Canada’s prettiest town and a National Historic Site, Niagara on the Lake is known for its heritage, culture, and wineries. An historical marker says the town was captured by American forces in May 1813, which burnt it during their withdrawal in December 1813.

If you have allergies you probably don’t want to visit here. There are beautiful blooming flowers everywhere. It smells so sweet. And there are some cool restaurants, candy and ice cream shops, gift shops, and stores too. We had lunch and spent a couple hours exploring there today.

The clock tower in the center of the street is dedicated to the memory of Canadians who died in the service of their country.

More nice shops. It was hot and humid but that didn’t keep people away.

A few Carriage rides tour the town.

There were lots of people in the park. The kids are having fun in the wading pool at Simcoe Park.

A few blocks away is another lovely park, Queen’s Royal Park. Here you can see where Lake Ontario and the Niagara River meet. Across the river, on the American side, is the Old Fort Niagara.

A nice walking path along the shore. Lake Ontario

After enjoying the town we drove a little way down the Niagara Parkway in the direction of Niagara Falls. We stopped to view the naturally occurring whirlpool on the Niagara River. An Aero Car is available here if you want to take a ride across and back. We did not do that, maybe the next time we are here. It is a popular attraction.

Our last stop of the day was to see Brock’s Monument, a memorial to Major General Sir Isac Brock commander of British forces in Upper Canada at the beginning of the War of 1812. He died near here during an engagement between British and American forces where they took back the hill from the Americans, and took 958 prisoners. Some say it’s also Canada’s way of reminding everyone that the US failed to take over Canada during the War of 1812.

We just realized we have seen all five of the Great Lakes this summer. Cool.

• Gasoline:   47.523 L @ $0.989/L = $47 CAN    ($36.44 US)
• Parking:   $2.50 CAN   ($1.94 US)
• Lunch:     $19.93 CAN  ($15.45 US)