Niagara on the Lake

Introduction

Niagara on the Lake

© All Rights Reserved stevieh

No visit to Niagara Falls should be considered complete without a short trip to the town of Niagara on the Lake.

Originally a settlement established by the British and populated partly by loyalists fleeing the United States during the revolution, Niagara on the Lake Ontario is now a tourist attraction in its own right, and the polar opposite of the commercialised 'in-your-face' nature of Niagara Falls. Rebuilt after being destroyed by the Americans in 1812, the town retains its historical feel, and was voted the Prettiest Town in Canada in 1996.

Neighbourhoods

• The Old Town is the central area running north and south from Queen Street. Here you'll find the main shopping area, two theatres, the lakeside park/beach and many historic homes.

Sights and Activities

• Shaw Festival Theatre - This is the town's biggest tourist attraction. The theatre company produces around 10 shows per year, running from April to October. Many of the plays are the works of George Bernard Shaw, but other playwrights are produced as well, including contemporary Canadian writers.
• Art galleries - Scattered around the Old Town are several private art galleries featuring the work of local artists.
• Ice Wine Festival takes place in the heart of the Old Town Niagara-on-the-Lake in January every year. Sample wines, taste local cuisine and listen to jazz musicians playing in the street. Events at local wineries as well.

Weather

Niagara on the Lake enjoys warm summers from May to September with temperatures usually between 20 and 25 °C during the day and about 10 degrees colder at night. Highs of 35 °C are possible though and sometimes it can be downright humid during summer. Heavy rainshowers are possible as well.
Winters last from December to February though it's normally not as cold compared to places more to the north of Ontario. It's mostly around zero during the day and frost at night is common though it rarely gets below -15 °C. Snow is common during these months, though during warmer winters rain is possible as well.

Getting There

By Plane

Buffalo Airport (BUF) is the nearest airport, with a number of flights throughout the USA. Toronto Pearson International Airport has many more international flights though and is located within Canada, thus avoiding crossing borders.

By Train

The Empire Service travels from New York City to Niagara Falls in the USA. The Maple Leaf continues to Toronto. In both cases you need to get onward transport to Niagara on the Lake by bus/car.

By Car

Niagara-on-the-Lake is about a 15 minute drive north of Niagara Falls, and a little over an hour by car from Toronto.

By Bus

There is no direct public transit from Toronto or Niagara Falls.

By Boat

Getting Around

By Car

By Public Transport

By Foot

By Bike

Eat

The Old Town has many restaurants and wine bars. For a summer lunch on a backyard patio, try the Epicurean, or for a pub lunch try the Angel Inn (reputed to be haunted).

Drink

Niagara-on-the-Lake is in the heart of wine country. Guided wine tours are available by van, private car or even bike. Maps are available for independent travellers.

Sleep

Budget

Mid-Range

Upscale

Work

Learn

Keep Connected

Internet

Phone

See also International Telephone Calls

Post

Postal service is provided by Canada Post, a crown corporation owned by the government but run as an independent business. The lettermail service allows the mailing of a letter. The basic rate is currently set at $0.52 for one standard letter (30 grams or less). The rates for lettermail are based or weight and size and determine whether the article falls into the aforementioned standard format, or in the oversize one. The rate is the same for a postcard. Mail sent internationally is known as letterpost. It can only contain paper documents. The rate for a standard letter is of $0.93 if sent to the United States, and $1.55 if sent to any other destination. Oversize or overweight letters may be charged a higher fee ^[1]. Larger parcels can be shipped via Canada post both domestically and internationally, the rate is dependent on the weight and destination. ^[2]. Federal Express or DHL also provide interntional shipping from Canada.