These top 5 Niagara-on-the-lake (NOTL) experiences are fun for visitors to Niagara Falls and locals to the area. These are all pretty budget-friendly options if you're looking to get out of the tourist traps and price gouging of the Niagara Falls tourist district and into the beautiful NOTL area.
#1 Donkeys in the Vineyard
Phyllis and Earl the donkeys are the stars of the show for this awesome event!
Location: Colaneri Estate Winery
Host: Foxden Goat Yoga
Reviews: The reviews raved about the beautiful grounds of the winery (see photo below) and the informative and friendly tour guides. Guests loved hearing the history of the wines and the wine making process. They also loved the donkeys, getting photos with them and how friendly and well taken care of they were.
Check out Tripadvisor reviews for Colaneri Estate Winery here.
Events
Discover the Vineyard with Donkeys (One Hour Tour)
For this event you will embark on a unique wine experience of exploring the pristine Colaneri Vineyard while guided by donkeys. On this unique wine tour you will receive: sparkling wine at the start of the tour and then an informative tour of the vineyard with an experienced tour guide. You will have the chance to lead and pet the donkeys with multiple photo opportunities. You finish your tour with a tasting of 3 wines at a picnic table.
Sip & Social with Donkeys
This event is a laid back atmosphere under the pergola with laughter and good vibes as you hang out with these adorable donkeys, while sipping on a glass of wine.
Colaneri Estate Winery also has an event where they provide delicious wood oven pizza or an antipasto board and a glass of wine while enjoying the beautiful outdoor scenery of the winery. They partner with 335 on the Ridge (a great restaurant in Ridgeway- as locals, we love it there!) to make these delicious dishes.
You can also order your wine by the glass, a flight of 3 or the bottle!
Tips: You must wear close toed shoes and appropriate footwear for walking in a vineyard (no high heals). No pets allowed and this event runs rain or shine unless inclement weather.
#2 Kayak or SUP Tour of the Niagara River
Enjoy a guided kayaking paddle or SUP lesson on the Niagara River!
Location: King Street (Queens Royal Park, Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON L0S 1J0
Host: Paddle Niagara
Reviews: The reviews raved about the owner Tim and his staff. Many people wrote about the beautiful views along the Niagara river. Many people were beginners and felt safe during their lessons/tours with Paddle Niagara.
Check out Tripadvisor reviews for Paddle Niagara here.
Events
Kayaking Tour
A relaxing 1 hour guided paddle (rain or shine) where you get to explore and learn about the history of the beautiful Niagara River. The tours consist of small groups (no more than 8 people) of all abilities. Beginners are welcome and will be taught the basics of kayaking.
SUP Sunset Paddles (Fridays in July)
SUP Full Moon Paddle (Select dates in the summer)
For locals:
SUP, SIP SOCIAL
A 60 min paddle followed by a brunch beverage (a paddle board lesson is required before you can attend this). You can also
Kids Paddle Camp (select dates in the summer)
#3 Goat Yoga
Enjoy a relaxing yoga session in the vineyard with these adorable furry friends!
Location: Lakeview Wine Co.
Host: Foxden Goat Yoga
Reviews: This event has rave reviews online. The highlights for participants were: the yoga was at a nice pace with a great instructor, the goats were adorable and friendly and the setting in the vineyard is beautiful. Many reviews stated the class was great for beginners.
Check out Tripadvisor reviews for goat yoga here.
Events
Goat Yoga
You will participate in 30 minutes of gentle yoga, while the goats play on and around you. The goats will often cuddle and even fall asleep! Then you will have 30 minutes for goat cuddles, photos and relaxation. Afterwards, you will head to the retail store for your wine tasting.
Goats & Wine
Not a yoga person? No problem! They offer an opportunity to just hang out with the goats and sip wine!
Tips: Mats are provided and the yoga area is sheltered from rain and direct sunlight.
#4 E-Skoot Niagara
Hope on your electric scooter and zoom around to the the best wineries and scenic areas in Niagara-on-the-Lake!
Location: 477 Mississagua St, Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON L0S 1J0
Review: As locals, this is our favourite thing to do in NOTL! We come back time and time again because it's so fun, the bikes are quick and so convenient to hop around the wineries/breweries and see all the beautiful sites in Niagara-on-the-Lake. We also bring anyone coming to visit because it is a blast, the owners are friendly and its a unique experience. We highly recommend this one! It's also great for groups (especially bachelor & bachelorette parties).
Check out E-Skoot's over 500 five star reviews on Tripadvisor here.
Rental Options
In-Town Morning Ride: 9 a.m. until noon (Must return by noon) - $49
Anytime Rate: First 3 hours-$69
plus $8 per hour for any additional hours to max. $89
Full Day: (7 hours max)- $89
Rates are subject to change, check the most up-to-date rates here.
Tips: If you can ride a pedal bike, you can ride an Eskoot bike! No additional license or insurance required. The provid a helmet and a map, and give you a little test drive before heading out on the road!
#5 Pedal Pub NOTL
Gather your crew, drink beers and make memories on this awesome pedal pub tour around Niagara-on-the-Lake!
Location: 319 Mary St, Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON L0S 1J0
Reviews: This event is great for all types of groups: friends, family, couples, bachelor/ bachelorette parties. Almost all the reviews expressed how much fun they had. There was great music that got people dancing and singing. The various guides were lively, encouraging and knowledgeable about the downtown NOTL area. The reviews stated there was 2 winery stops and a brewery stop during the tour.
Check out Pedal Pub NOTL's reviews on Tripadvisor here.
Rates: $99/person. Rates subject to change, check the most up-to-date rates here.
How the Pedal Pub NOTL tour works
Check out all the FAQs here.
Tips: The more people you have, the easier it is to pedal! (The bike requires 6-15 riders).
You do not have to book as a group, individual seats are available.
Don't bring drinks on the bike (water is provided)- drinks will be at your stops
Everyone sign the e-waiver before the tour
Don't show up drunk- they won't allow you to participate
Have a pick up plan for after the tour
Drink responsibly
HAVE FUN!
LIVE MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT IN
NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE
If you're already enjoying NOTL, you might as well elevate your experience and enjoy some live music at some of the most beautiful wineries, breweries and restaurants in the area.
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