Things To Do in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario
Restaurants, Hotels, Whirlpool Jet Boats, Cycling by Niagara River
Sep 21, 2009
Niagara-on-the-Lake was originally the capital of Upper Canada, but, due to its proximity to the United States, the Town forfeited its status to York, now the City of Toronto. It is the only town in Ontario that has been designated a National Historic Site.
Niagara-on-the-Lake is primarily known for the Shaw Festival, but its advantageous position on Lake Ontario and near the mighty Niagara River provide thrilling excursions for cyclists and boaters alike. Visitors will be enchanted by the upscale offerings of the Town's hotels and restaurants as well.
Hotels Niagara-on-the-Lake
Many of the following hotels are located in the downtown area and within minutes to whirlpool jet boating tours and bike trails along the Niagara River:
- Queen's Landing, 155 Byron Street, 905-468-2195, is an elegant, 142-guest room hotel, popular with weddings, due to its prime location overlooking the Niagara-on-the-Lake Harbour. Two minutes from Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours. Rates start at $140.
- The Prince of Wales Hotel, 6 Picton Street, 1-888-669-5566, dates back to the Victoria era, and sits right in the center of the main street in town. The hotel's 110 guest rooms are decorated in brocades and tapestries, and amenities include an indoor pool, and full service spa. Rates start at $140.
- The Oban Inn and OSpa, 160 Front Street, 1-866-359-6226, the Town's first country inn, is located directly across from the Niagara-on-the-Lake Golf Course. The Inn, surrounded by lush gardens, an outdoor hotspring and lap pool, has 26 traditional or contemporary guestrooms. Rates start at $195.
- The Riverbend Inn and Vineyard, 16104 Niagara River Parkway, 1-888-955-5553, is a 21-room Georgian mansion a few minutes from town that offers rooms with original hardwood floors, views of the Niagara River and private balconies overlooking the vineyards. Rates start at $260.
Restaurants Niagara-on-the-Lake
With some of the most fertile soil in the country, the following Niagara-on-the-Lake restaurants benefit by serving up the freshest and finest produce to area visitors:
- Corks Restaurant and Wine Bar, 19 Queen Street, 289-868-9527, offers an all-you-can-eat buffet at lunch, as well as $8 tapas and fine dining in the evening, along with live entertainment. The patio is extremely popular as it looks out on to the main street.
- The Charles Inn, 209 Queen Street, 1-866-556-8883, is a refurbished manor house, originally built in 1832, that offers formal dining including entrees such as Salmon Wellington and Magret Duck.
- The Epicurean Bistro, 84 Queen Street, 905-468-3408, is conveniently located right across from the Royal George Theatre, and offers casual fine dining inside and on its patio, including Lake Erie Pickerel.
- Shaw Cafe and Wine Bar, 92 Queen Street, 905-468-4772, is a French-style bistro with patio reminiscent of cafes seen in Montparnasse. There is probably no better spot for people-watching along Niagara-on-the-Lake's main street.
Whirlpool Jet Boats Niagara
Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours, 61 Melville, 1-888-438-4444, offers visitors a thrill of a lifetime in their one-hour whirlpool jet boating tours along the Niagara River. The jet boats depart Niagara-on-the-Lake and travel up river into the Niagara Gorge, through the whirlpool, then head north through Devil's Hole Rapids. Visitors can choose the Wet Jet boat or the Jet Dome that keeps passengers dry and allows for picture taking. Pre-trip safety orientation and wet suit gear is provided. Adults $57, Youths (6-13) $48.
Cycling Niagara-on-the-Lake
Extending 35 miles long and eight feet wide, the Niagara Trail runs parallel to the Niagara River from Fort Erie to Fort George on mostly off-road paved path trail. Cyclists will encounter the Sir Adam Beck 2 Generating Station, the Niagara Gorge, and the Welland Canal along the trail. Niagara River cycling maps provide detailed information on the various loops. Visitors coming from Toronto can bring their bike on the Bike Train, which leaves Union Station and arrives at Niagara Falls Station once a day.
Niagara-on-the-Lake is much more than a theatre town, celebrated not only for its five-star restaurants and hotels, but also for its outdoor adventures that include whirlpool jet boat tours into the Niagara Gorge, and unparalleled cycling along never-ending bike trails that present visitors with some of the most scenic lookouts along the Niagara River.
Related articles:
For information on things to do in Niagara Region, read here.
For information on visiting Stratford, read here.
For information on mountain biking in Toronto, read here.
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