One of Canada's 'most beautiful' destinations is this Ontario village with European charm

It's a road trip from Toronto.

A historic clock tower in a town. Right: A person standing outside a store.

A small town in Ontario.

Ian Whitworth | Dreamstime, @kristinemkd | Instagram
Lead Writer, Travel

Canada is full of stunning destinations, from crystal-blue lakes to mountain ranges and breathtaking parks. If you want to explore some of the country's beauty, you'll want to head to this enchanting small town in Ontario.

On Narcity Canada's Facebook page, we asked readers to share the most beautiful destinations they've ever been to in the country, and this quaint Ontario village was one of the recommended spots.

Niagara-on-the-Lake is a not-so-hidden gem in the picturesque Niagara region, about an hour and a half from Toronto.

According to the tourism website, the old-world village has "Victorian era 19th-century charm," as well as "boutique shops, cast-iron planters bursting with flowers, and horse-drawn carriages transporting riders to another time and place."

The quaint streets will whisk you away to Europe, and you can spend your time strolling through the cute local shops, indulging in a sweet treat from COWS ice cream and enjoying year-round cheer at Just Christmas.

From April to December, you can see a show at the Shaw Festival, a theatre festival featuring performances inspired by George Bernard Shaw.

You'll also want to dig into some of Niagara-on-the-Lake's incredible local cuisine, such as Treadwell Cuisine. If you're feeling fancy, you can indulge in afternoon tea at The Prince of Wales Hotel's Drawing Room.

Queen's Royal Park is a scenic destination with a postcard-worthy gazebo and beautiful water views. Alternatively, you can hop on a bike and cycle past wineries, orchards, and lookout points along the Niagara River Recreation Trail.

Niagara is renowned for its wineries, and you can find endless vineyards surrounding the village. Peller Estates, Trius Winery, Konzelmann Estate, and Ravine Vineyard are among some of the top spots to visit. You'll also want to sip some famous Niagara icewine.

With year-round charm and European vibes, it's no surprise that locals named this enchanting Ontario village one of Canada's most beautiful destinations.

Visit Niagara Canada website

Before you get going, check out our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your adventure.

  • Lead Writer

    Madeline Forsyth is a Toronto-based Lead Writer for Narcity Media. After earning her B.A. (Hons) at Queen's University, she spent a year travelling much of the world as a flight attendant. Now, she uses her experience in the travel industry and passion for writing to share stories about buzzworthy events and adventures across Canada and the globe. Madeline has been published in PopSugar and has interviewed sports and entertainment personalities for Narcity. She has covered and photographed restaurant openings as well as event launches such as the world premiere of the Dr. Seuss Experience. Some of her favourite things to write about include charming small towns and anything to do with Harry Potter.

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