For the ultimate girls’ getaway, escape to Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario. While mostly known as a romantic retreat, it is also known as a wine lover’s paradise. Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario was mentioned in the Forbes’ article, “Why Canada Should Be Your Next Wine Vacation”, and as home to over 50 wineries, it is the perfect destination for you and the girls. Time to pack up your bags and go for a wine vacation.
Photo by Trius Winery.
The first stop on the wine tour is Trius Winery. Many bachelorette parties and girl groups love Trius Winery for their Instagrammable spots and lush wines. Founded in 1979, Trius Winery is one of the oldest wineries in the area, and in 1995 won an award for “Best Wine in the World”. The wine team is led by Craig McDonald, Winemaker, who was named “Ontario’s Winemaker of the Year” in 2008. Not only is the winery reputable for quality wines, they also have fun photo ops for you and your girl gang to enjoy, too.
Photo by Peller Estates Winery.
For a unique experience, head over to Peller Estates Winery. Peller Estates Winery has Niagara-on-the-Lake’s only igloo lounge, 10Below Lounge, where you can taste Icewine at -10 degrees Celsius. To access the lounge and experience the chill, you’ll have to book a wine-tasting tour and put on heavy winter coats (which will be provided). The ice walls set the scene for the Icewine, which is a type of dessert wine that is only produced from frozen grapes plucked from the vine.
Two Sisters Vineyards was founded in 2007 by two sisters, Melissa Marotta-Paolicelli and Angela Marotta, who toured several wine countries worldwide to bring an authentic, global wine experience to Niagara-on-the-Lake. Two Sisters Vineyards has been awarded “Best Small Winery in Canada” by the National Wine Awards, and with its Italian-Renaissance architecture, the estate is a stunning sight to behold while sipping a glass of their red Stone Eagle.
You can smell the fresh lavender and see speckles of purple waving in the wind as you approach the neōb Lavender Flower Farm. With over 20,000 lavender plants and more than 2 acres of pick-your-own flowers, you can create your own colorful bouquet with your girls for just $10! The cute storefront is also filled with lavender products, too, so be sure to take a souvenir or two home with you. Plan to visit during peak season in the summer months to see full blooms.
Niagara Falls is only a short, scenic drive from Niagara-on-the-Lake, and it is truly magnificent. See the 12,000 year-old falls up-close with the Maid of the Mist boat tours, or from up above with the Whirlpool Aero Car. Both companies’ tours are in-season from April to November.
The clean and sophisticated, Korean Soko Bakery Café is only a mere five-minute walk from your stay at Best Western Colonel Butler Inn. The bakery is named after the first two letters of South Korea and offers delicious coffee and flavored lattes.
For freshly made pastries, head to the main street of Niagara-on-the-Lake to Niagara Home Bakery. Here, you can pick up apple turnovers, custard cakes, caramel brownies, and much more.
The charming Best Western Colonel Butler Inn is centrally located from the numerous wineries and bike trails in the area. Enjoy a day of wine tasting and another day of bike riding – the Best Western Colonel Butler Inn is very bicycle-friendly, with bike storage, bike repair tools, and even city bicycles to take out for the day at nearby trails. Start your mornings with a complimentary, continental breakfast and end with a cozy night in a king suite.
From wildlife to city life, there’s plenty of room to roam in Canada. Find more Canadian travel inspiration at Travel Zone | Adventure Across Canada. Explore past the coastline to the turquoise waters of national parks and discover rich, urban centres when you stay with Best Western® Resorts & Hotels Canada.