Niagara on the Lake, Ontario: The quaint village is a real charmer during autumn
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Fall colors enchat at Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario -
Fall foliage. -
Niagara-on-the-Lake native Peter Mitchell has been leading ghost tours of Fort George for seven years. -
With more than 20 wineries nested below the Niagara Escarpment, Niagara-on-the-Lake is popular with wine drinkers. Among those offering daily tastings is Reif Estate Winery, which opened in 1983. -
Fruit baskets.
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NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE, Ontario -- Tell someone you're heading to Niagara, and she'll probably think of one thing: the fabulous falls straddling the Canadian and U.S. borders that draw more than 20 million visitors a year.
Been there, done that. Time for a new adventure.
Less than 10 miles north of the steel arch bridge that transports visitors over the Niagara Gorge and into Ontario lies a village so quaintly picturesque that if you saw it in the movies, you'd assume its perfectly landscaped streets and gracious Victorian architecture were the work of a set designer. In reality, this small town of 14,000 nestled between Lake Ontario and the limestone Niagara Escarpment -- recognized as one of the world's natural wonders -- has been charming travelers for almost 200 years.
Cultural types have flocked here since the early 1960s for the unparalleled theater experience known as the Shaw Festival, held from the beginning of April to the end of October. But the town also appeals for its history. Settled by loyalists at the end of the American Revolution, it was a strategic hub for British soldiers during the War of 1812.
Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, is on the south shore of Lake Ontario at the mouth of the Niagara River, or 14 miles north of Niagara Falls. It's about a 41/2-hour drive from Pittsburgh (Interstate 79 north to Interstate 90 east to Interstate 190 north) You also can fly into Buffalo and rent a car, though keep in mind there are no direct flights.
U.S. citizens returning from a trip to Canada by car have to show both proof of citizenship and proof of identity. So don't forget either your passport, or a valid driver's license and birth certificate. (Children under 16 only have to provide proof of U.S. citizenship.) You need a valid passport if you're traveling by air .
Where to stay: The Prince of Wales at the corner of Picton and King streets (www.vintage-hotels.com; 1-888-669-5566), established in 1864 and now part of Vintage Hotel Properties, is the town's landmark hotel. But you'll pay a pretty price for its Victorian-style luxury: traditional queen rooms start at about $275/night. Other choices include B&Bs, private vacation homes, boutique suites, small inns (the Olde Angel Inn on Market Street is said to be haunted) and budget motels like the Niagara Residence & Conference Center, where you can get a room for less than $99. The Chamber of Commerce makes it easy to find a room, offering a free accommodation booking service on its website. I tend to like historic properties so booked the Lace Room at the charming Skyehaven B&B ($130/night including breakfast), built in 1787 on the historic side of the lake and just a 10-minute walk from town.
First Published September 26, 2010 12:00 am
