If you’re planning on taking a day trip to Niagara-on-the-Lake, you’ll find a lot of great activities in the area. Niagara-on-the-Lake is one of the prettiest towns in Canada, and is home to some of the most important historical sites in the country. While a lot of people come to Niagara-on-the-Lake for the wineries or for a relaxing getaway, there are a lot of unique experiences in Niagara-on-the-Lake that are worth adding to your itinerary.
Niagara-on-the-Lake is located a short drive along the Niagara River from Niagara Falls. It’s the perfect option for a day trip if you want to escape the craziness that comes with the Falls. We spent 2 nights in Niagara-on-the-Lake exploring the various historical sites in the region, visiting local eateries, and we stopped at a couple of wineries too.
Whether you visit Niagara-on-the-Lake in the winter, or you plan on enjoying it when everything is in full bloom in the summertime, there are a lot of things to do in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Here’s a look at my top picks for some must-have experiences in Niagara-on-the-Lake that you’re sure to love.
Experiences in Niagara-on-the-Lake
1. Enjoy a seasonal wine flight at Konzelmann Estate Winery
There are plenty of wineries to visit in and around Niagara-on-the-Lake. For a truly unique experience you shouldn’t miss the chance to try a seasonal wine flight at Konzelmann Estate Winery. This historic winery has a history dating back to 19th century Germany. By the 1980s the family decided to move to the Niagara region, with its unique microclimate that’s perfect for winemaking.
We were fortunate enough to visit in the autumn, when their incredible Fall Flights Outdoor Experience is available. The experience includes exclusive access to their enclosed patio where you can relax in Muskoka chairs and sample some of their wines. The wine flight is paired with a locally sourced snack board – including a chimney cake from Budapest Bakery! The experience costs $40.00 CAD and is sure to be one of the best experiences in Niagara-on-the-Lake you’ll have.
2. Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours
If you don’t do well on boats, this may not be for you. Whirlpool Jet is one of the best experiences in Niagara-on-the-Lake. It allows you to get up close and personal with the Niagara River in an exhilarating way. This is a great activity for thrill seekers, as you crash through whitewater rapids and enter the whirlpool at speeds of 80km/h. The knowledgeable guide will share the history of the Niagara area, show you points of interest along the route, and let you know how the jet boat works.
Be prepared to get completely soaked during this 45 minute adventure! If you’d rather stay dry then you can book the covered jet boat that leaves Queenston every day at 4:30pm. Whichever boat you choose, this is one of the best things to do in Niagara-on-the-Lake.
3. Go antique shopping
As you make your way through Niagara-on-the-Lake and the surrounding area, you’ll notice that there are a lot of antique shops dotted around the countryside. These antique shops in Niagara-on-the-Lake are a treasure trove, and you can find some great items in them. One of my favourite antique shops is located next to NEOB Lavender Boutique. It’s situated inside a large barn so there are plenty of things to look at.
4. Shop on Queen Street
No trip to Niagara-on-the-Lake is complete without exploring the streets of the old town. Niagara-on-the-Lake’s old town is rich in history, and was rebuilt after the War of 1812. The buildings along Queen Street are still very traditional, so it makes you feel like you’re walking through history. Many of the popular Niagara-on-the-Lake restaurants are located in the old town. You’ll find a lot of quaint shops here too. Taking a walk around the old town is a must-have experience in Niagara-on-the-Lake, whether you’re a first-time visitor or not.
5. Visit some historic homes
This may not come as a big shock to you, but there are a lot of historical sites in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Fort George is one of the most historically significant sites in Canada, so it should be at the top of your list. But there are other sites that are slightly off the tourist trail, such as the Laura Secord Homestead, Butler’s Barracks, and the Mackenzie Printery that need to be on your Niagara-on-the-Lake itinerary as well. The various historical sites are some of the best places to visit in Niagara-on-the-Lake and will pleasantly surprise you.
6. Wine tasting on the veranda at Two Sisters Vineyards
One of the best Niagara-on-the-Lake wineries is Two Sisters Vineyard, located only a short distance from the old town. They boast a world-famous restaurant, several wine tasting experiences, and offer a tour of the winery for guests. It’s been named the Best Small Winery in Canada and it’s not hard to see why.
We visited for their Veranda Tasting Experience which is led by a senior wine consultant. We sampled 5 wines, including Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, and had stunning views from the veranda of the vineyards. Two Sisters Vineyard is a gorgeous complex and it’s a nice place to treat yourself to some world-class wines.
7. Stop at a fruit and vegetable stall
One thing I love about visiting Niagara-on-the-Lake in the summer months is the vast amount of fruit and vegetable stalls that you’ll find set up along the country roads. The Niagara region is very fertile, so a lot of the produce that are on sale at these stalls come from local farms. You’ll find a lot of fresh produce here so make sure you bring a lot of cash! The cherries are very well known in Ontario from this region so I would highly recommend trying some.
There are a lot of amazing must-have experiences in Niagara-on-the-Lake to try. Many people enjoy cycling in Niagara-on-the-Lake or going on walking trails. Others enjoy a more relaxed visit and hop between Niagara’s best wineries or treat themselves to an expensive dining experience. Whatever your preference, Niagara-on-the-Lake isn’t short of things to fill your itinerary with. It’s one region in Ontario that has a lot to offer its visitors.
Have you had any unique experiences in Niagara-on-the-Lake before? We’re hoping to head back to Niagara soon, so I would love any other recommendations. For more information about our trip to Niagara-on-the-Lake, you can follow my Instagram page and check out some of my posts.
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