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

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 19^th-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!

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

If for some reason you’re delaying on acting on your wanderlust, remember that travel can be one of the most life-changing experiences…. not all of us can travel the whole globe, but just making travel a priority—even to a new place a day’s drive away—can be eye-opening. – Mark Twain

EXPLORER HOUSE WINS 2018 TRIPADVISOR TRAVELERS’ CHOICE AWARD

 

Explorer House has been awarded TripAdvisor 2018 Top 25 B&Bs and Inns in Canada. This “Travelers’ Choice” award is the highest honor TripAdvisor can award. The hallmarks of the Travelers’ Choice Awards are remarkable service, value, and quality. 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!

Next Up:

The 2019 season of the Shaw Festival runs from April 10 to Oct. 20, 2019. The shows this year include: The Horse and His Boy, Brigadoon, The Ladykillers, Cyrano de Bergerac, The Glass Menagerie, Man and Superman with Don Juan in Hell and many more – 11 plays in total for the regular season. Then the Christmas holiday season, Nov. 13 to Dec. 22, 2019, offers you two Christmas shows this year. The classic Charles Dickens A Christmas Carol returns again and new for 2019 is Irving Berlin’s Holiday Inn.

Shaw is offering a Festival Film Series this winter through January & February, 2019. Films are Saturdays at 3pm. Doors open at 1:30pm. 

The Niagara Icewine Festival takes place from Jan. 11-27, 2019.  Stay tuned for more details as they become available. On Saturday & Sundays (Jan. 19/20 and Jan. 26/27) Niagara-on-the-Lake’s historic Queen Street transforms into a winter wonderland as the town comes together to play their part in wine country’s annual Icewine celebration with culinary creations, music, shopping and sparkling ice sculptures. 

 

On Friday, Jan. 18, 2019 an evening of Sparkle & Ice will take place in a celebration with Niagara-on-the-Lake Icewine makers and their VQA wines, reds ,whites and sparklings are paired with inspired tastings. There will be live entertainment and an icewine bar outside and fireworks under the winter sky. 

 

Jan. 23-26, 2019 brings the annual Ice Breakers Comedy Festival back to Niagara-on-the-Lake with 4 venues, 5 shows and 21 comedians. Tickets now on sale!

 

White on Ice takes place Friday, Jan. 25, 2019 from 7-10pm. An outdoor dinner with delicious VQA wines and mouthwatering cuisine from the Signature Kitchen Chefs. Located in a heated tent on Queen St right in the heart of the Heritage District. This will be a night to remember with live musical entertainment and dancing under the Winter sky!

 

Days of Wine & Chocolate returns in February, 2019. Explore the decadently sweet and savoury art of wine and chocolate pairing. Taste over 20 VQA wines matched with chocolate-infused dishes – from classically sweet flavour combinations to unexpected surprises. A romantic celebration for two or a great reason for a girls’ getaway weekend!

 

Looking for something romantic for Valentines? The Oscar Peterson Jazz Festival (OPIJF) runs Feb. 15-17, 2019. The OPIJF, one of Canada’s most anticipated winter music events, is named for the internationally renowned Canadian jazz giant. It was created to present the essence of jazz and the sound of swing.

 

Feb. 21-28, 2019 brings Fabulicious back to NOTL. Enjoy a marvelous culinary experience – at some of Niagara-on-the-Lake’s finest restaurants – 3 course meals at amazing prices!

 

The weekly Wednesday night Supper Market returns in May 2019 and run until Sept. 2019. It is always guaranteed to be a fun evening with numerous food vendors, music, wine & beer.

The Handmade Market returns in May 2019 at 13th Street Winery. 140 Artisans, food trucks, wine by the glass and much more.

Fort George kicks off the spring & summer season with the War of 1812 Re-enactment on May 18, 2019 and Fort George Mystery Night on May 24, 2019, it’s Murder most un-FORT-unate at Fort George! Major Blue is looking for some keen detectives to help uncover a murderer in a classic “who done it?” with an historical twist!

 

The 14th Annual Shaw Guild Garden Tour returns June 8, 2019 from 10-4pm. The tour features eight beautiful residential gardens in Niagara-On-The-Lake.

 

The White Effect Dinner will take place this year on June 13, 2019. You can view a video of last years event here. More details will be released soon.

 

The best way to kick off the summer is with a tailgate party in the vineyard and a warm Niagara welcome! June 15-23, 2019 sees the Niagara Homegrown Wine Festival return including the TD Tailgate Party. Join over 30 Niagara wineries for the TD Tailgate Party June 22, 2019 – one amazing night featuring VQA wines, fresh produce and farm-to-table favourites. It is one of the most unique wine and food events with fabulous entertainment, a truly Canadian experience!

In order to help you plan your stay with us here are some other upcoming events for 2019. More details (as well as other events) will be posted as they come available.

– June 22, 2019 – Strawberry Festival

– June 22-23, 2019 – Fort George in the Great War 

– June 29 – July 1, 2019 – Artistry By The Lake

– July 1, 2019 – Canada Day with numerous events & fireworks

– July 6, 2019 – Cherry Festival

– July 13-14, 2019 – Battle of Fort George War of 1812 Re-enactment

– Aug. 10-11, 2019 – Peach Festival

– Aug. 11, 2019 – Shades of Summer Dinner

– Sept. 14-29, 2019 – Niagara Wine Festival

– Dec. 6-7, 2019 – Annual Rotary House Tour

– Dec. 6, 2019 – Candle Light Stroll

– Dec. 14, 2019 – Christmas Parade

 

The Niagara Historical Society will offer guided historical tours of the Old Town every Saturday and Sunday from June to September, 2019. Tours start at 11:00 am at the Queen’s Royal Park Gazebo and the cost is only $10. 

 

Visiting us Monday to Friday? New last year, Konzelmann Winery offers an Lakefront Lunch & Winery Experience starting at noon Monday to Friday and a Blind Tasting Experience at 2pm also Monday to Friday.

 

Perhaps a cooking class is more your style. Wine Country (at Strewn Winery) offer Saturday cooking classes from 10am-3pm. They also offer a number of other food & wine classes. 

 

Also find us and the latest happenings at Explorer House, along with tips on what to do while visiting us on our Facebook page