READ TIME: 3 min

While Niagara-on-the-Lake’s luxury hotels, quaint inns, and friendly bed and breakfasts make an overnight stay most compelling, getting to call it a night here is just not always in the cards. The good news is that there are plenty of ways for visitors with only an afternoon to enjoy our town to truly experience what makes it such a unique part of Canada. We asked our Niagara-on-the-Lake Ambassadors for some of their favourite ways to spend between three and five hours exploring in and around Niagara-on-the-Lake, and boy, did they deliver. Here are some of their suggestions:

Visit Fort George and learn about the War of 1812

Fort George National Historic Site, located just a short distance from Old Town, offers an immersive experience that allows visitors to gain a deeper understanding of what life was like during the War of 1812 at a military post charged with defending Upper Canada against American attacks. In addition to touring eight carefully restored buildings, guests can hear music performed by the 41st Fife and Drum Corps, watch live musket demonstrations, and chat with costumed interpreters who eagerly share stories of the lives of British soldiers and their families.

Drive along the parkway to Queenston, visit Mackenzie Printery and Newspaper Museum and Laura Secord Homestead, climb up the steep walkway to Queenston Heights Park and visit Brock’s Monument and Landscape of Nations.

A short drive beyond Old Town reveals even more of Niagara’s captivating past. Head to Queenston and step back in time at the Mackenzie Printery and Newspaper Museum, the former home of William Lyon Mackenzie, to discover over 500 years of printing technology, including the oldest printing press in Canada. Then, spend some time exploring the Laura Secord Homestead, the starting point of the Canadian heroine’s 32-km journey to warn the British of an imminent surprise attack by the Americans during the War of 1812. Finally, make your way to Queenston Heights Park, where you’ll find Brock’s Monument, honouring the War of 1812 Major considered by many to be the founding hero of Upper Canada, and the Landscape of Nations Memorial, dedicated to the Haudenosaunee (Six Nations) Confederacy and Indigenous Allies that participated in the War of 1812.

Visit a few different wineries, breweries and distilleries, learn all about Icewine in Niagara and enjoy lunch in a vineyard.

Spending an afternoon visiting a collection of wineries, breweries, and distilleries is an excellent way to get a taste of Niagara-on-the-Lake’s thriving craft beverage scene. To make narrowing down your list of options easier, consider picking up a Wineries of Niagara-on-the-Lake Winemakers’ Selections Tasting Pass. Can’t-miss craft breweries in and around Niagara-on-the-Lake include Niagara Oast House Brewers, The Exchange Brewery, The Grist, and Silversmith Brewing Company. Spirited sipping awaits at distilleries like Wayne Gretzky Estates Distillery, Spirit in Niagara Small Batch Distillery, and Limited Distillery.

See a lunchtime or matinee play at The Shaw Festival.

Lunchtime and afternoon performances at The Shaw Festival allow visitors to experience this world-class theatre without an overnight stay. Take advantage of The Shaw’s Today’s Deal offers to score incredible savings on last-minute tickets, often including afternoon shows.

Play a round of golf at one of the oldest golf courses in North America.

Hitting the greens at the Niagara-on-the-Lake Golf Club comes with the added bonus of a history lesson! The club holds the distinguished honour of being the oldest surviving golf club in North America, and still boasts three of the original greens from when the course was predicted to become the St. Andrews of Canada in 1882! Even if you’re not a golfer, the Club’s Waterfront Restaurant boasts one of Niagara’s best patio views!

Check out our Niagara-on-the-Lake Facebook and Instagram pages for even more interesting ways to make the most out of an afternoon in Niagara-on-the-Lake.