As we near the end of this long, snowy winter and anticipate the first signs of spring, Mother Nature nudges us to slow down and find the joy by taking a deeper look at our relationships, values and, well, life in general. And it appears her age-old wisdom is right on trend.

In a world constantly buzzing with notifications and social media dominating free time, people are choosing to take time away from their screens and phones.

According to a recent Expedia Travel Trends Report, JOMO—the joy of missing out—is expected to boom in 2025, replacing the past FOMO—fear of missing out—trend.

JOMO travellers actually look forward to escaping the commotion of everyday life in a private, peaceful location to unwind and recharge as they reduce stress and anxiety and reconnect with loved ones.

LUXURY AND EXCLUSIVITY INTERWINE IN HARMONY
S TAY Niagara-on-the-Lake offers a number of accommodation options, depending on your situation and budget. From self-catering luxury villas, cozy cottages and apartments—perfect for extended family reunions—to intimate bed and breakfasts and romantic country inns, there is something for everyone.

Not only are STAY Niagara-on-the-Lake properties suited to refresh and recharge your mental wellbeing, but hosts are also well informed to provide you with the best recommendations on where to go and what to do while you’re in the area.

SPA AMENITIES TO HELP YOU FORGET ALL WORRIES
A number of spas throughout Niagara-on-the-Lake provide a place to truly invest in your personal wellness. A wide range of personalized treatments and packages ensures that everyone finds tranquility and peace at a price they can afford.

While there is a host of spa treatments from which to choose, a couple of innovative options stand out:

Brickwork Spa in St. David’s invites you to indulge in a new extreme relaxation experience—Foot Massage with Healing LED Light Therapy. This blissful 25-minute treatment features a soothing, expertly crafted foot massage; an “acupressure mat,” which works its magic by relieving tense muscles and promoting deep relaxation; and “healing LED light therapy” to nourish your skin, reduce fine lines and promote a youthful glow.

Spa at Q in Old Town takes their extensive menu of treatments to a whole new height with their 120-minute add-on Hydrotherapy Wellness experience. This sensory circuit starts off in their cool pool, then moves to their sensory showers, followed by a dry sauna, eucalyptus steam room and snow room, and finishes in their warm pool.

EXPERIENCE LIFE THE ARTIST’S WAY
Art inspires us. It moves us and can take us to places we never knew existed within us. From the Shaw Festival to a plethora of art galleries, museums and events, Niagara-on-the-Lake is renowned for its artistic community. Some heritage gems that give Old Town its unique charm and beauty include:

Niagara Pumphouse Arts Centre: Located on the banks of the Niagara River in a heritage building, this cherished venue offers visual arts programs, exhibitions and events. From March 26 to April 27, take in the exhibit featuring Paintings by Geoff Farnsworth.

Niagara-on-the-Lake Museum: Every month, you’re invited to enjoy a presentation from the Famous & Infamous lecture series, which explores the life and times of a famous or infamous person or event from the past.

Riverbrink Art Museum: This established venue in Queenston displays a collection of local, regional and international art unique to the Niagara Region. For example, until April 26, the Gelede and Friends exhibition offers a unique glimpse into the rich artistic and cultural heritage of Nigeria.

Perhaps you’re looking for a more hands-on experience as you pursue the artist within. Aside from various events and workshops offered by any of the above, there are a number of paint-and-sip experiences you and your loved ones or besties don’t want to miss at the Konzelmann Winery and Lakeview Wine Co .

SHAKE OFF WINTER’S CHILL
Why not kick off spring with a burst of sparkle with the Spring Sparkles Discovery Pass? Over two weekends—March 21-23 and March 28-30—embark on a self-guided program to enjoy eight unique wine and culinary experiences that celebrate the fresh, vibrant flavours of spring.

As you can see, there are so many current and upcoming life-enriching opportunities to replace those laptops and phones. This spring, give yourself the opportunity to sample the JOMO lifestyle in Niagara-on-the-Lake.

LOOKING FORWARD
As spring approaches, the social calendar in Niagara-on-the-Lake begins to fill up with a list of one-of and regular events, so stay tuned for the 2025 line-up:
April 9–December 21: Shaw Festival 2025
June 7 & 8: Second Annual NOTL Studio Tour
Mid-June to mid-August: Music Niagara 2025
July 1: Canada Day

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.

Niagara-on-the-Lake drummed in the Summer Solstice on June 21, marking the official start of the homey, heartfelt Cancer season when the Sun illuminates our most treasured bonds. From beloved relatives to friends who have earned our “chosen family” status, this time is ideal for cozy gatherings.

Or maybe you’re in the mood for some summertime romance and prefer to spend a few lazy, crazy days of summer in a cuddle puddle listening to your favourite old-fashioned love song.

Whether you choose to be with a pod of close friends or relatives in a bed and breakfast, cottage, villa or apartment, or cocoon in a private retreat for two, STAY Niagara-on-the-Lake has you covered. And our hosts are ready to help you make your time with us a little more memorable.

Your Self-Care Playbook
Who doesn’t appreciate a little tender loving care? Niagara-on-the-Lake is definitely a spa town. The 100 Fountain Spa at the Pillar and Post, the Secret Garden Spa at the Prince of Wales, the Oban Spa and the Spa at Q all offer escapes into tranquility where you’ll find extensive menus of spa services to soothe whatever ails you. A couple of cosmetic spas, namely Diosa Beauty Clinic and the Blossom Lounge Spa, are renowned for their premium treatments.

Take home a little memento of your time with us. Make your residence a little more aromatic with toiletries and scented candles from the NEOB Lavender or One Earth Boutique on Queen Street. A plethora of other decorative gems are found at quaint shops and art galleries along the way and in antique stores throughout the area. If you’re around, drop by the Wine & Wears event on Thursday, June 29, at St. Mark’s Church, and enjoy wine and nibbles while you shop. Items include vintage clothing, accessories, antiques, artwork and collectibles. If you miss this one, you have a second chance at A Haute Emporium on July 8, when St. Mark’s hosts the Cherry Festival. If you’re in town on Canada Day Weekend, stroll down to the waterfront gazebo for the juried Artistry by the Lake event.

Let Mama Nature soothe your soul. Procure a book at the Old Niagara Bookshop on Regent Street and head over to the nearest bench at the Voices of Freedom Park across the street and immerse yourself in an important aspect of our history. Or grab a blanket, pack a picnic, rent a bike from Zoom Leisure, and claim your favourite picnic table with a view at Simcoe Park, Ryerson Park, Queen’s Royal Park, the Niagara Parkway or Queenston Heights Park.

Does music comfort you? You’ve come to the right place — at the right time! Spend an evening under the stars with a glass of wine and some of your favourite musicians at the Jackson-Triggs Estate amphitheatre. The Spirit in Niagara Distillery is popular for its Monday Blooz & Jazz and Thursday Night Delight events where you’re welcome to dance or just sit back and enjoy the music, cocktails and food. Take in the wealth of international talent performing at the Music Niagara Festival. You also want to check out what’s on tap at the TD Niagara 2023 Summer Festival.

Flex Your Epicurean Muscles
Nourish yourself by connecting to the food you put in your body. The Niagara area is renowned for its fresh local produce sold at numerous roadside stands. Why not put on your favourite playlist and laugh, talk and bond as you prepare your own tasty meals together in your self-catering rental?

Prefer to let someone else do the cooking? Niagara-on-the-Lake is also known as the “Culinary Capital of Canada” because of its outstanding selection of dining experiences. Treat yourself to a world of flavours … Asian fusion, Greek, Indian, Italian, Sushi, Thai, upscale, casual, pub fare, indoor, outdoor. It’s all here.

Indulge mindfully — and responsibly — as you challenge your palate and explore the variety of vintages available from numerous wineries in the area. Organize your own food and wine pairings at your cottage, villa or apartment rental. Or take part in one of the many vineyard and winery tours, seminars and workshops offered by our Niagara wine connoisseurs and tour companies.

What’s Coming Up?
Something’s always cookin’ in Niagara-on-the-Lake:
Until August 29: Music Niagara Summer Festival Concert Series
Until September 15: Jackson-Triggs Summer Concert Series
Until September 30: Roger & Hammerstein Concerts at the BMO Stage
June 29: Wine & Wears at St. Mark’s Anglican Church
July 1: Canada Day at Fort George
July 1–3: Artistry by the Lake; Canada Day Fireworks;
July 2: Bell Concert at St. Mark’s Anglican Church
July 8: St. Mark’s Cherry Festival, A Haute Emporium
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 2023 Summer Festival
August 6: Bell Concert at St. Mark’s Anglican Church
August 12: Peach Festival
August 12: S ip, Savour & Stroll
August 13: Shades of Rosé
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
September 3: Bell Concert at St. Mark’s Anglican Church

Tag: Niagara spas

Slow Down and Find the Joy in Niagara-on-the-Lake

Niagara-on-the-Lake: Hello Summer!