Niagara’s vineyards to Toronto’s downtown views

Day 1 - 2: Niagara-on-the-Lake

• Approximate distance and travel time: from Niagara Falls 15 miles (25 kilometres), 25 minutes, from Fort Erie 30 miles (48 kilometres) 40 minutes

Niagara-on-the-Lake lives up to its reputation as “the prettiest town in Ontario” with well-preserved Victorian architecture, scenic waterfront views and lush vineyards nearby.

Where to stay in Niagara-on-the-Lake

Combine the quaint small-town charm and romance of a historic hotel with luxurious, modern amenities and spa services at one of three Vintage Hotels.
Locations:
Prince of Wales, 6 Picton Street, Niagara-on-the-Lake
Queen’s Landing, 155 Byron Street, Niagara-on-the-Lake
Pillar and Post, 48 John Street West, Niagara-on-the-Lake

Stay at one of Niagara’s Finest Hotels, three deluxe boutique properties in Niagara-on-the-Lake’s romantic Old Town.
Locations:
The Charles Hotel, 209 Queen Street, Niagara-on-the-Lake
Harbour House Hotel, 85 Melville Street, Niagara-on-the-Lake
The Shaw Club Hotel, 92 Picton Street, Niagara-on-the-Lake

Riverbend Inn & Vineyard is a striking, Georgian-style mansion located along what many consider to be Ontario’s prettiest drive, the Niagara River Parkway, and surrounded by vineyards and gardens.
Location: 16104 Niagara Parkway, Niagara-on-the-Lake

Niagara-on-the-Lake Bed & Breakfast Association features charming and cozy B&B options.

Things to do in Niagara-on-the-Lake  

Wine tours and tastings

Niagara-on-the-Lake’s main attraction is the award-winning wine. In fact, this historic town is home to some of Canada’s most established and oldest vineyards, some dating back over four decades.

Book one of the wine tour packages including guided tours, tastings and overnight stays at celebrated Peller Estates.
Location: 290 John Street East, Niagara-on-the-Lake

Take in views of Lake Ontario and the Toronto skyline beyond the vineyards on a wine tour at Konzelmann Estate Winery. 
Location: 1096 Lakeshore Road, Niagara-on-the-Lake

Wayne Gretzky Estates Winery is a 23,000-square-foot (approximately 2,127 hectares) facility founded by the Great One himself. It also happens to be Ontario’s first combined winery and distillery.
Location: 1219 Niagara Stone Road, Niagara-on-the-Lake

Find more wineries with our wine lover’s guide to Niagara, Canada.

History and culture  

In 1792, Niagara-on-the-Lake became the first capital of Upper Canada (later the Province of Ontario), after being settled by British Loyalists. The town’s 19th-century architecture has been carefully preserved and the entire old town, centred around a charming main street complete with a cenotaph clock tower, is a designated National Heritage Site.  

Step back in time for a glimpse of military life in the 19th century during the War of 1812 at Fort George, a National Historic Site and former military post.
Location: 51 Queen’s Parade, Niagara-on-the-Lake

Founded in 1962, the Shaw Festival in Niagara-on-the-Lake stages world-class plays in three different theatres. With many productions running through the fall, along with classic holiday performances, the Shaw offers a fun and entertaining theatre experience.
Location: 10 Queen’s Parade, Niagara-on-the-Lake

Sightseeing and shopping

Stroll the wide tree-lined walkways in Niagara-on-the-Lake’s Heritage District and shop at boutique stores like BeauChapeau Hat Shop.
Location: 42 Queen Street, Niagara-on-the-Lake

For fresh, ethically sourced coffee and tea, head to Victoria’s Teas & Coffees.
Location: 108 Queen Street, Niagara-on-the-Lake

Antiques on Creek sells local and international antiques and home furnishings, trinkets, clothing and more.
Location: 1579 Four Mile Creek Road, Virgil

Rent traditional or electric bikes from Zoom Leisure Bikes and set out on a guided or self-guided tour of the region.
Location: 431 Mississauga Street, Niagara-on-the-Lake

Add a little excitement with a helicopter ride over the falls with Niagara Helicopter Tours. In addition to spectacular views of the falls, on a clear day you’ll see the outline of Toronto to the north, and the shores of Lake Erie to the south.
Location: 3731 Victoria Avenue, Niagara Falls

For fresh, ethically sourced coffee and tea, head to Victoria’s Teas & Coffees.
Location: 108 Queen Street, Niagara-on-the-Lake

Parks and gardens

Stroll around Queen’s Royal Beach, located at the foot of King Street, with great views of the Niagara River. While there, don’t miss the Royal Gazebo — a great place to sip a takeout coffee from nearby local favourite Balzac’s Coffee Roasters.
Location: 45 Front Street, Niagara-on-the-Lake

The Niagara Region is home to numerous parks and natural experiences.  

Visit the Botanical Gardens, a 99-acre (40 hectares) floral oasis and Butterfly Conservatory featuring over 2,000 colourful tropical butterflies floating freely among lush, exotic blossoms and greenery. Hourly parking is available.
Location: 2565 Niagara River Parkway, Niagara-on-the-Lake

Where to eat in Niagara-on-the-Lake

Sunday brunch between 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. at the Queenston Heights Restaurant includes delicious Belgian waffles and eggs benedict with a breathtaking view of the Niagara River. Make reservations online.
Location: 14184 Niagara River Parkway, Niagara-on-the-Lake

Located in the Shaw Club hotel, Zees Grill is excellent, for breakfast, lunch or dinner.
Location: 92 Picton Street, Niagara-on-the-Lake

Make a reservation at Bricks and Barley for wood-fired pizza or tasty charcuterie grazing boards and craft beer.
Location: 1573 Four Mile Creek Road, Niagara-on-the-Lake

The Clubhouse Restaurant at Niagara-on-the-Lake Golf Club has wonderful views of Lake Ontario. Check the calendar of events to see what entertainment is on the patio.
Location: 143 Front Street, Niagara-on-the-Lake  

Enjoy the seasonal menu and al fresco dining in the large patio garden at The Epicurean.
Location: 84 Queen Street, Niagara-on-the-Lake

Dinner resembles a work of art at local favourite Masaki Sushi in Niagara. Featuring world-class seafood brought in straight from Japan, this hotspot offers a modern twist on traditional Japanese dining.
Location: 60 Picton Street, Niagara-on-the-Lake

Treadwell Cuisine was hailed as one of Canada’s Top 10 Wine Restaurants by Wine Enthusiast Magazine. For an extra treat, homemade fudge is made daily in small batches next door at Maple Leaf Fudge.
Location: 114 Queen Street, Niagara-on-the-Lake

Stop by Avondale Dairy for pies, cakes and delicious ice cream made the old fashion way by hand.
Location: 461 Stewart Road, Niagara-on-the-Lake

Meals are paired perfectly with the wine at these Niagara Region winery restaurants.

Day 3 - 5: Toronto

• Approximate distance and travel time: 70 miles (110 kilometres),1.5 hours

Canada’s largest and most cosmopolitan city, Toronto is a multicultural mosaic of art, heritage, cuisine and entertainment. From renowned art galleries to graffiti culture, haute couture to vintage shopping and fine dining to market food stalls, discover the best of Ontario’s trendiest city.

Where to stay in Toronto

Hotel X is Toronto’s first luxury resort-style hotel that features tennis courts, a movie theatre, rooftop pool and bar and even deluxe picnic packages. Secure parking available onsite.
Location: 111 Princes' Boulevard, Toronto

A mix of hotel and residences in Toronto’s Entertainment District, Bisha Hotel features suites designed by artist Lenny Kravitz, a rooftop patio with infinity pool and the upscale KOST restaurant on the 44th floor. Valet parking is available.
Location: 80 Blue Jays Way, Toronto

1 Hotel Toronto strikes the perfect balance between urban and cottage chic with reclaimed and upcycled materials, natural design elements plus high-end perks like a rooftop pool.
Location: 550 Wellington Street West, Toronto 

With its stylish décor, top-notch service and signature cocktails, you won’t want to leave the Shangri-La Toronto, especially if you treat yourself to a visit at the Miraj Hamman Spa.
Location: 188 University Avenue, Toronto

Things to do in Toronto

Art and culture

Explore provocative and powerful exhibitions at the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO), one of the largest art collections in North America as well as the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA). 
Locations:
AGO, 317 Dundas Street West, Toronto
MOCA, 158 Sterling Road, #100, Toronto

One of Toronto’s more unusual attractions, the Bata Shoe Museum explores the history of shoes with a unique collection of more than 13,000 exhibits spanning 4,500 years. 
Location: 327 Bloor Street West, Toronto

Showcasing the range and significance of Islamic arts, the Aga Khan Museum and gardens is a one-of-a-kind experience. It’s about a 15-minute drive north of downtown, parking is available.
Location: 77 Wynford Drive, Toronto

Sightseeing and shopping

From high fashion to vintage markets, there’s a shopping experience for just about every whim and fancy. Chart your shopping course with the Toronto Neighborhood Shopping Guide.

Cruise Toronto’s harbourfront in style on a Toronto Harbour Sights & Sips Cocktail Cruise, available Fridays and Sundays from May to September.
Location: 207 Queen’s Quay West, Toronto

Take in the sights of the city from above on a helicopter tour with Toronto Heli Rides.
Location: Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport Hangar 1, 2 Eireann Quay, Toronto

Explore the city’s culinary scene on a walking tour with local foodies like Culinary Adventure Co. or Tasty Tours Toronto.
Locations:
Culinary Adventures, 92 Front Street East, Toronto
Tasty Tours, 30 St Andrew Street, Toronto

Tour the city on two wheels with Toronto Bicycle Tours. Packages include downtown routes and Toronto Islands tours.
Location: 275 Dundas Street West, Toronto

Festivals and celebrations

North by Northeast (NXNE): Canada’s answer to NXNW showcasing the best new and emerging talent (June 13-17).  

Pride Toronto: The largest Pride event in Canada celebrating the 2SLGBTQ+ community (June 25).  

Toronto Fringe Festival: Alternative, unconventional and entertaining theatre (July 5-16).  

Honda Indy: A premier motorsports event at Exhibition Place (July 14-16).  

Toronto Caribbean Carnival: An epic event showcasing the best of Caribbean culture, music and food (August 3-7).

Where to eat and drink in Toronto  

Local favourites to start your day, whether that’s breakfast or brunch, include Café Boulud in Yorkville, Union on Ossington, Bonjour Brioche Bakery and Café and Lady Marmalade in Toronto’s east end.
Locations:
Café Boulud, 60 Yorkville Avenue, Toronto
Union, 72 Ossington Avenue, Toronto
Bonjour Brioche, 812 Queen Street East, Toronto
Lady Marmalade, 265 Broadview Avenue, Toronto  

Toronto is the first Canadian city to be recognized in the MICHELIN Guide, book reservations at one of Toronto’s recently awarded MICHELIN starred restaurants. Several restaurants were also awarded with the MICHELIN Bib Gourmand Award for menu items at great value.

The Distillery District is a pedestrian-only entertainment neighborhood that’s home to a cluster of bars, cafés, restaurants, bakeries, brewpubs and a chocolate-maker. Naturally, there’s also a distillery in the district, enjoy a tour and tasting at Spirit of York Distillery. 
Location: The Distillery District extends from Parliament Street to Cherry Street, south of Front Street East, Toronto

Once a bohemian hub, Yorkville is now known for its high-end retail shopping and some of Toronto’s finest eateries and restaurants, such as Sassafraz, Buca Osteria & Bar, Café Boulud and Alobar. Modern and upscale, the menu at W Hotel reflects Toronto’s multicultural culinary scene.
Location: East of Avenue Road and north of Bloor Street East, Toronto

The St. Lawrence Market is located in a large, historic brick building that bustles with organic groceries, bakeries, cheese and olive vendors, restaurants and food stalls. Try the famous peameal bacon sandwich from Carousel Bakery or Paddington’s Pump.
Location: 93 Front Street East, Toronto

One of the city’s most eclectic, colorful and fiercely local neighborhoods, Kensington Market is a mix of boho, vintage shops, fresh vegetable stalls, cheese and spice shops, bakeries, trendy bars and an array of fusion restaurants tucked into the historic Victorian architecture. You’ll find everything from Jamaican patties to Chilean empanadas.
Location: Bordered by Spadina Avenue, Dundas Street, Bathurst Street and College Street, Toronto

If it’s a view you’re after, you can’t beat the revolving dining room experience 350 metre (1,150 feet) up the CN Tower at 360 The Restaurant. 
Location: 290 Bremner Boulevard, Toronto

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