Niagara-On-The-Lake

Besides having a reputation as one of Canada's prettiest towns, Niagara-on-the-Lake is also one of its most fascinating communities.

Originally called Butlersburg, after Colonel John Butler, commander of Butler's Rangers, Niagara-on-the-Lake officially became a town in 1782. The name was changed to Newark, and became a haven for English settlers fleeing the American Revolution on the other side of the Niagara River. By 1792, it became known as Niagara, and was named the first capital of Upper Canada (modern day Ontario). During the war of 1812, the capital was moved to Toronto, and in the 1880's, the town was officially renamed Niagara-on-the-Lake to avoid confusion with Niagara Falls.

Today, Niagara-on-the-Lake is a popular tourist destination. The town has retained its 19th century charm, and is a wonderful place to explore with its forts, grand mansions, elaborate gardens, parks, and potpourri of arts and crafts. The town is home to world-class hotels and spas that attract people from around the globe. Its thriving Shaw Festival offers wonderful theatre that entertains more than a million people each year. In fact, close to 3.5 million people visit Niagara-on-the-Lake each year.

Niagara-On-The-Lake is also famous for its beautiful tender fruit crops, and has become a prestigious wine region. The composition of the soil in this region was formed 12,500 years ago when the glaciers retreated, leaving behind deposits of clay, loam, sand, and gravel. The soil mix is enriched with minerals and trace elements from different strata of bedrock, which provide nutrition to the vineyards, and add complexity to wines produced locally. A combination of rich soil and relatively mild temperatures help as well. Local vineyards account for much of Canada's wine production. Vintages from several of these cottage wineries have earned medals at renowned international competitions.

One unique product indigenous to Niagara-on-the-Lake is Ice Wine, or 'Eiswein', inspired in part by producers' of European heritage. The production begins with a winter harvest that goes around the clock for two or more days until the vines are stripped, an annual occurrence that has become a fun event for the region. Local wineries go so far as to sell tickets to these fashionable 'picking parties' with funds raised being donated to various charities.

Niagara-on-the-Lake

Population: 13,839

Age: incorporated as a town in 1782

Location: 125 km southwest of Toronto

Highways: QEW

Airports: John C. Munroe Airport, Hamilton, Ontario; Niagara Falls, NY; Buffalo, NY

Public Transit: Regional bus service

Education: The District School Board of Niagara operates five elementary schools and one secondary school; The Niagara Catholic District School Board operates one elementary school

Emergency Services: Local policing as well as Niagara Regional Policing and 911 emergency coverage

Tourist/Cultural and Recreation Facilities: Six public and private art galleries, three world renowned theatres and the Shaw Festival Theatre Company, four museums, 15 public parks and playgrounds, a library that houses the largest research collection on English Canada's origins, a community college, four golf courses and two driving ranges, a sports arena, community centre, youth centre,and 16 churches