Heading to the Shaw Festival? Here’s where to eat, sleep and shop in Niagara-on-the-Lake

The quaint town of Niagara-on-the-Lake, home to the Shaw Festival, looks like something out of an old-time picture book. It’s main street is gorgeously tree-lined and dotted with bistros and independent shops. And surrounding the community are acres upon acres of wineries, along with dozens of family-owned inns and bed and breakfasts.

With the festival running through to the early winter, here are your best bets on where to stay, eat and shop.

Where to stay

124 on Queen Hotel & Spa: This hotel is conveniently located on the main street of the Old Town, close to shops, restaurants and theatres. With its friendly staff, well-appointed rooms, two restaurants and on-site spa, get ready for a delightful, inviting experience. 124 Queen St. 124queen.com

Best Western Colonel Butler Inn: One of the town’s most affordable options, this two-storey hotel features fresh, spotless rooms and a free hot breakfast. It’s a five-minute drive to the Shaw Festival theatres or about a 20-minute walk. 278 Mary St. colonelbutlerinn.com

Butler Creek House: This charming inn, located in a quiet subdivision, boasts just three rooms in a cosy two-storey house. Breakfast is included, though served off-site. 538 Butler St. butlercreekhouse.com

Where to eat and drink

Benchmark Restaurant: Located about 30 minutes out of town, this bright, unpretentious training restaurant at Niagara College is run by students, under the guidance of professional chefs. It features an extraordinary $55 tasting menu, updated seasonally, that can rival those triple in price at a fine-dining establishment. 135 Taylor Rd. niagaracollege.ca

Avo & Co.: True to the name, almost every item on the menu of this quick-service joint off the main drag features avocado. Don’t miss the salmon poke bowl, with zesty pickled onions and creamy avocado, complemented with chunks of buttery fish. 106 Queen St. avoandco.ca

Il Gelato di Carlotta: Walking into this surprisingly spacious cafe feels like stepping through a portal into Europe. The friendly staff serves up hot drinks and pastries, as well as light dishes that make for a great pre- or post-show meal. 59 Queen St. gelatodicarlotta.com

Where to shop

Irish Design: Perusing what’s billed as Canada’s largest Irish knitwear store is the next best thing to shopping on the Emerald Isle. Sweaters are the star here, of course, but you can also find coats, hats, accessories, jewelry and body care products for men and women. 75 Queen St. irishdesign.com

One Earth Boutique: This shop, which was inspired by a father-daughter walk along the Santiago de Compostela, specializes in ethically made, sustainable, small-batch products for bath, body, face and hair. 113 Queen St. one1earth.com

Handmade Presence: If you want to get off the beaten path, i.e. outside the Old Town, this store specializes in items handmade in Ontario. Whether you’re on the hunt for jewelry, clothing, stuff for kids, pottery, home decor, even pet care and things to eat, there’s a plethora of curated products to be found. 111 Garrison Village Dr. instagram.com/handmadepresence

What else to do

Fort George National Historic Site: Built from 1796 to 1802 and rebuilt in the 1930s, this fort saw action in the War of 1812, getting captured by the Americans and retaken by the British. Today, visitors can enjoy tours, weaponry demonstrations, even Jane Austen tea parties. 51 Queen’s Parade. parks.canada.ca

Voices of Freedom Park:This park commemorates the rich history of the Black residents of Niagara-on-the-Lake. Explore the site on your own, or download the self-guided walking tour, narrated by such Canadian actors as Allan Louis and André Sills. 244 Regent St. vofpark.org

Mississauga Beach: This serene trail on the north end of town hugs the southern shoreline of Lake Ontario and, on a clear day, offers unparalleled views of the Toronto skyline. 454 Queen St.