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.
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.
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.
Tickets are on sale for the 2024 Shaw Festival! Shows run Apr. 6 – Dec. 22, 2024. In addition to the normal venues there are also a number of outdoor performances including performances at The Shaw’s Spiegeltent. Shows this year include: My Fair Lady, One Man, Two Guvnors, Sherlock Holmes and the Mystery of the Human Heart, Witness for the Prosecution, The Secret Garden, The Orphan of Chao, Candida, The House That Will Not Stand, Snow in Midsummer, Kabarett, Cotton Club, and A Christmas Carol.
The Ghost Tours at Fort George have returned for the 2024 Season! Join them as they explore Fort George National Historic Site after dark, with a candlelit tour of the most haunted site in the most haunted town in Canada. Tours run April to October, 2024.
Niagara Parks showcases all shades of green throughout the summer, but soon it will unleash a vibrant palette of red, orange, yellow and brown. Sept. 22 marks our first official day of fall and all Niagara Parks attraction hours are still in full swing. Start with the White Water Walk to experience the rush of the Niagara river, or take in the expansive treeline and dramatic views of the the gorge from the Whirlpool Aero Car. For a bit of adventure, grab some friends and tackle the self-paced high ropes and obstacles at WildPlay Whirlpool Adventure Course. From high to low, there are plenty of of awe-inspiring vantage points to explore. Plan to get outside and play.
Whimsical Creatures at the Floral Showhouse is still in full swing. Experience the horticultural innovation of the Floral Showhouse’s newest exhibit, Whimsical Creatures. In collaboration with Mosaïcultures Internationales de Montréal and the Atlanta Botanical Garden, experience whimsical topiary-like living sculptures meticulously crafted from thousands of plants in the refined horticultural style of Mosaïculture. From a colossal dragon to a mystical Pegasus, and more, each piece tells a unique story related to Niagara Parks’ dedication to horticultural excellence.
Shaw Guild Autumn Soirée is an elegant evening of dancing to the music of Sandy Vine and the Midnights band and savouring scrumptious foods and wonderful wines, under the canopy tent at Chateau Des Charmes. The event will take place on
Oct. 4, 2024.
Chateau des Charmes hosts it’s 30th Anniversary Harvest Concert on
Oct. 11, 2024. This concert is featuring the
Practically Hip! Established in Southern Ontario in 1997, Practically Hip has been performing the music its members love for over 20 years throughout North America and beyond. Practically Hip is the busiest, most sought after and number one Tragically Hip tribute band in Canada!
Don’t miss the
Halloween Ghost Tours at Fort George! Join for an exploration of the scariest aspects of haunted Fort George in Niagara-on-the-Lake. This 2-hour walking tour includes stories too frightening to be told on the summer tours! Tours run
Oct. 11-13, 18-20 & 25-31.
On
Oct. 19, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Come & enjoy another exciting year of
Doors Open Niagara-on-the-Lake! Come and explore the many heritage treasures that this historical town has to offer.
Also on
Oct. 19, 2024 join the
Nightmare Before Hallowe’en at Colaneri Winery. As the sun sets and shadows creep in, prepare for this spine-tingling event. Watch as this picturesque setting turns ghostly and mysterious under the blanket of night. Dive into the eerie darkness of the vineyard while recounting the creepy and maybe even sinister history of St David’s and the Colaneri Family. Niagara on the Lake is said to be one of the most haunted towns in all of Canada, care to find out? Then, allow your nostalgia to bleed with a screening of the 1996 original “Scream” while sipping on a devilishly delicious glass of wine. Bring a brave heart and your Halloween spirit as we commemorate the spookiest time of the year with a classic horror film and a hair-raising ghostly stroll through the vineyard… if you dare….
Don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy the spooky
Ghost Radio Theater with Shaw Festival on
Oct. 25 & 26, 2024. Enjoy haunting tales and revisit a time when the medium was ‘magic’ airwaves painting a rich audio tapestry which drew families to gather round the radio for story time.
The Niagara on the Lake Chamber of Commerce is hosting the first Annual Harvest Festival. The Festival will be held behind the Courthouse in Market Square on Oct. 26, 2024. The event will feature live music, food vendors, a farmers market, local craft beer and wine, along with Fall family-friendly activities. This event is free to attend!
Enjoy delicious holiday inspired food and wine pairings during
Taste the Season on
Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays in November (including Sunday, December 1st). Whether you’re a food enthusiast, a wine connoisseur, or simply looking for a unique way to celebrate the season, this event promises a memorable month of indulgence and festive cheer. This self-guided tour allows you to explore Niagara-on-the-Lake wineries while enjoying delicious holiday inspired food and wine pairings.
This year it will be the 25th year for the
Annual Niagara-on-the-Lake Rotary Holiday House Tour! Don’t miss it on
Dec. 6 or 7, 2024! If you like interior design, architecture, and seasonal decorations, the annual Niagara-on-the-Lake Rotary Holiday House Tour is for you. Tour 6 gorgeous, beautifully decorated homes; visit local historic and cultural sites; sample complimentary tastings from 3 featured wineries and a winery/distillery; and enjoy specially priced luncheons for attendees as well!
It’s the most wonderful time of year! Join the Reif Holiday Market as they get into the holiday cheer! On Dec. 7th and 8th 11AM – 5PM, Reif Estate Winery will be hosting 50+ artisan local vendors! Take a tour of the winery where they will have local artisan vendors spread through out our winery, helping you finish your holiday shopping list!
On
Dec. 14, 2024 the
Annual NOTL Christmas Parade takes place. Be captivated by the joyous spectacle as Santa himself leads a procession of festively adorned floats, spreading cheer to all. It’s a magical experience for everyone!
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!
Also find us and the latest happenings at Explorer House, along with tips on what to do while visiting us on our
Facebook page.
