Niagara-on-the Lake: A Hidden Jewel

Located about  a 20 minute drive  from Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada is a hidden jewel, Niagara-on-the-Lake. A scenic drive along the Niagara Parkway past Queenston Heights and stately homes overlooking the river, it is well worth a side trip if you plan on visiting Niagara Falls. I recommend that you go when the Shaw Festival is open. From April to October, each year, the professional actors of the festival present a number of fine shows, some of which are George Bernard Shaw's (his statute is in the center of town) plays but other playwrights such as Noel Coward are also represented  This year they are presenting Ragtime, Come Back Little Sheba and nine other plays in the various theaters in town. For more information, see www.Shawfest.com.

  Along the road into town you will pass a number of large wineries. We recommend the Reif winery. In our view they have the best Chardonnay.You should also buy a bottle of icewine made from frozen grapes each winter. It is a sweet ending to any meal. In the summer you will find numerous fruit stands where you can buy cherries and other fruits in season. Also along the way into town you will pass the Whirlpool golf courrse (a fairly flat course with a restaurant) and the well-known Floral Clock. In addition, there is a Butterfly Garden and on the very edge of town, Fort George, which is well worth seeing.

The town is a Victorian mixture of new and old. In the center of town is a clock tower. The main street has both modern shops (we particularly like the Irish shop) and old hotels such as the Prince of Wales. You have got to stop there for afternoon tea. Although expensive, it is well worth the price. Dinner there is also recommended. If you have the chance you should also stay there or in one of the nearby Bed and Breakfasts. Right outside the hotel are several horse drawn carriages ready to take you around town. A walk down to the lake front is a must. Be prepared though for the wind off the lake.  It can make even a spring day very cold so bring along your woolies.


For a weekend or a week, Niagara-on-the Lake is the place to be for fine acting, food and wine. Have a great time there.