Bed & Breakfasts in Niagara-on-the-Lake | 6 Escapes in "Ontario's Prettiest City"

For a vacation that blends 5-star quality with heritage charm, Historic Davy House Bed & Breakfast Inn – steeped in history from 1842 and exclusive to adults – is the place. Set your bags down in one of three intimate rooms, or treat yourself to The Suite, where you’ll find complimentary slippers waiting on sleek hardwood floors.

Greet the morning from beneath your warm duvet and chase away the cold by lighting the wood-burning fire. Inside your ensuite bathroom, you’ll find fragrant soaps and shampoos to help you get ready for the day. The aroma of freshly baked pastries will lure you down to the dining room, where you can nibble your way through towering pancakes, crispy bacon and fresh fruit. Once you’ve had your fill, walk over to the Niagara Historical Society and Museum (just three minutes away by foot) for a curated dose of history. Or, if you’re more of an adrenaline junkie, head to the water’s edge and check out Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours for an afternoon at high speeds.

After an action-packed day, head back to the B&Bs calm space and put your feet up. Bring along a good book to keep you company as you recline in one of the rocking chairs on the front porch, or take a lazy stroll around the gardens. To up the relaxation, slip into the steaming hot tub to soak away any lingering cares before meandering over to Cork’s Winebar & Eatery for a creamy plate of seafood fettuccine.

Foodies will delight at the gourmet feast put out every morning at Maria’s Bed & Breakfast. Prepared by a retired executive chef, breakfast at Maria’s is an Instagram-worthy affair – sometimes it’s even garnished with fresh rosemary blossoms! Pair sugar-dusted French toast with rich black coffee to start your day off with a buzz.

Once you’re filled up, take a trip to Peller Estates Winery, Niagara-on-the-Lake’s decades-old vineyard. If you’re artistically inclined, sign up for a “Painting at the Vineyard” session to create a masterpiece in the Peller Estate’s Wine Library. Then, for an afternoon pick-me-up, stop by McFarland House for a freshly-made scone. Venture back to your accommodation and keep the pamper session going with a glass of something sparkling in the parasol-lined garden.

When night falls, cozy up next to your room’s fireplace with your favourite novel. Or you can unwind in your private Jacuzzi, then slip on a complimentary robe and hop onto your feather bed to watch a movie. The Treetop Suite’s dream-inducing sleigh bed will have you sleeping soundly, or you can opt for the spacious opulence of the mahogany-kissed Bordeaux Suite if you’re feeling especially fancy. Those seeking to really stretch out will love the Laura Lynn Suite, a lavish space complete with separate living and sitting areas, plush his-and-hers robes and two flat-screen TVs.

Fans of the stage will be in their element at theatre-themed Finlay House. There are three charming rooms at this boutique bed and breakfast, each delightfully named after a famous playwright. In the Oscar Wilde Room, enjoy your own gas-powered fireplace and spacious ensuite bathroom. Super comfy pillow-top mattresses and quality linens are standard throughout, so you’ll snooze soundly no matter which room you choose.

Breakfast is a spectacular three-course affair at Finlay House. Take your time to wake up over a rotating menu sprinkled with items like buttery croissants, juicy fresh fruit, ham and spinach frittatas or fluffy scrambled eggs with Canadian smoked bacon. Afterwards, wander over to the adjacent Veterans Memorial Park to spend a little time in the bright morning sunshine. Once you’re ready to really start the day, a 10-minute stroll will take you to Shaw Festival Theatre to catch a matinée,  followed with a visit to Two Sisters Vineyards for the Icewine Cocktail Experience. After sampling some tasty international vintages, you’ll want to pick up a bottle (or three!) to take home.

After an early dinner (we recommend the root beer-braised short rib at Zees Grill), return to your B&B and pull up a deck chair to watch the sun go down from the wraparound porch. A nightcap by the fireplace is the ideal way to finish off the day before making the short journey to the soft depths of your queen-size bed.

As B&B’s go, 5-star Williams Gate Private Suites makes life easy. You’re just a short walk from all the action on Queen Street here, but your room’s got the vibe of a cottage in the country. The one-bedroom suite offers couples a relaxing retreat, although two double beds and a spacious living area mean more can pile in if you’ve got friends or kids in tow. For even more space, splurge on the two-bedroom ground-floor suite and whip up family-style meals in the spacious kitchen, then carry your plates outside to your private gazebo to dine al fresco.

In the morning, tiptoe barefoot across polished hardwood floors and cozy up to the crackling fireplace with a cup of freshly brewed coffee before enjoying a homemade breakfast of seasonal ingredients. Delicious bites like yogurt parfaits, crêpes, frittatas and still-warm baked breads are just a few of the delights that await. After breakfast, head outdoors to immerse yourself in the town or wander through the forested floodplain of Two Mile Creek Conservation Area. If you’re a history buff, be sure to follow the trail to Colonel Butler’s Burial Ground, where you can learn about the town’s fascinating past.

For dinner, the restaurant at The Olde Angel Inn is the ideal place to toast the approaching dusk. Follow seafood-stuffed mushrooms with a meatloaf sandwich, washed down with a glass of silky Inniskillin Pinot Noir, before retiring for the night.

The aptly named Explorer House is for those looking to get to know Niagara-on-the-Lake’s historical Heritage District, and its spot on a quiet cul-de-sac near serene parkland means you’re in for a peaceful stay. From its globe-lined shelves to the antique maps on the walls, every inch of this boutique bed and breakfast reflects the owners’ love of travel. It’s the amenities and personal touches, though, that will have you coming back.

Snooze with a touch of drama from your mahogany four-poster bed in the Serengeti Suite, where you can start the day off right with a muscle-massaging soak in your jetted bathtub. Clean and scrubbed, step out onto your private balcony to check the weather before you stroll down to breakfast. You’ll find drool-worthy dishes like bacon Gruyere, ham strata and chai-spiced French toast to tuck into. Once you’re suitably fuelled, hit the Heritage District to browse the glamorous wares of vintage haven Beau Chapeau for a Gatsby-inspired souvenir.

While you’re out, stop in at Willow Cakes & Pastries to munch on a freshly-made quiche or the goat-cheese tart. Or if you’re in for a full meal, less than three blocks from the hotel is Backhouse Restaurant, plating up grilled Ontario shrimp and preserved plum clafoutis with rosemary ice cream. Back at Explorer House, welcome the night with a steamy soak on the patio hot tub. Alternatively, you can sit down with a board game from the house’s impressive collection, or gather at sunset around the outdoor fire pit to share stories (and s’mores) as night falls.

European flavour awaits in the Old Town at heritage-inspired The Georgian Residence. Every inch of this property whispers of elegance, and wood-burning fireplaces, antique furniture and floor-length drapes give a grand but homey feel. Breathe in the classical vibes from your ornate four-poster king bed with gilded touches, or book The Eckersley Suite for the added luxury of unwinding in your own private lounge with plush rugs and a roaring fire.

After a solid night’s sleep in lavish silk sheets, don your luxe bathrobe and freshen up in your sleek ensuite before choosing your outfit from the Louis Philippe walnut armoire (we can neither confirm nor deny access to Narnia). Walk just one block to Balzac’s and start your day with a frothy cappuccino, or a salted-caramel latte if you’re looking for that extra sugar kick. Be sure to stop by Niagara Apothecary for a unique pharmacy museum experience. From here, it’s an easy meander to Queen’s Royal Park, where you can gaze out over sparkling water from the white gazebo.

If the sun is high in the sky, make your way back to the property and cool off in the seasonal outdoor pool. A few laps are sure to work up an appetite, and nearby eatery The Irish Harp Pub will quell any hunger pangs. Chase down maple and citrus salmon with one of the many beers on tap, then return to your suite and raid the wet bar for something to enjoy on your own secluded deck. If you’re lucky, you might just see the vintage horse-drawn carriage roll on by.