Niagara-on-the-Lake: 10 things to do on the weekend

1. Visit roadside plant and fruit stands

Is there anything better than freshly picked berries? The strawberries pictured were purchased at one of the many fruit stands situated along the drive into Niagara-on-the-Lake. Also pull off the road to snag a few colourful blooms for your garden.

2. Cycle between wine tastings

The region is bursting with vineyards and wineries, many of them within biking distance of one another. To start, try Two Sisters Vineyards—and sip the 2012 Cabernet Franc or the 2013 Riesling Icewine before stopping for a bite to eat on the patio—or Konzelmman Estate Winery. A full-day bike rental from Zoom Leisure is $30, while a half-day is $20.

3. Walk along the lake

The lakeside is fragrant and serene—unless a storm is coming! You'll want to block off plenty of time to stroll along the water and through the town. Stop by the real estate office on Queen Street to see pictures and prices of houses for sale. Trust us: You'll be curious after walking by so many quaint homes.

4. Snack on pizza and gelato

If you're looking for a quick and tasty bite, try a crepe or personal pizza (the ham pizza is yum!) from Nina Gelateria & Pastry Shop. Round out the meal with a scoop of gelato or sorbet.

5. Get soaked

If you have an adventurous spirit, go for an hour-long boat ride in the rapids with Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours. Try the open-top boat and get completely drenched as you go barrelling through the waves. Tickets are $61 for adults and $51 for kids. Bring a change of clothes—there won't be an inch of you that's left dry.

6. Take a horse-drawn carriage ride

Feel old timey by taking a horse-drawn carriage through the streets of Niagara-on-the-Lake with Sentineal Carriages. It's a little pricey ($80 for half an hour; $115 for 45 minutes; $145 for one hour), but totally worth it if you're in a small group.

7. Cruise along

Drift along the scenic Niagara River for a lunch or dinner cruise with Niagara Sunset Cruises. Tickets are $55/person for lunch and $73/person for dinner (plus live music or a DJ, depending on the cruise you choose). Children receive a discount.

8. Sit on a patio

Pop onto the Hobnob Restaurant & Wine Bar patio for a glass of wine and a little comfort food—such as a light mock chicken pot pie or parmesan-and-truffle mac and cheese.

9. Get tickets to the Shaw Festival

Niagara-on-the-Lake is known for its repertory theatre company, the Shaw Festival, which runs out of four venues. The 2016 season, on until October 23, includes Alice in Wonderland, A Woman of No Importance, Sweeney Todd, Uncle Vanya and Our Town, among other shows.

10. Take in the sunset

NOTL has some of the most spectacular sunsets—shots of raspberry intermixed with mango. Wait for the sun to go down on the benches where Queen Street approaches the lake.