Spring in Niagara-on-the-Lake is more than just a change in season. It’s a blooming season of love and getaways when this charming town comes to life with colour, celebration and the joy of shared experiences.
Whether you’re planning a memorable escape for Mother’s Day or Father’s Day or simply looking to soak up the beauty of the region in full bloom, there’s no better time to visit.
NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE IN BLOOM: MAY 9–12, 2025
From May 9 to 12, Niagara-on-the-Lake in Bloom sets the stage for a spectacular celebration of flowers, food and fun—just in time to treat Mom to something truly special.
This four-day festival marks the official kickoff to spring in Niagara-on-the-Lake and promises to be a feast for the senses. Stroll through heritage-filled streets bursting with floral displays, visit local boutiques offering seasonal specials, and take in live entertainment and culinary experiences that showcase the best of Niagara.
The event includes:
- Floral installations designed by talented local artists;
- Garden tours that highlight the region’s most beautifully manicured properties;
- Workshops and demos, from flower arranging to spring cooking tips;
- Live music, outdoor markets, and special menus at restaurants and cafes throughout town.
It’s a picture-perfect weekend that pairs beautifully with a stay at one of Niagara-on-the-Lake’s charming bed and breakfasts, inns or cottages. Many properties are steps from the action, offering personalized service and the kind of warmth that makes a visit unforgettable.
A MOTHER’S DAY TO REMEMBER
Mother’s Day falls right at the end of the Bloom Festival — Sunday, May 11 — making it the ideal moment to pamper Mom with a weekend filled with beauty and relaxation. Start the day with a homemade breakfast prepared by your hosts, followed by a scenic walk along Queen Street or a horse-drawn carriage ride through town.
Other Mother’s Day ideas in Niagara-on-the-Lake include:
- Winery tours and tastings at world-renowned vineyards like Peller Estates and Château des Charmes;
- Afternoon tea at the historic Prince of Wales Hotel;
- A spa day, with many of your B&B hosts happy to recommend local spa services for facials, massages and more;
- A matinee performance at the Shaw Festival.
Whether Mom is a nature lover, foodie or fan of the arts, there’s something here to make her feel truly celebrated.
FATHER’S DAY FUN: JUNE 15, 2025
Why should Moms have all the fun? Father’s Day in Niagara-on-the-Lake is the perfect excuse for Dad to kick back and indulge in his favourite pastimes.
For the dads who love good food, cold beer, spirits and rich history, Niagara-on-the-Lake delivers. Here are some Father’s Day highlights:
- Craft beer flights at local breweries like The Exchange Brewery, Silversmith Brewing Company, Oast House Brewers or The Grist;
- Whisky tastings at the nearby Wayne Gretzky Estates or Spirit in Niagara;
- Golf getaways, with scenic courses like the Niagara-on-the-Lake Golf Club offering stunning lake views or the Queenston and St. Davids Golf Club tucked under the Niagara Escarpment.
- Cycling tours along the scenic Niagara River Recreation Trail, with bike rentals and picnic stops along the way
- Historical tours, including Fort George, the Niagara-on the-Lake Museum, the Niagara Apothecary, the Mackenzie Printery & Newspaper Museum and the Laura Secord Homestead, to name a few.
Round out the day with a BBQ dinner or a farm-to-table meal at one of the area’s acclaimed restaurants, then relax back at your B&B or cottage with a glass of local wine under the stars.
THE PERFECT GIFT
Looking for a thoughtful, flexible gift for Mother’s Day, Father’s Day or any special occasion? The Niagara-on-the-Lake Bed & Breakfast Association’s Gift Card Program offers a wonderful way to treat your loved ones to a personalized getaway—and it’s never been easier.
Certificates can be used at any participating property in the Niagara-on-the-Lake Bed & Breakfast Association, giving recipients the freedom to choose the accommodation and timing that best suits them. Whether it’s a romantic escape for two, a solo retreat or a parent’s well-deserved break, this gift opens the door to a peaceful, memorable stay.
You can purchase gift certificates directly through the Association’s website, and they are available in a variety of denominations to suit every budget.
SPRING INTO MEMORIES
Spring is a season of renewal—and what better way to honour that than by making new memories with those you love most? With flowers in bloom, wine flowing and laughter echoing down tree-lined streets, Niagara-on-the-Lake is calling. Whether you’re celebrating Mom, Dad, or simply the beauty of the season, there’s magic waiting here at every turn.
Book your stay, grab a gift certificate, and make this spring one to remember.
NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE IS CALLING
With Spring on our doorstep, the 2025 social calendar in Niagara-on-the-Lake is filling up with fun events for everyone:
April 9–December 21: Shaw Festival 2025
May 10: Mother’s Day Handmade Market at Lakeview Wine Co.
May 10 & 11: Mother’s Day Market at Reif Estate Winery
May 18: Improv by the Vines at Lakeview Wine Co.
May 29: Vincent-d’Indy Youth Choir at St. Mark’s Church
June 7 & 8: Second Annual NOTL Studio Tour
June 13: Soirée en Blanc at Château des Charmes
June 14: The Shaw Guild Garden Tour
Mid-June to mid-August: Music Niagara 2025
June 20-September 25: Jackson-Triggs 2025 Summer Concert Series
June 28-July 1: Artistry by the Lake
July 1: Canada Day
July 12: Niagara-on-the-Lake Horticultural Society’s Gardener’s Garden Tour
August: Peach Festival—details are still ripening
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. (Remember, parking is free in Old Town during the month of December!)
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.
