Niagara to Toronto: Vineyards vistas to downtown views
Road trip from the romantic vineyards of Niagara to Toronto's dynamic downtown.
Niagara-on-the-Lake | Destination Ontario
Experience historic small-town charm in the heart of Ontario’s famous wine region and vibrant energy and excitement in the nation’s largest city. Enjoy top cuisine, local culture, boutique shopping and exceptional wine along the way.
Suggested length of trip: 5 days
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, 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 properties.
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 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
This striking, Georgian-style mansion is located along what many consider to be Ontario’s prettiest drive, the Niagara River Parkway, and is surrounded by vineyards and gardens.
Location: 16104 Niagara River Parkway, Niagara-on-the-Lake
Things to do in Niagara-on-the-Lake
Wine tours and tastings
Wineries of Niagara-on-the-Lake
Niagara-on-the-Lake’s main attraction is 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.
Find more wineries with our wine lover’s guide to Niagara, Canada.
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.
Location: 1096 Lakeshore Road, Niagara-on-the-Lake
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
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 this National Historic Site and former military post.
Location: 51 Queen’s Parade, Niagara-on-the-Lake
Founded in 1962, this theatre 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
Niagara-on-the-Lake Heritage District
Stroll the wide tree-lined walkways in Niagara-on-the-Lake’s Heritage District. Shop at boutique stores like BeauChapeau Hat Shop and Victoria’s Teas & Coffees for fresh, ethically sourced coffee and tea.
Locations:
BeauChapeau Hat Shop, 42 Queen Street, Niagara-on-the-Lake
Victoria’s Teas & Coffees, 108 Queen Street, Niagara-on-the-Lake
Browse local and international antiques and home furnishings, trinkets, clothing and more.
Location: 1579 Four Mile Creek Road, Virgil
Rent traditional or electric bikes and set out on a guided or self-guided tour of the region.
Location: 431 Mississauga Street, Niagara-on-the-Lake
Add adventure to your itinerary with a helicopter ride over the falls. 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
Parks and gardens
Located at the foot of King Street, this park offers great views of the Niagara River. While there, don’t miss the Royal Gazebo — a lovely spot to sip a takeout coffee from nearby local favourite Balzac’s Coffee Roasters.
Location:
Queen’s Royal Park, 45 Front Street, Niagara-on-the-Lake
Balzac’s Coffee Roasters, 223 King 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 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
When you’re in the mood for wood-fired pizza or tasty charcuterie grazing boards and craft beer.
Location: 1573 Four Mile Creek Road, Niagara-on-the-Lake
Waterfront Restaurant at Niagara-on-the-Lake Golf Club
Check the calendar of events to see what entertainment is on the patio. And enjoy wonderful views of Lake Ontario.
Location: 143 Front Street, Niagara-on-the-Lake
Featureing a seasonal menu and al fresco dining in the large patio garden.
Location: 84 Queen Street, Niagara-on-the-Lake
Serving 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
Hailed as one of Canada’s Top 10 Wine Restaurants by Wine Enthusiast Magazine, Treadwell is a treat. 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 in for pies, cakes, and delicious ice cream made by hand in the old-fashioned way.
Location: 461 Stewart Road, Niagara-on-the-Lake
Twenty Valley
Approximate distance and travel time from Niagara-on-the-Lake to Twenty Valley: 24 miles (40 kilometres), 40 minutes
The Twenty Valley region along the Niagara Escarpment is a sub-appellation of the Niagara Peninsula wine region. Its many quaint villages are home to mostly family-run boutique wineries and vineyards and worth further exploration.
The tiny village of Jordan in Twenty Valley is brimming with charm and a surprising number of wineries and independent boutiques.
This landmark vineyard is a mainstay of the village and a must-stop for Riesling lovers. It’s also home to the oldest functioning wine cellar in Ontario.
Location: 3836 Main Street, Jordan Village
Enjoy a pub lunch at this historic roadhouse with an upscale twist.
Location: 3751 Main Street, Jordan Village
A boutique hotel and restaurant on Main Street directly across the road from the celebrated Cave Springs Cellars.
Location: 3836 Main Street, Jordan Village
Toronto
Approximate distance and travel time from Twenty Valley to Toronto: 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, explore the diversity of Ontario’s trendiest city.
Where to stay in Toronto
Toronto’s first luxury resort-style hotel 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 featuring 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
This downtown hotel 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, 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
Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO)
Explore provocative and powerful exhibitions at the one of the largest art collections in North America.
Location: 317 Dundas Street West, Toronto
Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA)
Discover a wealth of contemporary art.
Location: 158 Sterling Road, #100, Toronto
One of Toronto’s more unusual attractions 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
Showcases the range and significance of Islamic arts with exhibits and beautiful gardens. 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 sightseeing harbour tour, available from April to November. You can also choose from a variety of dining cruise experiences.
Location: 207 Queen’s Quay West, Toronto
Take in the sights of the city from above on a helicopter tour that departs from Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport Hanger 1.
Location: 2 Eireann Quay, Toronto
Culinary Adventure Co or Tasty Tours Toronto
Discover the city’s culinary scene on a walking tour with local foodies.
Locations:
Culinary Adventure Co., 92 Front Street East, Toronto
Tasty Tours, 30 St Andrew Street, Toronto
Tour the city on two wheels. Packages include downtown routes and Toronto Islands tours.
Location: 124 St. Patrick Street, Toronto
Toronto Island SUP or Oceah Oceah SUP & YOGA
Explore Toronto’s waterfront and islands on a stand up paddling or kaykaying excursion.
Locations:
Toronto Island SUP, Wards Island, Toronto
Oceah Oceah SUP & YOGA, 1575 Lakeshore Boulevard West, Toronto
Festivals and celebrations
Canada’s answer to NXNW showcasing the best new and emerging talent (June 12–16, 2024).
The largest Pride event in Canada celebrating the 2SLGBTQI+ community (June 30. 2024).
Alternative, unconventional and entertaining theatre (July 3–14, 2024).
A premier motorsports event at Exhibition Place (July 19–21, 2024).
An epic event showcasing the best of Caribbean culture, music and food (August 1–5, 2024).
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.
This pedestrian-only entertainment neighborhood is 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, Toronto
Once a bohemian hub, this neighbourhood is now known for its high-end retail shopping and some of Toronto’s finest eateries and restaurants, such as Sassafraz, Buca Osteria & Bar and Alobar. Modern and upscale, the menu at W Hotel reflects Toronto’s multicultural culinary scene.
Location: Yorkville Toronto
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 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: Kensington Market, Toronto
If it’s a view you’re after, you can’t beat the revolving dining room experience 350 metres (1,150 feet) up the CN Tower.
Location: 290 Bremner Boulevard, Toronto
For trip planning support, connect with one of our travel counsellors who can help you build your road trip itinerary.
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Last updated: July 29, 2024