This is a post card of a city that has been attracting visitors for years. The city center is charming, filled with interesting shops and tons of flowers (at least in season). Horse-drawn carriages share the roads with automobiles.
The geography of the area plays a role too. Niagara-on-the-Lake takes up the corner of this portion of Ontario, bordering the Lake of the same name as well as the Niagara River. Once upon a time, when the United States and Great Britain weren't getting along at times, Fort George - located right on the river - was a key strategic spot for military action. It played a role in the War of 1812, which you can learn about during a visit.
The location also plays a role in the region's climate, which is a little milder than other nearby spots. That has allowed the region to become a leader in wine-making. Several wineries are located along the shore of Lake Ontario. You might have heard of one of the owners - hockey's Wayne Gretzky.
There are cultural activities as well, and that brings us to the photo. That's George Bernard Shaw, captured in a statue that's located in downtown Niagara-on-the-Lake. He was one of the most popular dramatic writers in British history, coming up with several plays that are still performed today. Ever heard of "Pygmalion?" That was Shaw's work - hope his estate received a cut from the proceeds of "My Fair Lady." He won a Nobel Prize in Literature in 1925, but turned down some other honors before his death in 1950 at the age of 94.
The Shaw Festival's home is just up the street from his statue, and each year it presents a varied program of plays that are restricted to Shaw's own work. In fact, in 2024, "My Fair Lady" was one of the featured presentations.
The tour buses love to visit what has been called Ontario's biggest town, and it's a great destination for a day trip or a weekend jaunt. Just be sure to stop at Cows' Ice Cream for a treat - particularly when it is making cones in front of you.
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