Discover Niagara-on-the-Lake

Uncover the magic of Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, where history, culture, and nature intertwine to create an unforgettable experience that will leave you yearning for more.

"Niagara-on-the-Lake is a living museum, an oasis of quiet beauty and charm, where the visitor can recapture the grace and elegance of a bygone era."

– Ernest Hemingway

History of NOTL

Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario has a rich history that dates back to the late 18th century when it was settled by loyalists fleeing the American Revolution. During the War of 1812, the town played a crucial role as a strategic military base and was the site of several significant battles, including the Battle of Fort George. In December 1813, the town was burned to the ground by American troops during their invasion, and many historic buildings were lost.

After the war, Niagara-on-the-Lake was rebuilt and became a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors with its scenic beauty and charming 19th-century architecture. The town also became renowned for its wineries, which began to flourish in the late 19th century.

Today, Niagara-on-the-Lake is a vibrant cultural centre, with several world-renowned theaters, including the Shaw Festival, showcasing plays by George Bernard Shaw and other playwrights. The town is also home to many historic sites, including Fort George and the Niagara Apothecary, the latter of which has been restored to its 1869 appearance and is now a museum.

Thanks to its rich history, stunning natural beauty, and vibrant cultural scene, Niagara-on-the-Lake has become one of Ontario's most beloved destinations, attracting visitors from around the world.

Intriguing Insights

Niagara-on-the-Lake is a town located in southern Ontario, Canada, known for its scenic beauty, historic sites, and vibrant wine industry. Here are some key and interesting facts about Niagara-on-the-Lake:

The town is situated at the mouth of the Niagara River, where it meets Lake Ontario, and is bordered by vineyards, orchards, and farmland. The town is located approximately 20 kilometers north of Niagara Falls.
Niagara-on-the-Lake is the only town in Canada that has been the capital of two separate provinces - Upper Canada (now Ontario) and Canada West (now Ontario, Quebec, and parts of the United States).
Niagara-on-the-Lake is home to several communities, including Old Town, St. Davids, Queenston, Virgil, and Glendale and is often called the "prettiest town in Canada".
Niagara-on-the-Lake is known for its beautiful architecture, which includes many well-preserved buildings from the 19th century. The town has been designated a National Historic Site of Canada and is a popular destination for history buffs.
The town is also home to several historic sites, including Fort George, which was a British military fort during the War of 1812, and the Laura Secord Homestead, which was the home of a famous Canadian heroine who played a key role in warning the British about an impending American attack during the same war.
Niagara-on-the-Lake sits on the traditional lands of the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) and Anishinaabe (Ojibwe) peoples, who have inhabited the region for thousands of years.
The Haudenosaunee Confederacy is comprised of six nations, including the Mohawk, Oneida, Onondaga, Cayuga, Seneca, and Tuscarora, and has a strong cultural and historical connection to the Niagara region.

Niagara-on-the-Lake is home to over 50 wineries, many of which have won awards for their wines at international competitions.
The region's unique microclimate, which is created by the proximity of Lake Ontario, provides ideal growing conditions for a variety of grapes, including Riesling, Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, and Pinot Noir.
Icewine, a sweet dessert wine made from grapes that have been left to freeze on the vine, is a specialty of the Niagara-on-the-Lake region. In fact, Canada is the world's largest producer of icewine, and many of the top icewine producers are located in Niagara-on-the-Lake.
The Niagara-on-the-Lake Grape & Wine Festival, which takes place each September, is a popular event that attracts wine lovers from all over the world. The festival features wine tastings, food pairings, live music, and other activities celebrating the region's winemaking culture.

The world's first international railway bridge was built in Niagara-on-the-Lake in 1851, connecting Canada and the United States. The bridge was later destroyed during the American Civil War and rebuilt in 1873.
Niagara-on-the-Lake was once home to a thriving shipbuilding industry, with several shipyards operating along the Niagara River during the 1800s.
The town has been used as a filming location for several movies and TV shows, including "The Dead Zone", "The Ref", and "Hemlock Grove." The town's historic architecture and scenic landscape make it a popular choice for filmmakers.
The town is home to the world's smallest chapel, called the Living Water Wayside Chapel. The chapel can only fit four people at a time and is located on the Niagara River Parkway.
Niagara-on-the-Lake is famous for its fudge, which is made in small batches using local ingredients. Visitors can sample a variety of flavours, including maple, peanut butter, and chocolate.
The town is home to several ghost stories and haunted buildings, including the Prince of Wales Hotel, which is said to be haunted by the ghost of a woman who died in a fire there in the early 1900s.
Niagara-on-the-Lake has been referred to as the "Loveliest Town in Canada", a title that was given by Queen Elizabeth II during a visit to the town in 1973.

Viticulture

Microclimate

This microclimate is created by the moderating influence of Lake Ontario and the Niagara River, which help to regulate temperatures and extend the growing season.

Thriving Vines

50+ wineries and vineyards producing world-class wines from popular grape varieties since the 19th century, including Chardonnay, Riesling, Merlot, and Pinot Noir.

Culinary Scene

Apart from grapes, the region also produces an endless abundance of apples, peaches, and cherries, thanks to the fertile soil and ideal growing conditions.

Sweet Icewine

A dessert wine made from frozen grapes left on the vine until after the first frost. The resulting concentrated juice is high in sugar and acidity, creating a unique and different wine.