14+ Best Things To Do in Niagara-on-the-Lake: By a Local Tour Guide 2025

Do you want to feel the glamor of stepping onto a real-life Hallmark movie set? You can do just that in Niagara-on-the-Lake, or NOTL.

Niagara-on-the-Lake is a gorgeous little town in southern Ontario, just a 30 minute drive from Niagara Falls. As a professional tour guide in Niagara Falls, I always tell my guests about the awesome things to do in Niagara-on-the-Lake! I’m a frequent visitor to the area and have personally enjoyed nearly all the activities on my list below.

Things to Do in Niagara-on-the-Lake

The attractions this town has to offer are more grounded, historical, and authentic, when compared to the fairly commercialized area around Niagara Falls. I would recommend spending at least one day to cover your favourite things from the following list.

So, let’s get in to all the best things to do in Niagara-on-the-Lake!

1. Stroll Queen Street

Exploring the historic downtown, centred around Queen Street, is a must! It’s the quickest and easiest way to get a feel for the area. Oh, and did I mention? It’s drop-dead gorgeous!

As you wander up and down Queen Street, you’ll admire the Victorian architecture and appreciate all the boutique shops. They sell everything from fancy hats, to baked goods, to local lavender products.

In addition, Queen Street showcases some fantastic art galleries and some of the best local restaurants. Keep reading to hear my recommendations!

2. Enjoy the Superb Cuisine

Treadwell – Farm to Table

Do you love knowing that your food is fresh, local, and full of nutritional goodness? Well, so do I, and that’s the idea behind farm-to-table restaurants who often work directly with local farmers to produce exquisite dishes made of the best ingredients.

There is one such restaurant on Queen Street.

Treadwell is an elegant, upscale casual spot with an outdoor patio, indoor dining, and a bar overlooking the kitchen. That’s right, you can watch your food get put together right in front of you.

The food is fantastic, the staff like it there and are very pleasant, and their cocktails are made fresh. But wait! There’s something else…

Their wine list includes almost 800 wines!!!

That’s insane! They have a Head Sommelier and a few more sommeliers in training. They have quite the task ahead of them memorizing so many wines.

If you’re strolling along Queen Street, this is where I’d send you for fantastic food.

Bricks & Barley

A 10 minute drive out of NOTL, into the town of Virgil, is Bricks & Barley. It serves up scrumptious comfort food with a sophisticated twist. They also love their fresh, local ingredients and are well known for fantastic gluten-free options.

In fact, this is where we locals like to grab a nice lunch.

Bricks & Barley is a mix between a sports bar, brewery, and a classy restaurant. Bonus: it has a very cute and inviting patio during the warmer days of the year. Be sure to check out this local gem!

3. Explore Local History

To really get to know a place, you must hear its stories. Niagara-on-the-Lake was one of the first major towns in Upper Canada (what is now Ontario). Consequently, it has played many important roles throughout our history. Here are my favourite places to visit and learn about the local history.

Fort George

Being adjacent to the town, this fort is very easy to access by walking or by car. It has played an important role in the early creation of Ontario, and by extension, Canada.

You get to explore the fort yourself with a map in hand, finding the look-outs and the hideaways, making you feel like a kid again.

This is the biggest historical attraction in the area, encompassing a large historical fort with parklands around it. The old barracks are now museums with well displayed information that’s not too boring – I promise! The rest of the buildings are mostly displayed reflecting the period around the War of 1812.

The staff are in period costumes and spread throughout the Fort. They do musket firing displays and story times, where you can hear history as if you were there.

Fort George is only open from April-October with variable hours.

Fort Mississauga

What remains of this fort is located on the edge of the golf course and on the shore of Lake Ontario. Yes, you can walk on the public paths through the golf course to get to it. It’s got some informational plaques and a fantastic view of the Lake.

Niagara-on-the-Lake Museum

This small but mighty museum is located just a few blocks off of Queen Street in the historical downtown. It tracks the history of the area, starting with pre-contact native cultures, through first contact, settlement, and the War of 1812. You’ll definitely get a great overview in a quick visit.

The Apothecary

Step back in time as you open the door to an authentic restoration of the apothecary (old word for a pharmacy) that operated from 1820 to 1964.

Now open as a museum through the summer, the apothecary holds amazing artefacts and replicas of tinctures, tonics, and all sorts of things Claire Fraser would love to get her hands on! (Shout out to my fellow Outlander fans!)

The McFarland House

This family home was built in 1800, making it one of the oldest structures in the area.

It is now a museum with guided tours, but it also has a tearoom in the conservatory added onto the side of the house. You can actually get an afternoon tea to go! Then settle somewhere in the large park around the house for a lovely picnic after your tour.

It’s about a 5 min drive up the Parkway from Niagara-on-the-Lake. Again, it’s open seasonally so check availability before you go.

The Laura Secord Homestead

Another amazing place to see is Laura Secord’s Homestead. She is a Canadian hero famed for her bravery during the War of 1812.

She overheard information from the American soldiers who had invaded her home, then snuck out of her own house to trek 30 km/20 miles through thick bush and swamp to warn the British of their plans. And it worked. It won the British the Battle of Beaver Dams.

Her home and her story are on display in the village of Queenston, about a 12 min drive up the Parkway from Niagara-on-the-Lake and is open seasonally.

The Mackenzie Printery

Just a couple of blocks from Laura Secord’s house, you can get hands-on and discover the intricacies of heritage printing presses! This historic, Georgian stone house holds a comprehensive display of printing history, including the oldest press in Canada and the very rare Louis Roy Press.

The Mackenzie Printery was the place that saw the start of William Lyon Mackenzie’s political zeal. Here he started printing the Colonial Advocate, a paper promoting responsible and democratic government in Upper Canada.

William Lyon Mackenzie was the first mayor of Toronto and a leader of the Upper Canada Rebellion of 1837 in Toronto. They wanted American-like democratic reforms. The Upper Canada Rebellion failed due to a lack of organization and discipline.

Two of the honey locust trees that Mackenzie planted himself still stand in front of the museum today.

As they say, the pen is mightier than the sword, and the printing press was faster than a pen. The printing press caused an information revolution, much like the internet has done, and changed the world.

Go appreciate this history for yourself at the Mackenzie Printery in Queenston, about 10 minutes from Niagara-on-the-Lake.

4. Horse-drawn Carriage Tour

Immerse yourself in the quaint and historical atmosphere of Niagara-on-the-Lake by taking a tour of the town in a horse-drawn carriage. It’s a fantastic activity for families and couples!

Now, some of you might wrinkle your nose at the ethics of this operation, but I’d like you to hear me out before you make your decision.

I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Equine Management from the University of Guelph and I have been an equine professional, so I am highly trained in horse care and welfare, and I can tell you that these horses are well looked after. They are well fed and watered, the staff are very kind, and they only work half the day before going home to a farm where they can run free.

The business, Sentineal Carriages, has been around for decades and offers photoshoots and wedding services, as well as tours. You can walk up to them at the Prince of Wales hotel, or make a reservation.

5. Play on the Oldest Golf Course in North America

Niagara-on-the-Lake is home to the oldest golf course in North America, having been established in the 1870’s. Its beautiful 9 hole course is impeccably preserved and is open to the public.

It is situated just above the shore of Lake Ontario. On a clear day, you can see the Toronto city skyline across the lake.

You will follow the footsteps of many who have come before. The course was, and still is, the site of Fort Mississauga which saw battle in the War of 1812.

After your fist hole, take a moment to walk around the Fort and up and down its earthworks to enjoy the views. Imagine what it would’ve been like to be posted there with the British Army, in the wilderness of the frontier.

You can then grab breakfast, lunch or dinner at the golf course’s waterfront restaurant and lounge. They feature local food and drinks and provide you with gorgeous views of the Niagara River flowing into Lake Ontario.

The golf course is semi-private but they do allow green fee play depending on availability, so reservations well in advance is recommended.

6. Catch a play at the Shaw Festival Theatre

The Shaw Festival is a theatre company that runs shows at 3 theatres throughout the summer season at the main Shaw Festival Theatre, the Royal George Theatre, and the Jackie Maxwell Studio Theatre.

They also run a couple productions around Christmas time.

All three theatres are in the centre of Niagara-on-the-Lake, within walking distance of Queen Street. Actually, the Royal George is on Queen Street.

7. Sip and Savour at Afternoon Tea

If you’re vibing with the vintage, Victorian feels in Niagara-on-the-Lake, embrace it by enjoying a traditional British Afternoon Tea, often inaccurately called High Tea.

There’s really only two places to find afternoon tea: The Prince of Wales Hotel and the McFarland House.

The Prince of Wales Hotel

Smack-dab in the historic town centre, this hotel is often photographed for its Victorian architecture. Make your way to the Drawing Room, where you can choose from various afternoon tea menus. You can really feel like royalty and pick a menu including extra cheese, charcuterie, wines, sherry or cocktails.

They even have an option for your little prince or princess, serving a smaller amount of sandwiches, scones, and pastries. This is such a cute way to embrace the historic atmosphere in Niagara-on-the-Lake.

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The McFarland House

Now a museum as well as a tearoom, it is one of the oldest houses in the area, having been built in 1800. It has converted one of its newer additions, a glass conservatory, into a beautiful tearoom.

They have a huge selection of amazing teas to choose from, and their sandwiches, pastries and scones are lovely and filling!

I love that you are sitting in a glass room. You get lovely views of the lush, green gardens and park. Remember! You can take a quick tour of the house before or after your tea.

The McFarland House is only open seasonally, so to check their hours, menus and prices before you plan your visit.

8. Visit a Vineyard (or a few)

Driving in to Niagara-on-the-Lake, you will pass the rows and rows of grapes on your way into town. This is because the Niagara Escarpment creates a micro-climate by trapping the slightly warmer air from Lake Ontario in the lower lands. Therefore, NOTL has a micro-climate that is just warm enough to grow grapes and other fruit!

🚗 DIY (but have a designated driver)

You can drive yourself to one of the many, many wineries in the NOTL area. But if you want to enjoy a wine tasting, please don’t drive, but rather have a designated driver. Some wineries even have alternative drinks and juices for kids and designated drivers so they can still feel included.

I do recommend making a booking online for a tour and/or tasting at least one day in advance, to be sure you can get the time slot you want.

You can also make a reservation for lunch or dinner, as many wineries have attached restaurants. I know Trius Winery as a particularly good restaurant that’s popular with the locals.

Here are my top recommendations for which wineries to visit:

📍 Konzelmann Estates Winery

One of the more commercial wineries that has great wines at good prices. It features a unique view of their vineyard to the lake, and a great selection of tastings, tours, and seasonal food pairings! It’s a really gorgeous place to relax and get to know the local wines. Only 10 minutes drive from the NOTL historic town centre.

📍 Between The Lines Winery

A smaller, family-owned, but award-winning winery with a rustic-chic vibe. This place has the friendliest staff who love their job and are very knowledgeable. Not to mention some of the absolute best wines in the area, some of which they can themselves!

They want to make wine more accessible by canning it, kind of like a cooler you can crack open at a hot, summer BBQ. This authentic winery is 14 minutes drive from the NOTL historic town centre and tastings are around $20 CAD.

📍 Peller Estates Winery

A very commercial winery with offerings for everyone, but the experience unique to Peller is their 10Below Icewine Lounge. That’s right, you can taste their icewine (very sweet) in a room made of ice and kept at -10 degrees celsius. Yes, they provide winter coats!

Choose at least two wineries to visit during your stay in NOTL to get a good feel for the different wines from the area that are becoming more and more popular, and even famous, overseas… mostly our icewine!

🚌 Bus Tour

You can get around the need for a designated driver by booking a bus tour. Enjoy a small group tour on a bus that will pick you up in NOTL or in Niagara Falls by booking Wine and Charcuterie tour.

🚲 Bicycle Tour

The area around NOTL is very flat, which makes biking more accessible to everyone. The Grape Escape wine tours offer great bicycle tours with options for just a morning or afternoon tour, or a tour including lunch.

9. Find Fresh Fruit

NOTL has the ability to grow other fruit which the rest of Canada is too cold to grow, so go find some scrumptious Niagara fruit, like peaches, plums, and (guess what) grapes!

Walker’s Country Market

You can easily find this classic farm-style shop along the Niagara Parkway selling local fruit and vegetables in the mid- to late-summer, as well as local baked goods, preserves, ice cream, and other home-style goods.

Fruit Stands

As you drive around to different vineyards or other attractions, watch out for pop-up fruit stands. But be prepared to slam on the brakes because they come up on you fast! But be safe!

Pick Your Own

There are also orchards that allow you to pick your own peaches, and sometimes other fruit. One great example is Parkway Orchards.

10. Walk in a Park

• Queen’s Royal Park – located in NOTL town, on the lake shore, is a beautiful medium-sized park with its iconic gazebo. If you want a nice walk, stroll through the picturesque streets to the park for a lovely view over the water.

• The Niagara Parkway – this park land is owned by Niagara Parks and has the Niagara River Recreational Trail running along the entire Niagara River, from Lake Erie to Lake Ontario (56km/35miles). So, rent a bike or get walking to enjoy some exercise, the parkland, and views of the river.
• Queenston Heights Park – it’s such a great park, it needs its own section! Read below!

11. Queenston Heights Park

I love Queenston Heights Park! It always brings me calm and allows me to focus on the simple joys of life. See if you can spot an eagle or falcon, or open your PictureThis app and identify the many different plants in the park.

This is not just a park however, it is an historical battlefield. The Battle of Queenston Heights was fought between the British (Canadian) and American armies on Oct. 13, 1812 as one of the first major conflicts of the War of 1812. Now, it is a place of peace, remembrance, and summer fun.

Why you’d want to visit Queenston Heights Park:

• Fantastic view from the top of the Escarpment
• The massive monument to Major-General Sir Isaac Brock (which you can climb sometimes)
• The Landscape of Nations Memorial, which is a beautiful dedication to the Haudenosaunee (Six Nations) Confederacy and Indigenous allies who fought in the War of 1812
• Kid’s playground
• Huge picnic pavilion and stationary BBQ grills
• Big, clean, and free public toilets
• Lots of paid parking
• Connected to the Bruce Trail (it’s actually one end of the 900km long trail)

I really hope you get the time to visit this awesome park that I love so much! It’s just up the hill from the Laura Secord Homestead, the Mackenzie Printery, and the Whirlpool Jet Boats, which is half-way between Niagara Falls and Niagara-on-the-Lake.

12. Whirlpool Jet Boat Tour

Are you looking for a bit of excitement? A bit of a thrill? This is your ticket! The Whirlpool Jet Boats are powerful motorboats that take you through some big-ass rapids and into the Niagara Whirlpool.

Yes, you will get wet, but they give you plastic ponchos so it’s mostly your feet and legs which will get soaked. Unless you have your hood down – in which case… good luck! So, I say wear your water-friendly shoes!

Unless… you book a covered boat tour. Then you’re under a roof.

The company has boats on both sides of the river, American and Canadian, but of course, I’ve only been to the Canadian side.

They are located in Queenston, 17 min from Niagara-on-the-Lake and 18 min from Niagara Falls. It’s also very close to the Laura Secord Homestead, the Mackenzie Printery, and Queenston Heights Park.

The tickets come to approximately $90-$100 CAD (on the Canadian side) and the ride is 45 minutes long. It’s definitely your best investment for a thrilling activity in the area and I hope you have a blast!

13. Day Trip to Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls is only half an hour away from Niagara-on-the-Lake and if you’ve never been before, YOU HAVE TO GO! Photos and videos do not do it justice! You have to experience it for yourself and there are so many things to do!

Just take an afternoon (minimum) and get to the Falls and walk along the parkway for amazing views and photo opportunities.

The 2 most popular attractions (which I also recommend) are Journey Behind the Falls and the Niagara City Cruises boat ride. This boat used to be called Maid of the Mist, then Hornblower, so don’t get confused when you see that the American boats are still called Maid of the Mist.

In the summer, I would definitely book ahead for Journey Behind the Falls as it gets really busy with crazy long wait times, especially in the afternoon. Booking the boat ride in advance is not necessary.

Need help getting between Niagara Falls and Niagara-on-the-Lake? I will walk you through all the different ways to get from NOTL to Niagara Falls in my article.

14. See If There’s a Local Event Happening

Keep an eye out for flyers or banners for local events, ask your hotel receptionist, or do a quick google search to see if anything is going on soon.

Great events to watch out for are:

• Grape and Wine Festival
• Icewine Festival
• Niagara Polo
• Peach Festival

It really depends on what time of year you are visiting which will determine the events going on, unless you plan your trip to come for a certain event that you don’t want to miss!

Best Spots 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!

Summary

I tell everyone to visit Niagara-on-the-Lake if they are going to be in the Niagara region. If you are coming to visit Niagara Falls, definitely consider visiting Niagara-on-the-Lake for a day, or longer if you are loving the things to do in Niagara-on-the-Lake that I’ve told you about.

Better yet, stay in Niagara-on-the-Lake and just go visit the Falls for a day if you’re looking for a less built-up, more historic and authentic place to stay.

The region around Niagara-on-the-Lake is heaven for wine, bicycle, and history lovers! The town itself is beautiful any time of the year, although fewer attractions are open in the winter, and it will still be worth the trip to one of Canada’s most historic, charming, and picturesque towns. I hope you love it as much as I do!