Every season has its rhythm. Summer pushes us out into the world, fast and bright. Come September, we take a different stance: one of slowing, revisiting and listening. This is a cosmic invitation—not to push forward—but to pause and reflect as we prepare to celebrate the harvest season in Niagara-on-the-Lake.
In Chinese Medicine, late summer is seen as a season of its own. It’s a short but powerful bridge between the fiery energy of summer and the crisp beginnings of autumn. In Niagara-on-the-Lake, it’s a time of nourishment and grounding.
Yes, things begin to pick up at the office because that’s where our attention may be focused for the time being. However, there are still plenty of attractions and reasons to celebrate waiting for you in Niagara-on-the-Lake. No one said you can’t both work hard and play hard!
VISIT A FARMER’S MARKET
It is delightful when, one day, we’re greeted by the abundance of colour that accompanies a late summer’s harvest season in Niagara: sunset-hued peaches, vibrant tomatoes, potatoes, pumpkins, winter squash, juicy apples, sweet potatoes, pears, eggplant, peppers, carrots, beets, onions, spinach, kale, brussels sprouts, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, cucumbers, fresh corn on the cob…
The harvest bounty can inspire even the most reluctant home cook to make a hearty soup with late summer vegetables—perhaps a minestrone, a creamy chowder or a rich Tuscan-style stew.
Don’t feel like cooking? No problem. The culinary wizards at the many restaurants in the area are experts at creating farm-to-table menu items that are sure to please your palate. All you need is a hearty appetite.
RAISE A GLASS AND JOIN THE FESTIVITIES
Every September, Niagara comes alive with the sights, sounds and flavours of the Niagara Grape & Wine Festival.
It’s the perfect time and place to experience the heart of Ontario’s wine country. Stroll through vibrant festival venues, savour award-winning wines, enjoy live entertainment, and sample delicious local cuisine.
From the colourful Grand Parade in St. Catharines followed by lively concerts in Montebello Park to intimate vineyard tours and tastings, every moment is a toast to Niagara’s rich winemaking heritage. Whether you’re a seasoned wine enthusiast or simply looking for a joyful reason to welcome autumn, this is your invitation to sip, savour and celebrate in one of Ontario’s most beautiful regions.
BASK IN THE GREAT OUTDOORS
Late summer is the ideal time—and temperature—to sit outside on a sunny afternoon and reflect on everything that has “ripened” in your life so far this year.
Visit a local cheese shop, like Cheese Secrets, and gather a selection of cheeses and savory treats for a picnic by Lake Ontario, along the Mighty Niagara or in Simcoe Park. Why not invite family members and friends to join you?
Enjoy one last swim in Lake Ontario before the temperatures dip too low. Walk barefoot on the grass and let the warmth of the earth root and nourish you.
Hop on a Zoom Leisure bike and cycle along a network of off-road paths and country roads, stopping in for refreshments at various wineries, distilleries and craft breweries along the way.
Check out the NEOB Lavender Farm or the Apple Hill Apothecary where you can tour their fields and learn first-hand how they transform their plants into products that enhance your well-being.
Temperatures are perfect for that golf game. So, pack up those woods and irons and head over to the Niagara-on-the-Lake Golf Club with its majestic views of Lake Ontario. Or book a tee time at one of the two scenic courses tucked away under the Niagara Escarpment: Queenston Golf Club and St. Davids Golf Club.
GO AHEAD, INDULGE A LITTLE
Perhaps a little self-indulgence is more to your liking. And for that, there are plenty of options.
Late summer is a great time to book that spa treatment you’ve put off. In Old Town, there’s the Spa at Q, the 100 Fountain Spa at the Pillar and Post, the Secret Garden at the Prince of Wales Hotel and the O Spa at the Oban Inn.
But don’t overlook the smaller, privately owned operations like the Blossom Lounge Spa, the Diosa Beauty Clinic and The Brickwork Spa.
Why not make time for a little retail therapy? End-of-season sales are on and a new fall wardrobe awaits you at the many boutiques along Queen Street and at the Outlet Collection at Niagara. And, for some of us, it’s never too early for Christmas shopping.
When it comes to selecting your overnight accommodation, nothing is more important. STAY Niagara-on-the-Lake offers a variety of lodging choices that range from quaint to modern bed and breakfasts and charming inns that include home-cooked breakfasts to self-catering cottages and luxurious villas.
You can rest assured all member properties have received the STAY Niagara-on-the-Lake’s stamp of approval and meet its high standards.
Isn’t it time you let someone pamper you?
A JAM-PACKED FALL
Festivities and entertainment continue throughout the year in Niagara-on-the-Lake. (Our list grows day by day, so be sure to check back often for updates.)
Until December 21: Shaw Festival 2025
Until September 25: Jackson-Triggs 2025 Summer Concert Series
Until September 29: A Solo Exhibit by Ann Marie Patrick, Niagara Pumphouse
Every weekend in September: Niagara Grape & Wine Festival
Through October: Summer BBQ Series, Lakeview Wine Co.
September 19–October 12: Culture Days Festival, Niagara-on-the-Lake
Daily: Walking Tours of Old Town
September 5: Moonlit Picnic, Niagara Pumphouse Arts Centre
September 12: Heritage Garden Party
September 13: Pow wow and Lacrosse Charity Tournament at Butler’s Barracks
September 14: AMO Meets Nashville
September 14: 2025 Terry Fox Run, Simcoe Park
September 15: Autumn in the Air, St. Mark’s Anglican Church
September 20: Red Roof Retreat Scavenger Hunt Road Rally
September 21: “Cin Cin!” Italian Day, AMO Estate Winery
September 27: Putting Queenston on the Map, Riverbank Museum
September 27: Niagara Regional Native Centre 11th Annual Nurturing our Roots Traditional Pow Wow
September 27 & 28: Free Walking Tour at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.
September 29: Music Niagara Presents Timotej Kosovinc, Ironwood Cider House
October 3: NSO Mozart & More—A Concert and Garden Party, St. Mark’s Anglican Church
October 5: Arts Unbound
October 6: Brock’s Birthday Bash, Brock’s Monument
October 18: Doors Open Niagara-on-the-Lake
December 5: Candlelight Stroll – details to come
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.
Summer Bus Service: The Niagara-on-the-Lake Shuttle connects to the Niagara Falls WEGO bus service from 9:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Bus service departs every hour on the half hour from the Floral Clock in Queenston and every hour on the hour from Fort George in Niagara-on-the-Lake. All-day passes ($25/adult 13+ years, $15/child 3-12 years) can be purchased in person at the Floral Clock stop or at Fort George.
Living in or visiting Toronto? From June 26 through November 2, seasonal Flixbus service connects Niagara-on-the-Lake’s Old Town and Toronto Union Station’s Bus Terminal. Flixbus offers two trips per day, six days a week, Wednesdays excluded. Visitors have about eight hours to explore, dine and shop in Old Town between pick up and drop off.
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.