What better place to celebrate the harvest in Niagara than in this land of plenty known as Niagara-on-the-Lake? And what better time than Autumn?
This Ontario top-notch destination is renowned for its healthy lifestyle, fresh produce, award-winning culinary experiences and bustling vineyards.
FARMERS’ MARKETS GALORE
The peach, plum and nectarine season in August has given way to the apple-picking season from September through October, featuring a vast range of delicious flavours ranging from Ambrosia to Granny Smith.
Roadside stands throughout Niagara-on-the-Lake explode with a wide assortment of freshly picked fruits and vegetables, as well as sunflowers, honey, ciders and home-made seasonal baked goods and preserves. You may even meet some local chefs who take great delight in showcasing their farm-to-table culinary creations at the various restaurants in the area. Maybe they’ll even share a few secrets with you.
Many farms welcome visitors to spend time in their orchards picking fruit or foraging through their onsite farmers’ markets. Favourites include Parkway Orchards, Van De Laar Orchards, JT Farms, Epps Family Fruit Farms, Quiet Acres, White Orchard Farms, Folino Family Farm, Olga’s Fruit Stand, Falk Family Farms and Walker’s Country Market.
LEAF-PEEPING SEASON AT ITS BEST
As Autumn descends upon Niagara, the region transforms into a vibrant tapestry of reds, oranges and golds. The peak fall foliage in Niagara-on-the-Lake occurs from late September to mid-October. However, the exact timing varies depending on weather, so be sure to check local foliage reports before planning your visit.
One of the best places to view Mother Nature’s splendid artistry is along the scenic 11.8-kilometre Niagara River Parkway, once referred to as “one of the prettiest drives in the world” by Sir Winston Churchill. Running parallel to the Niagara River, the drive — or stroll or bike ride — is especially captivating in the fall when the trees along the Parkway and in the Niagara Glen burst into a riot of colours.
For an immersive experience, consider stopping at some of the lookout points along the way, such as Queenston Heights Park and the Niagara Glen. For those who enjoy hiking, the Niagara Glen Nature Reserve is a must-visit. The reserve features a series of trails that take you through a Carolinian forest, down to the gorge and along the banks of the mighty Niagara River.
In the charming Old Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake, historic buildings are set against the backdrop of vibrant fall foliage in Simcoe Park.
IT’S GRAPE AND WINE TIME!
Of course, whether you’re a wine enthusiast or just looking for a charming getaway, there’s also the grape harvesting season in September. The colourful transformation of the grapevines and the Niagara Escarpment provide a mesmerizing backdrop for photography enthusiasts. As temperatures cool down, cozy indoor tasting rooms with crackling fireplaces receive visitors to enjoy a glass of wine while taking in the breathtaking beauty of the Fall landscape.
The Autumn harvest brings the ever popular Niagara Grape & Wine Festival scheduled from September 20 to 29, with signature winery events planned for every weekend leading up to the festival. A variety of Discovery Passes are available for sale now, so don’t miss out on this crowd-pleasing spectacle of the season.
NEED A PLACE TO UNWIND IN NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE?
Look no further than STAY Niagara-on-the-Lake where a variety of accommodation properties ranging from charming bed and breakfasts to self-catering villas are listed for your ease and convenience.
The website also features information on restaurants, shopping, spas, golf, wineries, attractions, art galleries and much more to help you plan your stay. An online digital Map of Niagara-on-the-Lake provides a visual view of Old Town and the surrounding to assist you in navigating the area while you’re here.
You can even download a Menu Book filled with enticing menus offered by a number of restaurants and wineries in the area so you can book your dining table before you set out on your Niagara-on-the-Lake fall adventure of a lifetime.
MORE ATTRACTIONS IN NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE
Come Autumn, there is still so much to celebrate and look forward to in Niagara-on-the-Lake:
September 6-8, 13-15 & 20-29: Niagara Grape & Wine Festival
September 7: Fall Harvest Handmade Market, Shiny Apple Cider
September 13: Heritage Garden Party
September 14: Niagara Polo at The Commons
September 16: ‘Hot Club Jazz’ Fall Fundraiser, The Hare Wine Co.
September 16: Autumn in the Air, St. Mark’s Anglican Church
October 4: Shaw Guild Autumn Soirée at Château des Charmes
October 5: Mom Market Niagara at Jackson-Triggs Estate Winery
October 5 & 6: NOTL Beer/Harvest Festival
December 6: Candlelight Stroll
December 6 & 7: Rotary Club House Tour
December 14: Christmas Parade
January 10 -26: Niagara IceWine Festival
HELPFUL TIPS
Lost & Found: Did you lose something while you were in Niagara-on-the-Lake? Contact the lost and found centre at the NOTL Chamber of Commerce located at 26 Queen Street in the lower level of the building. Or call 1-905-468-1950 or email tourism@niagaraonthelake.com for more information.
Drive Safely: As part of Niagara Region’s Vision Zero program, automated speed enforcement cameras have been installed in school zones. Please pay attention to the speed limits posted throughout Niagara-on-the-Lake as more cameras are planned.
Metered Parking: General information on metered parking in Niagara-on-the-Lake is found here. Your STAY Niagara-on-the-Lake hosts feature complimentary on-site parking for guests and are happy to advise you on where to park for free in and around Old Town.
Accessible Parking: Several accessible parking spaces are located throughout the Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake, both on the street and in municipal parking lots. All vehicles parking in the accessible zone must display an original and current accessible permit. Any vehicle found parked in an accessible zone without the valid accessible permit will be ticketed. The Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake has approved the use of accessible parking permits in the following areas only:
- Designated accessible zones/spaces; and
- At any meter free of charge, including municipal lots governed by pay-and-display parking meters. In these locations, a pay-and-display permit is not required if the vehicle is displaying a valid accessible permit.