It’s June and high time for some lighthearted fun on a supercharged girlfriends’ getaway in Niagara-on-the-Lake.
After all, June is made for chatting, flirting, road trips, new adventures –— and flitting up, up and away like a hummingbird, a butterfly or a bubble. It’s time to enjoy the summer. So, take off your heavy wrap, grab your straw hat and let’s make this the most memorable girlfriends’ getaway on record.
WINE-TASTING DONE WITH STYLE
Niagara-on-the-Lake is renowned for its picturesque vineyards and VQA wines. Its lakeside location and consistent climate is well-suited to the production of a rich variety of wines. Cabernet Franc, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Reisling, Gamay Noir, Meritage, Lemberger, Gewurztraminer, Merlot, Aligote, Savagnin, Syrah, Chenin Blanc, Cabernet Rose, Malbec, Bordeaux Blend Red, Frontenac Gris, Muscat Ottonel, and of course, the famous Icewine — they’re all here, just waiting to be sampled and savoured by you and your besties.
The best — and safest — way to partake in a wine-tasting adventure is to let someone else do the driving. A number of chauffeured tasting tours are offered, some of which include lunch or dinner. You can book a tour on your own in a luxury sedan, SUV or minibus or join other oenophiles in a coach and make it a party. Most tour companies provide round-trip transportation to and from your accommodation lodging but be sure to ask.
Niagara Vintage Wine Tours, Grape Escape Wine Tours, Niagara Wine Tour Guides, Niagara Getaway Wine Tours, Grape and Wine Niagara Tours, Niagara Wine Tours International and Niagara-on-the-Lake Wine Tours are but a few of the local options you have to choose from. Some will customize your tour to ensure an unforgettable experience.
If you’re looking for a tour that has something for everyone, Winery, Brewery, Distillery & Cider Tours has you covered in Mercedes-Benz style and comfort.
Perhaps you and your friends are more the outdoorsy type. There are many bike and e-bike rental companies in the area should you choose to cycle from winery to winery or coast along backcountry roads on an e-bike. Some offer guided tours.
In this case, your options include Winery, Brewery, Distillery & Cider Tours, ZOOM Leisure Bikes, eBike Niagara, Tour de Vine, Vino Velo Bike Wine Tours & Bike Rentals and Grape Escape Wine Tours.
GIGGLE-INDUCING ENTERTAINMENT
As you might imagine, Niagara-on-the-Lake vineyards provide the perfect inspiration and setting for a number of out-of-the-ordinary activities and cultural events.
How about Goat Yoga in the vineyards? At Fox Den Goat Yoga, curious baby goats keep you company as you go through your gentle stretching poses or a more vigorous workout. It’s a fabulous way to enjoy yoga.
Fox Den also offers a Goats & Wine drop-in experience at Lakeview Wine Co. where you can cuddle and play with dwarf goats as you sip and savour a glass of wine or two.
Or perhaps you and your besties prefer a special teatime adventure with miniature donkeys at the NEOB Lavender Farm. Roam among the wildflowers and lavender fields with two adorable donkeys as they challenge and entertain you with their playful energy. While there, pick flowers to take home with you as a fitting souvenir of time well spent.
What better way to spend an evening under the stars than at an outdoor concert or performance at the amphitheatre that overlooks the vineyards at Jackson-Triggs Niagara Estate? The 2024 Summer Concert Series promises to be a winner!
Meanwhile, from June 16 to August 16, the 2024 Music Niagara Festival offers concerts in unique and intimate locales including the Ironside Cider house, the summer-favourite Ravine Winery and the Spirit in Niagara Distillery.
UNLEASH THE ARTISTS WITHIN
Niagara-on-the-Lake is known for its artistry, which is often on display at local studios, art galleries, fairs and festivals. But maybe you want to explore your own creative talents.
Why not book a private pottery workshop at Bélisle Pottery where food and beverage service can be included at an additional cost?
If your getaway is scheduled for the fall, inquire about pottery workshops planned at Queenston Pottery. In the meantime, be sure to include a studio tour of their newly renovated premises where Eva Micak’s creations are always on display and for sale.
Time your getaway to coincide with a Sip and Paint Night at Peller Estates, which includes a two-hour painting session with an artist from You & I, paint and two 6-oz glasses of Peller’s award-winning wines. Your finished canvas painting is yours to keep and show off back home.
ANYTHING GOES EXPERIENCES
The popular Spiegeltent has returned to the Shaw Festival grounds for another summer of anything-goes experiences. This year’s Spiegeltent series features four one-of-a-kind shows that prioritize laughter, improvisations and audience participation.
“The Shaw Variety Show” and “The Roll of Shaw” kicked off the 2024 season with a bang. “Kabarett,” “Footlights” and “Cotton Club” whisk audience members back to the cabarets of Weimar-era Germany, mid-century Broadway revues and hot nights in Harlem jazz clubs.
WRAP IT UP
What’s a girlfriends’ getaway without a little self-Indulgence? Exhausting! Niagara-on-the-Lake is the perfect place to book that massage, facial, manicure or pedicure you all so justly deserve.
In Old Town, a number of spas offer top-notch packages that are sure to work their magic on your bodies.
The Vintage Hotels provide a medley of spa treatments at their Secret Garden Spa and 100 Fountain Spa. The Spa at Q takes you on a blissful journey at their one-of-a-kind healing retreat located in the heart to historic Niagara-on-the-Lake. Down by the lake, OSpa offers soothing and personalized experiences in a peaceful sanctuary.
In St. David’s, Bobbi at The Brickwork Spa features a menu of luxurious spa treatments that will leave you feeling refreshed, revitalized and ready to carry on with your girlfriends’ getaway adventure. She even has a ‘party room’ where you and your entourage can relax in privacy.
PICK THE PERFECT GIRLFRIENDS’ GETAWAY ACCOMMODATION
When it comes to selecting your preferred accommodation for your ultimate girlfriends’ getaway in Niagara-on-the-Lake, STAY Niagara-on-the-Lake offers a fine selection of lodgings ranging from charming bed and breakfasts and inns to self-catering cottages, villas and apartments.
Wherever you decide to stay, your hosts are always happy to let you know what’s happening and where to dine along with other tidbits you need to know.
FOR YOUR ADDED ENJOYMENT
There’s always something happening in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Why not plan your girlfriends’ getaway to coincide with one of the many events scheduled throughout the year?
June 1-30; TD Niagara Summer Jazz Festival
June 15: Shaw Garden Tour
June 15: St. Andrew’s Strawberry Festival
June 16 – August 16: Music Niagara Festival 2024
June 22: Seafood Dinner at Reif Estate Winery
June 29, 30 & July 1: Artistry by the Lake
June 30: Sip and Paint Night at Peller Estates Winery
July 6: St. Mark’s Cherry Festival
July 14: A Midsummer Night’s Dream at Jackson-Triggs Estate Winery
July 28: Sip and Paint Night at Peller Estates Winery
August 10: Peach Festival
August 11: Shades of Rose Dinner
August 18 to 25: 2024 World Rowing Championships in St. Catharines
August 25 & September 29: Sip and Paint Night at Peller Estates Winery
October 4: Shaw Guild Autumn Soirée
October 5: Mom Market Niagara at Jacksonn-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
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.