Niagara-on-the-Lake - worth a side-trip?
 

This is my first time on the Canada board and this is not really an expat issue, so please excuse me.

I tried searching for posts but the Search facility still seems to be defunct (and Google didn't work).

Briefly:

I will be in Toronto for a week in late May, for a conference. I plan to do some sightseeing in Toronto during the conference and I have a couple of days after it finishes.

Of course, I am going to Niagara Falls. I also heard that Niagara-on-the-Lake is worth a visit and from online searches it looks very interesting.

The question is: Is Niagara-on-the-Lake worth an overnight stay? I thought I would then be able to spread out that part of the trip. The alternative would be to do Niagara falls and Niagara-on-the-Lake in a single day, returning to Toronto same day.

Any advice for a first-time Canada tourist greatly appreciated!

Re: Niagara-on-the-Lake - worth a side-trip?
 

Its OK, but Ive never found it all that special. As a base to spend a bit of time checking out the wine areas, and to avoid a big rush to get back from a Niagara day trip its OK.

Re: Niagara-on-the-Lake - worth a side-trip?
 

I routinely take people to Niagara and NotL in one day so that's certainly doable. The must see attractions in Niagara are, imo, the Maid of the Mist and the Cave of the Winds (on the US side, nice view from the bridge if you walk over). Niagara itself is in the manner of Blackpool/Coney Island/old Vegas, you need to be in the mood for wearing a Kiss Me Quick hat.

NotL is a bit twee but nice in its way. In your circumstances I think I might spend the day doing the Falls and spend the night in NotL; making sure to drive there while it's still light as it's a pretty drive.

Re: Niagara-on-the-Lake - worth a side-trip?
 

I like it. I would stay there and do day trip to the falls rather than stay in Niagara

Re: Niagara-on-the-Lake - worth a side-trip?
 

Maybe were used to it now, having lived here for a while? Ive been there quite a few times now, and im like you, but have had a couple of visitors from the UK, and they loved it, especially if you take in a winery or two.

I think its certainly worth a visit if OP is heading to Niagara falls.

Re: Niagara-on-the-Lake - worth a side-trip?
 

Thank you all for the quick replies. I had heard about the wineries so I may do just that (I am no wine expert but have really got into wine over the past few years and had a really enjoyable winery trip in California when I was visiting).

I have visited so many US cities and cities in other countries that I figure I can do the typical city stuff in Toronto while I am at the conference. A side trip like this would be quite unique. It would mean I can be more leisurely rather than squeezing it into a day trip.

"Kiss me Quick" hat? I can do that!

Re: Niagara-on-the-Lake - worth a side-trip?
 

NOTL is very pretty. I always make sure I spend time there when going to the Falls. Have never stayed overnight there though but its worth seeing. :thumbsup:

Re: Niagara-on-the-Lake - worth a side-trip?
 

Its pretty for north america, but not if you are using say, a cotswolds village, as your yardstick. Compared to awesome nature of the falls it may fall a little flat I suspect.

Re: Niagara-on-the-Lake - worth a side-trip?
 

I am not comparing it to anywhere :)

Re: Niagara-on-the-Lake - worth a side-trip?
 

I always enjoy lunch in that restaurant (something grill?) where you can just sit and gaze at the falls.

But I like the falls at night too and if you like fireworks they have those a couple of nights week I think.

Re: Niagara-on-the-Lake - worth a side-trip?
 

Neither is NOTL though... that the antique selling place the other end of the parkway where the water enters lake ontario.

May 24 weekend would be a fortuitous time to visit to get the fireworks, but I think this year the "2-4" holiday itself is stupidly early, on the 19th.

Re: Niagara-on-the-Lake - worth a side-trip?
 

Niagara on the Lake is a nice spot.

The real estate on the drive from the falls is particularly nice to look at.

You don't need long to take it in. Just drive down have a coffee and cake and move on after a trip to the Falls.

The Falls is basically "Maid on the mist" everything else a little dull.

Re: Niagara-on-the-Lake - worth a side-trip?
 

Niagara Falls, NY is another world..if you are into grit porn. Avoid Marineland.....dreary and poorly treated animals (especially the deer) in my mind.

This article has some references to bars in Niagara Falls, NY that are probably closed now. Bars were open later in NY state and were cheaper and had crazy drinks promos.

http://www.stcatharinesstandard.ca/2...all-day-ordeal

Re: Niagara-on-the-Lake - worth a side-trip?
 

Sure, but taking in the falls in just a day was mentioned and if you do that you miss the night.

I did it in 1975 just as a day trip from Toronto.

But since then I enjoyed a more leisurely visit with a walk alongside, followed by a restful lunch and a few beers (on a hot day :))...then Maid of the Mist and then back out again in the evening.

Nicer with people seeing it all the first time.

Re: Niagara-on-the-Lake - worth a side-trip?
 

Have you done "the cave of the winds" boardwalk down along the base of the US falls?