Visiting Niagara Falls? Be Sure to Explore This Charming Nearby Town.

It's hard to picture a place that can surpass Niagara Falls, famous for its stunning 188-foot waterfalls that have mesmerized visitors for years. Yet, just a 30-minute drive north, bordered by trees, lies Niagara-on-the-Lake—a delightful town along the shores of Lake Ontario.

Niagara-on-the-Lake provides a more sophisticated alternative to the gaming hotspots and vibrant nightlife found in the well-known honeymoon capital. (Imagine celebrating double-digit anniversaries and enjoying wine-centric getaways with friends instead of the lively bachelorette parties and antics of the early 20s seen at Niagara Falls.) As you stroll through the town's Heritage District, you’ll catch snippets of conversation drifting from café patios, where antique shops, unique boutiques, and cozy bed-and-breakfasts abound. Evenings revolve around savoring local wines and cuisine at farm-to-table eateries, while the arts and culture scene, featuring award-winning theaters, galleries, and concert venues, offers intimate experiences. It's a place where you can truly unwind. For a weekend escape, here's how to enjoy a few days in Niagara-on-the-Lake.

Day One

The 90-minute journey from Toronto isn’t particularly scenic—the smokestacks and utilitarian buildings reflect what was once the province's industrial core. The views start to improve once you cross the Burlington Skyway bridge and catch your first glimpse of the vibrant blue of Lake Ontario. Nestled at the edge of the Niagara Escarpment, a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, Niagara-on-the-Lake is home to just over 19,000 residents, giving it a charming, intimate feel.

Upon arrival, head straight to your accommodation, the recently renovated and expanded 124 on Queen Hotel & Spa (starting at $430 per night). While the unassuming exterior blends perfectly with the well-preserved 19th-century village, the boutique hotel extends several blocks and boasts a bright, contemporary design. Rooms are filled with natural light, and some offer views of Queen Street, the town’s main thoroughfare.

Once you’re settled, enjoy lunch at 11th Post on Queen, just a short walk from the hotel. This latest establishment from local Two Sisters Vineyards has a charming central location, ideal for patio dining if the weather is nice—highlights include the Post Burger and the tuna rice bowl. Afterward, hop on one of the hotel’s bicycles and explore the 3.7-mile Commons Loop trail, or venture further on the area’s 32 miles of bike lanes and paths, including stretches along the picturesque Niagara River Parkway. Alternatively, let a local guide you: Tour de Vine offers bike tours to the region’s famous wineries, while Niagara Bound Tours explores the area’s ties to the Underground Railroad. Other guided or self-guided tours highlight connections to the War of 1812 and Indigenous Nation history.

Make a reservation at Riverbend Inn for dinner, where you can savor a lighter menu on the Ansley Sparkling Terrace or indulge in more traditional dishes (think duck confit or braised lamb shank) inside at Oaklands. Once you’re done, it’s just a 20-minute walk or a 3-minute drive to the Maxwell Studio Theatre, where you can catch The Apple Cart from June through October this year. This production is part of the Shaw Festival (running from February to December), which was founded by a local lawyer who had a passion for George Bernard Shaw's works. Since 1962, the festival has highlighted his plays along with other distinguished performances.

Day Two

After a refreshing dip in the cold water at the new Spa at Q (featuring Canada's only Snow Room in its hydrotherapy circuit), embrace the area’s well-deserved reputation as a wine paradise. With over 50 wineries scattered throughout the region, it’s home to some of Canada’s finest. The area is known for cultivating more than 46 grape varieties, with its cool climate varietals—such as riesling, chardonnay, and cabernet franc—being particularly notable.

Tour companies like Niagara Vintage Wine Tours or Winery Guys provide the perfect opportunity to sample multiple wineries without the hassle of driving, often featuring dining options with stunning vineyard views. If you prefer to create your own itinerary (with Uber and cabs available), consider a stop at Two Sisters, known for its wood-fired pizzas that pair wonderfully with their wines. Another great choice is Trius, which offers a delightful two- or three-course menu, featuring dishes like prosciutto-wrapped Cornish hen and Ontario beef striploin.

Ready for a stroll? Once back in town, spend an hour exploring the charming Victorian-era shops along Queen Street. With a diverse array of vendors, you can find everything from a leather ottoman shaped like a rhino to locally crafted bath bombs. For a late afternoon snack, swing by Budapest Bakeshop or Il Gelato di Carlotta for a sweet treat. Alternatively, enjoy a traditional high tea at the Prince of Wales Hotel, complete with scones and cucumber sandwiches.

Tonight, savor dinner at Treadwell, where the seasonal four-course prix fixe menu features dishes such as seared scallops paired with pork belly, maple chile, and radish, or cocoa nib–crusted Muscovy duck. A sommelier pairing is available (and highly recommended), offering a selection of regional and international wines. After a delightful meal, you’re just a short stroll from your hotel.

Day Three

Sleep in—you're on vacation, after all. Then, head across the street to Niagara Juice Co. for the Giant Breakfast Croissant, loaded with bacon, egg, lettuce, tomato, mayonnaise, and a zesty hollandaise. (One croissant is enough to satisfy two people.) Enjoy it with a coffee or freshly squeezed orange juice while sitting outside, watching the street come to life.

Before returning to Toronto, make sure to grab a few souvenirs from your stay. Gourmet goodies are a top choice—try spreads from Greaves Jams, oils from OLiV Tasting Room, or nostalgic treats from the Olde Tyme Candy Shoppe. There are also plenty of non-food options from local artisans, designers, and crafters. Stop by Natasha Bradley for contemporary home decor, or choose a piece from Inuit and Iroquois artists at the Upper Canada Native Art Gallery.