Contrary to its reputation as a Zen-like retreat on the southwestern shores of Lake Ontario, the rich history of Niagara-on-the-Lake reveals a riveting past that’s sure to intrigue visitors of all ages.
The town has always revered its epic role in the Canadian hero story. Throughout the years, it proudly preserved its unique history in its architecture, attractions and event, and the NOTL Museum houses an impressive collection of memorabilia brings it all to life.
With Remembrance Day on November 11 around the corner, what better time than now to honour some of its historical events and heroic figures who played significant roles in the evolution of modern-day Niagara-on-the-Lake.
FIRST NATIONS CONNECTIONS
Inhabitation of the Niagara Region by “the First People” dates back almost 12,000 years to the birth of the Falls. For 9,000 years, a deciduous forest supported these hunter-gatherers who survived on a diet of deer, moose, fish and plants.
By the early 1600s, approximately 12,000 members of the Neutral tribe were living in the Niagara Region, which made them the largest of five Native groups occupying the Northeast at that time.
This Woodland Period lasted until 300 years ago, and culminated in the peak Iroquois culture, which depended on crops of corn, bean and squash as their main sources of food. With bellies full, the Iroquois had time for other pursuits and the population boomed, resulting in the creation of small villages and the introduction of burial rituals, ceramics and a complex society with a political system, which included elections and inter-village alliances.
The agricultural scene continues to play a crucial part in Niagara’s economy and festivities. Today, the region is renowned for its wines, fruit orchards, herbal and floral greenhouses and fresh vegetables.
EUROPEAN INVASION
Etienne Brulé may have been the first European to see the Great Lakes and the Falls in 1615. However, the Iroquois managed to keep white settlers out of Niagara almost completely until the American Revolution (1773–1783).
American settlers who remained loyal to the United Empire fled the American Revolution to settle along the West bank of the Niagara River. New land was secured from the Mississauga Native Americans in 1784 to accommodate 629 Loyalists. In 1792, Niagara-on-the-Lake became a British military base (Fort George) and the first capital (Newark) of Upper Canada (the province of Ontario) until 1796.
In 1812, U.S. President James Madison declared war on Canada. In May 1813, an American army captured Fort George and the town. On December 10, 1813, a force of British regulars, Indigenous warriors and Canadian militia drove the Americans back, but not before the retreating army burned the entire town. In 1814, the British rebuilt Fort George and began construction on Fort Mississauga and Butler’s Barracks, the latter of which served as a training base for Canadian militia until 1965.
Artifacts from the War of 1812 as well as monuments, plaques, markers and historical sites commemorating that era dot the Niagara River Parkway. Brock’s Monument in Queenston, the Laura Secord House, the Mackenzie Printery, and McFarland House are open to visitors. From May to October, a calendar of events and daily programs educate and entertain visitors to Fort George. The Queen Street Court House, which now houses the Chamber of Commerce, was once General Isaac Brock’s residence.
THE UNDERGROUND RAILROAD
The Niagara Region also played a key role in Canada’s Black history. For many fugitive slaves, the path to freedom ran through this region from the 1820s to the 1860s. Historic safe houses, land markers and cultural institutions give testimony to an estimated 40,000 enslaved people who sought refuge here in the 19th century.
The role of the Black Militia Units from 1812–1850 in the War of 1812 and the Upper Canada Rebellion of 1837–38 is revealed on guided and self-guided Black History tours of Niagara.
The Voices of Freedom Park on Regent Street pays homage to the town’s Black history.
THE MILITARY AND CAMP NIAGARA
Between the First and Second World Wars, Camp Niagara and The Commons served as summer training grounds for the Royal Canadian Regiment and the Royal Canadian Dragoons as well as members of the Canadian Officers Training Corps.
The camp remained active until 1966. Soldiers who trained here served in the Boer War, World Wars I and II, the Korean Conflict and peacekeeping efforts of the 20th century.
Today, The Commons host Polo Niagara, a recreation sport that harkens back to how our Canadian soldiers in training enjoyed time off.
The Memorial Clock Tower or Cenotaph is dedicated to the town residents who died in action during the First World War. Unveiled on June 3, 1922, the Tower gives Niagara-on-the-Lake the distinction of being the only Canadian community with a prominent war memorial in the centre of its main street.
LIVING HISTORY
Today, many residences in Niagara-on-the-Lake are licensed charming inns and bed and breakfasts and self-catering cottages, villas and apartment rentals.
Some date back to the 1800s. And you can be sure your hosts have some of their own stories to share.
All are listed at STAY Niagara, where you can also find a map, a Menu Book and tips on what to do for planning purposes.
LOOKING FORWARD
While history lingers in every nook and cranny of Niagara-on-the-Lake, there remains much more to see and experience:
Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays in November: Taste the Season
Until December 22: The Shaw Festival presents My Fair Lady & A Christmas Carol 2024
November 1 & 2: Holiday Open House
November 2: Konzelmann Winery Wine & Paint Experience
November 11: Mexican Youth Orchestra & Remembrance Day Concert at St. Mark’s Church
November 16 & 17: Queenston Pottery Sip and Shop
November 17: Ravine Holiday Market
November 27: Wreaths and Wine Holiday Workshop at Queenston Mile Vineyard
November 30: Ravine Vineyard 2024 Harvest Dinner
December 6: Candlelight Stroll
December 6 & 7: Rotary Club House Tour
December 14: Christmas Parade
January 10–26: Niagara IceWine Festival 2025
June 7 & 8: Second Annual NOTL Studio Tour
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.
