130km (81 miles) SE of Toronto
Only 1 1/2 hours from Toronto, Niagara-on-the-Lake is one of the best preserved and prettiest 19th-century villages in North America. Handsome clapboard and brick period houses border the tree-lined streets. It's the setting for one of Canada's most famous events, the Shaw Festival. The town is the jewel of the Ontario wine region.
Less than a half-hour drive from Niagara-on-the-Lake is Niagara Falls, which was for decades the region's honeymoon capital (I say this in an attempt to explain its endless motels -- each with at least one suite that has a heart-shaped pink bed). While the falls are a majestic sight, I have my reservations about the town. Personally, I like to stay at an inn in Niagara-on-the-Lake and come to Niagara Falls for a day trip. By the way, the drive along the Niagara Parkway is a delight: With its endless parks and gardens, it's an oasis for nature lovers.
