Niagara to Toronto fall drive: Wine, art and culture

Unique soil conditions and a micro-climate between the Niagara Escarpment shield and Lake Ontario wind have created the ideal grape-growing terroir. With the brilliant bursts of fall colour as your backdrop, experience historic small-town charm in the heart of Ontario’s famous wine region.

Then experience the vibrant energy and excitement of the nation’s largest city in downtown Toronto. Discover top cuisine, local culture, boutique shopping and exceptional wine along the way.

And the best part? You’ll love how much further your dollar goes in Ontario, Canada.

Border crossing information:

Travellers to Canada must present a valid passport or NEXUS card. Find out what else you’ll need to know to cross the border into Canada.

Before travelling, check border wait times. 

Border crossing locations from New York State into the Niagara region in Canada include:

• Lewiston-Queenston Bridge from Lewiston, New York to Queenston, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario
• Rainbow International Bridge from Niagara Falls, New York to Niagara Falls, Ontario
• Peace Bridge from Buffalo, New York to Fort Erie, Ontario

Niagara-on-the-Lake

Approximate distance and travel time from Niagara Falls: 15 miles (25 kilometres), 25 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.

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 tree-lined Heritage District is home to boutique stores, antique shops, cafes and a cenotaph clock tower. Located at the foot of King Street, Queen’s Royal Beach and the Royal Gazebo offer great views of the Niagara River.

Places to stay in Niagara-on-the-Lake

124 Q Hotel & Spa: The perfect blend of modern luxuries and historic elements make this downtown boutique inn and spa one of the area’s finest.
Location: 124 Queen Street, Niagara-on-the-Lake

Riverbend Inn & Vineyard : 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

Things to do in Niagara-on-the-Lake

Fort George National Historic Site: See what military life was like in the 19th century during the War of 1812 at this former military post.
Location: 51 Queen’s Parade, Niagara-on-the-Lake

Shaw Festival Theatre: Running strong since 1962, this theatre festival features works by George Bernard Shaw and more world-class plays on three different stages.
Location: 10 Queen’s Parade, Niagara-on-the-Lake

Zoom Leisure Bikes: Rent traditional or electric bikes and set out on a scenic guided or self-guided tour along farmlands, vineyards and orchards.
Location: 431 Mississauga Street, Niagara-on-the-Lake

Botanical Gardens: Explore traditional landscaping, rose and herb beds and wild gardens at this floral oasis. Onsite, a butterfly conservatory features 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 and drink in Niagara-on-the-Lake

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

Treadwell Cuisine: 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

Niagara Oast House Brewers: Kick back with small batch, farmhouse-style brews and back-country barbeque fare at Brushfire Smoke.
Location: 2017 Niagara Stone Road, Niagara-on-the-Lake

Wineries to visit nearby

Peller Estates: Crafting quality wines for over 50 years, include Ontario’s famous Icewines, Peller offers a one-of-a-kind wine tasting experience in their underground, made of ice 10Below Icewine Lounge.
Location: 290 John Street East, Niagara-on-the-Lake

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

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

Trius Winery: One of Canada’s pioneer winemakers, Trius offers traditional tastings as well as unconventional experiences like opening a bottle of bubbly with a saber, exploring Canada’s largest underground sparkling cellar and instagrammable wine-inspired art installations.
Location: 1249 Niagara Stone Road, Niagara-on-the-Lake

Toronto

Approximate distance and travel time from Niagara Benchlands: 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.

Places to stay in Toronto

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

1 Hotel Toronto: Strike the perfect balance between urban and cottage chic with reclaimed and upcycled materials, natural design elements and high-end perks filtered water taps, floor-to-ceiling windows and terraces.
Location: 550 Wellington Street West, Toronto 

Shangri-La Toronto: Stylish décor, top-notch service, signature cocktails and the upscale Miraj Hamman Spa.
Location: 188 University Avenue, Toronto

Bisha Hotel: A mix of hotel and residences in Toronto’s Entertainment District with select suites designed by artist Lenny Kravitz. And don’t forget to try KOST Restaurant, located on the 44th floor.
Location: 80 Blue Jays Way, Toronto

Things to do in Toronto

Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO): Explore a wide range of permanent and visiting exhibitions at one of North America’s largest art collections.
Location: 317 Dundas Street West, Toronto

Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA): Showcasing art that is innovative, interesting and thought-provoking.
Locations: 158 Sterling Road, #100, Toronto

Bata Shoe Museum: Follow the history of shoes with more than 13,000 exhibits spanning 4,500 years. 
Location: 327 Bloor Street West, Toronto

Aga Khan Museum: The beautiful museum and garden showcase the range and significance of Islamic arts.
Location: 77 Wynford Drive, Toronto

Royal Ontario Museum: Canada’s largest museum explores culture, art and natural history from around the world.
Location: 10 Queens Park, Toronto

Toronto Shopping Guide: From high fashion to vintage markets, there’s a shopping experience for just about every whim and fancy.

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

CN Tower: Don’t miss Toronto’s most iconic attraction, featuring unmatched city views from observation platforms, a revolving 360 Restaurant 1,150 feet (350 metres) up and EdgeWalk, an exciting daredevil walk around the outside of the top needle of the tower.
Location: 290 Bremner Boulevard, Toronto

Events and entertainment in Toronto

Toronto Symphony Orchestra: Check out the calendar of classic and contemporary performances in September and October at Roy Thomson Hall.
Location: 60 Simcoe Street, Toronto

Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF): Each September, Toronto hosts one of the largest and most prestigious film festivals in the world with 10 days of celebrity sightings and film viewing all over the city.
Dates: September 7-17, 2023

Nuit Blanche: Explore over 100 contemporary art installations and exhibits displayed across the city for one full night from 7:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.
Date: September 23, 2023

Just For Laughs Toronto: Some of today’s funniest comedians take to the stage during this famous festival of comedy.
Dates: September 21-24, 2023
Locations: various venues across the city

The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair: The country comes to the city for almost two weeks every year, delivering the best in agricultural achievements, local food, crafts, entertainment and equestrian shows.
Dates: November 3-12, 2023
Location: Exhibition Place, Toronto

Where to eat and drink in Toronto

Toronto restaurants, cafes and eateries don’t disappoint: With over 7,500 restaurants and over a dozen craft breweries, you’ll never run out of great food and drink options in this city. 

MICHELIN starred restaurants: Toronto is the first Canadian city to be recognized in the MICHELIN Guide with over a dozen restaurants starred.

The Distillery District: A pedestrian-only neighbourhood with Victorian industrial architecture, cobblestone streets and 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: Parliament Street to Cherry Street, south of Front Street East, Toronto

Bloor and Yorkville: Once a bohemian hub, this neighbourhood is now known for its high-end retail shopping and some of Toronto’s finest restaurants, such as Sassafraz, Buca Osteria & Bar, Café Boulud and Alobar.
Location: East of Avenue Road and north of Bloor Street East, Toronto

St. Lawrence Market: A large, historic brick building bustling 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

Kensington Market: One of the city’s most eclectic, colourful and fiercely local neighborhoods is a mix of boho, vintage shops, fresh vegetable stalls, cheese and spice shops, bakeries and an array of fusion restaurants tucked into the historic Victorian architecture. You’ll find everything from Jamaican patties, Chilean empanadas and a pie shop called Wanda’s Pie In The Sky.
Locations: Bordered by Spadina Avenue, Dundas Street, Bathurst Street and College Street, Toronto

Ossington Strip: This west side street has flourished into a hip foodie destination with cool brewpubs, bars and bistros.
Location: Ossington Street

Little India: From tandoori barbeque, curries and thalis to chai shops and sari boutiques, the flavours and colours of Southeast Asia come alive in this exciting neighbourhood.
Location: Gerrard Street East

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