Niagara-on-the-Lake
By Rita Cook and Anthony Alunni
Photos by Tony Alunni

Niagara Falls has long been synonymous with honeymoons American style. Of course, that said, most people think only about the American side of Niagara Falls with the many activities offered including a tour beneath the falls, a ship through the falls and a hike around the well-manicured lawns of the falls. Each of these activities has certainly made this destination a wonderland no matter the time of year, but there is more.

By more, I mean there is another side to Niagara Falls as well. One that offers bed and breakfast options, excellent restaurants and a peace and tranquility not found on the American side. It’s Canada’s version of Niagara Falls and even better, there is as much, or more, to do and some amazing drives and towns to visit just minutes away.

Niagara-on-the-Lake is one such town and while only a short drive from the falls itself, it’s like a whole different world when you arrive. From romance, to great dining to some of the best ice wine vineyards in the world, Niagara-on-the-Lake should certainly be where you decide to spend your honeymoon in this part of the country.

Niagara Falls First

Since you are so close to Niagara Falls then go ahead and spend a day enjoying it. There are several ways to see it and it might be a fun idea to start with a helicopter ride to get a bird’s eye view of the layout.

Niagara-on-the-Lake’s Skyway Helicopters offers a 20-minute ride over, not only the falls, but also over the scenic Niagara wine country. Should you decide to renew your vows high above it all, you can do that too as well as take a honeymoon flight or a Niagara winery flight.

If you visit the falls in the evening have dinner and do some shopping at the Casino Niagara Fallsview Resort. Dinner at 17 Noir is the best place around and you won’t be disappointed with the menu choices.

After dinner walk down the hill and “Turn on the Falls.” That’s right, walk to the back door of the building where the lights are illuminated and knock. When the gentleman comes to the door tell him you want to light up the falls. He will take you upstairs where you have a choice of colors that hit the American falls and create a light show that the entire city can enjoy.

Things to do in Niagara-on-the-Lake

Niagara-on-the-Lake is an old town with a history that spans back centuries. At some points on the lake you can look right across and see the American side and Old Fort Niagara, which is rumored to be haunted. While it looks so close, it’s not so easy to get to nowadays, but it’s great to see on the other side. One man we were talking to reminisced about the days of old when he used to take a small boat over to the “American” side near the fort for a weekend drinking outing.

The world-famous Shaw Festival Theatre is located in this quaint little town and has been going on for over 40 seasons. The Shaw stages 11 productions in three theatres during season and last year welcomed over 350,000 guests.

Golf is also a possible consideration at courses such as Heritage Woods, Peach Trees, Royal Niagara or Niagara-on-the-Lake Golf Club.

Living history at Fort George will remind you of a bygone era since it has been restored to its 1812 appearance. In the summer months ghost tours are also conducted with some fascinating anecdotes about the Fort’s history. The Niagara Historical Museum is another great option and was founded in 1895. The museum houses a remarkable collection of early Canadian artifacts and archives and it’s open daily.

If you’re a real history buff then check out the Stewart Homestead at 507 Butler Street, the pump house from 1891 and St. Mark’s Church with beginnings in 1790.

There is also a wonderful walking tour of the town beginning at Fort George and giving you a chance to see all the old houses, buildings and streets that make Niagara-on-the-Lake what it is today.

For outdoor lovers take a hike with the Niagara Bruce Trail Club and become a part of one of the oldest and longest footpaths with public access to the Niagara Escarpment, which is a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve.

Finally, a horse-drawn carriage ride with Queens Royal Tours will be an excellent way to see Niagara-on-the-Lake and experience a little romance at the same time.

Ice Wine and Winemaking

In the winter you can enjoy the ice wine and maybe even help pick the grapes if the temperatures sore below 32 degrees. In the summer a pleasant bicycle tour of the wineries spells romance.

Inniskillin is a renowned winery that specializes in ice wine. It’s hard to describe the wine until you have tasted it, but it’s good and fresh and it makes wine worth drinking. The wineries first ice wine was produced in 1984 and the rest, as they say, is history.

Pellar Estates is another area winery that has been producing wine for years and offers a variety from Chardonnay to Cabernet to Merlot. From there be sure and visit Vineland Estates Winery too. These were my three favorites and each offered a different taste and experience.

Best Places to Stay in Town

The Harbor House Hotel is the boutique hotel in Niagara-on-the-Lake. With wine and cheese every evening and a scrumptious breakfast when you roll out of bed you will certainly get spoiled quick if you stay at this charming little gem. The design is reminiscent of maritime life in the 1880s and Harbor House definitely captures the essence. Located on the waterfront near the mouth of the Niagara River and Lake Ontario it’s a national historic site and close to everything.

The Charles Inn is another real find and considered an excellent example of Georgian architecture. The house was built in 1832 and refurbished in 2004 with 12 guest rooms and again, it’s on the National Historic Register.

Also see:

Niagara Falls Honeymoon Planner Over 30 pages of travel information on this region

Rita Cook is the editor-in-chief of Insider Magazine and enjoys spending her time traveling on freelance assignments as well. Living in Los Angeles, Cook is also a film producer who currently has a film in development, "The Kiss of the Vampire."