HISTORY OF NIAGARA ON THE LAKE
Niagara-on-the-Lake is Canada's most historic and prettiest town. The Best Western Colonel Butler Inn was named for John Butler, a seasoned veteran of the Seven Years War and leader of the famous Butler's Rangers. Colonel Butler was responsible for laying the foundation for many new colonies under the British flag.

In 1781 the British Government purchased land from the Mississaugas; a strip of land 6 miles wide along the western bank of the Niagara River for "300 suits of clothing". By 1782, 16 families had become established and had cleared 236 acres. In 1791 part of the military reserve at the mouth of the river was chosen as the future townsite. In 1792, Newark - as it was named by Governor Simcoe, became the first capital of the newly-created colony of Upper Canada, and the legislature met here for five sessions, until Lieutenant-Governor John Graves Simcoe moved the capital to York. By 1796, 70 new homes were built, and the town continued to prosper as the economic, administrative and judicial centre for the Niagara Peninsula. The physical appearance of the town, with the exception of the powder magazine at Fort George was virtually erased by the burning of the town by the Americans during the War of 1812.

Rebuilt, Niagara became an active commercial centre, with a busy shipping and ship-building industry, as well as many shops and warehouses. The beautiful old homes lining the tree-shaded streets attest to the prosperity of its citizens.

TODAY, over two hundred years after its founding, Niagara-on-the-Lake hums with a different kind of traffic. Its many attractions include historic sites - Fort George and the Historical Society Museum; the Shaw Festival with its three theatres, the marina, our heritage business district for shopping as well as world class golf courses, parks, beautiful farmland, agricultural markets and our world famous Niagara wineries.

NIAGARA ATTRACTIONS

The Niagara Region offers unforgettable attractions, history, wineries, shopping, and more. Ask us about packages including wine tours, dining, spa services, and romance!

Discover why Sir Winston Churchill called the Niagara Parkway "the prettiest Sunday drive anywhere". A scenic twenty minute drive between Niagara on the Lake and Niagara Falls will pass stunning views and many historical sites.

Shopping is a highlight of any visit to Niagara on the Lake. Time spent on Queen Street will uncover treats and treasures from around the world.

Now considered amongst the top wine producing regions in North America, the Niagara Region boasts over 40 world-class wineries, beckoning to you to visit for touring and tasting.

Here are a few websites that will give you a sense of all the great things to do during your visit with us:

Here's a more detailed list:

• Arts, Culture, and Active Learning
• Sports and Leisure
• Tours and Transportation
• Attractions
• Wineries

Sports and Leisure

Niagara-on-the-Lake Golf Club
Built in 1882, this 9-hole course is the oldest course in Canada. Located in the heritage district overlooking Lake Ontario.
905-468-3424

Hunters Pointe Golf Course
An 18 hole semi-private course located in the heart of the Niagara Region. From our modern link style golf course designed by Graham Cooke & Associates to our elegant clubhouse facilities, Hunters Pointe welcomes you to an extraordinary golfing experience.

Peninsula Lakes Golf Club
Since opening as a 9-hole course in 1980, Peninsula Lakes GC has systematically evolved from gravel pit to one of Niagara's premier courses. Peninsula Lakes now boasts a 27 championship holes - the Quarry, Hillside and Orchard nines. Recognized as one of Niagara's best courses, Peninsula Lakes GC garnered 14th place on the Toronto Star's Bogey Man's Top 18 courses for 2002.
905-468-3424


Tours and Transportation

Escorted, VIP PersonalTours®
PersonalTours® Inc. plans and provides custom-designed, strictly private,
VIP, private party and private group, Niagara Region Sightseeing Tours
and Niagara Wine Country, Estate Winery Tours with personal wine-tasting events.
1-877-959-9949 Toll Free in Canada and the USA.

Niagara Classic Cars
We pride ourselves on having Canada's most unique fleet of impeccable vehicles. Niagara Classic Cars is committed to providing world class service for any function or special event, large or small. In the continued traditions of Rolls Royce & Bentley, we look forward to serving your every need.

Niagara Vintage Wine Tours
Compliment your stay by taking a fully narrated small group wine tour with industry professional and wine educator Chris Fuccillo. Travel through the heart of wine country tasting some of the best wines in Canada including the best Icewines in the world! Also available is the Day Tour with Lunch or a stellar Evening 4-Course Dinner & Wine pairing tour!

Niagara Wine Tours International
With local professional guides/chauffeurs we provide the highest level of service and customer satisfaction. Whether it is one of our leisurely day or afternoon bicycle tours, a relaxing van tour for the afternoon, full day with lunch, or an evening tour with dinner, we will provide you with a memorable experience one that you will want to repeat again and again!

Sentineal Carriages
Explore the rich history, majestic homes, and peaceful scenery the way it was intended, by a horse drawn carriage.
905-468-4943
E-mail: sentinealcarriages@sympatico.ca

Zoom Leisure: Bike Rentals and Tours
Two different tours departing daily from our store. We offer a variety of options for group and corporate tours. We will customize a tour or event that will be memorable and fun. Bikes available for the whole family.
905-468-2366
E-mail: zoom@niagara.com