Niagara-on-the-lake: Niagara''s Hidden Gem

By Author: Bonny Kominek
Total Articles: 96
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Those approaching the quaint town from the Queen Elizabeth Way will exit the expressway to discover acres of bountiful vineyards and orchards, along with local markets offering seasonal produce and preserves made from the harvest of the area. There are also hospitable tours available in the world class wineries of the area.

Niagara-on-the-Lake was originally called Onigahara by the First Nation population. It is also the original capital of Upper Canada which is now Ontario. Much of the town was burned by Americans opposing the British settlement during the war of 1812, however today the town''s American friends are warmly welcomed as they make up a large share of the annual tourism enjoyed by the local businesses.

Once in the downtown section of Niagara-on-the-Lake, visitors will be charmed by the main street''s meticulous landscaping, its charming architecture of heritage buildings and its nostalgic central clock tower. There''s even a store open year round devoted to entirely to Xmas ornaments.

Theatre enthusiasts plan their visits to this enchanting hamlet to coincide with the renowned Shaw Festival, ...
... honoring the work of George Bernard Shaw and others in three distinctive venues. There''s also an impressive range of fine dining options in the immediate area, as well as a variety of gorgeously decorated hotels offering deluxe accommodations.

Niagara-on-the-Lake itself has been featured on the big screen, serving as a filming location for the feature films ?The Dead Zone?, starring Christopher Walken and ?Trapped in Paradise? with Nicolas Cage, Jon Lovitz and Dana Carvey.

Those seeking an alternative type of entertainment may be interested in the seasonal Lantern-lit Ghost Walks of Niagara-on-the-Lake, offered April to December. The town is reputed to be Canada''s prettiest and most haunted town, with nearly 200 years of spooky history. Tours are led by professional actors, adding to the interactive theatrical aspect of the tours.

Niagara-on-the-Lake is also conveniently located near many other attractions suitable for day trips; both Toronto and Buffalo are within a couple hours'' drive. But every season many residents of these cities make their ways to this beautiful town specifically to get away from the urban centers. It offers a beautiful array of cultural diversions in the forms of live theatre, fine dining, historic site-seeing, winery tours and boating.

Stroll the main street admiring the hanging flower arrangements in the summer, take a relaxing horse-drawn carriage ride through town as the leaves are changing in the fall, join the thousands of people in the Candlelight Stroll on the first Friday night of December or enjoy the Spring House Tour of Niagara-on-the-Lake Bed and Breakfasts. This unique town is a jewel in the crown of Niagara and a destination for all seasons. Bonny Kominek wrote this article while on a holiday booked with Dialaflight who provide flight to Canada and other desinations.