Niagara-On-The-Lake, the slightly less commercialized appendage from its sister ‘Falls' is a cornucopia for any traveller. A stunning garden-like town of boutique shops, historical buildings, water-front gazebos, wineries and all that theatre, theatre, theatre!

Niagara-On-The-Lake and Shaw Festival Of Canada 2007

By: Kindah Mardam Bey

Niagara-On-The-Lake, the slightly less commercialized appendage from its sister ‘Falls’ is a cornucopia for any traveller. A stunning garden-like town of boutique shops, historical buildings, water-front gazebos, wineries and all that theatre, theatre, theatre! The weekend I descended on this Capra-esque community was the ‘home tour’ weekend. A buzz of community minded individuals were showcasing the history and grandeur of the town. Already bustling streets filled with tourists speaking in a plenitude of differing languages; this weekend seemed to be simply one highlight amongst a summer of Niagara-On-The-Lake’s splendour.

First I meandered over to the church that captured my eye; St. Mark’s Anglican Church was one of the first in Canada, founded in 1792. A large and spacious holy centre, St. Mark’s greatest feature is the intricate and illuminescent stained glass windows depicting stories of the bible; a heavenly glow to the building via shards of blues, whites, greens and reds. The rector had time to speak with everyone who entered through St. Mark’s doors.

I continued on my path and noticed the Rectory was open for the house tour, whereby meeting a distinguished member of the Niagara-On-The-Lake community; the Lord Mayor was showcasing some rather elegant horse carriages on the front lawn. Lord Mayor Gary Burroughs knew an immense amount about his community (and the carriages which have even been transportation for royalty) which he takes great interest in making his community reach its fullest potential. Mr. Burroughs was amiable and knowledgeable and as we talked about theatre he proudly spoke of his sister who had performed in the theatre, who is Jackie Burroughs who created the landmark character Aunt Hettie in Road To Avonlea.

Onward I passed to the lake front which was blustery and reminiscent of Miranda looking out to the sea in John William Waterhouse’s painting Miranda And The Tempest.

Taking my breath away with the waves, I walked back to the town, passing the John Simcoe statue nestled in its own foliage and the famous Trisha Romance Gallery. Just around the corner is the antediluvian but meticulously maintained Old Apothecary, showcasing some of the history attached to the town which has seen the likes of the Underground Railroad, Laura Secord and some formidable founding members of Canada walk the pathways and streets.

The rest of the morning might be spent shop-hopping, or simply walking the beautiful main street with all its friendly visitors from both the US and Canada converging. However, a trip to Niagara-On-The-Lake would be shear dullery without Afternoon Tea at The Prince of Wales Hotel (I recommend the Royal Afternoon Tea, as you get a delightful glass of champagne with it.). Then perhaps onward to a matinee, then a quick change of clothes in your hotel before dinner at The Epicurean perhaps or the Shaw Festival Café and Wine Bar (it is like dining in Europe!) and then off to another show. From stem to stern, I can guarantee you’ve seen the best of Niagara-On-The-Lake. Of course, day two would consist of a winery tour on a bike, and more shows, and more dinners out!

Niagara-On-The-Lake in itself is a bountiful experience, but this years Shaw Festival of Canada seems to be the star attraction as plays by Somerset Maugham (The Circle), and musicals like Mack and Mabel are receiving some very high acclaim. I sampled six of the ten productions; The Circle, Mack and Mabel, Hotel Peccadillo, The Philanderer, Saint Joan and The Kiltartan Comedies. What I noticed within these productions collectively, was that they all had the same high-quality and equal level of enjoyment for the audience; consistency at its most professional level. The result was knowing that whatever I saw at the Shaw Festival of Canada this year I was bound to enjoy, and could always find significant merit within strong performances, beautiful sets & costumes, and fascinating stories.

For more information about Niagara-On-The-Lake click here

For more information on The Shaw Festival of Canada click here