Winter Wonderland at Niagara-on-the-Lake
Winter is one of the best times to visit Niagara-on-the-Lake (NOTL). The snowy landscape and quieter pace make it the perfect weekend getaway for a picturesque adventure. Whether you want to embark on a snowy hike, sip on wine at one of the many world class wineries, or just cozy up at a boutique hotel, I've got you covered for a memorable getaway!
Where to Stay
There are many lovely places to stay in Niagara-on-the-Lake. From charming boutique hotels to quaint Bed and Breakfast's, you'll have your pick when it comes to accommodations. I always recommend to book places months in advance, but you might be able to get away with only a few weeks in advance during the quieter winter months.
A favourite place of mine is the Pillar and Post Inn & Spa. It's a luxurious vintage hotel with all of the amenities required for a relaxing stay. They have an amazing spa with an outdoor hot springs so you can warm up on a chilly wintery day. There is also a heated outdoor pool, indoor pool, on-site restaurant and lounge, and a variety of suites that will suit your every need.
Another great place to stay is at a Bed and Breakfast. While many of them might be closed for the winter season, you can find places like School House Bed and Breakfast or Finlay House that will happily accept bookings.
Where to Eat
I am such a foodie so it's important that I scout out the best restaurants in the area!
One of the nicest restaurants in NOTL is the Cannery Restaurant located inside the Pillar and Post hotel. The atmosphere is dim and cozy, with beautiful wooden beams and exposed brick. The menu is elevated Canadian cuisine with perfectly cooked dishes such as Slow Roasted Prime Rib ( A Cannery tradition since 1970), Marrakech Salmon, Berkshire Pork Chop, and much more. The Cannery also has a well-curated wine list with local Niagara wines to be enjoyed by the glass or bottle.
If you're looking for breakfast or brunch, Revalee Brunch Café is an excellent spot about 20 minutes outside of NOTL in Vineland, ON. Revalee has incredible brunch items that will fuel you up for the entire day. Their menu also offers creative vegan options such as the Carrot Gravlax Bagel and Baked Beans on Toast. If you're not really in the mood to dine-in, then head to Restaurant Pearl Morissette Bakehouse (RPM) for delicious take-out options. Their pastries are to die for!
Honorable mentions: The Garrison House, The Olde Angel Inn, Kitchen 76 by Two Sisters, and Treadwell Cuisine.
What to Do
Winter in NOTL is just as beautiful as the summer time. A lot of the wineries and restaurants get creative and offer outdoor experiences with fire pits, heated tents, skating rinks, and even snow shoeing in their vineyards. A great website to keep up-to-date with outdoor experiences and bookings is My Wine Country .
Go Hiking
Besides tasting wine at the many cozy NOTL wineries, hiking is my next favourite thing to do. Most people associate hiking with good weather, but have you ever been on a winter hike? It's amazing! Just make sure you have the appropriate hiking gear and you're set to embark on one of the many snowy trails in the NOTL region. If you're into more of a leisurely stroll, then check out Beamer Memorial Conservation Area in Grimsby or Balls Falls Conservation Area. If you're ready for something more challenging, check out the trails at Shorthills Provincial Park in St. Catharines -- Terrace Creek Falls usually freezes over and looks magical in the winter months.
Photo by dunnybrat on Instagram
Grab a Beer
If you're tired of drinking all the pinot noir at local wineries, then switch it up and visit one of the many craft breweries in the region. There are many fun breweries in the area with fresh and tasty brews made from local hops and fruits. One of my favourites stops is at Bench Brewing which is a spacious brewery featuring over ten beers on tap and a tasty food menu. You can also follow the Niagara Ale Trail to help plan out your visits.
Visit the Falls
Take a drive to the famous Niagara Falls, located about 25 minutes outside of NOTL. If you're lucky, the falls will be partially frozen which is such an amazing sight to see. The falls is also illuminated at night so you'll want to bring your camera to capture some mesmerizing photos.
I hope you get the chance to visit NOTL in the winter months for a truly unique and Canadian experience. If you need any other tips or suggestions, feel free to leave a comment below!
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