Rediscover a Hometown Holiday in Niagara-On-The-Lake This Season
The Heritage District in Niagara-On-Lake is home to emporiums, boutiques, luxury apothecaries and one-of-a-kind eateries, nestled in the heart of wine country and surrounded by quaint, vintage hotels. With something to see, smell, and taste on every corner, it’s no surprise that this neighbourhood is a significant tourist attraction, specifically at the holidays. The Queen-Picton Heritage Conservation District is home to a collection of buildings which date back to the early 1800’s, pulling it’s inspiration from contemporary and colonial styles to create a thriving culture for residents and visitors to Niagara. Get reacquainted with local history and indulge in a true, hometown holiday when you explore the local offerings of Niagara-On-The-Lake this season.
Business & Shopping
Whether you’re looking for antiques, specialty foods, wines or souvenirs, the Heritage District offers a diverse shopping experience that’s perfect for a midday stroll or holiday haul. Craft and fashion boutiques adorn the windows down Queen Street, carrying intricate jewellery and one-of-a-kind styles that make for the perfect keepsake or gift. Pottery and artwork can be found amongst a sea of memorable homeware, and there’s no shortage of novels, books and toys just waiting to be discovered.
Businesses in the area contribute to the festivities with music, lights and holiday decor that overflows into the streets, creating an encapsulating experience on both the interior and exterior of local shops. Home to Canada’s oldest year-round Christmas emporium, the store ‘Just Christmas’ is a definite crowd pleaser which draws a record breaking number of shoppers each year. Santa Claus himself can be spotted during the months of November and December, making this one attraction you simply can’t miss when strolling down the street.
Through meticulous upkeep and preservation, the Heritage District maintains it’s village-like appearance all year round, creating a nostalgic and charming feel at the holidays. Complete with horse-drawn carriage rides and exquisite gardens, this is the perfect spot to be a tourist in your own backyard during the Christmas season. The Town focuses on shopping small and supporting local artisans, creators and business, to continue a recuperation from last year’s pandemic circumstance.
Dining Experiences
Artisanal bakeries, confectionaries and cafes line the streets of the Heritage District, with new flavours to be found in every alcove. Amongst local favourites are Greaves Jams and Marmalades, Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, Country Wine Vintners, and Budapest Bakeshop. With an endless supply of culinary creations and sweet treats, the Heritage District is full of unique flavours for everyone to explore. Sitting on the shores of Lake Ontario, Niagara-On-The-Lake is known for its abundance of world class wineries and their addition to local restaurants, pubs, and fine dining hotspots.
Hidden gems, such as Fritters on The Lake are just waiting to be discovered and enjoyed, while larger restaurants, such as Corks, is sure to be packed every night of the week. Whether you’re looking for local flavours or pub fare, new holiday traditions can be made at The Irish Harp or The Olde Angel Inn, two locations known for their classical appearance and adds to the charm of a true Niagara-On-The-Lake experience - during the holidays and beyond.
The Vintage Hotels in the area boast an exclusive dining experience, among their six restaurants, four lounges, and tea room. Nestled in and around Old Town, each location features a separately inspired menu that will delight both guests and locals alike. With farm-to-table flavours and regional wines, no holiday exercurison is complete without a true taste of Niagara, as discovered through countless eateries and fine-dining options available street-side.
The Arts
From galleries to societies there is no shortage of historical arts and culture within the Niagara region - specifically the Heritage District hub. Home to the renowned Shaw Festival and Pumphouse Arts Centre, Niagara-On-The-Lake is known for its work in fostering the creative arts by providing opportunities for showcase both on and off the stage. Each year the Shaw Festival theatre offers performances of all varieties to dazzle and delight large audiences, drawing international talent and attention. With two locations in immediate downtown adorned in classical architecture (Royal George Theatre and Festival Theatre), this is an absolute must for any trip to Niagara, but specifically at the holidays with festive classics like a Christmas Carol and Holiday Inn.
The Niagara Pumphouse, originally used for water supply, has since been reimagined into a visual arts centre geared toward nurturing talent at all levels, and bringing their artwork to the forefront of this community. The heritage building is a not-for-profit attraction admired by tourists and locals alike. Take a stroll through history when you visit the Niagara Historical Society, established in 1895 and visited by millions to date. Dedicated to protecting the rich legacy of the township, guests are encouraged to learn, reflect, and indulge in significant battles and cultural events which make Niagara-On-The-Lake what it is at present day.
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When you visit the Heritage District in Niagara-On-The-Lake, you are cultivating a charmed holiday experience, while your participation is helping to keep the growth and innovation within the town alive. Beloved by many both near and far, the local businesses are the heart and soul of the Queen and Picton street area, owned and operated by several local residents. This quaint, world-renowned shopping district has maintained it’s exclusive feel for centuries thanks to the dedication and accountability of community members who work, spend, eat and donate within the local economy. With growing neighbourhoods and inner city communities in the development plans for the Niagara-On-The-Lake area, residential and commercial opportunities continue to grow within this sought-after home to work and play.
From fine dining to souvenir shops, luxury accommodations to the theatre, Niagara-On-The-Lake is a cultural icon whose reputation precedes itself with the passing of each year and addition of new developments. This holiday season, venture into the neighbourhood of Old Town for an authentic experience that will immerse you in local culture, bringing some Niagara flavour into your homes throughout the holidays and beyond. Become reacquainted with what it means to support small and contribute to the local businesses that help to propel our economy forward into a new year.