HISTORY OF NIAGARA ON THE LAKE
Niagara on the Lake is Canada's most historic and prettiest town.

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.

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.

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

Bird Watching
More and more people each year visit the Niagara River to see one of the world's greatest gatherings of gulls and other migrating birds. A couple of good bird spots are the overlook at the Sir Adam Beck power station and at the Queenston sand docks. And during the winter months, the Niagara River is a major area for numerous species of ducks, geese, and swans. Visit Niagara Parks for what bird species come to the area.

Grand Niagara Resort
The golf course at Grand Niagara is a classic Rees Jones course that captivates and challenges players of all levels. Fairway angles, positioning of hazards and exquisitely contoured greens demand intelligent course management, tempting players with a variety of risk-reward options.
905-384-4653

Lochness Links Golf Course
(Formerly Hunters Pointe)
An 18 hole semi-private course located in the Niagara Region. From the modern link style golf course designed by Graham Cooke & Associates to an elegant clubhouse facilities, Lochness Links welcomes you to an extraordinary golfing experience.
1-877-714-4659

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

Peninsula Lakes Golf Club
Peninsula Lakes 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

Royal Niagara Golf Club
Playing over 7000 yards, Royal Niagara is a 27-hole championship facility... three interconnected 9-hole courses. The Escarpment Course, The Iron Bridge Course, and The Old Canal Course have been built to the highest championship standards. Each 9 is balanced in terms of length and challenge.
1-866-ROYAL-18

Whirlpool Golf Course
The Whirlpool Golf Course is one of Canada’s most highly rated and renowned public golf courses. It is owned and operated by the Niagara Parks Commission and is located in a spectacular setting against the backdrop of the Niagara River Whirlpool and Gorge.
1-866-465-3642


Tours and Transportation

Niagara Classic Transport
We pride ourselves on having Canada's most unique fleet of impeccable vehicles. Niagara Classic Transport 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 Grape & Wine Tours
Grape and Wine Tours offers an escape to magnificent Niagara Wine Country! Free parking at the touring center in Niagara on the Lake or complimentary pick up at your accommodation. Available are the Afternoon Delight, Lunch Fiesta, and Best Kept Secret Dinner tours.

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

Attractions

Butterfly Conservatory
This attraction features over 2,000 tropical butterflies floating freely among lush, exotic blossoms and greenery. Paths wind through the rainforest setting, past a pond and waterfall and the emergence window, where butterflies leave their pupae and prepare to take their first flight!
905-358-0025

National Helicopters
National Helicopters invites you to discover Niagara from an Eagle's eye perspective. National's aerial tours are the most personal and the most comprehensive adventure tours offered. This leading Niagara attraction is not to be missed!
905-641-2222

Niagara Falls Aviary
Niagara Falls Aviary - OPEN YEAR ROUND-combines free flying tropical birds with lush "rainforest" plantscapes all inside a 15,000 square foot conservatory. The Aviary is located in the heart of Niagara Falls tourism district on River Road, one block from the Maid of the Mist at the Rainbow Bridge.
905-356-8888

Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours
Niagara's whitewater rapids have challenged explorers for over 300 years. Our specially designed Jet Boats offer an affordable fun way to reveal the history, scenery and incredible whitewater of the Niagara River.
905-468-4800
E-mail: wjet@whirlpooljet.com


Niagara on the Lake Wineries

Niagara is Canada's most celebrated grape and wine producing region. The blending of soils and temperate climate that stretches summers into one of the longest growing seasons in Canada, nourishes and matures grapes for the finest wines. Old and New World expertise combined with some of North America's finest quality grapes produce award winning wines worthy of their international acclaim. All of the Niagara on the Lake wineries offer tastings of VQA and blended wines - come out and discover why we are so proud of the vintages of Niagara on the Lake.

For a further list of wineries and a wine route map, visit Wine Country Ontario.

20 Bees
Part of the Diamond Estates group of wineries. 20 Bees aims to have less-expensive wines with a sense of fun.
905-468-8814

Caroline Cellars
Indulge in the country charm with this winery. Open daily until 6pm.
905-685-5673

Chateau des Charmes Wines
Guided tours, tastings, wine boutique, special events. Tours daily on the hour 11am to 4pm. Open year-round 10am to 6pm.
905-262-4219

Coyote's Run Estate Winery
In a warm microclimate just below the St. David's Bench, Coyote's Run produces intensely flavoured, small-bath wines.
905-682-8310

Hillebrand Estates Winery
Tours and tastings available everyday. Seminars also available. Visit our Winery Boutique. Open year round.
905-468-7123

Inniskillin Wines
Established in 1975 by Karl J. Kaiser and Donald Ziraldo, Inniskillin was founded upon and dedicated to the principle of producing outstanding VQA wines. Enjoy a guided public tour or self-guided tour.
905-468-3554

Jackson-Triggs Niagara Estate Winery
Daily educational guided tours available every day. Boutique hours 10:30am to 6:30 pm.
905-468-4637

Joseph's Estate Wines
Visit the tasting bar, wine boutique, and take a tour of the vineyards and cellars. Group tours and buses are welcome by appointment.
905-468-1259

Konzelmann Estate Winery
Group tours with 15 or more people by appointment. Open year round, guided public tours offered May through September daily at 2pm.
905-935-2866

Lailey Vineyard Winery
Daily wine tasting and education, monthly events, corporate events and private tours. Visit our website for more information.
905-468-0503

Maleta Estate Winery
Maleta focuses on Bordeaux reds and old-vine Reisling and Gamay.
905-685-8486

Marynissen Estates Winery
John Marynissen, vinter, invites you to visit our winery boutique featuring our rare, award-winning wines. Boutique open daily year-round.
905-468-7270

Peller Estates Winery
Tours & tastings, winery boutique, restaurant, underground barrel aging cellar and lush sprawling vineyard. Group facilities. Tours daily year round.
905-468-4678

Pillitteri Estates Winery
Tastings in the Winery Boutique. Private tours and formal tasting lessons available by appointment. A hospitality room can be reserved for private functions.
905-468-3147

Reif Estate Winery
One of the town's founding-family wineries. The winery boasts one of the most sophisticated, educational tasting-room experiences in Niagara, complete with themed flights, blind tastings, food pairings, and sensory wine garden.
905-468-WINE

Southbrook Vineyards
Only LEED Gold-certified winery in Niagara. During warmer months you can watch the flock of sheep graze in the vine rows and savour homemade stone-over pizza on the winery patio.
1-888-581-1581

Stonechurch Vineyards
Take a stroll on our Stonechurch Vineyard Trail. Retail store, gift shop and tasting bar. Self-guided vineyard tour.
905-935-3535

Strewn Estate Winery
Strewn is committed to - and inspired by - the expression of Terroir. This 'sense of place' is reflected in the wine and in the menus at the winery cooking school and onsite restaurant.
905-468-1229

Sunnybrook Farm Estate Winery
Range of fruit and berry wines.
905-468-1122


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COLONEL BUTLER INN     278 Mary St.     Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON     Canada     L0S 1J0     1-866-556-8882