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Historic center · Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario
Old Town Niagara-on-the-Lake
Queen Street and the neighbouring streets, with 19th‑century houses and shops, gardens, the clock tower and theatres, in one of Ontario’s best‑preserved ensembles.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Old Town Niagara-on-the-Lake
Niagara‑on‑the‑Lake was the first capital of Upper Canada in the late 18th century. Burned during the War of 1812, it was rebuilt in the following decades, and many of those wooden and brick houses still stand. The historic centre is a protected district.
Queen Street, the main street, has the clock tower, a memorial, shops in old houses and flowerbeds from spring to autumn. A 19th‑century drugstore operates as a museum. Side streets feature houses with verandas and gardens, and Queen's Royal Park on the lakeshore has a bandstand and views of the river mouth.
The village is also home to the Shaw Festival, a theatre company that stages plays by Bernard Shaw and other authors on several city stages, generally from spring through the end of the year.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
Allow 2 to 3 hours on foot.
Best time
From May to October, when the gardens are in bloom. The street is busy on weekends; early morning is quieter.
How to get there
In the village centre along Queen Street. There is paid street parking and marked parking areas.
Tip
Walk to Queen's Royal Park on the lakeshore to see the mouth of the Niagara River.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Old Town Niagara-on-the-Lake
What to do in downtown Niagara‑on‑the‑Lake?
Walk Queen Street, see the 19th‑century houses, the clock tower, the lakeside park and, in season, attend a Shaw Festival performance.
Why does Niagara‑on‑the‑Lake have so many old houses?
The village was rebuilt after the War of 1812, and many of those houses have been preserved in a historic district.
How long to see Niagara-on-the-Lake?
A few hours for the town centre; a full day if you include Fort George and the wineries.