Niagara-on-the-Lake Shops: The Ultimate Guide to Shopping in the Heritage District

Do you want to know what sort of shops are on the main shopping street in Niagara-on-the-Lake? I’ve got you covered! I have lived in Niagara Falls and been to Niagara-on-the-Lake many times to shop, eat, and soak up the beautiful, historic atmosphere.

Below, I have gathered my knowledge and experience of most the shops on Queen Street. This is not an official directory, as I may have missed a couple of shops, so feel free to explore beyond this comprehensive list to other Niagara-on-the-Lake shops.

Niagara-on-the-Lake Shops: By Category

There are so many amazing, unique, locally-owned shops in NOTL that I’ve tried to categorize them by clothing, gifts/home, bath/self-care, food/sweets, and art galleries and theatres. Be sure to explore the shops in the town beyond this list, because there is no way I found them all!

Clothing & Accessories

There is a fantastic range of unique and quality clothing stores on the main shopping street in Niagara-on-the-Lake’s heritage district: Queen Street. Come wander this beautiful street full of flowers in the summer and admire its Victorian architecture as you discover local boutiques with curated collections just for you!

Irish Design

Getting there: exact location of the shop on Google Maps.

As a celtic culture nerd, I love this shop! Irish Design imports and showcases clothing and some other items with Irish designs – go figure! The owners, Paul and Maureen, moved to Canada from Ireland a few decades ago and have brought the gorgeous country-chic fashion of the Irish/British countryside with them.

Their knitwear is sustainably and ethically sourced – yay! We love helping animals and the planet.

They can even ship products worldwide, so if you don’t have room in your suitcase, your purchase can meet you at home!

BeauChapeau Hat Shop

Getting there: exact location of the shop on Google Maps.

This shop, with windows full of hats that remind me of a shop from the 1920s, always catches my eye as I walk past. You don’s see shops like this very often.

This is the ultimate hat shop: from fedoras, to outdoor Tilley hats, to rain hats, to tuques, they’ve got it all. They even have a vintage collection for men and women.

Note: a tuque (pronounced TWO-K) is what Canadians call a winter beanie hat.

Optimus Jewellery & Watches

Getting there: exact location of the shop on Google Maps.

Located right next to the Scottish Loft (they use the same front door), this jewellery store has a unique collection of beautiful watches, necklaces, earrings, etc. There’s something for everyone.

They have a reputation of great customer service and showcasing Canadian designers.

Cool as a Moose

Getting there: exact location of the shop on Google Maps.

Cool as a Moose is a Canadian chain store with locations in other international destinations across Canada, such as Banff, Alberta. It focuses on t-shirts, long sleeve shirts, and hoodies/sweaters (jumpers for you from UK, AUS, NZ, etc.) with whimsical, classic, and vintage inspired designs celebrating the location you are in.

So, if you want a cool shirt or sweater that has a cool Niagara-on-the-Lake design, this is a great spot to stop.

Hatley

Getting there: exact location of the shop on Google Maps.

Every night, I sleep in Hatley pyjamas. Not kidding – I’ve been using them for years! They are so comfortable and so durable, the quality is hard to beat!

Hatley is a Canadian clothing company for women and kids featuring the Little Blue House brand which is known for its hand-illustrated designs and cheeky sayings. They value designs inspired by the Canadian outdoor life and family, and the quality of their products is so good they will be hand-me-downs.

Hatley and Little Blue House both support charities with their profits to help impoverished children in India, where the clothes are made, and re-planting forests in Canada. You will love their products and the company!

Nikolas

Getting there: exact location of the shop on Google Maps.

This menswear shop has quality, stylish pieces for guys who love a good leather jacket, casual blazer, or sophisticated coat.

MUST Boutique

Getting there: exact location of the shop on Google Maps.

This women’s clothing store is a must-go! It’s a super cute boutique carrying unique and colourful clothes inspired by European fashion. Owned by women for women, this shop wants to help you express your individual style.

Gifts & Home Décor

Being a popular tourist destination, this quaint town is not short of gift shops that fit right in with the boutique and eclectic style of the town. You will find unique items made locally and imported from around the world.

Scottish Loft

Getting there: exact location of the shop on Google Maps.

Looking for a piece of the UK to bring home without actually booking the flight? Or are you missing specialty British food while in Canada?

Then this shop is for you!

They carry British food and treats, home decor, and clan wares. I lived in the UK for a few years and this shop brings back a lot of memories. I love it!

The Viking Shop

Getting there: exact location of the shop on Google Maps.

This store is a staple of the historic downtown and is exactly what you think of when you think gift shop. It is stuffed full of knick-knacks and home decor items from funny door mats to mugs.

It’s always fun to pop in and check out what they have in their collection.

Turkish Bazar

Getting there: exact location of the shop on Google Maps.

Located next to the Viking Shop is the Turkish Bazar (bazar means market in Türkiye). This shop has the same quality products I admired when I was in Istanbul. And I don’t even have to try to find room in my suitcase! It’s here in Canada.

Add a flair of the exotic to your home with Turkish bowls with their dotted designs or a beautifully complex coloured glass mosaic lamp or light fixture. There are many other curiosities and textiles imported from Türkiye here, so get ready to explore!

Just Christmas

Getting there: exact location of the shop on Google Maps.

It’s like Christmas in July! You’ve got a Christmas store open year-round! It’s the oldest one in Canada, in fact.

You can find everything you’d need or want for Christmas here. Advent calendars, decor, personalized ornaments, you name it!

Walk in and be transported to the happiest time of the year, even for a little bit.

Old Niagara Bookshop

Getting there: exact location of the shop on Google Maps.

This great bookshop is on Regent Street, just off of Queen Street, and across from the iconic Olde Angel Inn. You’ll find a good range of books in this independent shop.

Hours may change a bit depending on the season but generally, the store is open from 1pm – 7pm and closed on Mondays.

Serendipity: The Little French Shop

Getting there: exact location of the shop on Google Maps.

Founded in 1991, this shop sells french countryside home and bath products including tablecloths, napkins, towels, soaps and more!

If you are looking for quality kitchen, dining, or bath accessories on the main shopping street in Niagara-on-the-Lake, look no further. You’ve got to check out Serendipity!

It’s All Fun & Games

Getting there: exact location of the shop on Google Maps.

Need some fun in your life? Or ice cream? Pick up a board game with your ice cream at It’s All Fun & Games. They have a wide variety of board games and diamond art craft sets.

Puppy & Dog Fashion Ltd.

Getting there: exact location of the shop on Google Maps.

As you can imagine, this Niagara-on-the-Lake shop has everything you could want for your dog.

This shop for pups is a family-run business that imports all of its merchandise from their parent company Digitria Bt in Hungary. If your dog needs that extra padding for winter, you can find very fashionable coats for them here.

Pandaya Gallery

Getting there: exact location of the shop on Google Maps.

This shop has an eclectic collection of vintage clothes, home decor, textiles, and accessories from around the world.

Bath & Self-care

If you love supporting artisans producing high-quality, all-natural, ethically and sustainably made skincare products made locally, the Niagara-on-the-Lake shops do too! You can’t get much better than that!

One Earth Boutique

Getting there: exact location of the shop on Google Maps.

I don’t know about you, but I love supporting local artisans making products that are good for me and good for the planet. One Earth goes above and beyond to make a positive impact on the world.

Not only do they make their bath and body products locally, but their ingredients are sourced from partners around the world who are using sustainable techniques and are being paid a living wage.

They do extend beyond bath products into other reaches of the home to make your life healthier and more natural. One particular product I had never seen before: cocktail kits.

Cocktail kits are dried food ingredients in jars that you add your preferred alcohol to and let sit in the fridge for three days. When it comes out, the alcohol has been infused with the flavours of whatever ingredients were in it. This makes cocktail flavours without extra sugar or artificial flavours. Brilliant!

NEOB Lavender Boutique

Getting there: exact location of the shop on Google Maps.

This shop on Queen Street showcases an array of bath and skin products crafted from the exquisite lavender grown on their local farm just outside of town.

As you wander through the fragrant displays, you’ll discover everything from calming lavender oils to luxurious soaps. I, personally, love their natural soap bar and use it all the time.

The farm itself is a visual feast, with rows of vibrant lavender swaying gently in the breeze. They invite visitors to immerse themselves in the serene atmosphere by simply paying $5 to enter the field, or $15 to be able to pick your own lavender. How cool is that?!

Food & Sweet Treats

You will find unique local food products, baked goods, and sweets all up and down Queen Street. Let’s explore some!

Greaves: Jams, Jellies, & Marmalades

Getting there: exact location of the shop on Google Maps.

The iconic and long-standing Greaves was established in 1927 and makes preserves by hand, the old-fashioned way, to utilize the amazing fruit produced in this part of Canada.

They are very proud of their history and still make the preserves in Niagara-on-the-Lake by hand, ensuring a quality not found elsewhere. They have also partnered with other Canadian suppliers to sell complimentary wares like kitchen accessories and gourmet food items, like Muskoka Roastery Coffee – that’s from my hometown!

Niagara Home Bakery

Getting there: exact location of the shop on Google Maps.

This shop does make me feel at home. I hope you feel at home too when you walk into this baking heaven with tons of tarts, cookies and other sweets!

Budapest Bakeshop

Getting there: exact location of the shop on Google Maps.

Nestled in between other Niagara-on-the-Lake shops, don’t miss Budapest Bakeshop, a unique culinary gem founded by husband-and-wife duo Anett and Todd Kane in 2018.

It’s now a local favourite!

Inspired by Anett’s Hungarian heritage, the bakeshop specializes in Chimney Cakes, or Kürtőskalács, which are sweet yeast dough ribbons baked in a unique rotisserie-style oven. With a variety of sweet or savoury options, these golden-brown treats are a must-try and are made fresh daily right in front of you.

Craig’s Cookies

Getting there: exact location of the shop on Google Maps.

Over 100 flavours of cookies. Need I say more?

Craig’s Cookies is a Canadian cookie shop that started in Newfoundland and spread through Ontario. These thick, flavour stuffed cookies will instantly brighten your day and are not to be missed.

Wine Country Vintners

Getting there: exact location of the shop on Google Maps.

You may or may not know that Niagara-on-the-Lake is in the heart of Ontario wine country. It’s safe to say every restaurant in town will have some Niagara wines on the menu, but I recommend visiting the wineries themselves.

Most wineries offer tours and wine tastings on their gorgeous estates, but if you don’t have the time, pop into this local wine shop right in the centre of town.

They even offer a tasting of certain ice-wines for which the area is famous.

Maple Leaf Fudge

Getting there: exact location of the shop on Google Maps.

This Niagara-on-the-Lake shop takes fudge to a whole new level! They make all their fudge and brittles in the store, by hand, every day, and have done so since 1978.

Smell the intoxicating fumes of a fudge formulation as you enter this shop and prepare yourself for a unique experience. They pride themselves on the freshness of their fudge and the traditional use of copper kettles and marble slabs.

You’ll want to keep coming back to try more!

Olde Tyme Candy Shoppe

Getting there: exact location of the shop on Google Maps.

Love a good hit of nostalgia? The Olde Tyme Candy Shoppe will deliver.

This candy and chocolate store started in the Rocky Mountains of western Canada and have thankfully blessed us, eastern Canadians, with their presence in Niagara-on-the-Lake (and Niagara Falls, in fact).

Il Gelato di Carlotta

Getting there: exact location of the shop on Google Maps.

This shop features artisanal Italian gelato, which is very different from ice cream. It’s fresher, has fewer calories, and therefore is healthier than ice cream, and this place does it well.

Coming straight from Florence, Italy, this store delivers the best gelato without the flight. They have gotten creative and also offer gelato pastries, coffees, pasta, and paninis. Come get a light lunch and desert at this unique Niagara-on-the-lake shop.

COWS (iconic ice cream)

Getting there: exact location of the shop on Google Maps.

You’ll often find the line-up for ice cream out the door on a sunny, summer day. This ice cream shop is an iconic place to stop for a sweet treat as you stroll Queen Street in Niagara-on-the-Lake.

This brand started in Prince Edward Island, on the east coast of Canada, using classic family recipes and only PEI produced dairy – which remains a constant to this day.

The shop also sells a large variety of COWS branded clothing and accessories that started off as staff uniforms but became an instant hit!

Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory

Getting there: exact location of the shop on Google Maps click here.

This is Canada’s most recognizable chocolate shop with 45+ locations across the country. However! It is still a family business and they still make their chocolates by hand, in small batches, with the finest ingredients.

Who could ask for more?

Chocolate lovers will love this modern chocolate shop with a selection of treats from fudge to chocolate “bombs” to caramel apples. Definitely give this place a look!

Victoria Gallery: Teas & Coffees

Getting there: exact location of the shop on Google Maps click here.

When I first walked past Victoria Gallery, I was under the awning and couldn’t see the name. The name sounds like an art gallery anyway. Then, I saw the word café on the window, but I didn’t see any tables or chairs that would normally be in a café. It looked like a shop.

I was confused.

So I went in.

Turns out, they sell unique tea and coffee blends with all sorts of tea paraphernalia! My kind of store! And you can get a hot drink in there too, so it all made sense – except for the name, but that’s ok.

The range of options they hold is overwhelming. From various blends of South African rooibos, to matcha, to decaf cinnamon bun coffee, there’s literally a blend for everyone’s taste. Definitely check it out!

Art Galleries & Theatres

Why not take a piece of Niagara-on-the-Lake’s serene beauty home with you from one of the local galleries?

Upper Canada Native Art

Getting there: exact location of the shop on Google Maps.

This premium art gallery curates beautiful pieces particularly from Inuit and Haudenosaunee artists across Canada. From sculptures to paintings to hand-made purses and earrings, they really look for one-of-a-kind pieces.

Edward Spera Gallery

Getting there: exact location of the gallery on Google Maps.

This gorgeous gallery features the work of Edward Spera who specializes in wildlife photography, painting, and prints.

Butterfly Gallery

Getting there: exact location of the shop on Google Maps.

Butterfly is the key theme here.

The Butterfly Gallery carries a wide selection of products from around the world glorifying the beauty of the butterfly. This shop offers unique giftware, ladies fashion, accessories and jewellery.

Original works of art by local artists and unique displays of hand mounted butterfly creations would make unique additions to your home decor. With new items arriving daily, the selection of butterfly, dragonfly and lady bug items vary widely. 

Shaw Festival Theatre & Royal George Theatre

Festival Theatre: theatre location on Google Maps.
Royal George Theatre: theatre location on Google Maps.

Both theatres are operated by the Shaw Festival with various plays, shows, and events hosted mostly through the spring, summer and fall. Catching a show is one of the best things to do in Niagara-on-the-Lake.

FAQs

Here are my answers, as a local frequent visitor to Niagara-on-the-Lake, to a few of the frequently asked questions about visiting and shopping in NOTL.

Why go to Niagara-on-the-Lake? Is it worth it?

Most people come to this area of Canada for Niagara Falls, but once you’ve seen that, the rest of the city is just a city, or geared towards tourists. Why not drive 40 min away and enjoy one of the prettiest small towns in Canada?

Niagara-on-the-Lake is known for its wine country, its history and heritage, and its beautiful architecture. It is a stunning and authentic way to enjoy this area of Canada and is certainly worth a visit.

What is the prettiest, most popular street in Niagara-on-the-Lake?

That would be Queen Street.

Queen Street is the main strip in Niagara-on-the-Lake with shops and restaurants and in the summer it is always overflowing with flowers everywhere. In the winter, it becomes a snowy wonderland.

The shops in Niagara-on-the-Lake on Queen Street is the focus of this article.

What is the main shopping street in Niagara-on-the-Lake?

Queen Street.

Yes, same one. Though there are more shops that are cheaper and more practical, popular with the locals, the main collection of independent, boutique shops in Niagara-on-the-Lake are located on Queen Street.

Can you walk around Niagara-on-the-Lake?

Yes. You may want to drive to the town, but once you’re there, I would recommend walking Queen Street and the surrounding area.

Parking can be difficult to locate near Queen Street, especially on busy summer days, so you can explore other ways of getting into town from Niagara Falls.

What is the best time of year for Niagara-on-the-Lake?

That depends on you!

If you want minimal crowds, and an ice-wine festival, then winter wins! Or, if you prefer all the attractions to be open and enjoy a busy atmosphere, then summer is the best. If you want the flowers of the summer but less busy, spring or autumn are the great shoulder seasons with cooler temperatures.

What are the Niagara-on-the-Lake opening hours?

In the summer, most shops are open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. approximately. There may be other seasonal variations.

Can you drink tap water in Niagara-on-the-Lake?

Absolutely.

Best Places to Stay in Niagara-on-the-Lake

➡️ 124 on Queen – Experience the class and luxury of 124 on Queen – yes, the same Queen Street I keep telling you about! It has a world-class spa, wedding/event spaces, and two restaurants under their banner: Treadwell and the NOTL Bar & Restaurant. This scrumptious hotel will have you feeling like Queen Victoria in this stunning Victorian-era town.

➡️  Suites On King – Lovely apartment-style suites are available in the heart of the town, just around the corner from Queen Street. These suites have everything you could want – including a balcony – without breaking the bank. Free parking and walking distance to everything downtown makes this ideal location a hidden gem!

Wrap Up: Guide to Niagara-on-the-Lake Shops

I hope you got a sense for the types of stores found on Queen Street in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Most are unique, Canadian-owned, amazing boutique shops that you will be proud to support and enjoy their products.

But please, explore more of this town, down the side streets, over to the park or the harbour. There are always more shops to visit and things to see and do in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Enjoy!