Lorry Perkins
Writer, Travel Blogger
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Niagara on the Lake Ontario, Canada | Visit Queen Street | Wineries – Including Peller Estates Winery and Restaurant
When MJ Meenen’s watercolor instructor, Clarice Gomes, decided to host an in-person session at one of the wineries located at Niagara on the Lake in Ontario, Canada, it was an offer too tempting to pass up. Read about her recent fun-filled getaway to this charming town, situated on Lake Ontario and the Niagara River, dotted with wineries and fine dining.
Niagara on the Lake | A Picture-Perfect Town
Niagara on the Lake (Ontario, Canada) is one of those picture-perfect towns where they embrace the beauty of architecture, landscaping, and art. If you enjoy a restful, picturesque getaway with fine dining and several wineries, this may be the place for you! It does attract many tourists, particularly during the Shaw Festival, but somehow it maintains its authenticity.
Photography courtesy of MJ Meenen.
Bring Your Passport or Required ID to Enter Canada
If you live in Western PA, it is a 4.5-hour drive to Niagara on the Lake. Depending on whether you travel by land, sea, or air, there are a variety of IDs you could use for entry, but if you bring your passport, you will be covered for all types of travel. Once you are “waved into” Canada, it’s a short drive to Niagara on the Lake.
Book Your Accommodations Close to Queen Street
I chose a May weekend due to my art teacher hosting a watercolor session at one of the wineries. In the COVID-zoom world, she graciously hosted every Sunday for free on YouTube, and it was so great to meet her in person. For accommodations, I selected a simple one-bedroom Airbnb and could walk to Queen Street (where the majority of the action is) in about 2 minutes. I would definitely recommend staying where you can walk to town-which leaves you a myriad of options. You can choose from many hotels, bed and breakfasts and of course Airbnbs.
What to see at Niagara on the Lake?
Truly, just walk around to get a feel for the place. You will find so much to see and explore. There are many small and large parks embedded in the town, and the waterfront area has a beautiful view. The Queen Royal Park gazebo is charming and was the set of a Stephen King movie, the Dead Zone. Now it’s where couples often get engaged, and families gather for picnics.
The Unexpected Surprise
As I strolled along the riverfront, a couple asked if I would film them. And boom! A confetti cannon shot out blue as they are expecting a boy. It was fun to be a part of recording their announcement to family and friends. They were giggling with anticipation.
Wining & Dining Highlights of Niagara on the Lake
During my two-day stay, I had some wonderful and memorable culinary experiences. The best was at Two Sisters Winery (Two Sisters Vineyards), where the view was stellar, the wait staff wonderful, and the margarita pizza and wine terrific. The pizza had a thin crisp crust, and this simple pizza was a delicious mix of flavors, so delicate while packing a punch. It was possibly the best margarita pizza I’ve ever had. I coupled it with their oaky chardonnay (Two Sisters Chardonnay 2020), which was smooth and full-bodied.
Wineries include Wayne Gretzky Estates Winery & Distillery
Other wineries worth checking out: Peller Estates Winery and Restaurant, Wayne Gretzky Estates Winery & Distillery (yes, Wayne!), and Konzelmann Estate Winery.
Sunset Grill on Queen Street
After a beautiful early morning jog, I checked out the Sunset Grill on Queen Street. They have outdoor seating, so you get the morning vibe while sipping your coffee. I opted for avocado toast, which was prepared with a Greek flair and included kalamata olives. The Sunset Grill offers all traditional breakfast items, and I’d give it four stars.
Carlotta Gelato
You’ll see that bakeries and ice cream shops are popular and plentiful. I sampled a coffee-flavored gelato at Carlotta Gelato. Il Gelato Di Carlotta Creamy and served with a cute wafer. Yummy.
Niagara on the Lake Getaway
As for who would enjoy NOL, there is something for everyone. It’s perfect for a gal pal weekend, a romantic getaway, or perhaps with a few couples who want to go to the theatre and check out the wineries. It may not have enough excitement for “20-somethings” or young families, as opposed to a beach town, for example.
The Wineries at Niagara on the Lake are First Class
To sum it up, I soaked up the tulips, smiles, and friendly people. The wineries were first class, and the staff really went out of their way for their patrons. It’s true what they say about Canadians—super nice, polite, and easy to talk to. Bottom line: go if you can! Bring a smile and an upbeat attitude!
Side Trip Alert! Stop in Buffalo, NY to see the Martin House
If you head to Niagra on the Lake and want to break up the trip, why not stop in Buffalo, NY to see a Frank Lloyd Wright House? It’s one that may be new to you—as it was to me—the Martin House. With a unique backstory of how it was built, abandoned during the Depression, and then rebuilt, it is definitely worth a stop. They have differing levels of tours, some include the whole campus and gardens; others just the House. You do need to pre-purchase your tickets. Nestled in a beautiful residential neighborhood (Parkside) that was developed by Frederick Law Olmstead (known for Central Park in NYC and Boston Commons), this little excursion will break up your drive and delight you. To learn more, go to Martin House.
Meet MJ Meenen…
MJ is a Pittsburgh native who has also enjoyed living in the DC and Boston areas. She loves to garden, travel, appreciate all the arts, and work to build community with the charitable sector. Her primary focus has been organizations that serve children. Currently, the principal at mjm envision consulting, she is now working with boards and staff of diverse organizations to deepen their impact.
I didn’t even know there was a small quaint town called Niagara on the Lake! I’ve always thought it’s just Niagara Falls split between Canada and USA and nothing around. Turns out I was so wrong.
I’m planning to go to the US next year, will try to visit and check out the winery too!