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HISTORY OF NIAGARA ON THE LAKE
Niagara on the Lake is Canada's most historic and prettiest town.
In 1781 the British Government purchased land from the Mississaugas; a
strip of land 6 miles wide along the western bank of the Niagara River
for "300 suits of clothing". By 1782, 16 families had become established
and had cleared 236 acres. In 1791 part of the military reserve at the
mouth of the river was chosen as the future townsite. In 1792, Newark
- as it was named by Governor Simcoe, became the first capital of the
newly-created colony of Upper Canada, and the legislature met here for
five sessions, until Lieutenant-Governor John Graves Simcoe moved the
capital to York. By 1796, 70 new homes were built, and the town continued
to prosper as the economic, administrative and judicial centre for the
Niagara Peninsula. The physical appearance of the town, with the exception
of the powder magazine at Fort George was virtually erased by the burning
of the town by the Americans during the War of 1812.
Rebuilt, Niagara became an active commercial centre, with a busy shipping
and ship-building industry, as well as many shops and warehouses. The
beautiful old homes lining the tree-shaded streets attest to the prosperity
of its citizens.
TODAY, over two hundred years after its founding, Niagara on the Lake
hums with a different kind of traffic. Its many attractions include historic
sites - Fort George and the Historical Society Museum; the Shaw Festival
with its three theatres, the marina, our heritage business district for
shopping as well as world class golf courses, parks, beautiful farmland,
agricultural markets and our world famous Niagara wineries.
The
Best Western Colonel Butler Inn was named for John Butler, a seasoned
veteran of the Seven Years War and leader of the famous Butler's Rangers.
Colonel Butler was responsible for laying the foundation for many new
colonies under the British flag.
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NIAGARA
ATTRACTIONS
The Niagara Region offers unforgettable attractions, history, wineries,
shopping, and more. Ask us about packages including wine tours, dining,
spa services, and romance!
Discover why Sir Winston Churchill called the Niagara Parkway "the prettiest
Sunday drive anywhere". A scenic twenty minute drive between Niagara on
the Lake and Niagara Falls will pass stunning views and many historical
sites.
Shopping is a highlight of any visit to Niagara on the Lake. Time spent
on Queen Street will uncover treats and treasures from around the world.
Now considered amongst the top wine producing regions in North America,
the Niagara Region boasts over 40 world-class wineries, beckoning to you
to visit for touring and tasting.
Here are a few websites that will give you a sense of all the great things
to do during your visit with us:
Here's a more detailed list:
Arts, Culture and Active Learning
Fort
George-Parks Canada
A British fort which played a key role in the struggle for the Niagara Frontier
during the War of 1812. Fort George has been restored to its state on the
eve of the war. Costumed staff recreate lifestyles and activities of the
period.
905-468-4257
E-mail: ont_niagara@pch.gc.ca
Niagara
Historical Society Museum
Established in 1895, visit our permanent exhibitions of Niagara's history
and the War of 1812 gallery. Open daily May to October from 10am - 5pm and November to April from
1pm - 5pm.
905-468-3912
E-mail: contact@niagarahistorical.museum
Music
Niagara
Internationally renowned musicians perform solo and chamber music including
classical, jazz, opera, and cabaret. Concerts are located in intimate, stunning
venues – from wine cellars to historic churches. Daily Concerts from
late July through to the end of August.
905-468-5566 or 1-877- 687-3378
Website: www.musicniagara.org
Niagara
Pumphouse Visual Arts Center
Located in a restored 1891 water pumping station, the centre was established
to provide residents and visitors with an environment which encourages interest
in various forms of visual art. Classes, workshops, exhibitions and lectures
are ongoing.
905-468-5455
Shaw
Festival
The Shaw Festival is internationally celebrated for its vivid and exhilarating
theatrical productions of plays by George Bernard Shaw and his contemporaries.
All season long you will discover stories to provoke, intoxicate, move and
delight. Visit www.shawfest.com or call the Box Office at 1-800-511-7429
to order tickets.
Strewn's
Wine Country Cooking School
Culinary Vacations and cooking classes...Strewn's Wine Country Cooking School,
offering hands-on cooking classes designed to temp your palate while increasing
your culinary knowledge and appreciation of the relationship between food
and wine.
905-468-8304
E-mail: info@winecountrycooking.com
Sports and Leisure
Grand Niagara Resort
The course at Grand Niagara is a classic Rees Jones course that captivates and challenges players of all levels. Fairway angles, positioning of hazards and exquisitely contoured greens demand intelligent course management, tempting players with a variety of risk-reward options.
905-384-4653
Lochness Links
Golf Course
(Formerly Hunters Pointe)
An 18 hole semi-private course located in the Niagara Region.
From the modern link style golf course designed by Graham Cooke & Associates
to an elegant clubhouse facilities, Lochness Links welcomes you to an
extraordinary golfing experience.
1-877-714-4659
Niagara-on-the-Lake
Golf Club
Built in 1882, this 9-hole course is the oldest course in Canada. Located
in the heritage district overlooking Lake Ontario.
905-468-3424
Peninsula
Lakes Golf Club
Peninsula
Lakes boasts a 27 championship holes - the Quarry, Hillside and Orchard
nines. Recognized as one of Niagara's best courses, Peninsula Lakes GC
garnered 14th place on the Toronto Star's Bogey Man's Top 18 courses for
2002.
905-468-3424
Royal
Niagara Golf Club
Playing over 7000 yards, Royal Niagara is a 27-hole championship facility...
three interconnected 9-hole courses. The Escarpment Course, The Iron Bridge
Course, and The Old Canal Course have been built to the highest championship
standards. Each 9 is balanced in terms of length and challenge.
1-866-ROYAL-18
E-mail: info@royalniagara.com
Whirlpool Golf Course
The Whirlpool Golf Course is one of Canada’s most highly rated and renowned public golf courses. It is owned and operated by the Niagara Parks Commission and is located in a spectacular setting against the backdrop of the Niagara River Whirlpool and Gorge.
1-866-465-3642
Tours and Transportation
Escorted, VIP PersonalTours®
PersonalTours® Inc. plans and provides custom-designed, strictly private,
VIP, private party and private group, Niagara Region Sightseeing Tours
and Niagara Wine Country, Estate Winery Tours with personal wine-tasting
events.
1-877-959-9949 Toll Free in Canada and the USA.
Niagara Classic Transport
We pride ourselves on having Canada's most unique fleet of impeccable
vehicles. Niagara Classic Transport is committed to providing world class service
for any function or special event, large or small. In the continued traditions
of Rolls Royce & Bentley, we look forward to serving your every need.
Niagara Grape & Wine Tours
Grape and Wine Tours offers an escape to magnificent Niagara Wine Country! Free parking at the touring center in Niagara on the Lake or complimentary pick up at your accommodation. Available are the Afternoon Delight, Lunch Fiesta, and Best Kept Secret Dinner tours.
Niagara Vintage Wine Tours
Compliment your stay by taking a fully narrated small group wine tour with industry professional and wine educator Chris Fuccillo. Travel through the heart of wine country tasting some of the best wines in Canada including the best Icewines in the world! Also available is the Day Tour with Lunch or a stellar Evening 4-Course Dinner & Wine pairing tour!
Niagara Wine Tours
International
With local professional guides/chauffeurs we provide the highest level
of service and customer satisfaction. Whether it is one of our leisurely
day or afternoon bicycle tours, a relaxing van tour for the afternoon,
full day with lunch, or an evening tour with dinner, we will provide you
with a memorable experience one that you will want to repeat again and
again!
Sentineal
Carriages
Explore the rich history, majestic homes, and peaceful scenery the way
it was intended, by a horse drawn carriage.
905-468-4943
E-mail: sentinealcarriages@sympatico.ca
Zoom
Leisure: Bike Rentals and Tours
Two different tours departing daily from our store. We offer a variety
of options for group and corporate tours. We will customize a tour or
event that will be memorable and fun. Bikes available for the whole family.
905-468-2366
E-mail: zoom@niagara.com
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Attractions
Butterfly Conservatory
This attraction features over 2,000 tropical butterflies floating freely among lush, exotic blossoms and greenery. Paths wind through the rainforest setting, past a pond and waterfall and the emergence window, where butterflies leave their pupae and prepare to take their first flight!
905-358-0025
National Helicopters
National Helicopters invites you to discover Niagara from an Eagle's eye perspective. National's aerial tours are the most personal and the most comprehensive adventure tours offered. This leading Niagara attraction is not to be missed!
905-641-2222
Niagara
Falls Aviary
Niagara Falls Aviary - OPEN YEAR ROUND-combines free flying tropical birds
with lush "rainforest" plantscapes all inside a 15,000 square foot conservatory.
The Aviary is located in the heart of Niagara Falls tourism district on
River Road, one block from the Maid of the Mist at the Rainbow Bridge.
905-356-8888
Whirlpool
Jet Boat Tours
Niagara's whitewater rapids have challenged explorers for over 300 years.
Our specially designed Jet Boats offer an affordable fun way to reveal the
history, scenery and incredible whitewater of the Niagara River.
905-468-4800
E-mail: wjet@whirlpooljet.com
Niagara on the Lake Wineries
Niagara is Canada's most celebrated grape and wine producing region. The
blending of soils and temperate climate that stretches summers into one
of the longest growing seasons in Canada, nourishes and matures grapes for
the finest wines. Old and New World expertise combined with some of North
America's finest quality grapes produce award winning wines worthy of their
international acclaim. All of the Niagara on the Lake wineries offer tastings
of VQA and blended wines - come out and discover why we are so proud of
the vintages of Niagara on the Lake.
For a further list of wineries and a wine route map, visit Wine Country Ontario.
20 Bees
Part of the Diamond Estates group of wineries. 20 Bees aims to have less-expensive wines with a sense of fun.
905-468-8814
Caroline
Cellars
Indulge in the country charm with this winery. Open daily
until 6pm.
905-685-5673
Chateau
des Charmes Wines
Guided tours, tastings, wine boutique, special events. Tours daily on the
hour 11am to 4pm. Open year-round 10am to 6pm.
905-262-4219
Coyote's Run Estate Winery
In a warm microclimate just below the St. David's Bench, Coyote's Run produces intensely flavoured, small-bath wines.
905-682-8310
Hillebrand
Estates Winery
Tours and tastings available everyday. Seminars also available. Visit our Winery Boutique. Open year round.
905-468-7123
Inniskillin
Wines
Established in 1975 by Karl J. Kaiser and Donald Ziraldo, Inniskillin was
founded upon and dedicated to the principle of producing outstanding
VQA wines. Enjoy a guided public tour or self-guided tour.
905-468-3554
Jackson-Triggs
Niagara Estate Winery
Daily educational guided tours available every day. Boutique hours 10:30am
to 6:30 pm.
905-468-4637
Joseph's
Estate Wines
Visit the tasting bar, wine boutique, and take a tour of the vineyards and
cellars. Group tours and buses are
welcome by appointment.
905-468-1259
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Konzelmann
Estate Winery
Group tours with 15 or more people by appointment. Open year round, guided
public tours offered May through September daily at 2pm.
905-935-2866
Lailey
Vineyard Winery
Daily wine tasting and education, monthly events, corporate events and private
tours. Visit our website for more information.
905-468-0503
Maleta
Estate Winery
Maleta focuses on Bordeaux reds and old-vine Reisling and Gamay.
905-685-8486
Marynissen
Estates Winery
John Marynissen, vinter, invites you to visit our winery boutique featuring
our rare, award-winning wines. Boutique open daily year-round.
905-468-7270
Peller
Estates Winery
Tours & tastings, winery boutique, restaurant, underground barrel aging
cellar and lush sprawling vineyard. Group facilities. Tours daily year round.
905-468-4678
Pillitteri
Estates Winery
Tastings in the Winery Boutique. Private tours and formal tasting lessons
available by appointment. A hospitality room can be reserved for private
functions.
905-468-3147
Reif
Estate Winery
One of the town's founding-family wineries. The winery boasts one of the most sophisticated, educational tasting-room experiences in Niagara, complete with themed flights, blind tastings, food pairings, and sensory wine garden.
905-468-WINE
Southbrook Vineyards
Only LEED Gold-certified winery in Niagara. During warmer months you can watch the flock of sheep graze in the vine rows and savour homemade stone-over pizza on the winery patio.
1-888-581-1581
Stonechurch
Vineyards
Take a stroll on our Stonechurch Vineyard Trail. Retail store, gift shop and tasting bar. Self-guided
vineyard tour.
905-935-3535
Strewn
Estate Winery
Strewn is committed to - and inspired by - the expression of Terroir. This 'sense of place' is reflected in the wine and in the menus at the winery cooking school and onsite restaurant.
905-468-1229
Sunnybrook
Farm Estate Winery
Range of fruit and berry wines.
905-468-1122
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