Explore Niagara-on-the-Lake and the Niagara Region

Some say that Niagara-on-the-Lake is the “loveliest town in Ontario,” and we tend to agree! The beauty of Old Town, the picturesque views along the Niagara River and Lake Ontario, our many area parks, the famous Shaw Festival Theatre and our friendly residents make this a definite highlight in southern Ontario. When you stay at Explorer House, you are within mere kilometers of several award-winning wineries, mere minutes from western New York and less than 30 minutes from Niagara Falls.

Did you know that Niagara-on-the-Lake:

  •  Was originally known as Butlersburg, named after Colonel John Butler, and in 1781 the town got its official status and became known as Newark. Its third name change came in 1798 when it was called Niagara and was named as the first capital of Upper Canada. The town was once again renamed in the 1880s, this time to what it remains today: Niagara-on-the-Lake.
  • Was home to many “firsts” in Ontario: the first newspaper, first lending library, first historical museum and first provincial parliament.
  • Served as a stop on the Underground Railroad.
  • Had its historic district designated as a National Historic Site of Canada in 2003.
  • Is home to McFarland House: is the oldest surviving building in Niagara-on-the-Lake, which was used as a hospital and Officers’ Quarters during the War of 1812.

Links to help you experience & explore Niagara-on-the-Lake:

Festivals  [Read Details…]

Dining: Please note, we highly recommend making reservations well in advance.  [Read Details…]

Snacks/Treats/Shopping  [Read Details…]

Wineries  [Read Details…]

Craft Cideries [Read Details…]

Guided Tours [Read Details…]

Spas [Read Details…]

Historic Attractions [Read Details…]

Attractions [Read Details…]

Golf [Read Details…]

Hikes [Read Details…]

NOTL Parks [Read Details…]

Transportation [Read Details…]

Niagara-on-the-Lake General Info [Read Details…]