A Traveler’s Reprieve in Niagara-on-the-Lake

…helping you explore & experience Niagara!

BOOK DIRECT (ON OUR WEBSITE OR CALL US) AND SAVE SUBSTANTIALLY!

If your heart beats faster each time you pack your bag to discover new and exciting sights, then Explorer House is your ideal lodging choice! This modern home-turned boutique bed and breakfast was built with guests’ needs in mind, and reflects the owners’ love of global travel. Inside you’ll find luxuriously comfortable accommodations for your explorations of the Niagara Region.

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Each of our beautiful guest suites is uniquely decorated with a global décor. All are lavishly appointed and include luxurious amenities, use of common areas and a delicious breakfast each morning.

Experience Niagara from our peaceful and beautifully landscaped location on a quiet cul-de-sac near parklands, just a 15-minute walk from Queen Street. Explore the Old Town area with its 19th-century charm; take a carriage ride through the beautiful streets of town or marvel at our town’s beauty by foot, as you duck into the specialty shops, galleries, pubs and restaurants throughout town. Nearby visit the oldest golf course in North America, historic sites, biking/walking trails, wineries and the famous Shaw Theatre Festival; all can be reached via a short walk, bike or car ride. Then return to a quite oasis in our beautiful backyard, which includes a fire-pit-table sitting area, gazebo and hot-tub.

There is so much to explore and experience in the Niagara Region. Let Explorer House host your southern Ontario travels!

Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake License #006-2020

“The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page” – Saint Augustine of Hippo.

                                          EXPLORER HOUSE HAS BEEN AWARDED
                                                    2023 TRAVELERS’ CHOICE
Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice 2023 Award
 
Explorer House has been awarded the 2023 Travelers’ Choice Award. Every year, Tripadvisor recognizes businesses that have demonstrated a commitment to hospitality excellence with a Travelers’ Choice Award. The award celebrates businesses that have received great traveler reviews from travelers around the globe on Tripadvisor over the last 12 months. Explorer House has consistently achieved the Traveler’s Choice Award since opening in 2014.
 
Thank you to all of our guests who have taken the time to write wonderful reviews, we couldn’t have done it with out you! 
 

 

 

Upcoming Explorations:

Keep checking in here to see the latest in happenings in Niagara-on-the-Lake. There is always lots to do in Niagara-on-the-Lake.

And if you feel like just relaxing you can enjoy our lovely guest sitting area with Adirondack/Muskoka chairs & firepit table, or the gazebo and/or the hot tub…all available for our guests. So don’t forget to bring along your swimsuit! Come explore with Explorer House, book your travel now!

NOTL Update:

Here is a quick link to many upcoming events. Niagara on the Lake Information.

Winery Tours & Tastings! Please note many wineries are requiring reservations so we recommend booking in advance. Wineries of Niagara-on-the-Lake provides a listing of many wineries but you will also find a list of many others on the “Explore Niagara” tab of this website. Also, here is a handy list of many wineries and their current offerings. Interested in learning more about wine in Niagara? Check out Rick VanSickle’s “Wines in Niagara” website. Also, if you’re a frequent visitor to Niagara-on-the-Lake, may we suggest the Winemakers’ Selections Tasting Pass, which entitles you to one tasting of a Winemaker’s Selection wine at each winery any Monday through Friday throughout the year.

Shaw Festival’s 2023 season is here and it runs now until Dec. 23, 2023. The 2023 line up includes: Gypsy, Blithe Spirt, The Amen Corner, Prince Caspian, On The Razzel, Village Wooing, A Shadow of a Doubt, The Playboy of the Western World, The Apple Cart, The Clearing & much more! Shaw also have a number of outdoor performances including the newest addition, The Shaw’s own Spiegeltent. This is a large historic tent, that they have brought over from Europe that was constructed at the turn of the century from exotic wood and canvas and decorated with mirrors and stained glass – a cabaret-style venue and an attraction in its own right. 

It’s never to early to book your tee time! You can secure your tee time for any day this season (starting April 21, 2023) at one of Niagara Parks Championship Golf Courses – book here. Membership is not required – simply choose your course, book your tee time and golf. 

At the Niagara Parks Power Station guests will experience a multi-sensory daytime experience and the once dormant station come to life through an immersive sight & sound show in the evenings! This immersive experience features incredible 3D projection, interactive moments of wonder, and a breathtaking musical score in the heart of the power station. Also don’t miss the Tunnel, descend 180 feet beneath the historic Niagara Parks Power Station to discover the 2,200-foot-long tunnel that lies under Niagara’s cathedral of power.

New this year – free walking tour of Niagara-on-the-Lake. Tours leave the Courthouse on Queen St. daily at 10am & 3pm and are 1.5 hours long. They are locally guided tours through the Historic Olde Town and they go rain or shine. It is highly recommend to reserve your tour- specifically from May to October as tour spots are limited.  

The First Ontario Performing Arts Center in St. Catharines has a number of concerts, shows and other events. Check out their listing for events!
 
Music Niagara Festival celebrates its’ 25th anniversary season this year. It will present live performances not only of classical music, but a great variety of genres, including jazz, reggae, Celtic, choral & spoken word. Concerts are scheduled mid June to end of  Aug., 2023.
 
Jet Boat Season is here, they are now opened for the 2023 season! You can book your reservation now for both wet or dry jet boat tours – we have discount coupons, just ask us for them.
 
Handmade Market returns to 13th Street Winery on June 2 & 3, 2023 and June 9 &10, 2023. Shop handmade with 1000s of one-of-a-kind Canadian-made artisan products. This event will be held over two weekends with 100 artisans each weekend plus food trucks, music, wine and butter tarts! Tickets must be purchased in advance (open for sale on May 1st on the Handmade Market’s website).
 
White Effect Dinner takes place on June 9, 2023. This year, this lavish chic all-white picnic will take place on the sun-drenched grounds of Peller Estates Winery. The grape vines in full bloom will be the backdrop for 800 guests, all finely dressed in stunning white attire. The live band will have you dancing until the sky lights up with fireworks to end the evening.
 
From June 9 to Sept.15, 2023 the Summer Concert Series returns to Jackson-Triggs Winery Estate. With a wide variety of entertainers there is something for everyone but tickets do sell out, so get yours soon!
 
The annual Strawberry Festival returns June 17, 2023. Come & enjoy everything strawberry!
 
The TD Tailgate Party returns to NOTL this year on June 17, 2023. For just $125 + fees, your all-inclusive ticket includes an evening of premium VQA wine, live entertainment, and culinary fare inspired by all your summer favourites – from wood-fired pizza to BBQ classics. Tickets are now on sale!
 
RiverBrink Museum will hold its first juried Art Show on the museum grounds on June 17 & 18, 2023. There will be food trucks & music as well. More details to come!
 
Shaw Guild Garden Tour returns on June 24, 2023. There’s no better time to think about a beautiful garden tour than during the winter season! Warmer temperatures and spectacular flowers will be here before you know it.
 
On June 24 & 25, 2023 to commemorate the First World War, Parks Canada and re-enactors from all across North America will bring Fort George National Historic Site back to its Camp Niagara roots with “Fort George in the Great War“. This will include displays and demonstrations happening throughout the two days honouring those who fought in the “war to end all wars”. 
 
Numerous Canada Day celebrations, July 1, 2023, will take place in NOTL. Don’t miss out on all the fun! From a cake walk to live entertainment and fireworks there is something for everyone! Events are taking place all weekend long.
 
Artistry by the Lake returns on July 1-3, 2023.The Niagara-on-the-Lake Chamber of Commerce presents a juried show of over 80 artists and artisans. The show takes place in scenic Queen’s Royal Park overlooking the mouth of the Niagara River and Lake Ontario. Free Admission.
 
The Cherry Festival returns again this year on July 8, 2023. It is held annually on the grounds of the at St. Mark’s Church. It is an annual favourite for parishioners, local residents, and visitors alike. More details to follow.
 
A Battle of Fort George War of 1812 Re-enactment will take place on July 15 & 16, 2023. This will commemorate 210th Anniversary of the Battle of Fort George. Re-enactors from all over North America will descend upon Fort George as they re-enact one of the pivotal events in Niagara during the War of 1812. Battle re-enactments will be scheduled throughout the weekend. 1812 programming including musket firings, cannon firings, music presentations and more will be happening both days inside the imposing walls of Fort George.
 
On Aug. 12, 2023 the Peach Festival makes its return to Queen Street with live music, displays, vendors, food and more, it is a favourite for many! More details to follow.
 
Sip, Savour & Stroll also happens on Aug.12, 2023. Tickets go quickly for this popular event (on sale on May 15, 2023)! Enjoy delicious hot and cold hors d’oeuvres, local Niagara wines and fun activities in two fabulous private gardens in beautiful Niagara-on-the-Lake. This followed by the Shades of Summer Dinner on Aug.13, 2023.
 
Fife & Drum Muster & Soldiers’ Field Day will take place on Aug. 19 & 20, 2023. Fife and drum corps and infantry units converge on Fort George National Historic Site, showcasing the military music and drills of the early 19th century. This weekend-long event has become an annual tradition at Fort George, and is packed with firing demonstrations, music and entertainment. 
 
The inaugural Niagara Irish Festival will take place on Aug. 25 & 26, 2023. This two day Irish Festival will be held at Firemen’s Park in Niagara Falls. The Festival is presented by Irish Music Niagara.
 
Also find us and the latest happenings at Explorer House, along with tips on what to do while visiting us on our Facebook page.