Sunny days are ahead, and life is emerging once again from the underworld. Spring is a time of rebirth and fertility—life force is potent right now. And, no town in Ontario welcomes it better than Niagara-on-the-Lake. Red-breasted robins are bobbing along, cardinals are wooing potential mates and brilliantly coloured crocuses have poked their heads out of the wintry ground. Soon, surrounding fruit orchards will be a haze of white, pink and mauve blossoms and vineyards will be covered in springtime green.

So what’s in store for Spring 2016? Glad you asked.

The weakened Canadian loonie has made Canada a bargain this year for American, British, European and Chinese visitors and advance bookings for B&B accommodation in Niagara-on-the-Lake are coming in strong and quickly. So if you haven’t planned your Niagara-on-the-Lake getaway yet, we urge you to do so quickly.

Fruit trees bloom along the bike trails and in the orchards.

APRIL 2016

April harkens the start of the annual Shaw Festival season. It all begins with a 2 p.m. performance of Our Town on Saturday, April 9. And CAA members can take advantage of great savings on Sweeny Todd—The Demon Barber of Fleet Street performances from July 17 to September 3. Book online or call 1-800-511-7429 and quote promo code 16305 for CAA discounts of up to 55% (based on weekend, blue seating).

The beautiful Festival Theatre is the Shaw’s flagship theatre. (© Cosmo Condina Photography)

For a truly unique and magical Shaw experience, take an hour-long guided, backstage tour of the Festival Theatre. Tours begin at 11 a.m. every Saturday and Sunday and tickets are $10 per person or $5 with a ticket to a performance.

The pub at the historic Olde Angel Inn rocks from 7 p.m. to midnight on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings with live entertainment.

On Saturday, April 2, the Choir of Royal Holloway will perform at 4:30 p.m. at the Parish of St. Mark’s at 41 Byron Street. Tickets are $35 in advance or $40 at the door. Call 905-468-5566 or purchase your tickets online at Music Niagara.

Also on April 2, the historic Willowbank at 14487 Niagara Parkway in Queenston is holding an open house from noon to 4 p.m. Here’s your opportunity to take a sneak peak and join them for demonstrations, tours, a marketplace and refreshments.

The Niagara Pumphouse at 247 Ricardo Street in Niagara-on-the-Lake is offering a number of workshops and events throughout the month of April, ranging from a card-making party and pottery wall art workshops to a wearable art fashion show and brunch.

Like a little wine with your art? Don’t miss the Artisans’ Market at Diamond Estates Winery on April 30. Admission is free.

MAY 2016

Why not make Mother’s Day (May 8) a weekend affair this year? On May 6 & 7, Bravo Niagara! presents a series of Spring into Music performances at Stratus featuring Peter Bence & the Laila Biali Trio at 8 p.m. on May 6, Tony Yike Yang at 1 p.m. on May 7 and Quincy Jones’ piano protégé Emily Bear at 5 p.m. on May 7. Ticket prices range from $39 to $99, including a glass of Stratus wine.

Then, on Mother’s Day, head over to the Queenston Heights Restaurant for a Mother’s Day Brunch or over to McFarland House for afternoon tea.

Niagara-on-the-Lake is the place for exciting gift ideas for Mother’s Day.

From 7 to 9 p.m., on May 12, take great delight in an evening of wine tasting live music and pampering at Diamond Estates Winery. Choose from different treatment packages provided by Ah Bella Luna Mobile Spa and more. Packages start at $40. Call 905-685-5673 to reserve your spot.

From 2:30 to 5 p.m. on Friday, May 20, enjoy a cruise on the Niagara Belle as you enjoy five historic narrators, hors d’oeuvres and a silent auction. Tickets are $80. Call 905-468-3912 or 905-468-6621.

Kick off the warm-weather season at the ultimate backyard bash taking place at Peller Estates on Victoria Day weekend, May 21, 22 and 23. Featuring delicious food, award-winning wine and entertainment, this three-event sells out every year. So buy your tickets online now (for $15/person plus taxes and fees) to enjoy Wine Country’s most-anticipated party or call 1-888-673-5537! Tickets include entrance to the event, one glass of wine and a souvenir glass. The event takes place rain or shine and photo ID is required. Please note that personal food, alcohol, pets, tents or chairs are not permitted.

Gather friends and family and buy tickets before they sell out.

Ardent Jane Austen fans won’t want to miss the Second Annual Jane Austen Lecture scheduled for May 26 from 7 to 9 p.m. at Navy Hall. Prices are $10 for members and $15 for non-members.

Posted by Donna S. Vieira on behalf of the Niagara-on-the-Lake Bed & Breakfast Association

This is the one and only official website of the Niagara-on-the-Lake B&B Association. Members listed on this site have undergone health and safety inspections, are legally licensed to operate as a B&B and meet all the required standards set out by the association. If you prefer to book online, this option also ensures that commissions go back into the association’s coffers for the benefit of all members of the not-for-profit association and not other, unrelated, commercial entities.

Meteorologists are forecasting an early, warm spring so we’re getting ready to welcome the throngs of visitors who return to our B&Bs and streets every year. And judging from the line-up, it looks like March is going to be one big culinary extravaganza, sprinkled with a dose of music and dancing.

Dine in splendour at incredible savings

March break isn’t just for kids! During the month of March, you’re invited to choose from three perfectly priced dining experiences with seasonally-inspired menus prepared by chefs Frank Dodd of the Trius Winery restaurant and Jason Parsons of the Peller Estates Winery restaurant.

Daily from March 4 through 31, these notable chefs will serve five-course tasting menus at their respective restaurants, priced at only $59 per person, plus wine, taxes and gratuities.

And on Saturdays throughout March, you’re challenged to put your nose and palate to the test when the madness continues at Trius Winery restaurant where you can amplify your senses at an interactive dining experience for $90/person, plus taxes and gratuities, with a four-course menu complete with secret wine pairings in opaque black stemware.

Reserve online at triuswines.com or peller.com.

Dine in elegance at the Trius Winery Restaurant in Niagara-on-the-Lake.

Celebrate Niagara’s winemaking excellence

Known for its tranquil vineyards, unique local pairings and award-winning wine, Niagara is recognized as the birthplace of Ontario’s modern wine industry. So it’s only natural the Cuvée Grand Tasting event, a celebration of excellence in Ontario Winemaking, would be held in Niagara Falls.

Hosted by Brock University’s Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture Institute, the 2016 Cuvée Grand Tasting event takes place Friday March 4 at the Scotiabank Convention Centre.

Niagara is renowned for its excellent quality in wines.

These are events foodies and wine enthusiasts don’t want to miss, so be sure to book your stay at your favourite bed and breakfast in Niagara-on-the-Lake at BookYourStay.ca.

Salute to history

On March 12, the Friends of Fort George and Parks Canada invite you to join them as they present a special Regency Ball at historic Navy Hall. Festivities kick off at 7:00 p.m. with live music, dancing, light fare and merriment. Karen Millyard, a professional dance instructor, will lead the dances and regency costumes or business attire are appropriate.

Tickets are $30/person and space is limited. For more information call 905-468-6621 or email admin@friendsoffortgeorge.ca.

The Fort George Band of Music.

Calling Johnny Cash fans

Perhaps this tribute to the country singer is up your alley. From 8 p.m. to midnight on March 12, Marty Allen and the Memphis Three will pay tribute to Johnny Cash at the Royal Canadian Legion located at 410 King Street in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Tickets are $20 each and are available at the Legion or by calling 905-325-5704.

Broadway hits Niagara-on-the-Lake

On March 19, from 7:30 to 11 p.m., a group of Niagara’s most talented and passionate artists will perform some of the most famous Broadway hits, featuring songs from Wicked, Chicago, Les Miserables and many more! This one-night only cabaret takes place at Corks’ Playhouse Theatre located on the upper floor of Corks Winebar & Eatery. Call 289-668-0482 for tickets.

Something’s brewing in Niagara

From 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. on March 23, the Niagara College Teaching Brewery is hosting its first annual Brewmaster’s Dinner at the Benchmark Restaurant at the NOTL Niagara College located at 135 Taylor Road. A four-course menu will be paired perfectly with brews selected and introduced by brewmaster Jon Downing and chef Alex. The cost is $100/person including taxes and gratuities. Call Elisabeth Vint at 905-641-2252, ext 4071, to reserve your seats now.

The Benchmark Restaurant at the Niagara College.

Easter brunch

On March 27 from 11:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., join Niagara Parks chefs as they prepare and serve their fabulous Sunday brunch offerings at the Queenston Heights Restaurant situated at the foot of Brock’s Monument. For a glimpse at their tempting menus, visit niagaraparks.com/dining. It promises to be a popular feast, so reservations are highly recommended.

Shaw’s back in town

March is gearing up for the 2016 Shaw Festival Season, which begins on April 9 with the 2 p.m. performance of Our Town at the Royal George Theatre in Niagara-on-the-Lake. If you haven’t purchased tickets to the Shaw Festival 2016 season yet, you can do so online at shawfest.com where you can also check out this year’s exciting calendar.

One of four distinctive theatres, all within easy walking distance of each other, the beautiful Festival Theatre is the Shaw’s flagship theatre. (© Cosmo Condina Photography)

Posted by Donna S. Vieira on behalf of the Niagara-on-the-Lake Bed & Breakfast Association

This is the one and only official website of the Niagara-on-the-Lake B&B Association. Members listed on this site have undergone health and safety inspections, are legally licensed to operate as a B&B and meet all the required standards set out by the association. If you prefer to book online, this option also ensures that commissions go back into the association’s coffers for the benefit of all members of the not-for-profit association and not other, unrelated, commercial entities.