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 #045-2024

“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. Did you know Niagara-on-the-Lake has been rated in the top destinations of the world by TripAdvisor? Come find out why!

Winery Tours & Tastings! Now until end of March we have free wine tasting passes to Peller, Trius & Wayne Gretzky Wineries and 2 for 1 passes for Bella Terra & Chateau des Charmes just ask us for the details! Please note many wineries are requiring reservations so we recommend booking in advance. Looking for a guided tour, Brewery & Distillery Tours has numerous options, ask us for a code to save $10 off per person (if you want to book a e-bike with them we can also save you $10 per bike). 

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. 

Tickets are on sale for the 2024 Shaw Festival! Shows start April 6, 2024. In addition to the normal venues there are also a number of outdoor performances including performances at The Shaw’s Spiegeltent. This large historic tent is not to be missed! It was brought over from Europe and 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. Shows this year include: My Fair Lady, One Man, Two Guvnors, Sherlock Holmes and the Mystery of the Human Heart, Witness for the Prosecution, The Secret Garden, The Orphan of Chao, Candida, The House That Will Not Stand, Snow in Midsummer, Kabarett, Cotton Club, and A Christmas Carol. 

The ultimate winter adventure awaits with the Niagara Falls Wonder Pass! package includes admission to five of Niagara Parks’ most beloved attractions, including Journey Behind the Falls, the Niagara Parks Power Station + TunnelButterfly ConservatoryFloral Showhouse and Niagara’s Fury

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.

The First Ontario Performing Arts Center in St. Catharines has a number of concerts, shows and other events. Check out their listing for events!
 
Dive into a world of fizzy fun with the Spring Sparkles Discovery Pass! Get ready to sparkle and shine this April! Sip on the finest VQA sparkling wines served with bold flavours from local chefs. Whether you opt for the 3- or 6-experience pass or snag the discounted Flex Friday Pass, get ready for a wine country adventure that’s anything but ordinary. There are 25 participating wineries across Niagara. Event takes place April 5-7 & 12-14, 2024.
 
TD Niagara Jazz Festival’s Twilight Jazz & Blues Series will be hosting a number of events on Monday nights until May 2024, featuring an acoustic grand piano!
 
Don’t miss Mother’s Day Tea in the Shaw Spiegeltent on May 12, 2024! Then have an opportunity to see My Fair Lady. It will be a great opportunity to get away for a weekend with your mom!
 
Come celebrate a dazzling night under the stars when The White Effect Dinner returns to Peller Estates Winery. Join an evening filled with laughter, music, dancing, and the finest VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake wines on June 7th, 2024.
 
The 18th Annual Shaw Guild Garden Tour returns June 15, 2024. Tickets on sale from February 1. The self guided tour will feature exceptional private gardens in beautiful and historic Niagara-on-the-Lake.
 
Also on June 15, 2024 from 9am-3pm the Annual St. Andrew’s Strawberry Festival will take place.
 
Father’s Day Ploughman’s lunch in the Shaw Spiegeltent on June 16, 2024 followed by the play of One Man, Two Guvnors.
 
Save the date of June 20, 2024 if you like golf! The Annual NOTL Golf Tournament returns again this year to celebrate their 40th anniversary.
 
The TD Niagara Summer Jazz Festival will return on June 21-29, 2024. More details coming soon.
 
Artistry by the Lake returns June 29, 30 & July 1, 2024. This is 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.
 
On July 6, 2024, St. Mark’s Cherry Festival returns. This is an annual favourite for parishioners, local residents, and visitors alike. Great day of celebrating everything Cherry!
 
On July 14, 2024 Niagara Symphony Orchestra will host “A Midsummer Night’s Dream Gala” at Jackson Triggs Winery celebrating NSO’s 75  years of Music making. It will be a night of a paired six course dinner followed by a night of music.
 
Tickets are now on sale for i4C (International Cool-Climate Chardonnay Celebration) taking place July 18-21, 2024. This year you will have extra time to get out and explore, they are leaving Sunday open for tasting and touring at the many wineries across Niagara hosting special i4C Explore Wine Country Ontario brunches, lunches and i4C Insider wine tastings.
 
As the 2024 World Rowing Championships are taking place on Aug. 18-25, 2024, the 140th Royal Canadian Henley Regatta will take place on July 30 – Aug. 4, 2024 this year. 
 
Along with all the old favourites, new this year at the Peach Festival is the ‘Sips of Summer’ peach beer garden highlighted the amazing and tasting peach beverages Niagara-on-the-Lake’s breweries, cideries and distilleries create. Festival takes place on Aug. 10, 2024. It will be an afternoon of fun and excitement as NOTL celebrates all things PEACH!
 
Save the date for Aug.11, 2024 when the Shades of Rose Dinner returns. The dinner invites you to revel in the magic of summer, the allure of rosé wines, and everything pink. Immerse yourself in the historic charm of Niagara-on-the-Lake as you join us for a soirée filled with camaraderie, celebration, and the finest wines. 
 
World Rowing Championships along with a four day outdoor festival will take place Aug. 18-25, 2024 at Rennie Park. The event will include in addition to the championships: live entertainment, 50 foot ferris wheel, artisans, food & beverage hospitality.
 
Shaw Guild Autumn Soirée is an elegant evening of dancing to the music of Sandy Vine and the Midnights band and savouring scrumptious foods and wonderful wines, under the canopy tent at Chateau Des Charmes. The event will take place on Oct. 4, 2024.
 
Other dates to keep in mind for 2024 – more details to come:
  • Oct. 5 & 6: NOTL Beer/ Harvest Festival **new event**
  • Dec. 6: Candlelight Stroll
  • Dec. 14: Christmas Parade
Also find us and the latest happenings at Explorer House, along with tips on what to do while visiting us on our Facebook page.