Mother’s Day: Devoted to Motherhood Worldwide

Posted on April 25, 2024

The first Mother’s Day celebration took place on May 10, 1908, and was declared a national day devoted to motherhood six years later.

It’s no coincidence that Mother’s Day falls smack dab in the middle of Taurus season, when we’re ready to plant our feet firmly on the ground and dig our fingers into the rich earth as we gently nurture the tender shoots springing forth. This is when we lean into Mother Nature, taking its cues to slow down, experience silence and enjoy the beauty around us. Being mindful of those needs will take you far in 2024!

There is no wrong way to shower Mom with love. But if you’re in need of ideas, here are a few favourite ways to honour the woman who raised you.

Tap into the Power of Taurus
Taurus is all about tradition and earthy comforts. Why not start a new tradition and plan a fun couple of days together in Niagara-on-the-Lake?

Begin by saving a tree and sending her an e-card you created yourself on Canva.com or a similar website. You can also check out the popular Jackie Lawso n e-cards and include your own personal message.

Book a charming bed and breakfast, a country cottage, a villa, an inn or a luxurious apartment through STAY Niagara. There are so many options from which to choose depending on your particular circumstances and needs.

Spend time together at a local nursery or garden centre and pick up a perennial plant she can place in her garden back home. It will be a lovely daily reminder for years to come of your time together. Don’t forget to include a new set of gardening gloves she can wear.

Mother’s Day is a time for all moms to kick up their feet and relax. Schedule a pre-summer manicure and/or pedicure for just the two of you at any of the numerous spas in Old Town.

If that’s not possible, present her with a self-care gift basket filled with bath bombs and other items made for relaxation from NEOB Lavender or One Earth.

Enjoy the colourful tulips on display along Queen Street as you help Mom indulge with a bit of retail therapy at some of the quaint clothing and hat shops in Old Town or at the 100+ brand-name shops found at the Outlet Collection at Niagara.

Share a meal. Spend the day cooking together in your villa or cottage. Or better yet, join others on May 11 (or at another time) at a Hands-on Cooking Class at the Wine Country Cooking School in the Strewn Winery.

Or keep it sweet and simple. Whip together an impressive spread of chocolates (from CFX Niagara or Rocky Mountain Chocolate), cheeses (from Cheese Secrets) and nuts (from Picard Peanuts or the Grimo Nut Nursery). And pair it all up with some of her favourite Niagara vintage wines you snapped up on your guided winery tour earlier.

If cooking is not her style, there are a number of dining establishments in and around Niagara-on-the-Lake to suit everyone’s taste and budget.

Bring out the artist in her — and you — at the “Sip and Paint Night” happening at Peller Estates Winery on May 12. Many more such events are planned throughout the summer.

Alternatively, treat her to an afternoon (or evening) performance and Mother’s Day Tea at the Shaw Festival. Who doesn’t love the unforgettable story of Eliza Doolittle and Henry Higgins in the timeless classic, My Fair Lady? Perhaps, the clever twists and witty dialogue in Agatha Christie’s Witness for the Prosecution is more to her liking. Or check out some of the upcoming events listed below that you think might interest her.

Later, enjoy a game night together or with the whole family. If you don’t have your own, a wide assortment of games and puzzles is waiting for you at It’s All Fun and Games.

However you choose to celebrate your maternal relationship this year, take time to have heart-to-heart conversations, perhaps on a walk in Simcoe Park or as you relax with a glass of wine at one of many warming stations in the Monet-inspired gardens across from the Pillar and Post. Ask her to share tales from your ancestors and her youth. These stories are very much a part of you. Like it or not, they played an integral role in forming the person you are today and the person you are yet to become. Listen for the gems and cherish them.

In Memoriam
These ancestral stories will also give you strength and carry you forward when she is no longer with you. Unfortunately, not all of us are lucky enough to have our mother with us. However, we can still celebrate her spirit by lending a helping hand to a hardworking or solitary mom.

Whether you drop off a meal to someone you know is spending Mother’s Day alone or offer to help a busy mom shuttle kids to and from school or a sports practice, the extra support will surely be appreciated. If you’re not sure how to help, send a simple note to one of your mom friends with an open offer for anything she needs.

Looking Ahead
There is never a shortage of events happening in Niagara-on-the-Lake:
Until April 28: Coming of Age exhibit at the Niagara Pumphouse Arts Centre
Until April 29: Strike a Pose: The Art of Self-Obsession at the NOTL Museum
April 29 – June 3: TD Niagara Jazz Fest Shows at The Hare Wine Co.
May 5: Mom Market Niagara at Jackson-Triggs Estate Winery
May 12: Sip and Paint Night at Peller Estates Winery
June 1: Earring Making Workshop at RiverBrink Art Museum
June 7: White Effect Dinner
June 15: Shaw Garden Tour
June 15: St. Andrew’s Strawberry Festival
June 16 – August 16: Music Niagara Festival 2024
June 21 to 29: TD Niagara Summer Jazz Festival
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.

Little-Known Gems in Niagara-on-the-Lake

Posted on March 25, 2024

While many are familiar with Old Town, the truth is that many little-known gems in Niagara-on-the-Lake are found in four other communities that make up Niagara-on-the-Lake.

Sure, the charm of Old Town is a crowd-pleaser with its lifestyle and numerous shops, art galleries, historical sites, live stage productions and restaurants. What’s not to love?

However, it’s only a small piece of what makes up a larger area bordered by Welland Canal to the west, Lake Ontario to the north, the Niagara River to the east and the Niagara Escarpment to the south — an area called Niagara-on-the-Lake. Within these borders, you will find the four communities of Queenston, St. David’s, Virgil and Glendale. And each one is home to many little-known gems.

Queenston Gems
From Old Town, follow the Niagara Parkway along the Niagara River for about 10 kilometres to reach Queenston village. Nestled under the watchful gaze of the 56-metre-high Brock Monument erected at Queenston Heights on the Niagara Escarpment, it is the southern terminus of the Bruce Trail as well as the starting point for the Laura Secord Trail. Feeling energetic? Climb 235 steps to the top of the Brock Monument for a spectacular view of the Niagara Frontier.

The compact, riverside community of Queenston is home to the RiverBrink Art Museum, a unique collection of more than 1,400 artifacts and artworks by international artists. It’s also where you find the Laura Secord Homestead and the Mackenzie Printery, which houses the oldest printing press in Canada and one of seven wooden presses remaining in the world!

Thrill-seekers want to check out the Whirlpool Jet Boat tours that operate out of Queenston from May through October. Wet or dry, it’s your choice. Either way, be ready for an adventure of a lifetime.

Avid golfers tee up year-round (weather permitting) at one of two 9-hole par 35 courses featured at the Queenston St. David’s Golf Course tucked under the Niagara Escarpment.

St. David’s Gems
Situated at the base of the Niagara Escarpment, the township of St. David’s offers sweeping views of the Niagara Valley and Lake Ontario as well as culinary adventures to excite your taste buds.

Wine lovers, rejoice! St. David’s is a great place to tour a few local wineries, starting with Ravine Vineyard Estate. This fifth-generation family farm is home to organic vineyards and an award-winning restaurant. A little further down the road, Château des Charmes features more than 40 vintages and winery tours in English and French. Also in St. David’s Bench, you will find the Colaneri Estate Winer, where you can order and enjoy pizza with your wine. More tasting experiences await you nearby at the Queenston Mile Vineyard.

Perhaps someone in your group prefers a cold brew to a glass of wine. Enjoy the best of both worlds with a hearty meal at The Grist, open Wednesday through Sunday. Once a packing shed, this valuable piece of St. David’s history was rehabilitated and transformed into a brewery and relaxed eatery.

Any chocolate lovers in the house? Make your way to the chocolate factory. Using artisanal chocolate panning and molding techniques, CFX Niagara provides an incredible assortment of products to delight even the most discriminating palate. They offer free daily tours and there’s a large retail store filled with tempting treats to take home.

Glendale Gems
This bedroom community of Niagara-on-the-Lake isn’t as sleepy as you might think. It’s the hub of culinary learning and experimentation.

As a gateway to the Niagara wine region, the Wine Visitor + Education Centre features informative displays, tours and an information centre to assist you in your exploration of Niagara’s wine country.

From 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday through Friday, students at the Niagara College School of Culinary Arts and School of Wine, Beer and Spirits put into practice all they’ve learned at the NC Culinary Arts Café located on campus. You’re welcome to tour the Niagara College Teaching Winery, Brewery, Distillery and Cidery as well where you can sample their award-winning products through a variety of customized experiences.

In need of some retail therapy? Across the road, the Outlet Collection at Niagara combines 100+ brand-name fashion and lifestyle retailers — all at outlet prices you cannot resist.

All this tasting, dining and touring can wear a body out. Look no further than the serene world at The Spa located across from the Outlets at the White Oaks Resort & Spa where you’ll also find dining options at LIV Restaurant and Play Bar + Grill as well as an amazing fitness centre and racquet courts at The Club.

Virgil Gems
Locals may think of Virgil as the business centre of Niagara-on-the-Lake, but there is more to this community than meets the eye.

Situated in the heart of Virgil, Antiques on Creek is made up of a consortium of dealers, where you can explore vast displays of local and international treasures. There’s no end to the one-of-a-kind finds you’ll discover here.

Just up the road are the Niagara-on-the-Lake Community Centre and Centennial Sports Park where numerous public events are held. From picket ball events and the annual Virgil Stampede on Victoria Day Weekend to public skating and hockey and baseball tournaments, there’s something for everyone to enjoy year-round.

Feeling hungry? Brick & Barley is a family-owned bistro located right next door to the Arena. Nearby, the Silversmith Brewing Company is housed in an old church built in 1894. It’s a great place to enjoy an ice-cold beer or a glass of cider along with some pub favourites. For finer dining, look no further than the Twisted Vine across the street, where authentic Italian fare is on the menu.

Virgil is also where a number of winery, brewery, distillery and cider tour companies have set up shop. Ranging from cycling tours and e-bike rentals to chauffeur-driven van and private limousine tours, your options are seemingly endless. Some offer pick-up and drop-off service at your accommodation.

Of course, you can always visit a few wineries in Virgil on your own. Trius Winery and its sister-winery, Wayne Gretzky Estates next door, both feature wine-tasting and dining experiences. Up the road toward Old Town, Pillitteri Estates Winery serves up salads and wood-oven pizza to complement its wine selections at its outdoor BarrelHead venue during the warmer months.

Art lovers flock to admire the art collection, which includes works by Trish Romance, Tanya Jean Peterson, Jordan Morrison and Alex Colville, at the Niagara Image Gallery. Another is the Ronald Boaks Fine Arts gallery located at 1823 Niagara Stone Road.

Be sure to drop into the Regal Florist and Garden Centre, a local favourite for garden furniture and decor, flowering plants and bouquets as well as giftware and ladies’ fashions and accessories. If need be, gentlemen can opt to hang out at the Penner Home Hardware Building Centre next door.

Accommodation Gems
With so much to discover and experience, you may want to spend a few days in Niagara-on-the-Lake to sample it all. Whether you want to be at the centre of the action or prefer a peaceful, restful stay in the countryside, STAY Niagara-on-the-Lake has you covered at prices you can afford. Check out their wide selection of bed and breakfasts, apartments, cottages and villas online.

If you are heading to Niagara-on-the-Lake for the upcoming Solar Eclipse on April 8, a number of wineries and touring companies have organized events, some of which are linked below. Please take time to read the safety guidelines posted here.

More Reasons to Visit Niagara-on-the-Lake Year-Round
To help you plan your next escape to Niagara-on-the-Lake, here are a few events slated for 2024:
April 2 to 28: Coming of Age exhibit at the Niagara Pumphouse Arts Centre
April 6: Shaw Festival 2024 Season begins
April 8: Solar Eclipse Events at Wayne Gretzky Estates, Niagara Cycling Tours, Queenston Mile Vineyard, Ravine Vineyard Estate Winery, Konzelmann Estate Winery, Bella Terra Vineyards, Marynissen Estates
April 20: Pendant-Making Workshop at RiverBrink Art Museum
Until April 29: Strike a Pose: The Art of Self-Obsession at the NOTL Museum
April 29 – June 3: TD Niagara Jazz Fest Shows at The Hare Wine Co.
May 5: Mom Market Niagara at Jackson-Triggs Estate Winery
June 1: Earring Making Workshop at RiverBrink Art Museum
June 7: White Effect Dinner
June 15: Shaw Garden Tour
June 15: St. Andrew’s Strawberry Festival
June 16 – August 16: Music Niagara Festival 2024
June 21 to 29: TD Niagara Summer Jazz Festival
June 29, 30 & July 1: Artistry by the Lake
July 6: St. Mark’s Cherry Festival
July 14: A Midsummer Night’s Dream at Jackson-Triggs Estate Winery
August 10: Peach Festival
August 11: Shades of Rose Dinner
August 18 to 25: 2024 World Rowing Championships in St. Catharines
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

Drive Safely: As part of Niagara Region’s Vision Zero program, an automated speed enforcement camera was installed on Old Stone Road in Virgil near Crossroads Public School. Please pay attention to the speed limits posted throughout Niagara-on-the-Lake as more cameras are planned.

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 $400. 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.

Embrace Winter’s Gifts in Niagara-on-the-Lake

Posted on January 25, 2024

Winter in Niagara-on-the-Lake is a magical time of the year. The stillness and deep sense of wonder resonate with our very souls.

Nature hits the pause button and quietly seduces us to relax, restore and reflect. Contrary to popular belief, winter is never the time for setting goals. Not yet. Save that for spring, when you naturally have more energy.

Until then, it’s “dream time.” Much like the rest of nature, we pause and ponder what we achieved in 2023 and where we might be headed in 2024. It’s also time to let go what no longer serves us so we can move forward unburdened.

Research shows that our best ideas come to us when we’re dreaming, relaxed or at play. Winter is the ideal season for restoration, self-care and sharing the fruits of our fall labour with our loved ones. After all, February is Cupid’s favourite month.

And Niagara-on-the-Lake has everything you need to meet these wintertime goals.

Bundle Up and Get Outdoors
Niagara-on-the-Lake is riddled with walking paths. One takes you past wineries along the Niagara River to the charming village of Queenston and the forested Escarpment trails. Another follows the shores of Lake Ontario and offers a view of Toronto’s skyline on clear days. Other local favourites are the Heritage Trail and the walkways that meander through The Commons where you may sight a deer, fox or coyote foraging in the distance.

Skating is a popular winter activity in Niagara-on-the-Lake. An old-fashioned skating rink at the the Monet-inspired gardens across from the Pillar & Post Hotel invites you to lace up those skates and twirl your favourite partner. Enjoy a hot drink and a snack from the on-site Outpost, then cozy up at one of many warming stations located throughout the park.

A Wayne Gretzky fan? Check out the skating rink at the Great One’s winery in the town of Virgil, just five kilometres up the road from Old Town.

Treat Yourself to a Spa Day
What better way to let your thoughts drift off into dreamland than under the caressing hands of a professional therapist? The variety of treatments and services on the menu is endless.

The Vintage Hotels feature two spas, each offering a very different ambience. The 100 Fountain Spa and the Secret Garden Spa have been in this people-pleasing business for decades and it shows. Their services and treatments have expanded to suit the times and your preferences.

In addition to traditional spa services, the one-of-a-kind hydrotherapy wellness circuit at Spa at Q on Queen Street includes the only snow room in Canada, hot and cold pools, sensory showers, a cedar sauna and a eucalyptus steam room.

Not to be outdone, the harmonious, peaceful mood at the OSpa at the Oban Inn complements its amazing soothing and personalized treatments.

Located across from the Outlet Collection at Niagara, the Spa at White Oaks promises to rejuvenate, revitalize and refresh you before you head out for some retail therapy.

Wine and Dine Your Sweetheart
If there is one thing Niagara-on-the-Lake is known for, it’s the wide selection of fine vintage and culinary experiences the area offers. Not only is this the birthplace of modern Canadian winemaking, but it also attracts some of the most innovative chefs in Canada, such as celebrity chefs, Jason Parsons at Peller Estates and Treadwell.

Up for a culinary adventure? Introduce yourself to delectable creations prepared by Niagara’s aspiring chefs. The School of Culinary Arts at Niagara College operates the award-winning on-campus Benchmark restaurant, where lunch is served from Wednesday to Friday under the watchful guidance of culinary virtuoso, Chef Justin Downes, and Catering Manager, Victor Oliveira.

Hoping to impress someone special? Three of Niagara’s finest dining establishments — Zee’s, Niagara’s Finest Thai and Tiara — are offering prix-fixe menus this winter.

In keeping with the Valentine’s Day spirit, the Wineries of Niagara-on-the-Lake are presenting the Chocolate & Cheese Passport Event every Friday, Saturday and Sunday in February. Here’s your chance to indulge in the perfect pairing of wine, chocolate and cheese at 20 wineries.

Lighthearted fun and a Gourmet S’mores Board await you at Konzelmann Estate Winery where you get to sit back and relax in a Muskoka chair and enjoy a seasonal wine flight in the warmth of their enclosed winter patio.

Snuggle Up and Get Warm
Regardless of what you decide to do while in Niagara-on-the-Lake, you want to be comfortable and feel welcomed and warm.

STAY Niagara-on-the-Lake features a list of short-term accommodation choices that range from self-catering apartments, cottages and villas to charming bed and breakfasts and country inns, where you gently awaken to mouthwatering aromas of freshly prepared breakfasts prepared by your on-site hosts.

A Word to the Wise
With the warmer season fast-approaching, you may want to book your preferred spot early as Niagara-on-the-Lake is especially popular during the high season (May through October). To help you plan your next escape to Niagara-on-the-Lake, here are a few tempting events slated for 2024:

February Weekends: The Chocolate & Cheese Passport Event
February 3: Black History in NOTL: Commemorating National Historic Significance
February 5: Celebrating Black History & Culture at The Harry Winery
February 9: Brock: The Man, the Myth, the Legend at Navy Hall
Until February 25: Inniskillin’s Illumination Nights
February 27: Reif Estate Icewine Dinner
Until February 29: SeaSky International Light Show at Reif Estate Winery
Until Mid-March: Skating at the Great One’s Backyard Rink and at The Gardens at the Pillar and Post
Until April 29: Strike a Pose: The Art of Self-Obsession at the NOTL Museum
June 7: White Effect Dinner
June 15: Shaw Garden Tour
June 15: St. Andrew’s Strawberry Festival
June 29, 30 & July 1: Artistry by the Lake
July 6: St. Mark’s Cherry Festival
August 10: Peach Festival
August 11: Shades of Rose Dinner
October 4: Shaw Autumn Soirée
October 5 & 6: NOTL Beer/Harvest Festival
December 6: Candlelight Stroll
December 14: Christmas Parade

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 $400. 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.

Niagara-on-the-Lake: June is for All Lovers

Posted on June 11, 2023

If a June night could talk, it would probably boast
it invented romance. – Sir Bernard, English Philosopher

From weddings and honeymoons to vow renewals and anniversaries, couples want to celebrate their special day in a setting of their dreams. Niagara-on-the-Lake has become one of those dream destinations — and for so many reasons.

Wine Lovers
The world’s prime wine-producing regions are located between the 30^th and 50^th parallels of latitude in both hemispheres. Situated at roughly 43 degrees latitude, the Niagara Region is the geographic centre of winemaking excellence in Canada. In addition to its ideal location for wine production, fertile, complex soil conditions and a unique climate create a winning combination for growing grapes and producing quality Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Cabernet France as well as rosé, sparkling wine and Canada’s famous Icewine.

A popular way to enjoy wine country is on a guided half- or full-day winery tour with one of the many tour companies in the area. However, you are free to explore on your own as well. Most wineries offer tasting opportunities and a variety of tours of the vineyard and wine-making facilities. Some include food-tasting options ranging from flight-pairing snacks to full-service dining rooms and restaurants. Feel free to ask your accommodation hosts for some recommendations.

Food Lovers
What is fine wine without some tasty creations to accompany it? One thing is certain: you will never go hungry or thirsty in Niagara-on-the-Lake. In addition to all the food-and-wine pairing menus offered by winery restaurants and dining rooms, our little town has attracted some of the most creative chefs in the culinary field. Our menu book lists a number of our favourite dining options.

From fast-food restaurants, pubs and four-course fine dining to Italian, Greek and Thai, there’s something for every budget and taste. Ice-cream and gelato lovers will have a fine time comparing the variety of flavours served at numerous locations along Queen Street. Sample all Niagara-on-the-Lake has to offer on a Niagara Culinary Tour. Fancy yourself a chocolate connoisseur? A chocolate-lover’s paradise awaits you in St. David’s at The Chocolate Factory where you can learn all about the intricate process of chocolate-making on a complimentary tour.

Music Lovers
Food and wine always tastes better with a little music thrown into the mix. And perhaps no one does it better than Jackson-Triggs Niagara Estate where incredible performances take place under the stars at their one-of-a-kind amphitheatre. The Music Niagara Festival kicks off its 2023 season in June with performances by the Toronto Children’s on June 18, Dang Thai Son on June 19 and soprano Katelyn Bird, countertenor Christian Massuci Facchini and baritone Alexander Dobson on June 29.

Concert under the stars at Jackson-Triggs Niagara Estate

And who doesn’t love the performing arts and a Broadway-inspired musical? The Shaw Festival’s musical fable, Gypsy, will surely captivate starry-eyed audiences throughout its run at the Festival Theatre until October 7. Other musical productions, Lerner and Loewe’s Brigadoon and The Amen Corner, will have you tapping your feet and swaying to the music. More musical events are planned throughout the summer at the Shaw’s BMO Stage, in the new Spiegeltent and their Pop-up Patio.

A couple of pubs in town, like the Angel’s Inn and The Irish Harp, regularly feature local entertainers as does the Barrelhead at Pillitteri Winery on Stone Road where delicious pizzas, salads and wine are served daily in their cherry tree orchard from noon to 10 p.m.

Art Lovers
The beauty of Niagara-on-the-Lake has been the inspiration behind many an artist. While Old Town is filled with art galleries that display local creations, you’ll want to explore some of the gems found in the surrounding area as well.

Art by Sandra Iafrate

In town on Queen Street, the King Street Gallery displays a wide variety of amazing art by very talented artists. The Edward Spera Gallery specializes in the art of wildlife photography. The Pandaya Gallery features a wide variety of items from around the world. Upper Canada Native Art showcases aboriginal artwork from across North America. ARTSPACE106 sells contemporary and traditional paintings and sculptures as well as hand-blown glass, pottery, stained glass and jewellery by Canadian artists. The Niagara Pumphouse Arts Centre on Ricardo Street displays works by local artists and artisans. Be sure to check out their programs as well. At her Gate Street Studio, Sandra Iafrate brings a nostalgic feel to her fresh colourful work. The Steele Gallery at 233 John Street West features the work of Scott and Richard Steele, which can be viewed on Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. (or by appointment Monday to Friday). The gift shop at the Festival Theatre also carries some delightful gems.

A little further afield at the Niagara Image Gallery located at 1627 Niagara Stone Road, you’ll find works of art by Trish Romance, Tanya Jean Peterson, Jordan Morrison and Alex Colville. At 755 Lakeshore Road, Ron and Barb Zimmermann sell unique stoneware pottery at their Lakeside Pottery Studio. You’ll find more stoneware pottery creations at the Queenston Pottery Studio at 1648 York Road in Queenston. Or maybe you want to create your own designs in a Bélisle Pottery workshop.

Outdoor Lovers
Mother Nature has blessed Niagara-on-the-Lake and its surrounding countryside with spectacular beauty that changes with the seasons. In June, gardens become a feast for the eyes as they burst with colour and leave visitors in awe. Visit the best Niagara has to offer on the Shaw Guild Garden Tour on June 24, which features nine fabulous private gardens in Niagara-on-the-Lake.

The NEOB Lavender Farm located at 933 Niagara Stone Road invites you to roam through their lavender fields. Just look for the lavender picnic tables. Or drop by their shop at 38 Queen Street.

June blooms

There are so many more ways to enjoy the great outdoors. Fill a picnic basket with local fresh fruits and vegetables from one of the many roadside stands in the area. Or order your picnic from Picnix Niagara. Then, cycle along the off-road pathway that follows the mighty Niagara River to choose your super scenic spot to spread out and watch the world go by. The banks along the river are also popular for birdwatching and fishing.

Organized outdoor activities abound. Get soaked on a Whirlpool JetBoat Adventure or challenge yourself on an adventure course at WildPlay. Several tour companies, like ZOOM Leisure, Grape Escape and others, offer guided cycling tours to various wineries, breweries and distilleries throughout the area. They’re a great way to meet fellow cyclists from around the world.

Cycling through the vineyards

As you can see, the possibilities for entertainment and enjoyment are endless in Niagara-on-the-Lake. And so are your accommodation options. STAY Niagara-on-the-Lake is your go-to website to check out availability at licensed bed and breakfasts and cottage, apartment or villa rentals in Old Town and the surrounding countryside and communities of Virgil, St. David’s, Queenston and Glendale. And our hosts are only too happy to help you plan your time with them so you come away with memories that last a lifetime and have you coming back for more.

So Many More Reasons to Visit

June is strawberry time

June 9–September 15: Jackson-Triggs Summer Concert Series
June 17: Strawberry Festival
June 17 & 18: Outdoor Juried Art Show & Sale at RiverBrink
June 18–August 29: Music Niagara Summer Festival Concert Series
June 21: Drumming Down the Sun & Yoga (Summer Solstice) at Ryerson Park
June 22: NOTL Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament
June 23: Humor and Hops at the Exchange Brewery
June 24: Shaw Guild Garden Tour
June 24: Seafood Dinner at Reif Estate Winery
June 24–25: Fort George in the Great War
July 1: Canada Day at Fort George
July 1–3: Artistry by the Lake; Canada Day Fireworks;
July 8: St. Mark’s Cherry Festival
July 10–14: Kids’ Summer Art Camp at RiverBrink Art Museum
July 15-16: Battle of Fort George Re-enactment
July 15–23: TD Niagara Jazz Festival
August 12: Peach Festival
August 12: Sip, Savour & Stroll
August 23: Shades of Summer Dinner
August 19-20: Fife & Drum Muster & Soldiers’ Field Day
August 31: Heritage Garden Party at the Niagara-on-the-Lake Museum