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5 Fun Ways To Make The Most of One Hour In Niagara-on-the-Lake

READ TIME: 1 min 30 seconds

While Niagara-on-the-Lake is home to enough delightful diversions to fill multiple days, even those tight on time can get a sense for the feel of this special place in as little as an hour. We asked our passionate team of Niagara-on-the-Lake Ambassadors for some of their top ways to experience the magic of our town in just 60 minutes. Here are their suggestions:

 

Browse the shops on Queen Street while enjoying an ice cream cone.

Enjoying a scoop of Italian-inspired artisanal gelato, a waffle cone filled with ice cream made from an age-old Canadian family recipe, or a cup of frozen yogurt with Niagara peaches blended in is the perfect way to stroll and enjoy the view of Old Town. Favourite stops for an icy treat include those right on Queen Street, such as Cows, Il Gelato Di Carolotta, and Nina Gelateria & Pastry Shop.

 

Stroll to Queen’s Royal Park and take in the waterfront.

Old Town’s Queen’s Royal Park, at the foot of King Street, offers beautiful views and the only public swimming beach on the Niagara River. The park is wheelchair accessible and has lots of benches, an outdoor play area, and a public washroom. There’s also a pretty little gazebo, which was originally built for the filming of the 1980 movie, The Dead Zone, that offers the perfect place to snap a group photo.

 

Relax in Simcoe Park.

Simcoe Park, at the corner of Queen and King Streets, offers a shady refuge from the hustle and bustle of Queen Street. The wheelchair-accessible park has a public washroom, benches, playground equipment, a bike rack, a water feature, and a pavilion. Visitors are also welcome at the community events that are regularly hosted here.

 

Take a carriage ride and learn some of the town’s fascinating history.

Hopping in a horse-drawn carriage is a wonderful way to explore Niagara-on-the-Lake’s history, architecture, and scenery. Head to the Prince of Wales Hotel, at the corner of King and Queen Streets, and flag a friendly driver in a top hat who will be happy to host you on a private tour for up to four guests that will passes by the waterfront, through the Historical District, and down the main street of Old Town.

 

Check out The Niagara Pumphouse Arts Centre.

Niagara Pumphouse Arts Centre is a thriving community hub that offers art for all. Located on the banks of the Niagara River, the Niagara Pumphouse Arts Centre hosts a range of visual arts programs, a rotating roster of exhibitions, engaging events, and creative community art installations. Stop by the Joyner Gallery, where each month a well-known Ontario artist’s work is featured. The Walker Room showcases the work of emerging artists.

 

Be sure to check out our Niagara-on-the-Lake Facebook and Instagram pages for even more interesting ways to make the most of a quick trip to Niagara-on-the-Lake.