Niagara-on-the-Lake

Amy let me know before our trip that she had always wanted to go to Niagara-on-the-Lake as it looked like a wonderful town to walk through and visit.  Therefore when we decided to add Canada to our trip I made sure that we'd have time to stroll through the town.

Nestled in the corner of the Niagara Region just beyond Niagara Falls, the picturesque Niagara-on-the-Lake epitomizes old town charm.

Known by the locals as NOTL, this must visit village is bordered on both sides by waterfront with arbour-framed streets among lush boulevard gardens.  Wander through the Heritage District as you discover whimsical boutiques, enthralling antique shops and delightful bistros - maybe even a horse drawn carriage or two.
--from Niagara Falls Tourism site

One of the first sights we saw while walking around the streets was this church that dates from 1835

After passing the church we walked past Simcoe Park, named for John Simcoe, the first Lieutenant Governor of Upper Canada.

As we crossed into the main tourist area we passed the Prince of Wales Hotel across the street.

The first building we walked into was a historic apothecary.  According to the historic plaque out front it is almost 200 years old.

Acquired by the Ontario Heritage Foundation in 1969, the Niagara Apothecary is a fine example of a Confederation era commercial establishment and pharmacy.  Although the building probably dates to the 1820s, it was extensively renovated in 1866 when it was taken over by an apothecary.  At this time the Italianate windows were installed and the interior fitted up as a drug store.  Until it closed in 1964 it was one of the oldest and one of the longest continuously operating pharmaceutical practices in Canada.
--from Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada sign

The space with historic decorations intact is operated as a one-room museum from May to September each year.

This is a perfume dispensing machine from 1892 would give you a "Scent for a cent."

There are many displays under the counter glass all around the room that you can read as you wander through the space.

This is the earliest historic photograph of the building's interior.

In the road in front of the Old Court House is a clock tower, which I couldn't get a great picture of at first due to the sun.

The town's visitor center is located in the basement of the old court house.

After leaving I was able to get a much better picture of the clock tower.

We next visited a place called Cheese Secrets where we picked up some local cheese to try later.

Next we discovered an ice cream shop named Cows, which reportedly has Canada's best ice cream.

They also sold raspberry cordial from Prince Edward Island that we almost bought.

We next found a local gelato shop since we wanted to get a treat for the one kid that has dairy allergies.

I really liked their ingredients sign, very fun to read and clear in its presentation of information.

On our way back to our parking spot near Fort George we revisited Simcoe Park so that the kids could play.  Inside the park we discovered a statue of the before-mentioned John Simcoe.

I've never seen a parallel parking spacer quite like these markings before.

Finally we enjoyed these beautiful flowers shortly before we got back to our car.

If you're in the area during warm weather and enjoy walking around old towns definitely take a stroll around Niagara-on-the-Lake.

~Matt