When you think of Niagara, you automatically think of the thunderous falls that attract tourists worldwide. If you are an explorer looking for something more on your next trip to Niagara, you should consider exploring Niagara-on-the-Lake. It is just 20 minutes away from the famous falls, is stunningly picturesque, and sits on the southern shores of Lake Ontario. Keep scrolling to know more about this hidden gem.
The Key Attractions
The microclimate at Niagara on the lake is
similar to Burgundy, France, due to the lake and its location along the Niagara
Escarpment. This place has an abundance of Vinifera grapes used to make wine. These
grapes were first planted here about 40 years ago, and newer wineries are
cropping up here. The new wineries follow a more sustainable and eco-friendly
approach to growing grapes and producing wine. This place also has many cafes,
breweries, restaurants, and vineyards. Here are a few suggestions you can check
out.
Ø Hinterbrook Winery
It is an estate winery that uses solar
power and geothermal heating and cooling to ensure eco-friendly operations. They
also organize vertical tasting of wines, which allows you to sample the same
wine grown and produced in different years. Hinterbrook's 2016, 2017, and 2018 Sauvignon
Blancs are worth a taste.
Ø Southbrook Vineyards
This vineyard follows a biodynamic Farming
approach, which includes producing manure and animals within the farm. It is
also Canada's first certified biodynamic vineyard specializing in organic,
biodynamic wines. Visit it if you want to try a fun lesson in farming. The
building of this vineyard is also LEED-certified. You must try the orange wine
when you are here.
Ø Exchange Brewery
If you need more wine, this place should be
your next destination. Though the tasting room of this brewery is small, you
can experience the elegant second level and a rear patio where you can catch a
few rays with your beer. It would help if you considered a tasting flight that
comes on a cute rotary phone-inspired board. Ask for Oud Bruin when you visit.
Ø Avondale Dairy Bar
A visit to Niagara-on-the-Lake should be
more than just wineries and breweries. You can explore this amazing dairy bar
on a sweltering summer day and enjoy a couple of bananas splits and sundaes. They
have an innovative pay-by-weight system that lets you pick how large or small
your servings should be. They also offer plant-based ice cream offerings for
vegans.
Ø World-Class Theatre
Shaw festival is a World-class theater that
you should explore when visiting Niagara-on-the-Lake. During every season, over
ten productions are performed for over 250,000 people across three theatres in
the center of town: Royal George Theatre, Festival Theatre, and Jackie Maxwell
Studio Theatre. It features a distinct mix of plays from the past and present.
How to Reach?
You can reach Niagara-on-the-Lake via the WEGO orange line shuttle offered
from May 5th to October 29th. The cost for a one-way ticket is $7.00 (adult)
and $5.00 (children). It runs every 60 minutes from 10:30 am to 5:30 pm and
departs from the Floral Clock. You can buy the tickets from the bus driver.
What are you waiting for? Plan a trip today!
Sources
https://blog.viarail.ca/2019/06/20/exploring-niagara-on-the-lake/
https://www.niagarafallstourism.com/niagara-region/niagara-on-the-lake/
https://www.visitniagaracanada.com/region/niagara-on-the-lake/