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

…helping you explore & experience Niagara!

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 wooded neighborhood location on a quiet cul-de-sac near parklands, just a 15-minute walk from town. 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 Festival Theatre; all can be reached via a short car or bike ride.

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

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 summer travels now!

Next Up:

The 2017 season of the Shaw Festival is now on sale. Shows includes Dracula, Me & My Girl, The Madness of King George, Dancing at Lughnasa, and more! Don’t miss out!

Niagara’s “Original SupperMarket”  invites locals and visitors to a weekly community gathering, featuring 20+ food trucks and food vendors, local beer, wine, cider and local entertainment.  For a true taste of Niagara, come join the fun! Join us on Wednesday nights from  May 24th to September 20th, 2017 for this fun-filled free event.

Trius Winery will be offering “Trius Red Presents” Movie Nights in June & July.

Music Niagara events kick of June 3, 2017. Numerous events happening all summer long!

Guided Historical Walking tours, offered by the Niagara Historical Museum, take place every Saturday & Sunday at 11 am beginning at the gazebo in Queen’s Royal Park starting June 3, 2017.  Tickets are $10 and include Museum admission.

Jackson Triggs Winery has a great line up of concerts again this year from June to September 2017, we are a short walk to the concert venue. They offer a intimate outdoor amphitheatre with an unsurpassed combination of renowned Canadian talent. The line up includes:

  • City and Colour – July 1
  • Alan Doyle & the Beautiful Gypsies – July 4, 6, 7
  • Chantal Kreviazuk – July 8 & 9
  • Matt Andersen – July 14
  • Dan Mangan & Hannah Georgas- July 15
  • Gorden Lightfoot – July 21
  • Whitehorse – July 22
  • The Trews Acoustic – August 11
  • Rheostatics – August 12
  • The Sheepdogs – August 18
  • Rootstock – August 19
  • Blackie & the Rodeo Kings – August 23
  • Bahamas – August 26
  • The Jim Cuddy Band – September 7 & 8

Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake kicks off its Celebration of Canada’s 150th Birthday weekend on June 30, 2017 from 4:30pm-10pm, with the “June 30 Event” which includes live music, various activities and fireworks at 10pm.

Niagara-on-the-Lake was originally called Newark and was the first capital of Upper Canada. What a better place to be than the original capital of Canada to celebrate Canada’s 150th Birthday. It is sure to be a big party, so come join in the celebrations on July 1, 2017 both in NOTL & Niagara.

Artistry by the Lake happens again this year from July 1-3, 2017, open each day from 10am-5pm with free admission. Come see a variety of artists showcasing paintings, fibre arts, jewellery, sculptures, photography, pottery, glass, wood and more.This juried show takes place in picturesque Queen’s Royal Park, overlooking the mouth of the Niagara River and Lake Ontario.

 The Tall Ship Regatta also takes place over the July 1st long weekend. They arrive on July 3, 2017 and will be open to the public on July 4 & 5, 2017 before departing on July 6, 2017.  
 
Enjoy cherries? On July 9, 2017 St. Mark’s Church will host the Cherry Festival from 9am-3pm.
 
NOTL Horticultural Society will host their 26th annual garden tour on July 8, 2017. It will be extra special as it is an opportunity to celebrate the Society’s 100th anniversary and Canada’s 150th.
 
Also on July 8 & 9, 2017 The Battle of Fort George Re-enactment will take place when Fort George commemorate the 204th 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 Fort George.
 
Trius Red Presents Rock at the Winery on July 15, 2017 with Niagara’s Best Classic Rock Tribute Party featuring The Beatles – Abbey Road from Classic Albums Live! Then on August 12, 2017 Trius Red Presents the annual Blues at the Winery All guaranteed to be fun events!
 
The TD Niagara Jazz Festival will take place July 28-30, 2017 for the 4th annual festival, which will include an incredible lineup of musical talent at stunning venues from the wine vineyards of Niagara-on-the-Lake to the Performing Arts Centre in St. Catharines.
 
Are you looking for delicious ribs & great music? Well then you need to check out the St. Catharines Rotary Ribfest at Montebello Park in St. Catharines. The festival takes place Aug. 4-7, 2017. Admission to the park is free and there is continuous live music.
 
The Annual Peach Festival takes place August 12 & 13, 2017 on Niagara-on-the-Lake’s historic Queen Street. Enjoy fresh peaches, peach pies, ice cream, jam and many other peach related treats, surrounded by live entertainment and music. The evening brings a live Salsa band, culinary offerings, wines and local craft beer. Sunday, the peach focus moves to St Vincent de Paul Church, with entertainment, delicious peaches and, of course, peach pies!
 
 Peller Wine Country Fare is back again this year on August 26, 2017.
 
The Niagara Grape & Wine Festival offers over 100 events including cellar door experiences, concerts, fresh local food, street parades and more. The festival runs from Sept. 8-24, 2017. The Discovery Pass program will run: September 9-10, 16-17, 23-24, 2017.
 
In addition to being Canada’s 150th it is also the 225th anniversary of Ontario’s 1st Parliament which was held here in NOTL. To commemorate, their will be celebrations at Fort George on Sept. 17, 2017. 
 
Canadian Forces Snowbirds perform at Niagara Airport on Sept. 20, 2017 at 11am.
 
Join the Friends of Fort George and Parks Canada on October 7- 8, 2017 as they commemorate the 205th anniversary of the Battle of Queenston Heights and the death of Major General Sir Isaac Brock. Brock’s Monument National Historic Site will be open from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm all weekend. The Monument stairs will also be open for climbing. Venture up the 235 steps to the top of Brock’s Monument and enjoy the scenic view of Queenston Heights and the Niagara River. Commemorative tours of the battle site at 11:00 am, 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm on both Saturday and Sunday. 
 
Looking for something different to do in Niagara? The Watering Can is offering the “Vineyard Collection” of workshops hosted by some of Niagara regions’ finest wineries. This fun concept allows you to create a beautiful floral design while enjoying one of the 15 wineries partnered with. Explore the world of floral design, fine wine, paired with various fare…a perfect winning combination.
 
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. 
 
Can’t make to NOTL this summer? Why not consider a winter visit…A Christmas Carol comes to The Shaw from November 15 – December 23, 2017.
 
Also find us and the latest happenings at Explorer House, along with tips on what to do while visiting us on our Facebook page