Niagara-on-the-Lake

Niagara-on-the-Lake is a municipality in the Regional Municipality of Niagara, Ontario, located along the shore of Lake Ontario near the mouth of the Niagara River. Red brick buildings line the streets of the Heritage District, where cast-iron planters filled with seasonal flowers decorate the sidewalks.

The settlement was founded in 1781 as Butlersburg and served as the first capital of Upper Canada. Fort George was built between 1796 and 1799 and played a military role during the War of 1812 along the American-Canadian border.

Horse-drawn carriages carry visitors along streets lined with boutique shops selling regional crafts and wines from local vineyards. The Shaw Festival brings audiences to see plays by George Bernard Shaw and his contemporaries, with performances running from spring through early winter in dedicated theaters.

The Heritage District is walkable, and public transit links the different neighborhoods within the municipality. Most wineries, boutiques, and restaurants welcome visitors year-round, with more establishments open during summer and autumn.

The Niagara Golf Club is the oldest existing golf course in North America and has offered players a course since the 19th century. St. Mark's Church from 1809 stands nearby and features simple wooden pews and stained glass windows.

Location: Regional Municipality of Niagara

Inception: 1781

Elevation above the sea: 5 m

Shares border with: St. Catharines

Address: Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON, Canada

Website: https://notl.com

GPS coordinates: 43.25528,-79.07167

Latest update: December 13, 2025 16:21