Hotels in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario

Niagara-on-the-Lake Hotels

Niagara-on-the-Lake is something of an oddity, and coming here can feel a little like stepping back into the 19th century, at least until you realize that all those tourists can't have been around back then. It's a stunning place to explore, full of greenery with its plentiful parks and many restored period buildings and houses which lend it its authentic colonial feel. Add to that streets lined with trees, a thriving cultural life, and first-rate wineries, and you've plenty to whet the appetite.

Things to see

As if to prove its credentials as a classy center for culture and the arts, one of Niagara-on-the-Lake's chief attractions is the Shaw Festival Theatre, named after the great playwright George Bernard Shaw whose works are an ongoing influence on the thespian-friendly town's art scene. As well as playing host to plays by Shaw himself, this 856 seat capacity house packs them in for plays by Shaw's contemporaries, and other popular theatrical extravaganzas. A more sombre, but no less fascinating place to visit is the Fort George National Historic Site which was the scene of a number of key battles during the Canadian War of 1812. These days visitors can explore the site, learn the history, go on mock drills, and hear cannon fire. A slightly more sedate outdoor sight is Queenston Heights Park, home to a 300 foot cliff face and its iconic Brock's Monument, honoring one of Canada's best loved military heroes.

Hotels in Niagara-on-the-Lake

This is a place which does luxury well, and there are plenty of hotels in Niagara-on-the-Lake where you can expect to be spoiled, pampered and generally treated like royalty. Some of the high-end hotels will offer spa facilities, saunas, and indoor pools – along with some pretty impressive pillars and other colonial architectural features – as well as in-room complimentary WiFi, flat-screen televisions, and tea and coffee making facilities. Many will also offer business facilities on-site. To pick up a bargain you may have to head out of the center, or settle for a no-frills bed and breakfast.

Where to stay

You'll want to stay centrally in Niagara-on-the-Lake to take advantage of the unique atmosphere of this refreshingly unspoiled antique town. The Olde Town itself is home to excellent shopping and dining, but what is the most striking as you wander around the centre is the amount of Victorian and Georgian buildings which give it its colonial flavor, not to mention the eye-catching greenery of the plentiful parks and the captivating waterfront. This is a place which specializes in the boutique and romantic, so no chains are allowed, and you'll find that the personal touch is just as charming as the colorful flowerbeds which line the idyllic streets.

How to get to Niagara-on-the-Lake

The closest airport to Niagara-on-the-Lake is Buffalo Niagara International Airport, which is around 45 minutes away by car, and offers shuttle options which are reasonably priced, especially if you're travelling in a group. Hamilton John C. Munro International Airport and Toronto Pearson International Airport are alternative options, but are further away from Niagara-on-the-Lake with journey times of around 75 minutes and 1 and a half hours respectively. Niagara-on-the-Lake is well connected by bus service to the rest of Ontario if you feel like exploring the wider area.