A Traveler’s Reprieve in Niagara-on-the-Lake

…helping you explore & experience Niagara!

BOOK DIRECT (ON OUR WEBSITE OR CALL US) AND SAVE SUBSTANTIALLY!

If your heart beats faster each time you pack your bag to discover new and exciting sights, then Explorer House is your ideal lodging choice! This modern home-turned boutique bed and breakfast was built with guests’ needs in mind, and reflects the owners’ love of global travel. Inside you’ll find luxuriously comfortable accommodations for your explorations of the Niagara Region.

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Each of our beautiful guest suites is uniquely decorated with a global décor. All are lavishly appointed and include luxurious amenities, use of common areas and a delicious breakfast each morning.

Experience Niagara from our peaceful and beautifully landscaped location on a quiet cul-de-sac near parklands, just a 15-minute walk from Queen Street. Explore the Old Town area with its 19th-century charm; take a carriage ride through the beautiful streets of town or marvel at our town’s beauty by foot, as you duck into the specialty shops, galleries, pubs and restaurants throughout town. Nearby visit the oldest golf course in North America, historic sites, biking/walking trails, wineries and the famous Shaw Theatre Festival; all can be reached via a short walk, bike or car ride. Then return to a quite oasis in our beautiful backyard, which includes a fire-pit-table sitting area, gazebo and hot-tub.

There is so much to explore and experience in the Niagara Region. Let Explorer House host your southern Ontario travels!

Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake License #045-2024

“The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page” – Saint Augustine of Hippo.

                                   
Trip Advisor Travelers' Choice Awards 2024
 
Upcoming Explorations:

Keep checking in here to see the latest in happenings in Niagara-on-the-Lake. There is always lots to do in Niagara-on-the-Lake.

And if you feel like just relaxing you can enjoy our lovely guest sitting area with Adirondack/Muskoka chairs & firepit table, or the gazebo and/or the hot tub…all available for our guests. So don’t forget to bring along your swimsuit! Come explore with Explorer House, book your travel now!

NOTL Update:

Here is a quick link to many upcoming events Go To Niagara.

Winery Tours & Tastings! Please note many wineries are requiring reservations so we recommend booking in advance. Looking for a guided tour that includes wineries, breweries & distilleries, Brewery & Distillery Tours has numerous options, ask us for a code to save $10 off per person (if you want to book a e-bike with them we can also save you $10 per bike). 

Wineries of Niagara-on-the-Lake provides a listing of many wineries but you will also find a list of many others on the “Explore Niagara” tab of this website. Also, here is a handy list of many wineries and their current offerings. Interested in learning more about wine in Niagara, check out Rick VanSickle’s “Wines in Niagara” website. 

Shaw Festival has announced their 2025 season! Get ready for another Narnia adventure with The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe. Along with Anything Goes, Murder on the Lake and much more! Tickets now on sale.

You can experience Reif Estate Winery’s❄️Winter Wonderland❄️every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from Nov. 22, 2024 – Feb. 2, 2025. Warm up with a cup of Hot Mulled wine, Hot apple cider with icewine, or a Vinea Hot Chocolate while enjoying a self-guided stroll through the estate and experience Seasky International Light’s, a spectacular exhibit crafted by artisans featuring scenes of magic, animals, nature, festive delights, and Chinese culture.

Ice Wine Festival returns on the weekends in January 2025. The Cool As Ice Gala will take place on Jan. 18, 2025. It promises to be an unforgettable evening where Niagara’s finest wineries and top chefs come together to showcase the best of VQA Icewines, cocktails, mocktails, and farm-to-table cuisine. Set in the stunning Niagara Parks Power Station, this luxe, immersive event promises exciting flavours, live performances, and vibrant music. This all-inclusive ticket includes exclusive access to the Tunnel—a captivating 180-foot underground walk that leads to the base of Niagara Falls, and unlimited access to the incredible selection of food and drink.  The NOTL Icewine Village will take place on Jan. 18-19, 2025 and Jan. 25-26, 2025. Over the two weekends the festival transforms Niagara’-on-the-Lake’s Historical District into a winter wonderland, where you can indulge in the best of Niagara-on-the-Lake’s Icewines, gourmet food pairings, and unforgettable winter experiences. Stroll through cozy outdoor spaces, sip Icewine by roaring bonfires, and enjoy entertainment that bring the winter season to life. From Icewine-infused cocktails to family-friendly activities, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
 
Winter Weekends in Niagara-on-the-Lake bring opportunities to walk the heritage district, visit the historic sites, sample local delicacies, savour delicious wines & explore the local area. Just ask us for suggestions – we are happy to help!
 
Skating the Gretzky Estate returns this winter. What’s a more classic Canadian way to spend the winter than skating? Located close to Niagara Stone Road, the Wayne Gretzky Estates is the spot for sports, wine, and spirit lovers alike. As Niagara’s only distillery and winery combination, the estates are a perfect place to hit the ice to skate around solo, with friends, or with a little romance in mind. Or you can Go Skating at The Gardens. Celebrate the season with an afternoon of ice skating! The skating rink is now open to visitors from 12pm-8pm on most days and is free of charge. You sit back with a steaming hot specialty coffee or other adult beverages from The OutPost!
 
Perhaps a Carriage Ride is more your style. Since 1989 Sentineal Carriage has offered visitors horse drawn carriage rides through Niagara on the Lake’s historic downtown. The informative narrated tours pick up in front of the historic Prince of Wales Hotel and last 30 min, 45 min or an hour. Throw a blanket over your lap, hold your sweetie tight, and enjoy a truly unique experience as you trot through one of Ontario’s most picturesque high streets.
 
Indulge in these perfect pairings Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays in February, 2025 during the Wine, Chocolate and Cheese Festivalat over Twenty Wineries! Passports on sale January 1, 2025.
 
Friends of Fort George – Battle of Queenston Heights Dinner. Feb. 1, 2025 from  5:00pm – 9:00pm. War of 1812-themed dinner with artifacts, delicious food, a silent auction, and more. 

Concerts at Jackson Triggs Winery return again this year. Every year there is an exciting line-up! Keep your eye here for the announcement of shows & when tickets go on sale – usually in April. Better yet the venue is walking distance from Explorer House.

The Niagara Historical Society will offer guided historical tours of the Old Town every Saturday and Sunday from June to end of September, 2025. Tours start at 11:00 am at the Queen’s Royal Park Gazebo and the cost is only $10.
 
Keep you eyes posted here for the dates & details for all our summer festivals. Strawberry Festival in June, Cherry Festival in July & Peach Festival in August.
 
Also find us and the latest happenings at Explorer House, along with tips on what to do while visiting us on our Facebook page.