Niagara-on-the-Lake is a beautifully preserved 19th-century town with charming, tree-lined streets, resplendent parks and gardens, and carefully restored houses. Unlike its brassier neighbour, Niagara Falls, Niagara-on-the-Lake is quiet and peaceful in the evenings, but its postcard-perfect look and lovely lake mean that it’s popular with visitors during the day. The best places to stay in Niagara-on-the-Lake invariably have lake views.

Niagara-on-the-Lake is a great base for exploring the Niagara Region’s wineries - for example the Peller Estates Winery and Konzelmann Estate Winery - and there’s an annual wine festival come September and an Icewine festival in January. There are plenty of winery tours run out of Niagara-on-the-Lake too.

There are also the expected Niagara Falls boating tours, which run upriver to the gorge and falls. Niagara-on-the-Lake also has several very nice theatres and art galleries, so it’s a relaxing spot to come for a bit of sightseeing in the town's Heritage District, a nature ramble in Queenston Heights Park or Ryerson Park, and a spot of culture at the Fort George National Historic Site of Canada or the Shaw Theatre.

If you're planning to visit during the summer months, don't forget to book your room in one of the best places to stay in Niagara-on-the-Lake well ahead - this is a busy place!

The best places to stay in Niagara-on-the-lake

For a waterfront location

• Harbour House is a wonderful brick mansion with stunning waterfront views, now converted into a beautiful 31 room hotel. The rooms are modern and light - some have their own fireplaces - and there’s a breakfast room overlooking the lake.
• The Charles Hotel is a smart Manor House on the lakefront with classy, comfortable rooms and all that Niagara-on-the-Lake has to offer on your doorstep.
• As the name suggests, The Grand Victorian is a period mansion which evokes memories of times past with its traditional accommodation and antique furnishings. They've also got a great reputation for food.
• Set in a gorgeous Georgian mansion, Riverbend Inn offers elegant rooms with plenty of antiques dotted around - some even have their own private balconies. Enjoy an evening tipple in the 1890s bar after a day out and about. A top-notch stay!
• Overlooking Lake Niagara, Oban Inn & Spa is a delightful hotel that marries excellent service with a warm, friendly atmosphere. The rooms are elegantly furnished and are adorned with tasteful artwork. Spend an afternoon exploring the lake on a bicycle or relax in the spa. A lakeside gem.

For contemporary elegance

• At the Shaw Club you'll find elegant rooms, and fabulous food in Zees Grill. Plus the Shaw Theatre is just across the road. A perfect spot in the centre of town.
• Queen Regent boutique B&B is located in the heart of town. The hotel is chic and stylish, with handmade, artisan design pieces in the shared spaces and bedrooms in natural hues and materials. Relax in the property's peaceful garden, filled with wildflowers, after a day sightseeing.

For a hotel with a spa

• Pillar and Post is a beautifully converted cannery, now offering luxurious accommodation in a quiet location. Plus there's a great restaurant and that all-important spa with a fantastic array of treatments to pamper body and soul.
• The Sterling Inn & Spa is a luxurious spot, with smart contemporary accommodation boasting luxurious baths. You'll love their food and wine pairings.
• 124 on Queen is a chic little hotel situated on the main street of the Old Town. There's an option of spacious doubles and two-bedroom villas decorated in a fresh contemporary style. Boasting a world-class spa and critically acclaimed restaurant, this is a spoiling stay.

For an intimate break

• The delightful and popular Red Coat is a three-room Victorian property with great access to local hiking and biking trails. Tuck into hearty breakfasts each morning before setting off to explore the area. Book early to secure a room.
• Dot's Landing is a smart one-room B&B with homely interiors. Ideal for romantic getaways.
• The Butler House, surrounded by a nice garden, boasts four smart rooms in the heart of the old town. Ideal for seeing all that the town has to offer.
• The popular Blue Skies is a charming B&B offering well-appointed guestrooms with luxury linens and a cosy fireplace, the perfect place to relax after a day trip. Start the day with the hotel's renowned gourmet breakfast.

For heritage

• Woodbourne Inn is a stunningly renovated historic inn. Rooms are bright and elegant with neutral palette schemes and stand-alone tubs. Unwind and relax in the library by the fire. A perfect choice for those who want a bit of quiet but still want to be close to all the main attractions.
• The Prince of Wales Hotel is a grand Victorian-era hotel dating back to 1867. With its original grandeur remaining, expect rooms with heavily draped windows, antiques, and fireplaces. A gorgeous indoor pool is adorned with original artwork. With fine dining and a popular afternoon tea — this is a destination in itself.
• The excellent Brockamour Manor is a charming Georgian B&B in the historic Old Town. Rooms blend traditional charm and modern amenities together with floral paintings, fireplaces and jacuzzi baths. Relax on the veranda overlooking the mature garden or play some billiards by the fire. A cosy stay for exploring the Niagara area.
• Casa Blanca Boutique B&B is nestled within another Georgian-style property, a few minutes walk from the town centre. The chic, individually styled guestrooms are quiet and comfortable, with high-quality linens. Start the day with a hearty breakfast before a tour of a nearby winery.

For an apartment or villa

• If you'd prefer the privacy of a self-catering option then browse through the wide variety available online with our partner, Booking.com.

Travel Information

• Want to fly to Niagara-on-the-Lake?

• If you're coming from abroad then you have three options. You can either fly into the Buffalo-Niagara International Airport (a 45-minute drive away), the Hamilton John C. Munro International Airport (75 minutes away) or the Toronto Pearson International Airport (90 minutes away).
• You're best off avoiding visiting in the winter as it can get desperately cold! Weather-wise, the best time to visit is in the summer months - the average temperature rises to around 21°C in July and August.
• It might be a good idea to have a car with you so that you can explore the entire area. If this is the case, look through the options available with Rentalcars.

Still not sure?

• Browse through our list of all the best places to stay in Niagara-on-the-Lake.
• Consider the best places to stay in Niagara Falls, right by the falls.
• Or alternatively, the best places to stay in Buffalo, half an hour south of Niagara Falls.
• If you're still stuck, feel free to contact one of our friendly Gurus for advice.

Weather

Monthly Weather in Niagara-on-the-Lake