Looking for a charming British retreat on this side of the Atlantic? Look no further than Niagara-on-the-Lake, a brief 25-minute drive from the crowds and commotion of Niagara Falls. It’s located at the opposite end of the scenic Niagara Parkway past vineyards, farms, parks, and gated homes.
The British established residency in the small Ontario town in 1781. During the War of 1812, Americans captured and destroyed the town, but the British rebuilt it and its historical charm is well maintained today.
Wine bars and artisanal cheese shops and specialty boutiques now occupy the 19th century buildings. Quaint B&Bs and inns sit alongside private mansions on tree-lined side streets. And the flowers, oh the flowers. I’ve never seen such perfectly manicured baskets, beds, and boxes.
We had an authentic British dinner at Moffat Pub: fish ‘n’ chips with a side of mushy peas for Nick and bangers ‘n’ mash for me. (Though I still prefer our homemade bangers ‘n’ mash — I credit the beer and mustard seeds.)
And we couldn’t resist sharing an ice cream cone — nearly everyone we passed had one. Not only does Cows have sweet ice cream flavors (Freckle Frenzy, Wowie Cowie, Moo Crunch), they also have a line of clever t-shirts (Dunder Moofflin, Team Jacowb, Dancing with the Steers). Really, you have to check it out.
Following dinner and dessert, we walked a few blocks to the shore of Lake Ontario to watch the sunset. It was the ideal way to conclude our summer vacation.
Thanks for following along! Here’s a list of all recaps:
- Saratoga Springs: Chianti Ristorante
- Saratoga Springs: Mrs. London’s Bakery and Putnam Market
- Saratoga Springs: The Water that Put the Place on the Map
- Saratoga Springs: BBQ and Cobbler and Fireworks
- Quebec City: The Lower Town
- Quebec City: Le Cochon Dingue
- Quebec City: History, Beers, and Chocolates
- Montreal: The First Day of My 28th Year
- Montreal: The Second Day of My 28th Year
- Montreal Rain to Niagara Mist
Where have you traveled this summer?
Looks like my kind of town. Dad and I need to visit soon for Fish-N-Chips!
I haven’t been able to comment on each of your Canada vacation posts, but I have been just eating them up! Looks like such a fun and laid back trip. I went to Quebec with my parents when I was in the 6th grade and it was one of the best vacations we ever went on. Thanks for taking me down memory lane abit. Sidebar: Mr. WileyWifey is a hunk.
Bummer! I’m glad you let me know you haven’t been able to comment. Must have something to do with my move to self-hosted WordPress. I’ll do my best to fix it.
Isn’t Quebec lovely? And my husband, too. Though he wouldn’t let me post the awesome shot I have of him eating his ice cream cone — chocolate running down his face and all!
Ahhh! Its posts like this that make me wish I had a sister!
Oh my gosh, I love the look of this little town so much I’m going to show it to fiance as a possible honeymoon. We’re driving to Pennsylvania from Florida for our wedding and will have to drive home, so this might make more sense than flying to California wine country — it’s only a four hour drive from where we’ll be married!
It is SUCH a lovely town! I think it would be a perfect spot for a honeymoon. Where is your wedding? And when?