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.
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.
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.
Sip & Sizzle is back
weekends this May! Enjoy delicious grilled-inspired pairings with Niagara-on-the-Lake’s finest VQA wines. Tickets are ON SALE NOW!
Opening day is (almost) here for
Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours! The 2025 season is scheduled to open on
May 2, 2025 (subject to weather). There’s no better way to kick off spring than feeling the power of the Niagara River. Let us know if you are booking as we have a discount code for you.
The
Inaugural In Bloom Festival will take place
May 9-12, 2025. The historic streets of Old Town Niagara-on-the-Lake will burst into a vibrant tapestry of colours during the first annual Niagara-on-the-Lake In Bloom Festival. This floral extravaganza invites visitors to immerse themselves in the region’s rich horticultural heritage. Many of the events will be held at the Pillar & Post Gardens which is just a
short walk from Explorer House.
Mother’s Day Market at Reif Estate Winery will take place on
May 10 & 11, 2025. Treat mom (and yourself!) to a day of local artisan shopping, delicious wine, and beautiful vineyard views. With 35+ artisan vendors, food, live music, door prizes, wine tasting, and welcome glass of bubbly for mum there will be lots to keep you entertained!
Experience the creativity and talent of incredible artists at
Queenston Pottery, join them on Thursday mornings from
May 15 – October 2 (10:30–11:00 AM) for a free drop-in session to see their daily work or you can book a tour! This year they also will host a
Visiting Artist Program which will bring a rotating selection of painters and mixed-media artists to their gallery, offering a fresh and inspiring collection of artwork throughout the year.
The
Handmade Market is back on
May 30-31, 2025 & June 6-7, 2025 at 13th Winery. Savour a selection food from the food trucks at the market or visit the Vineyard Kitchen & Bistro. Live music will be at both the market and at 13th Street Winery. Shop over 1000 one-of-a-kind handcrafted items all at one location!
Concerts at Jackson Triggs Winery return again this year. Every year there is an exciting line-up! Tickets are now on sale! Better yet the venue is walking distance from Explorer House. Concerts take place from
June 20 to Sept. 13, 2025. There will be 20 different artist performing this year.
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.
Shaw Guild 19th Annual Garden Tour is set for
June 14, 2025. This annual Shaw Guild Garden Tour offers a self-guided tour of at least 8 fabulous private gardens in beautiful and historic Niagara-on-the-Lake.
Various wine festivals will be taking place all summer long. First up is the
Summer Discovery Pass running
June 20-22 & 27-29, 2025 with 25+ Wineries Across Niagara participating. This year the
Wine Country Tailgate Party will take place on
June 28, 2025 at Jackson-Triggs Niagara Estate (walking distance from our place – very convenient!)
The
Strawberry Festival returns again this year on
June 21, 2025. Come out for a “sweet time”! Strawberries, baked goods, silent auction, BBQ, crepes &
strawberry shortcake🍓🍓🍓
A
Summer Kick-0ff Party with a live music concert at
13th Winery will take place on
June 28, 2025. Entrance will begin at 6:30pm and at 7:15pm Paige Armstrong will take the stage followed by The Postmen Band at 8:30pm.
The
33rd annual Artistry by the Lake is back on
June 28, 2025 to July 1, 2025. This is a juried show of over 80 artists and artisans. Again this year it will take place at the Queen’s Royal Park and admission is free!
St. Mark’s Annual Cherry Festival will take place on
July 5, 2025. This event celebrates everything cherry. Indulge in the sweet abundance of this succulent fruit while immersing yourself in the warm community atmosphere. The annual fundraising event will have cherries, cherry pies, books, jewelry, treasures, and clothing for sale with a barbeque, bake sale, and music.
Get ready to wander through breathtaking gardens at the Niagara on the Lake Horticultural Society
Gardener’s Garden Tour on
July 12th, 2025! Tickets go on sale March!
i4C 2025 event tickets are on sale now! Join the festivities this July 17-20, 2025 as we raise a glass to 15 years of celebrating cool climate excellence. If you love chardonnay you do not want to miss this!
The
Peach Festival is back on
August 8-10, 2025. Indulge in an afternoon of pure delight as we come together to celebrate everything peach at the Annual Niagara-on-the-Lake Peach Festival! Explore a variety of vendors offering delectable culinary treats, both sweet and savory, all infused with the succulent goodness of Niagara-on-the-Lake’s homegrown peaches. Enjoy non-stop entertainment throughout the afternoon with live music performances that will keep your spirits high and your feet tapping. Witness the battle of the bakers in the traditional peach pie contest! See who will be crowned the winner and claim the title of having the best peach pie in all of Niagara.
Weekends in September bring the
Harvest Grape & Wine Discovery Pass. With 30+ Wineries across Niagara participating, you will have lots of options to use your pass which entitles you to food and wine pairings. Part of the September events also include the
Grape & Wine Festival September 25-28, 2025.
Keep you eyes posted here for the dates & details for other summer festivals & events.
Also find us and the latest happenings at Explorer House, along with tips on what to do while visiting us on our
Facebook page.
