Curator’s statement
Since relocating to the Niagara region in 2021, I’ve had the privilege of deeply exploring the vibrant culinary and winemaking landscape right in my own backyard. Beyond the world-famous falls lies an incredible, refined tapestry of historic charm, estate wineries, and exceptional farm-to-table dining in Niagara-on-the-Lake. I created this guide to share the boutique, intimate side of Niagara that keeps us falling in love with it week after week.
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Things to do in Niagara-on-the-Lake
Wine tasting with bruschetta overlooking the vineyards at Peller Estates.
Wine tasting & vineyard tours at Peller Estates Winery
Experience one of Niagara’s premier full-scale estate wineries with immersive guided vineyard tours and tastings.
Local tip: They provide cozy parkas at the door before you step into their 10Below Icewine Lounge, built from 30,000 kilos of ice to sip liquid gold (Icewine). It’s an unforgettable sensory experience best done right before an early dinner reservation.
Craft cocktails & beer at Wayne Gretzky Estates
A vibrant, modern estate where premium winemaking meets craft distilling and brewing all in one high-energy venue.
Local tip: You can skip the formal tasting and head straight to the backyard patio for a craft whisky cocktail or a local beer by the water (or the ice rink in the winter!).
Luxury hydrotherapy spa day at 124 on Queen
Indulge in a relaxing wellness retreat at the region’s premier hydrotherapy circuit spa.
Local tip: Alternate between the hot thermal pools, cold plunges, and eucalyptus steam rooms for the ultimate rejuvenating pause between winery days.
Catch a live performance at the Shaw Festival Theatre
A cornerstone of Niagara-on-the-Lake’s cultural scene, offering world-class theatrical productions across its flagship Festival Theatre and historic Royal George Theatre in Old Town. It’s the ultimate evening activity for arts lovers seeking world-caliber live theater.
Local tip: Grab a fresh gelato from Gelato Di Carlotta on Queen Street 45 minutes before showtime and take a stroll through the manicured grounds of the Festival Theatre before heading inside.
Stroll & shop along historic Queen Street in Old Town
Wander through lush, flower-lined streets filled with 19th-century Victorian architecture, boutique shops, artisan bakeries, and local gelaterias. It’s a quintessential small-town stroll that captures the nostalgic elegance of the region.
Local tip: Pop into Greaves Jams and Marmalades for locally made peach jams to bring home as a souvenir.
Scenic cycling along the Niagara Parkway
Rent an e-bike or cruiser bike to ride along Sir Winston Churchill’s “prettiest Sunday afternoon drive in the world.” The paved trail weaves alongside the Niagara River, connecting historic forts, orchards, and boutique wineries with breathtaking river views.
Local tip: Ride south along the paved trail, stopping at boutique farm stands and historic river overlooks, before pulling into a winery patio for a mid-ride glass of sparkling wine.
Places to eat & drink in Niagara-on-the-Lake
Rustic-chic dining ambiance in the heart of Niagara wine country
Treadwell Cuisine
A benchmark for farm-to-table dining in Niagara, Treadwell offers seasonal, locally sourced menus paired with an extraordinary selection of regional wines. Its bustling open kitchen and charming patio on Queen Street make it a must-visit for foodies.
What to order: Sit on the lively Queen Street patio and order the pan-seared foie gras or the line-caught BC sockeye salmon paired with a glass of local gamay noir.
The Winery Restaurant at Peller Estates
An elevated culinary experience where Executive Chef Jason Parsons crafts fine-dining dishes designed specifically to complement Peller’s award-winning vintages.
What to order: Treat yourself to the multi-course tasting menu paired with signature vintages, and don’t miss their iconic icewine lobster linguine while taking in sweeping vineyard views.
Ravine Vineyard Estate Winery (The Restaurant)
Set on a historic 34-acre farm, Ravine serves cozy, organic farm-to-table cuisine with an emphasis on house-cured meats, wood-fired pizzas, and garden-fresh ingredients. It delivers an unpretentious, warm, and distinctly authentic wine country atmosphere.
What to order: Grab lunch under the covered porch and order their famous charcuterie board featuring house-cured meats and preserves made from crops grown right on the property.
Trius Winery & Restaurant
Chef Frank Dodd blends classic French techniques with local Canadian ingredients in a sleek, modern dining room.
What to order: Go for the chef’s tasting menu—their Lake Erie freshwater pickerel filet with a Trius brut is an amazing pairing.
Kitchen76 at Two Sisters Vineyards
A stunning Italian-inspired restaurant featuring rustic dishes like fresh hand-rolled pasta, wood-fired pizzas, and rich braised meats.
What to order: Request a table on the grand veranda overlooking the pristine, Tuscan-style vineyard rows. Order the rigatoni bolognese or their wood-fired margherita pizza (on their lunch menu) paired with their estate cabernet franc.
The Irish Harp Pub
For a cozy, casual change of pace in Old Town, this authentic Irish pub features timber beams, warm fireplaces, and classic comfort fare.
What to order: It’s my favorite spot for a pint of local craft ale and a piping-hot shepherd’s pie after a full day of wine tasting.
Need to know
Book dining & tastings early: Top estate restaurants (like Treadwell and Kitchen76) and reserve tasting experiences fill up weeks ahead, especially on weekends between June and October.
Rent an e-bike for the parkway: Cycling along the scenic, paved Niagara Parkway is the absolute best way to hop between wineries safely while taking in the river views.
Try icewine the right way: Niagara is world-famous for its icewine—be sure to try a flight paired with savory cheeses or visit the aforementioned 10Below Lounge at Peller Estates.
Consider mid-week visits: Visiting Tuesday through Thursday offers a quieter, more intimate feel where winemakers often step into the tasting rooms to chat with guests directly.
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Richel Wilson-Morris
Richel Wilson-Morris
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