Billy & Suz in NOTL

Our anniversary

Niagara-on-the-Lake

Fri Oct 23 – Mon Oct 26 · Dicksons B&B

DinnersFri: The Cannery · Big night: Revé (Sat or Sun)Backup Mdina · other night Sombra. Call Revé about pistachio first.B&B732 King StCheck-in from 2 pm · out by 11 am · breakfast 8–9:30

Dinner in the old town

Walk from the B&B: 14–28 min · drive at night

Shortlist first

★ Big night

Revé

★ 4.8 (164)

Sicilian live-fire tasting menus · $100+

11 tables. Chef Adriano Cappuzzello (Langdon Hall, The Fat Duck). 4-course, 10-course or à la carte.

From B&B: 1.4 km, about 19 min walk
Hours: Thu–Sun 5–9 pm (owner’s note on Google, Oct 2026)

✦ Opened Sept 2025 · Michelin Recommended 2026 · Toronto LifeSicilian = pistachio. Call before bookingBook ahead

Details

Call before booking: Sicilian cooking uses a lot of pistachio. Ask for no pistachio in your dishes and on shared surfaces. Book on OpenTable once they say yes. Only 11 tables.

242 Mary St, Unit 4

Rating and hours: Google Maps, Checked Oct 8, 2026. Menus and prices: next pass.

★ Big-night backup

Mdina

★ 4.9 (40)

Mediterranean fine dining

Quiet room, big wine list, baked Alaska. Several reviewers picked it for anniversaries.

From B&B: 1.8 km, about 24 min walk
Hours: Wed–Sun 4:30–8 pm · closed Mon–Tue

✦ Under 200 reviews · Google Maps

Details

Kitchen closes early, so book by 6 pm at the latest.

390 Mary St

Rating and hours: Google Maps, Checked Oct 8, 2026. Menus and prices: next pass.

★ Friday, easy night

The Cannery

★ 4.5 (739)

Steak and grill

Rustic-chic bar and grill in the Pillar and Post hotel.

From B&B: 1.0 km, about 14 min walk

Details

Pillar and Post, 48 John St W

Rating and hours: Google Maps, Checked Oct 8, 2026. Menus and prices: next pass.

★ Other night

Sombra

★ 4.8 (1,904)

Mexican · $30–80

Upscale Mexican with a tequila bar. Opened spring 2026 and already one of the busiest rooms in town.

From B&B: 1.7 km, about 23 min walk

Ask about peanuts in moleBook ahead

Details

Mole sauce often has peanuts. Ask before ordering.

10 Queen St

Rating and hours: Google Maps, Checked Oct 8, 2026. Menus and prices: next pass.

The Irish Harp Pub

★ 4.6 (5,752)

Pub · $20–30

Laid-back pub with live music.

From B&B: 1.6 km, about 21 min walk

Reserve on Google

Details

245 King St

Rating and hours: Google Maps, Checked Oct 8, 2026. Menus and prices: next pass.

Aura on the Lake

★ 4.5 (1,169)

Indian · $30–80

Modern Indian.

From B&B: 1.6 km, about 21 min walk

High risk: cashew-heavy cuisine. Skip.

Details

233 King St

Rating and hours: Google Maps, Checked Oct 8, 2026. Menus and prices: next pass.

The Olde Angel Inn

★ 4.4 (3,024)

English pub

Old-world English pub and inn with a long history.

From B&B: 1.7 km, about 24 min walk

Details

224 Regent St

Rating and hours: Google Maps, Checked Oct 8, 2026. Menus and prices: next pass.

The Garrison House

★ 4.4 (1,302)

Gastropub · $20–70

Casual gastropub with international dishes.

From B&B: 1.7 km, about 23 min walk

Details

111C Garrison Village Dr

Rating and hours: Google Maps, Checked Oct 8, 2026. Menus and prices: next pass.

NOTL Bar & Restaurant

★ 4.6 (730)

Canadian

Canadian menu on the main street.

From B&B: 2.1 km, about 28 min walk

Reserve on Google

Details

126 Queen St

Rating and hours: Google Maps, Checked Oct 8, 2026. Menus and prices: next pass.

Treadwell

★ 4.5 (1,569)

Local Canadian · $100+

Farm-to-table, stylish room. The splurge pick.

From B&B: 2.1 km, about 28 min walk

Book ahead

Details

114 Queen St

Rating and hours: Google Maps, Checked Oct 8, 2026. Menus and prices: next pass.

HOB NOB

★ 4.4 (546)

Fine dining

Elegant dining and wine.

From B&B: 2.1 km, about 28 min walk

Details

209 Queen St

Rating and hours: Google Maps, Checked Oct 8, 2026. Menus and prices: next pass.

11th Post on Queen

★ 4.3 (599)

Restaurant

On the main street.

From B&B: 2.1 km, about 28 min walk

Details

135 Queen St

Rating and hours: Google Maps, Checked Oct 8, 2026. Menus and prices: next pass.

Zees Wine Bar & Grill

★ 4.3 (564)

New Canadian

Refined dining in a hotel.

From B&B: 1.9 km, about 26 min walk

Reserve on Google

Details

92 Picton St

Rating and hours: Google Maps, Checked Oct 8, 2026. Menus and prices: next pass.

Lunch at the wineries

Virgil, St. Davids and the Niagara Stone Rd · drive

Top rated first

Between the Lines

★ 4.8 (1,248)

Winery

Tours, tastings and dining.

Details

991 Four Mile Creek Rd

Rating and hours: Google Maps, Checked Oct 8, 2026. Menus and prices: next pass.

Bella Terra Vineyards

★ 4.7 (611)

Winery

Vineyard views; Pumpkins and Pinot market Sat Oct 24.

Reserve on Google

Details

925 Line 2 Rd

Rating and hours: Google Maps, Checked Oct 8, 2026. Menus and prices: next pass.

Vineland Estates

★ 4.7 (822)

Winery restaurant

Rustic Canadian food with escarpment views. Pair with Prudhomme's antique market.

Reserve on Google

Details

3620 Moyer Rd, Vineland (30 min)

Rating and hours: Google Maps, Checked Oct 8, 2026. Menus and prices: next pass.

Caroline Cellars

★ 4.6 (977)

Winery

Family winery, icewine.

Reserve on Google

Details

1010 Line 2 Rd

Rating and hours: Google Maps, Checked Oct 8, 2026. Menus and prices: next pass.

Ravine Vineyard

★ 4.5 (1,410)

Winery

Rustic setting, patio over the vines.

Reserve on Google

Details

1366 York Rd, St. Davids

Rating and hours: Google Maps, Checked Oct 8, 2026. Menus and prices: next pass.

Trius Winery & Restaurant

★ 4.4 (1,847)

Winery restaurant

Terrace over the vineyards. Michelin Recommended 2026.

Reserve on Google

Details

1249 Niagara Stone Rd

Rating and hours: Google Maps, Checked Oct 8, 2026. Menus and prices: next pass.

The Old Winery

★ 4.4 (2,143)

Italian · $20–70

Tuscan food and pizza in a former winery.

Italian: ask about pistachio

Details

2228 Niagara Stone Rd

Rating and hours: Google Maps, Checked Oct 8, 2026. Menus and prices: next pass.

Kitchen76 at Two Sisters

★ 4.4 (525)

Italian

Vineyard view.

Italian: ask about pistachioReserve on Google

Details

240 John St E

Rating and hours: Google Maps, Checked Oct 8, 2026. Menus and prices: next pass.

Peller Estates

★ 4.3 (2,772)

Winery restaurant

Upscale dining and patio over the vines.

Reserve on Google

Details

290 John St E

Rating and hours: Google Maps, Checked Oct 8, 2026. Menus and prices: next pass.

Breakfast & treats

Bakeries, pie and gelato

Top rated first

Fritters on the Lake

★ 4.9 (642)

Bakery · $1–10

Fritters.

From B&B: 1.6 km, about 21 min walk

Details

217 King St

Rating and hours: Google Maps, Checked Oct 8, 2026. Menus and prices: next pass.

Pür & Simple

★ 4.8 (2,744)

Breakfast · $20–30

Big breakfasts. Join the waitlist online.

Details

290 Glendale Ave, St. Catharines (15 min)

Rating and hours: Google Maps, Checked Oct 8, 2026. Menus and prices: next pass.

Budapest Bakeshop

★ 4.7 (1,092)

Bakery · $10–20

Chimney cakes, including a breakfast version.

From B&B: 2.1 km, about 28 min walk

Details

118 Queen St

Rating and hours: Google Maps, Checked Oct 8, 2026. Menus and prices: next pass.

Nina Gelateria

★ 4.6 (804)

Gelato and pastry

Gelato and croissants.

Pistachio cross-contact risk

Details

37 Queen St

Rating and hours: Google Maps, Checked Oct 8, 2026. Menus and prices: next pass.

The Willow Cakes

★ 4.5 (549)

Bakery · $1–10

Great coffee.

Details

376 Mary St

Rating and hours: Google Maps, Checked Oct 8, 2026. Menus and prices: next pass.

The Pie Plate

★ 4.4 (749)

Bakery café

Homey café known for pies.

Details

1607 Four Mile Creek Rd, Virgil

Rating and hours: Google Maps, Checked Oct 8, 2026. Menus and prices: next pass.

New & hidden gems

Opened in the last 18 months or under 200 reviews

Worth a detour

Scrape

★ 5.0 (500)

Baked potatoes & waffles · $20–30

Loaded baked potatoes, sweet potato waffles and bowls. Locally owned; the highest-rated spot in town on Google.

From B&B: 2.1 km, about 28 min walk
Hours: Closes 7 pm

✦ Found Oct 8 · 5.0 on 500 reviewsWalk-inLunch: closes 7 pm

Details

106 Queen St Unit D

Rating and hours: Google Maps, Checked Oct 8, 2026. Menus and prices: next pass.

Avo and Co.

★ 4.8 (174)

Healthy breakfast and lunch · $20–30

From B&B: 2.1 km, about 28 min walk

✦ Under 200 reviews · Google Maps

Details

106 Queen St, Unit E

Rating and hours: Google Maps, Checked Oct 8, 2026. Menus and prices: next pass.

Le Café Cassis

★ 4.8 (33)

Breakfast bakery · $10–20

Simple, delicious breakfast.

From B&B: 2.1 km, about 28 min walk

✦ Under 200 reviews · Google Maps

Details

135 Queen St, Unit 3

Rating and hours: Google Maps, Checked Oct 8, 2026. Menus and prices: next pass.

Cake Cafe

★ 4.8 (103)

Bakery

✦ Under 200 reviews · Google Maps

Details

1615 Niagara Stone Rd, Virgil

Rating and hours: Google Maps, Checked Oct 8, 2026. Menus and prices: next pass.

Terroir at Strewn

★ 4.7 (147)

Modern French

Winery restaurant; good value on estate wine.

✦ Under 200 reviews · Google MapsReserve on Google

Details

1339 Lakeshore Rd

Rating and hours: Google Maps, Checked Oct 8, 2026. Menus and prices: next pass.

Michelin-listed nearby (2026 guide)

MichelinRestaurant Pearl Morissette3953 Jordan Rd, Jordan Station (25 min) · Two Michelin stars. Very hard to book.MichelinRPM Bakehouse3839 Main St, Jordan · Bib Gourmand. Bakery and café.MichelinLes Incompetents386 St. Paul St, St. Catharines · Bib Gourmand. French, raw bar. Ask re clams.MichelinFat Rabbit34 Geneva St, St. Catharines · Michelin Recommended. Butcher's restaurant.MichelinoddBird52 St. Paul St, St. Catharines · Michelin Recommended.

Tipping & money

Restaurants: 18–20% of the bill before tax is normal; 15% if service was poor. Service is not included, except an automatic charge (often 18%) for groups of 6 or more. Check the bill so you don’t tip twice.
Bars: $1–2 a drink, or about 18% of the tab.
Taxis: about 15%. Uber: 10–15% in the app.
Wine tastings: no tip needed for a counter pour; tip like a restaurant for a seated, served tasting.
B&B: $3–5 a night for housekeeping, left in cash.
Tax: Ontario adds 13% HST to most bills, so menu prices plus tax plus tip is about 1.33× the menu price.

Tipping: Toronto Tourism tipping guide (July 2026). Ratings and hours: Google Maps, Checked Oct 8, 2026. Walking times: Google Maps, from 732 King St.

Antiques, vintage & thrift

Shopping

Bring the van · NOTL first, then St. Catharines

St. Catharines is 20 min away; its St Paul St strip has most of the vintage. Small shops often close Mondays, so plan that run for Fri–Sun. “Check hours” means not yet confirmed for Oct 23–26.

Antiques & flea markets

Furniture, glass, oddities

Lakeshore Antiques & Treasures

★ 4.5 (357)

The area's biggest antique mall: 16 dealers in a former seed warehouse, since 1996.

Where: Niagara-on-the-Lake
Hours: Daily 10–5

Good for furniture

Details

855 Lakeshore Rd

Rating and hours: Google Maps, Checked Oct 8, 2026. Menus and prices: next pass.

Antiques on Creek

★ 4.4 (81)

Well curated, uncluttered, good deals. Furniture, dishes, glassware, jewellery, fabrics, clothing.

Where: Niagara-on-the-Lake
Hours: Fri–Mon 10–5 (Mon may vary)

Details

1579 Four Mile Creek Rd, Virgil

Rating and hours: Google Maps, Checked Oct 8, 2026. Menus and prices: next pass.

Bartlett House of Antiques

★ 4.1 (35)

European fine furniture. Newest review is 4 years old.

Where: Niagara-on-the-Lake
Hours: Google says 10–5

Call 905-468-1880 first

Details

1490 Niagara Stone Rd

Rating and hours: Google Maps, Checked Oct 8, 2026. Menus and prices: next pass.

Niagara Coin & Collectibles

★ 4.5 (61)

Coins, watches, cameras, military items.

Where: Niagara Falls
Hours: Opens 10

Details

4936 Victoria Ave

Rating and hours: Google Maps, Checked Oct 8, 2026. Menus and prices: next pass.

King Of Trade

★ 4.3 (198)

Pawn and resale: tools, electronics, collectibles.

Where: St. Catharines
Hours: Check hours

Details

216 St Paul St

Rating and hours: Google Maps, Checked Oct 8, 2026. Menus and prices: next pass.

Prudhomme's Antique & Vintage Market

★ 4.2 (445)

Three buildings, 12 cabins and an outdoor area.

Where: Vineland (30 min)
Hours: Thu–Sun 10–4:30 · closed Mon

Good for furniture

Details

3125 North Service Rd, Vineland

Rating and hours: Google Maps, Checked Oct 8, 2026. Menus and prices: next pass.

St. Catharines Factory Outlet Flea Market

★ 4.2 (814)

Big indoor flea market. Mix of junk and finds; go early.

Where: St. Catharines
Hours: Sun from 9 (check Fri/Sat)

Good for digging

Details

46 Turner Crescent

Rating and hours: Google Maps, Checked Oct 8, 2026. Menus and prices: next pass.

Old Emporium

★ 4.0 (60)

Curiosities and memorabilia.

Where: Niagara Falls
Hours: Opens 9

Details

4602 Victoria Ave

Rating and hours: Google Maps, Checked Oct 8, 2026. Menus and prices: next pass.

Vintage clothing & records

Mostly St Paul St, St. Catharines

Owl & The Pussycat

★ 4.1 (24)

Women's clothing boutique in the old town. Not strictly vintage.

Where: Niagara-on-the-Lake
Hours: Check hours

Boutique

Details

16 Queen St

Rating and hours: Google Maps, Checked Oct 8, 2026. Menus and prices: next pass.

Out Of The Past

★ 4.6 (170)

Vintage clothing and goods on the main downtown strip.

Where: St. Catharines
Hours: Opens 9

Details

340 St Paul St

Rating and hours: Google Maps, Checked Oct 8, 2026. Menus and prices: next pass.

Glitzy Jools & Antiques

★ 4.5 (55)

Vintage jewellery and antiques by the Port Dalhousie waterfront.

Where: St. Catharines
Hours: Opens 11

Details

50 Lakeport Rd, Port Dalhousie

Rating and hours: Google Maps, Checked Oct 8, 2026. Menus and prices: next pass.

Roly Poly Records & Vintage

★ 4.4 (85)

Records plus vintage, two doors from Out Of The Past.

Where: St. Catharines
Hours: Check hours

Details

314 St Paul St

Rating and hours: Google Maps, Checked Oct 8, 2026. Menus and prices: next pass.

Thrift stores

Charity shops and ReStore

Newark Neighbours

★ 4.5 (85)

Local charity thrift shop in Virgil, next to the antique row.

Where: Niagara-on-the-Lake
Hours: Closes 8 · (905) 468-3519

Closest thrift

Details

1534 Niagara Stone Rd

Rating and hours: Google Maps, Checked Oct 8, 2026. Menus and prices: next pass.

Evergreen Thrift Store

★ 4.9 (242)

Thrift prices, unexpected gems.

Where: Niagara Falls
Hours: Closes 6

Details

5663 Ferry St

Rating and hours: Google Maps, Checked Oct 8, 2026. Menus and prices: next pass.

MCC Thrift

★ 4.5 (330)

Big charity thrift; housewares and clothing.

Where: St. Catharines
Hours: Check hours

Details

254 Grantham Ave

Rating and hours: Google Maps, Checked Oct 8, 2026. Menus and prices: next pass.

Feels Good Thrifting

★ 4.4 (26)

Small curated thrift downtown.

Where: St. Catharines
Hours: Opens 11

Details

2 St Paul St W

Rating and hours: Google Maps, Checked Oct 8, 2026. Menus and prices: next pass.

Mission Thrift

★ 4.3 (211)

Charity thrift.

Where: St. Catharines
Hours: Check hours

Details

184 Scott St

Rating and hours: Google Maps, Checked Oct 8, 2026. Menus and prices: next pass.

Habitat for Humanity ReStore

★ 4.2 (608)

Furniture, lighting, hardware. Good for a van.

Where: St. Catharines
Hours: Check hours

Good for furniture

Details

150 Bunting Rd

Rating and hours: Google Maps, Checked Oct 8, 2026. Menus and prices: next pass.

Salvation Army Thrift Store

★ 4.2 (250)

Chain thrift.

Where: St. Catharines
Hours: Check hours

Details

350 Scott St

Rating and hours: Google Maps, Checked Oct 8, 2026. Menus and prices: next pass.

St Vincent de Paul Store

★ 4.1 (60)

Charity thrift.

Where: St. Catharines
Hours: Check hours

Details

67 Queenston St

Rating and hours: Google Maps, Checked Oct 8, 2026. Menus and prices: next pass.

Queenston Street Exchange

★ 4.1 (40)

Resale shop next to St Vincent de Paul.

Where: St. Catharines
Hours: Check hours

Details

71 Queenston St

Rating and hours: Google Maps, Checked Oct 8, 2026. Menus and prices: next pass.

Plato's Closet

★ 4.0 (549)

Resale clothing chain, younger styles.

Where: St. Catharines
Hours: Check hours

Details

210 Glendale Ave

Rating and hours: Google Maps, Checked Oct 8, 2026. Menus and prices: next pass.

New & hidden gems

Under 200 reviews, or no reviews yet

Coach Stop Antiques

★ 4.2 (23)

Big collection, friendly staff.

Where: Niagara-on-the-Lake
Hours: Opens 10

✦ Under 200 reviews

Details

1511 Niagara Stone Rd

Rating and hours: Google Maps, Checked Oct 8, 2026. Menus and prices: next pass.

Old Towne Antiques

★ 4.7 (15)

Excellent finds.

Where: Niagara-on-the-Lake
Hours: Sat from noon; not open daily

✦ Under 200 reviewsCheck days

Details

130 Niven Rd

Rating and hours: Google Maps, Checked Oct 8, 2026. Menus and prices: next pass.

Pandaya Gallery

★ 4.4 (42)

Curiosities in the old town.

Where: Niagara-on-the-Lake
Hours: Opens 10

✦ Under 200 reviews

Details

91 Queen St

Rating and hours: Google Maps, Checked Oct 8, 2026. Menus and prices: next pass.

Victorian Porch

★ 4.8 (150)

Great finds; they deliver.

Where: St. Catharines
Hours: Opens 10

✦ Under 200 reviewsDelivery

Details

158 Hartzel Rd

Rating and hours: Google Maps, Checked Oct 8, 2026. Menus and prices: next pass.

The Vintage Venture

★ 5.0 (99)

Great selection, fair prices.

Where: Niagara Falls
Hours: Opens 10

✦ Under 200 reviews

Details

6289 Huggins St

Rating and hours: Google Maps, Checked Oct 8, 2026. Menus and prices: next pass.

The White Whale

★ 4.8 (109)

Records, collectibles, oddities. Reviews from this summer.

Where: Niagara Falls
Hours: Opens 11:30

✦ Under 200 reviews

Details

4544 Queen St

Rating and hours: Google Maps, Checked Oct 8, 2026. Menus and prices: next pass.

Pink Bubblegum Vintage Boutique

★ 5.0 (14)

Small vintage clothing boutique downtown.

Where: St. Catharines
Hours: Opens 12:30

✦ Under 200 reviews

Details

148 St Paul St

Rating and hours: Google Maps, Checked Oct 8, 2026. Menus and prices: next pass.

Hook and Thimble

★ 5.0 (8)

Tiny vintage and handmade shop.

Where: St. Catharines
Hours: Opens 11

✦ Under 200 reviews

Details

73 Ontario St #102

Rating and hours: Google Maps, Checked Oct 8, 2026. Menus and prices: next pass.

Studio Shop

★ 5.0 (46)

Curated vintage and design pieces.

Where: St. Catharines
Hours: Opens noon

✦ Under 200 reviews

Details

433A St Paul St

Rating and hours: Google Maps, Checked Oct 8, 2026. Menus and prices: next pass.

Angel Eyes Vintage (booth 79)

★ 5.0 (5)

Vintage booth inside the flea market below.

Where: St. Catharines
Hours: Flea market hours (Sun from 9)

✦ Under 200 reviews

Details

46 Turner Crescent, inside the Factory Outlet Flea Market

Rating and hours: Google Maps, Checked Oct 8, 2026. Menus and prices: next pass.

Vera

New no reviews yet

Vintage dresses in the old town. No reviews yet, so unverified.

Where: Niagara-on-the-Lake
Hours: Check hours

✦ No reviews yetUnverified

Details

7 Queen St

Rating and hours: Google Maps, Checked Oct 8, 2026. Menus and prices: next pass.

The Vintage Store

New no reviews yet

Vintage shop near the White Whale. No reviews yet.

Where: Niagara Falls
Hours: Check hours

✦ No reviews yetUnverified

Details

4578 2nd Ave

Rating and hours: Google Maps, Checked Oct 8, 2026. Menus and prices: next pass.

S'Natique Antiques

★ 5.0 (11)

Small antique shop.

Where: St. Catharines
Hours: Check hours

✦ Under 200 reviewsCheck days

Details

62 Chetwood St

Rating and hours: Google Maps, Checked Oct 8, 2026. Menus and prices: next pass.

Second Glow

★ 4.9 (7)

Small thrift shop.

Where: St. Catharines
Hours: Check hours

✦ Under 200 reviews

Details

110 Lake St

Rating and hours: Google Maps, Checked Oct 8, 2026. Menus and prices: next pass.

Permanently closed (don't go): Lundy's Lane Antique Mall, Retro Mike's. Below 4.0 stars (listed so nothing is missed): Value Village, 360 Ontario St, St. Catharines (3.8, 2,191 reviews); Goodwill Niagara, 228 Glendale Ave (3.7), 495 Welland Ave (3.7), 399 Vansickle Rd (3.8); Great Things, 80 Queen St, NOTL (3.8, gifts more than vintage). Not vintage but worth a look on Queen St: BeauChapeau hat shop, 42 Queen St (4.8, 314).

Things to do

See & do

Events, history, walks and photo spots

On while you’re there

Confirmed for Oct 23–26

Pumpkins and Pinot Market

Event

Free fall market at a winery.

When: Sat Oct 24 · 3–7 pm
Where: Bella Terra Vineyards, 925 Line 2 Rd
Cost: Free
Source: AllEvents · Checked Oct 8, 2026

Seen only on an event listing site; confirm with the winery

Sunday brunch at Queenston Heights

Event

Niagara Parks restaurant on the escarpment above the river, next to Brock's Monument.

When: Sun Oct 25
Where: Queenston Heights Restaurant, 14276 Niagara Pkwy
Cost: Price not listed
Source: Niagara Parks events · Checked Oct 8, 2026

Reserve on Niagara Parks site

'Famous & Infamous' talk

Event

A presentation on colourful characters from local history, in the museum gallery.

When: Mon Oct 26 · 2–3:30 pm
Where: Niagara-on-the-Lake Museum, 43 Castlereagh St
Cost: Price not listed (museum entry $5)
Source: Town of NOTL calendar · Checked Oct 8, 2026

Tickets via the museum site

Not on while you’re there

Shaw Festival: season ends Oct 11, reopens Nov 5. No shows during your trip.
Saturday farmers' market at the Village: season ended Oct 3.
Niagara Parks Haunted Hike: not on your dates.
Mon Oct 26 is Toronto's municipal election day. Vote at advance voting before you go.

History & Jewish heritage

Sites open on your dates, then the story

Sites and hours

Fort George

Site

Rebuilt War of 1812 fort, costumed guides, musket demos.

Hours: Wed–Sun 10–5 through Oct 26 · closed Mon
Cost: Adult $13.25 · last entry 45 min before close
Rating: 4.5 (1,290 Tripadvisor)

Open Fri–Sun

Niagara-on-the-Lake Museum

Site

Local history in a former 1806 school. Monday talk at 2.

Hours: Daily 10–5 (Monday too)
Cost: Adult $5

Open all 4 days

Laura Secord Homestead

Site

Guided tours of her restored house.

Hours: Seasonal May–Oct; daily hours not confirmed
Cost: Adult $10.50
Rating: 4.4

Call 905-262-4851

McFarland House

Site

Pre-1812 house used as a field hospital in the war.

Hours: Seasonal May–Oct; tours every 30 min, last at 4
Cost: Adult $8
Rating: 4.5

Call 905-468-3322

Mackenzie Printery

Site

Newspaper museum with working antique presses.

Hours: Not confirmed

Confirm with Niagara Parks

Niagara Apothecary

Site

1869 pharmacy museum.

Hours: Closed for the season after Thanksgiving

Closed

Brock's Monument & Queenston Heights

Site

Monument and battlefield; Laura Secord statue.

Hours: Grounds always open
Cost: Free
Rating: 4.4

Free

Niagara Baptist Church Burial Ground

Site

Black church burial ground, 1830s–1878.

Hours: Always open
Cost: Free

Free

Polish Soldiers' Burial Plot

Site

25 Blue Army soldiers, 1917–19.

Hours: Always open
Cost: Free
Rating: 4.6 (church)

Free

Moseby affair site (old jail)

Site

Provincial plaque.

Hours: Always open
Cost: Free

Free

St. Mark's Anglican Church

Site

Churchyard with War of 1812-era gravestones.

Hours: Churchyard open
Cost: Free
Rating: 4.8

Congregation B'nai Israel

Site

1925 synagogue, heritage-designated.

Hours: Call to visit

Call 905-685-6767

The story, start to now

Before the town

2 facts

Read

Three Indigenous nations lived here in turn: the Neutral (1400s), the Seneca (late 1600s) and the Mississauga (1700s).
In 1781 the British bought this land from the Mississauga in the Niagara Purchase. The town was founded the same year.

Founding and first capital

4 facts

Read

Founded in 1781 as Butlersburg, after Col. John Butler of Butler's Rangers. Then West Niagara, Newark (1792), Niagara (1798). 'Niagara-on-the-Lake' began as a postal name around 1880 and became official in 1970.
A refuge for Loyalists who fled the United States after the American Revolution.
First capital of Upper Canada (now Ontario). The first parliament met at Navy Hall on Sept 17, 1792. The capital moved to York (Toronto) in 1797 because Newark was right on the border.
The Law Society of Upper Canada first met here in 1797, at Wilson's Hotel.

Slavery and freedom

6 facts

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About 30 Africans were enslaved here from 1782 to 1803, brought by Loyalists. John Butler enslaved brothers Peter and Richard Martin.
Mar 14, 1793: Chloe Cooley fought being sold into New York by Adam Vrooman of Queenston. Peter Martin, a free Black Loyalist, reported it to Lt. Gov. Simcoe.
That led to the Act to Limit Slavery, July 9, 1793: the first law against slavery in the British Empire, though it only phased slavery out. Slavery ended across the Empire in 1834.
Niagara Baptist Church (founded 1829, meeting house 1831) on Mississagua St became mostly Black by the late 1840s. Led 1849–56 by Black minister Francis Lacy; closed 1878. At least 15 people are buried in its burial ground, beside 494 Mississagua St. New provincial plaque 2023.
1837, the Solomon Moseby affair: Moseby had escaped slavery and settled in Niagara. When his enslaver came to take him back, 200+ Black residents camped outside the Niagara jail (near Rye and Cottage streets) and blocked his transfer. Herbert Holmes and Jacob Green were killed. Moseby escaped to England, later returning. The case helped shape Canada's extradition and refugee rules.
The 'coloured village' was roughly south of William St, between King and Butler streets. Louis Ross ran a barbershop, Daniel Waters a livery stable. In the 1870s John Waters became Niagara's first Black town councillor and was re-elected three times. The Daniel Waters and William Stewart houses still stand.

The War of 1812

5 facts

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Fort George was built 1796–99.
May 1813: after a two-day bombardment the Americans took the town and held it for months.
1813: Laura Secord walked about 32 km through American-held land to warn the British of an attack.
December 1813: retreating Americans burned the town to the ground. The British took Fort Niagara on Dec 19.
Battles also at Queenston Heights and St. Davids. Fort Mississauga built 1813–16.

After the war

3 facts

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Rebuilt around Queen and King streets. Most of the old town you walk through dates from this rebuild, which is why it's a National Historic Site (2003).
By the 1840s: a busy port with shipbuilders, two newspapers, a daily steamer to Toronto, big shipments of apples, peaches and cider.
Mississauga Point Lighthouse (1804) was the first lighthouse on the Great Lakes.

The 20th century

6 facts

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1915–16: Niagara Camp trained 37,000 Canadian soldiers.
1917–19: Camp Kościuszko trained 22,395 Polish Americans and about 221 Canadians for the 'Blue Army' (named for its French uniforms), which fought on the Western Front in 1918, then in Poland. 41 died in training, mostly of the 1918 flu; 25 are buried at 41 Byron St (plot restored 2000). Named for Tadeusz Kościuszko; recruitment led by Ignacy Paderewski.
1930s: Fort George rebuilt as a Depression make-work project.
From 1934: Mennonites from Russia settled in Virgil (also called Four Mile Creek, Lawrenceville, 'the Crossroads'). Locust Grove on Hunter Rd: built c. 1782, burned 1812, rebuilt on the same foundation 1820.
1955: World Scout Jamboree, 11,000+ Scouts from 71 countries.
1970: town and township merged. 1996: 'Prettiest Town in Canada.'

Jewish heritage

8 facts

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Niagara-on-the-Lake itself: no record found of a Jewish community, even after a wider search. Jewish life in the region centred on St. Catharines and Niagara Falls. (A 'not found', not proof.)
St. Catharines (20 min): before 1900 the community sometimes needed peddlers from Toronto to make a minyan. Services in Philip Ginsburg's home (Church St), rented rooms on Niagara St, then Richard Nadell's home (31 Geneva St). Jacob Cooperman, born Kiev 1886, hired as prayer leader and teacher by 1902. Formally Chavra B'nai Israel c. 1909, first president R.J. Hoffman.
1917: a Friedman family bequest bought a house at Church and Calvin; mortgage burned at a party in 1919.
Congregation B'nai Israel, 190 Church St, St. Catharines: groundbreaking Sept 1924, opened July 1925, design inspired by a synagogue in Bonn. Landowners wouldn't sell to Jews, so a friend of a member bought the land. One of Canada's oldest standing synagogues; heritage-designated 2024. Still active (Conservative). Office 905-685-6767.
Niagara Falls (20 min): first Jewish resident on record 1901 (Harry Vanpragg). Myer Salit arrived 1905 after getting lost there with a borrowed horse and buggy; founded Salit Steel, still running. Jacob Rosberg sold work clothes to men building the Queenston hydro plant, then ran Rosberg's at Queen St and Erie Ave, 1918–1988. His granddaughter Susie Rosberg Okun is Barbara Frum's sister. Eddie and Brian Greenspan grew up in the community.
Congregation B'nai Jacob ('Sons of Jacob'), Ferry St (5328), built 1934–37, peaked at 80–90 families in the 1960s. Merged 1999 with St. Catharines' Temple Tikvah to become B'nai Tikvah. One Torah, from the 1840s, is one of about 11 in Canada from a set of ~1,500 the Nazis gathered, later repaired in London; read only on Yom HaShoah. Building sold c. 2020–21.
Jewish cemetery: a separate section of Lundy's Lane Cemetery, Stamford, bought 1957 by Leslie Weiss and Philip Zuker, split from the rest by a road to meet Jewish law ('B'nai Jacob Cemetery'). Mary Rosberg is buried there. Six synagogue windows and the memorial plaques were planned for a Holocaust memorial here; ask B'nai Israel whether it's built.
Across the river, Niagara Falls NY: Temple Beth El (Reform), founded 1864, building at 720 Ashland Ave from 1915, still active.

Walks and hikes

Fall colour in the gorge

Niagara Glen Trail

Walk

Down into the gorge forest. Best fall colour.

Details: AllTrails 4.8 · 2.6 km loop · moderate · ~47 min

Niagara Glen & Whirlpool full loop

Walk

Longer loop to the whirlpool.

Details: AllTrails 4.8 · 5.6 km · moderate

Niagara River Recreation Trail

Walk

Long walk or bike ride beside the river.

Details: AllTrails 4.5 · paved, flat

Queenston via the Bruce Trail

Walk

Southern start of the Bruce Trail.

Details: AllTrails 4.5 · 8.9 km · moderate

Woodend Conservation Area

Walk

Escarpment loop.

Details: AllTrails 4.5 · 2.1 km loop · easy

Devil's Hole / Gorge Rim (US side)

Walk

Needs passports and a border crossing.

Details: AllTrails 4.6–4.7

Hidden gems

Small, odd and worth a stop

The Name Tree

Gem

Tripadvisor 4.6 (13)

Redan Battery

Gem

War of 1812 gun battery site.

Details: 4.6 (5)

Six Nations and Native Allies Memorial

Gem

Honours Indigenous fighters of 1812.

Details: 4.5 (6)

Niagara River range lighthouses

Gem

3.7 (10)

Living Water Wayside Chapel

Gem

Tiny roadside chapel.

Details: 4.2

Niagara College Teaching Winery, Brewery & Distillery

Gem

Run by students.

Details: 4.5 (289)

Niagara Oast House Brewers

Gem

Farmhouse brewery in a red barn.

Walker's Country Market

Gem

Farm stand and bakery.

Details: 4.5 (184)

Photo spots

Best light: late afternoon

Queen's Royal Park gazebo

Photo

Sunset over the river and Fort Niagara.

Niagara Parkway drive

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Fall colour, river views.

Two Sisters / Peller vineyards

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Vines and gardens.

Fort George walls

Photo

Queen St clock tower

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WWI memorial clock tower.

Low priority: Floral Clock (3.8; flowers may be gone), Kurtz Orchards (3.6), ginseng centre (3.8). Events and hours: official pages and Google Maps, Checked Oct 8, 2026. Trails: AllTrails.

Safety

Emergency numbers and the nearest hospitals.

Safety & emergencies

911Police 911Ambulance 911Fire

Not an emergency

905-688-4111Niagara PoliceNon-emergency line 811Health811Ontario nurse line, 24/7

Nearest emergency departments (24 h)

Niagara Falls Hospital, 5546 Portage Rd, Niagara Falls. About 26 min drive from the B&B. Directions ›
Marotta Family Hospital (St. Catharines), 1200 Fourth Ave. About 31 min drive. Directions ›
Niagara-on-the-Lake has no emergency department. For anything serious, call 911 rather than driving.

Checked Oct 8, 2026: Niagara Regional Police contact page, Niagara Health emergency and urgent care page, Google Maps drive times.