Niagara Falls - Niagara-on-the-Lake

On the shores of Lake Ontario, at the mouth of the Niagara River, is the pretty old town of Niagara-on-the-Lake. Lined with trees on wide open streets, the town is located in the southern province of Ontario, Canada. 

Niagara-on-the-Lake was founded in the late 1700s when the British Government purchased land from the Mississaugas, a First Nation tribe, and was initially settled by British Loyalists who fought for the Crown during the American Revolution.

The town grew in size and economic prosperity, as can be seen by the old stately homes. However, the town was set on fire in 1813 during the war with the Americans and the current buildings are part of the rebuild.
  

Niagara-on-the-Lake was initially named Newark and served as the first capital of Upper Canada from 1792-1797. Newark was first renamed to Niagara and then once again in 1970 to its current name.

For wine enthusiasts, the town is well renowned for its production of ice wine, a sweet dessert wine made from grapes frozen on the vine.

Making ice wine is a delicate and risky process as it requires a large labour force to pick the crop at a moment’s notice and within a few short hours. The crop needs to be picked in the morning, when it is cold enough (at least -8°C / 18°F) but not so cold that grapes are too solidly frozen making it difficult to press. Sometime in the 1990s, one of the wineries broke its press because the grapes were too hard, having been picked when the temperature was nearly -20°C / -4°F. The intense sweetness and strong flavours of honey, citrus and florals may not be for everyone’s palate but it pairs well with soft cheeses such as brie or as an accompaniment to simple desserts such as panna cotta.

My journey begins southeast of the town at the historic Fort George, a military fortification used by the British Army until it was captured by the US armed forces in the War of 1812. The American occupation was short-lived, only seven months, and when they withdrew their forces, they razed the fort’s settlement, leaving only the gunpowder magazine standing. In the early 20th century, Fort George was restored and replicas of the original buildings constructed. Today, it is a living museum, showcasing military life in the 19th century.

From Fort George I will be heading south towards the famous Horseshoe Falls, cross the border into the US at Unity Island to head north on the opposite side of Niagara River with a pitstop at the American Falls and then finish my journey at Fort Niagara.


On that note, time to get started.



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