Just 30 minutes from Niagara Falls is the historic town of Niagara-on-the-Lake.
Located where Lake Ontario meets the St. Lawrence River, the town has a story dating back to the 1790s when it was the original capital of Upper Canada. If you want a cool title, get elected here and be addressed as lord mayor. Fort George has been restored to the original condition when it played a role in the War of 1812.
The costumes and re-created lifestyle of the time period add to the immersion into local history.
The annual Shaw Theatre Festival, dedicated to George Bernard Shaw, playwright and Nobel Prize winner, is a great time to visit.
Multiple festivals are held in Niagara-on-the-Lake throughout the year, including events dedicated to wine. You might not think of Canada when grape growing comes to mind, but Lake Ontario causes moderate weather in the area so take advantage of the local wineries.
Queen Street has shops and restaurants that will introduce you to other regional favorites. Stop for an Ontario specialty, Butter Tarts, or for locally made jams at Greaves Jams & Marmalades.
