Why Niagara is the Best Place on Earth

Niagara is a gorgeous place to call home.  In every season it has a plethora of fun activities to fill your time.  If you notice that wine is on the list more than once, it is because the gorgeous wineries always have some special up their sleeve in each season.  It is worth popping up to see what they are up to more than once a year; or even better, to live in Niagara on the Lake so you can spend time in the outdoors, eating world class food and enjoying all of the festivals and events going on in and around town.

The Best Weekend Activities

Niagara on the Lake is a great place to spend some of your holiday time.  With so many different activities and its proximity to the Greater Toronto region, it can serve as a lovely weekend getaway from all the hustle and bustle of city life.  With summer fast approaching, activities abound in and around the area.  Here is a quick look at some of the best weekend activities this region has to offer, courtesy of Niagara on the Lake real estate.

Wineries—Tastings and Pairings

The number one draw to the Niagara region is its wineries.  Niagara is home to some of the finest wineries in Canada and arguably North America.  If you have not booked a winery tour and tasting with your favourite local winery, now is the time.  Each weekend, many of the best wineries offer great tastings of some of their most coveted and unique wines as well interesting pairings provided by some great local chefs.  For a detailed look at the wineries and what each offers, please visit www.niagaraonthelake.com/wineries.

Hiking for the Healthy and the Natural Observers

The Niagara on the Lake region also boasts some great walks and hiking. Make sure to take a stroll down the stunning Niagara parkway.  The parkway offers great views of the Niagara River, and is a must do if you are visiting the Niagara region.

Another must do is a walk along the Bruce Trail.  This trail can be accessed from many different points and offers great hikes as well as beautiful vistas of the Niagara River and Parkway.  For more information and a detailed map of the Bruce trail and its entry points, make sure to visit www.brucetrail.org.

A Traditional Game of Golf

Late spring also means golf. Niagara on the Lake boasts some of the best courses in Ontario, and it also is home to the oldest golf course in all of North America.  The Niagara on the Lake Golf Club was created for British soldiers who were stationed in the area during the War of 1812 and has been a fixture in the area since then.  Come on out and challenge yourself on the oldest golf course in North America, and take a walk back in time!  For a complete list of the golf courses that surround Niagara on the Lake, please visit www.niagarafallsinfo.com.

All the Fine Dining

The Niagara on the Lake region is home to some great restaurants and chefs.  Many local chefs work with the wineries to cook with the finest local and seasonal products.  They create some unique and memorable fine dining experiences.  Take a stroll through the historic and quaint town of Niagara on the Lake and see for yourself what some of these chefs are offering.  For a complete list of fine dining options in the area, visit http://www.niagarafallshotels.com/restaurants-in-niagara-falls/.

Contact Niagara on the Lake Real Estate Today!

These are just a few of the many great weekend activities that are available in Niagara on the Lake.  If after visiting the region, you feel that you would like to make Niagara on the Lake more than just a weekend getaway, come look at some of the affordable Niagara on the Lake real estate options.  We hope to see you soon!

Springtime in Niagara on the Lake

There may be no better time to visit the Niagara region than in the springtime. The trees are in full bloom and the temperatures are very mild, but do you really need any more reasons to spend time in the area?  There are plenty of things to see and do in the Niagara region, so make sure to come on out and enjoy spring here!

The Home and Garden Show

This home and garden show is unique to the region as it showcases what are sure to be the must-haves for this summer’s balconies and outdoor living.  This is your chance to get some great ideas about how to finally landscape your backyard or how to properly install your own water features, as well as to talk directly to the experts who can answer your questions about any and all of your landscape concerns.

In addition to landscaping, there will be seminars on proper growing techniques for a variety of garden plants and flowers as well as a plant sale, which should allow you to get a head start on your garden this spring.

There will be activities for the whole family as well as a kid’s zone.  Be sure to check out all of the fun at the Niagara Home and Garden Show. For more information, please visit www.niagarahomeandgardenshow.ca.

After you have seen some of the unique ideas for both the inside and outside of your home, be sure to also look at some of the Niagara Homes real estate that boasts some of these great garden and home ideas, and see how these ideas have been applied to real-life settings.

Wineries and Mardi Gras

A visit to the Niagara region, home to some of the finest wines in Canada and perhaps even the world, would not be complete without visiting some of the wineries that surround the town. You will not want to miss your opportunity to see where these wines come from and how they are prepared.

Even though the physical distance from New Orleans is quite large, the spirit of Mardi Gras is alive and well in Niagara: come out for a Cajun-style celebration to help beat the winter blues at Reif Estate Winery.  For more information, contact the Niagara tourism branch or visit www.niagaraonthelake.com.

This winery is also hosting various wine tastings throughout the month which feature some of their rare and award-winning wines.  Be sure to be part of this unique opportunity.

Once you have enjoyed some of the region’s finest wines, make sure to stroll through the picturesque town, view the spectacular Niagara homes, and perhaps enjoy some of the finest local culinary restaurants in all of Ontario.  Regardless of how you choose to spend your time in here, you cannot go wrong.

Summer Activities in NOTL

There is no doubt about it that Niagara on the Lake shines in the summer.  The sunshine and warm weather are great catalysts for many of the activities that make this area one of the most visited spots in all of Canada.

One visit to the region during the summer, and you will fall in love with not only the many different activities but the region itself—as well as the friendly and welcoming people that call Niagara on the Lake home.  Here is a brief list of many great summer activities that abound in the region, including how to get in touch about Niagara on the Lake real estate.

The Shaw Festival

A trip to Niagara on the Lake would not be complete without taking in one of the many different shows that are brought to you by the Shaw Festival, a Niagara on the Lake fixture that has been part of the region for decades.  The festival is a celebration and tribute to the late Bernard Shaw meant to stir and provoke the mind and the soul by providing entertaining and exhilarating theatre performances.

Every year the festival produces between 10 and12 different plays that bring scores of people to the region to marvel in the not-for-profit theatre company’s works.  Some of the highlights for this year are Alice in Wonderland and Sweeney Todd.  For more information—and how to get tickets—please visit the Shaw Festival website at www.shawfest.com.

The Great Outdoors

Early summer is a great time to get out and stretch your legs in one of the many great trails in the area.  The Niagara Park Recreation Trail is another must see while you are in the area.  This trail offers stunning views of the Niagara River, and has many great places for a picnic lunch.  The trail also offers great cycling opportunities as it stretches for over 50km and has great historic spots of interest along the way such as Fort Eerie.

Winter in Niagara

Although the summer months are what Niagara seems to be most remembered for, there is just something magical about winters in the region. Now that the holiday season has passed and all of the hustle and bustle of Christmas is over, it is the ideal time to enjoy some of the beautiful winter events that the Niagara region is famous for, such as its unique wine tastings and the various winter festivities. Here is a quick look at some of the highlights of winter in the Niagara region.

Ice Wine Festivals

Just because it is winter does not mean that the Niagara wine tasting experience is over. Come on out and enjoy some of the most unique ice wines available in Canada. There are many wineries that offer great winter themed ice wine tasting events. Some of these wineries have paired up with local chefs to offer a unique experience to try some local culinary dishes with your ice wine.

During the month of January, Niagara on the Lake hosts the 21st annual ice wine festival. Be sure to include this experience in your visit to the region so you’ll have something to brag about when you get back home. The festival transforms Niagara into a winter wonderland complete with ice bars, chestnut roasts, ice skating and, of course, opportunities to sample Ontario’s finest selection of ice wines. The festival is held on January 15-31st in the town of Niagara-on-the-Lake.

Winter Fun

If the wine festival and wine tasting does not appeal to you, Niagara also offers some great winter events. Come and enjoy an evening of great music at Simcoe Park in the heart of the Niagara region. Sounds of Winter is part of the TD Niagara Jazz series and is a free event. Bring your own chair and beverages and relax to the sounds of some great local jazz.

If you have not gotten your fill of chocolate over the holidays, Niagara is hosting a fondue chocolate falls. Here you’ll be able to partake in a Belgian chocolate fondue night that is perfectly paired with an award-winning Cabernet Franc icewine. This event is proudly brought to you by Riverview Cellars Estate Winery.

The Niagara Winter

These are just a few of the many great events and activities that are available in and around the Niagara region. And we all know that any trip to the region would not be complete without a visit to the famous Niagara Falls. Make sure to see the falls in their winter grandiose.  During the Winter, that falls are lit of spectacularly.

Also, make sure to take a stroll through the picturesque town of Niagara, and stop in at some of the local shops for a fully authentic Niagara experience. While you are in town, make sure to visit some of the quaint neighbourhoods in order to see some of the spectacular Niagara homes in all of their winter glory.

Valentine’s Day in Niagara

Niagara Homes may be the most romantic place to celebrate Valentine’s Day in of all Canada.  The majestic winter scenery coupled with a spectacular backdrop and a quaint town feel make Niagara Homes a sure Valentine’s Day hit.  Here are a few of the many great activities to help make this Valentine’s Day your most romantic yet!

Get Outside

Any visit to the Niagara Homes region must include a stroll along the Niagara Parkway.  This is the perfect place to fall in love and share those romantic feelings as you walk in a virtual winter wonderland.  Make sure to bring a hot beverage and see why the Niagara Parkway is a must see in the Niagara region.

Romatic Events and Wine Pairings

Regardless of the season, the wineries in the Niagara region are a must see.  There are many wineries in and around Niagara that will be catering specifically towards Valentine’s Day.  Pick your favourite and enjoy a nice local dinner paired with some of the finest wine in all of North America.  Make sure to visit the calendar page of the Niagara Homes website at www.niagaraonthelake.com for what individual wineries are offering.

Culinary Delights

You will not want to miss the Taste the Town Winters Tour held on February 14.  This is a walking tour that offers the opportunity to try some of the best local cuisine the region has to offer.  Not only will the tour offer great food, but it also provides a brief history of the town, and an opportunity to meet not only local business owners but also local chefs and other patrons who make the Niagara region a special place to call home.

Nothing says Valentine’s Day like chocolate, and Niagara Homes has paired wine and chocolate to offer you an unforgettable experience.  Make sure to join us for a Day of Wine and Chocolate on February 14. This event offers couples a unique opportunity to try up to 24 of the region’s local wines.  Each of these wines has been perfectly paired with a chocolate infused dish to bring out the best flavours in each.  This is a unique, romantic experience and is exclusive to Niagara Homes!

Other Great Ideas

Besides great wineries and culinary festivals, Niagara Homes offers many other great Valentine’s Day experiences.  Try a couple’s spa day at one of the regions many great spas or enjoy a romantic candle lit dinner at one of the local restaurants.  While you are enjoying all that the town has to offer, make sure to take in the local neighbourhood feel, and come and see some of the beautiful Niagara homes in the region.  It is not only a fun place to visit, but it’s a beautiful place to call home.

Regardless of what is your idea of romance, Niagara Homes has you covered.  From great wineries to locally prepared cuisine, the Valentine’s Day in Niagara promises to be unforgettable.  We hope to see you here!

Why You Should Retire in NOTL

The day has finally come—the day where you can safely say that you can retire.  Now that you have reached this milestone, a whole new set of questions will arise, such as, “What can I do with all of your free time?” and “Where do I want to spend my golden years?”  There are many great retirement communities, but here are five reasons as to why you should retire with Niagara on the Lake real estate.

A Unique Climate Unlike Other Canadian Regions

Niagara on the Lake offers a warmer than average climate year round.  This is great news for anyone who is tired of long and cold snowy winters in the northern part of Canada or Ontario.  Niagara on the Lake gets more sunshine than many parts of Ontario.  A great added bonus is, due to its mild and warm temperatures, it is home to some of the finest wineries in all of Canada.

Golf, Theatre, Festivals and More!

There are plenty of activities year round in the Niagara region.  Niagara boasts some of the best golf courses in all of Ontario, and with the milder climates, you can perfect your golf game long into the fall season.  Niagara on the Lake is also home to the Shaw Festival Theatre that offers a wide variety of arts and entertainment.  The region also hosts many different festivals year round.  Most of these festivals are centered around wine – Niagara’s most famous export.

There are many great outdoor activities as well such as the Bruce trail and the Short Hills. There is always something to see and do in the picturesque community of Niagara on the Lake.

A Slower Pace for a Restful Mind

Anyone coming from the Greater Toronto Area will quickly appreciate the slower pace of Niagara on the Lake.  There are no traffic jams and no rush hour.  Niagara on the Lake offers a great quality of life while still offering amenities such as great shopping, great cuisine and easy access to the US border and airports.  Remember, you are only an hour from all of the culture and hustle bustle of Toronto and all that a big city offers.

Health Services

The Niagara on the Lake region also boasts great services that are important when choosing a retirement community.  The first and foremost being access to healthcare.  A new hospital has opened in St. Catharine’s, and there are many great health care practitioners and dentists in the Niagara region.  Besides great and accessible health care, Niagara on the Lake offers any other service that you would expect or need for your retired lifestyle.  This includes a great and modern community center and many different assisted living choices.

Affordability with Niagara on the Lake Real Estate

Even though the Niagara region is constantly recognized as one of the best spots in all of Canada to retire, the Niagara on the Lake real estate market is still surprisingly affordable.  Stop by our office today or contact us, and see for yourself some of the great options that may be right for you and your retirement goals.  We look forward to seeing you soon!