmarks along the drive. Good for a short 5-minute visit and with an excellent photo opportunity.
15. Take a Niagara River Cruise or Guided Tour
Wine & Charcuterie Guided Tour with Tastings at 3 wineries, where you sample 9 to 12 different wines including ice wine.
Relaxing Wine Tour through Niagara’s Wine Country with tastings at 3 wineries, but does not include the cheese or ice wine of the tour above.
Jet Boat Ride on the Niagara River.
8 different types of wine tours from Toronto, Niagara Falls or Niagara-on-the-Lake.
Hidden Gems
Fort Mississauga National Historic Site is not as well known and does not receive as much attention as some of the other sights. Walk towards the end of Queen Street (away from the Prince of Wales Hotel) and turn right on Simcoe Street.
Follow the signed path across the middle of one of the fairways on the golf course; the golfers will wait for you to cross before arriving at the historic site. Explore the small fort with views of Lake Ontario.
Lavender & Flower Farm on a 12-acre farm with innovative products available.
Suggested One-Day Niagara-on-the-Lake Itinerary
A more detailed Niagara-on-the-Lake one-day itinerary.
Morning
- Explore Old Town
- Coffee on Queen Street
- Waterfront walk
Afternoon
- Winery tastings
- Fort George
- Niagara Parkway drive
Evening
- Dinner at a winery
- Shaw Festival performance
Suggested Weekend Itinerary
A detailed weekend getaway itinerary to Niagara-on-the-Lake.
Day 1
- Historic downtown
- Waterfront
- Fort George
- Shaw Festival
Day 2
- Cycling tour
- Winery visits
- Niagara Parkway attractions
Best Time to Visit Niagara-on-the-Lake
On Mondays and Tuesday some businesses may not be open, even in the summer.
Spring
Gardens, blossoms, flower displays along Queen Street and the start of the Shaw Festival. Pleasant temperatures.
Summer
Patios are open, festivals, and cycling. Strawberries at the fruit stands.
Fall
Harvest season with fruit stands and vineyards.
Winter
Holiday decorations and Icewine Festival. Not as busy, with not all attractions open and reduced hours for many shops.
Getting to Niagara-on-the-Lake
Toronto: an easy 90-minute drive along the QEW, exiting onto Highway 55 just over the Garden City Skyway.
Niagara Falls: a 25 km (15.5 mile) scenic drive along the Niagara Parkway.
Public Transit: seasonal service (April to October) on GO Transit from Union Station in Toronto to Niagara Falls, connecting with the WEGO bus service.
Guided Tour: seasonal from Toronto with Queen Tour, a day trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Niagara-on-the-Lake worth visiting?
Absolutely. It combines wineries, history, waterfront scenery, and one of Canada’s most charming downtowns.
How many days do you need in Niagara-on-the-Lake?
One day is enough for the highlights, but a weekend allows time to explore wineries and enjoy the Shaw Festival.
What is Niagara-on-the-Lake known for?
It is famous for wineries, Icewine, Fort George, the Shaw Festival, and its beautifully preserved historic downtown.
Can you visit Niagara-on-the-Lake as a day trip from Toronto?
Yes. At approximately 1.5 hours from Toronto, it’s one of Ontario’s most popular day-trip destinations.
Final Thoughts
Niagara-on-the-Lake is one of the most charming towns in Ontario and an easy drive from Toronto with so much to see and do. If you do plan to stay overnight, there is a variety of accommodation options. Use this guide to help plan your next trip.
