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: Sip, 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