Canada

Niagara-on-the-Lake:

Theater and Fine Dining in Canada

Like a secret hideaway, Canada’s Niagara-on-the-Lake is tucked into a leafy corner between the wide blue waters of Lake Ontario and the fast-moving Niagara River.

By: Neil Dunlop

    Fruit orchards and vineyards separate the town from the rush of traffic on Queen Elizabeth Way, the major route between Toronto and Buffalo, N.Y. On historic Queen Street, lined with Victorian-era buildings, pedestrians lick ice cream in the shade of centuries-old maples while gazing through the windows of the town’s boutiques, galleries and antiques shops.
    Many visitors ride bicycles on paths along the Niagara River, past the wooden ramparts of the restored Fort George, which figured heavily in the War of 1812 and Canada’s defense against the United States. Others picnic at Queen’s Royal Park or play a round at Niagara-on-the-Lake Golf Club, the oldest course in North America.

On The Marquee

    In a town of many gems, the Shaw Festival (shawfest.com) is Niagara-on-the-Lake’s crown jewel. Dedicated to the plays of George Bernard Shaw and his contemporaries, as well as modern plays about his era (1856-1950), the festival runs annually from April to November. Presented in three intimate theaters in the festival’s headquarters, the dramas, comedies and musicals feature one of the few permanent acting companies in theater today. This season, 11 new productions are scheduled.

Royal Bedchambers

    Of the many hotels, and inns in Niagara-on-the-Lake, the trio of properties operated by Vintage Hotels is among the finest. The centrally located Prince of Wales (6 Picton Street, 888-669-5566, vintage-hotels.com; rooms from $275), is a grand Victorian building that has been a hotel since 1864 and received its name in 1901 after a royal visit from the future George V and Queen Mary. Luxuriously updated, its 110 rooms are plush, comfortable havens. The hotel is a short walk from the Shaw Festival and the town’s other attractions.

Eating Well

    There are more than two dozen restaurants in town, from tearooms to ornate dining rooms featuring fresh, locally grown ingredients. At the circa 1832 Charles Inn (209 Queen Street, 866-556-8883,charlesinn.ca), enjoy Quebec foie gras, Ontario lamb and a selection of farmhouse cheese.