June 25, 2010

Tourists in Niagara: A most charming town

About half an hour's drive away from Niagara Falls down the parkway along the Niagara River is the lovely, historic town of Niagara-on-the-Lake (NOTL). It is located on the shores of Lake Ontario, hence its name, which was originally adopted as a postal address to distinguish it from the town beside the waterfalls.

gazebo at Queen's Royal Park in Niagara-on-the-Lake


NOTL was first settled in 1781 by families loyal to Britain. The town was destroyed during the War of 1812 but its residents rebuilt. Many of those 19th century homes, and civic, religious and commercial buildings survive to this day. The Prince of Wales Hotel boasts that it was established in 1894.

Prince of Wales Hotel, Niagara-on-the-Lake


The town is home to the Shaw Festival which showcases the works of George Bernard Shaw. The playwright lends his name to the flower-draped Shaw Café and Wine Bar.

Shaw Café and Wine Bar, Niagara-on-the-Lake


Another "George" famous in Niagara-on-the-Lake is The Royal George, a theater which is a venue for the Shaw Festival.

The Royal George Theatre, Niagara-on-the-Lake


According to one of its plaques, the Niagara Courthouse was built in 1847 for the United Counties of Lincoln, Welland and Haldimand. The counties went their separate ways (then merged again, but with different partners) and the old courthouse was renovated to include a theater which is also used during the Shaw Festival.

the old Niagara Courthouse, Niagara-on-the-Lake


One of the town's most famous residents is the artist Trisha Romance, whose artwork features heartwarming scenes of families, children and homes. Trisha has since moved to a farm, but her former home still serves as a gallery, both for her work and that of her daughter Tanya, who is also an artist.

The Romance Collection Gallery, Niagara-on-the-Lake


On the Niagara Parkway just before Niagara-on-the-Lake, in the middle of the region's wine country, is the tiniest chapel that I have ever seen: The Living Water Wayside Chapel. It only has two pews inside and was meant to be a place to rest for people walking along the parkway, but it is so adorable that it has become popular as a wedding venue.

The Living Water Wayside Chapel, halfway between Niagara Falls and Niagara-on-the-Lake

13 comments:

Chattahoochee Valley Daily said...

Another interesting photo tour, Hilda. I especially liked your shot of the cafe.

Thank you for you kind comments about Woodstock. He was a joy and he will be greatly missed.

Wayne said...

For 6 or 7 years running I travelled from Vancouver to NOTL for the Shaw Festival.

Eventually it became too costly for me but I'm very fond on NOTL. It doesn't look like it's changed much since the last time I was there.

I'm sure you'll take at least one winery tour while you're there Hilda.

brattcat said...

Charming town, winningly captured.

Kaori said...

Lovely buildings! I like Trisha's gallery...and that little church! Love how it even has a bell tower ;D

M. CHRISTOPHE said...

Thank you for the visit and the large range of construction style you offered us today.

Verna Luga said...

Me, I love the gazebo.. very charming ....

Lois said...

A quaint little town Hilda! Thanks for showing it to us. I love that little chapel!

arabesque said...

ooh, i'm just admiring all those cool edifices, something we don;t see here everyday. ^0^

Cezar and Léia said...

I'm loving the tour you provide us across Canadian treasures...
God bless you!
Cezar

T. Becque said...

That is a charming town. I didn't know it was established so long ago. Nice!

Joy said...

Lovely photos, Hilda! I especially like the wine bar and the bandstand.

Thanks for visiting Norwich Daily Photo and leaving your comment. Come visit again. Have a fab weekend!

Leif Hagen said...

Niagara DOES look like a lovely town to visit! Someday ...

George said...

Thanks for the memories! We did make it to Niagara-on-the-Lake and thoroughly enjoyed strolling through the town. We also visited the nearby Fort George.