Plan your trip to Niagara with Julian Hitner's guide to the best restaurants, hotels and shops...
Niagara: Restaurants, hotels and shops
Niagara hotels
Harbour House, Niagara-on-the-Lake
Just two blocks from the Niagara River, this is an opulent yet idyllic hotel. The Conservatory’s breakfast is unrivalled, boasting the finest local produce. Small wine tastings are held every afternoon.
Hilton Garden Inn, Niagara-on-the-Lake
Located right off the main highway, a comfortable and reliable address for the budget-minded. Ideal for travellers with children.
Inn on the Twenty, Jordan
Not far from some of the finest estates on the Niagara Escarpment, with a great restaurant and an enviable reputation, it’s a good alternative base to Niagaraon- the-Lake. Next door is Cave Spring Cellars, one of the older wineries on the peninsula; the fizz and top dry whites are superb.
Prince of Wales, Niagara-on-the-Lake
Marvellous Victorian-era hotel located in the heart of Niagara-on-the-Lake. A favourite spot for traditional afternoon tea.
Niagara restaurants
Il Gelato di Carlotta, Niagara-on-the-Lake
Wondrous cakes, pastries and ice cream. No visit to Niagara-on-the-Lake would be complete without a visit to this phenomenal dessert emporium.
Kitchen 76 at Two Sisters Vineyards, Niagara-on-the- Lake
Top-notch destination for lunch, offering locally grown produce in delightful surroundings. Reservations are advisable, particularly during summer.
Peller Estates Winery Restaurant, Niagara-on-the-Lake
Elegant dining establishment near the Niagara River. The sparkling wines contain just a dollop of icewine; try with chicken liver parfait. An ideal place for lunch or dinner, though reservations for the latter are advisable.
The Pie Plate Bakery and Café, Virgil
Near Niagara-on-the-Lake, this little eatery uses only locally grown fruits, preparing all pies from scratch. Homemade preserves and other treats are also for sale. The perfect afternoon stop.
Treadwell Farm to Table, Niagara-on-the-Lake
Upscale casual dining, featuring seasonal, regional ingredients. An institution since opening in 2006. Reservations are highly recommended.
White Meadows Farms, Pelham
The best flapjacks and maple syrup in the region, great for breakfast or as an afternoon snack. A true Canadian experience, with plenty of maple syrup bottles and other goods to bring back home. Held every weekend in February and March, the winter Sugar Bush Adventure is a great tour for learning all about maple syrup harvesting.
Niagara shops
Greaves Jams & Marmalades, Niagara-on-the-Lake
Exceptional producer and purveyor of jams and marmalades, all of which are made using exclusively local produce, thanks to one of the most hospitable fruit-growing climates in the country.
Ninavik Native Arts, Jordan
Splendid Inuit arts museum and shop, offering a beautiful array of crafts from one Canada’s most identifiable and artistically inclined First Nations peoples.
Shaw Festival Theatre Shop, Niagara-on-the-Lake
Open all year round, this boutique offers a lovely array of gift items, from locally crafted creations to beautifully designed books and scripts. Aside from wine, the Shaw Festival is one of Niagara’s signature attractions, though no performances are held during the winter months.
