Culminating with Victoria Day on Monday, Canada kicked off its summer season this past weekend. Purely by happenstance, we crossed the border on Friday and spent Saturday in Niagara Falls and Sunday in Niagara-on-the-Lake, reveling in the Canadian holiday.
Niagara Falls
On Saturday it rained … hard, at times. And still, Karen drove down from Brampton with her Vizsla, Jersey, to spend a few hours with us. While weather permitted, we walked along Victoria Park and snapped some pictures along the parapet overlooking the falls.
I’m not sure if people think of Niagara Falls as a dog friendly destination … but it is. True, you’re not going to be able to bring Fido on the touristy stuff you did on your honeymoon (walking Cave of the Winds, riding Maid of the Mist, or ascending Skylon Tower). However, there is so much more to Niagara Falls. Victoria Park, which runs along the Niagara Parkway opposite the falls, is beautiful and dog friendly. Have you been to the Whirlpool, the Floral Clock, or the Botanical Gardens? All are pet friendly. And encompassing all of these attractions is the 35-mile Niagara River Recreational Trail, a paved path starting at Fort George on Lake Ontario and running south to Fort Erie on Lake Erie.
Inneskillin Winery
UPDATE: We’ve been informed that Inneskillin Winery is no longer pet friendly.
On Sunday, with only a few clouds appearing in otherwise blue skies, we headed north on the Niagara Parkway. This part of the Ontario province is home to many wineries, with several estates on the scale of what you see in Napa and Sonoma. The “wine trail” is well marked, and you could easily spend an entire weekend sampling the region’s varietals.
Just outside of Niagara-on-the-Lake lies Inneskillin Winery. We stopped there solely because a Canadian friend once gave us a bottle of ice wine that was produced here. Our habit, when we walk into any place that looks like it could be pet friendly, is to ask if it is pet friendly. And, lo and behold, pooches are permitted in the piazza. We took turns waiting with Ty and Buster while the other went into the tasting room. Food is served at the outdoor tables, making this a pleasant (though pricey) lunch spot.
Frankly, I could have spent most of the afternoon here because it was just that kind of a day. If only there had been a hammock! But I’m glad I didn’t stay because we were off to see …
Niagara-on-the-Lake
How can I put this. Niagara-on-the-Lake is THE MOST PICTURESQUE TOWN that I have ever visited. Take the best features of your most romantic trips to your favorite landlocked or seaside town, and you have Niagara-on-the-Lake. Think Newport Beach, RI meets Napa, CA meets Savannah, GA meets Cape May, NJ meets Mayberry RFD and you get the idea. Then throw in old Fort George for good measure.
Shopping along Queen Street (probably the main attraction for visitors) runs for several blocks – not a single chain store. No miniature golf or arcades – just waterfront views of the Niagara River and Lake Ontario from open green spaces. No apartment buildings and only a few condo buildings – yet home after home with 19th century dates of original construction. No multiplex cinemas – but three theaters hosting the works of George Bernard Shaw. No neon-signed hotels – instead Victorian hotels, inns, and B&Bs. The Pillar and Post, Queen’s Landing, and Prince of Wales are pet friendly, but charge a fee.
Remember that outdoor dining with your dog is generally not permitted in Ontario. But it’s not a complete loss – there were several eateries where you could order take-away and hop over to one of the many shaded parks.
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What a bummer, Nina! I’m so sorry to hear they’ve changed their policy. I’ve made an update to the post and we’ll remove their listing from the site. Thanks for letting us know, and I hope you enjoyed the rest of your trip.
Inneskillin Winery is no longer pet Friendly. Went there today and they told us they no longer allow pets, even outdoors. If we hadn’t already been leaving by the time they saw us they would have asked us to leave. Very disappointing. Please remove them from your listingsNina
Thanks for the tip, Kathryn!
Pet friendly cottage in Niagara-on-the-lake: we’ve stayed here twice with our three dogs and really enjoyed it. Full kitchen and lake views: https://www.tripadvisor.com/VacationRentalReview-g154999…
Yes, I’m sure there are doggie daycare facilities on both both sides of the border, Patty. I’ve not used them, so I can’t recommend one personally, but I’m sure certain you’ll find someone to take great care of your pup. Waggin’ trails!
Since dogs are not allowed to go on the tourist stuff, are there local doggie daycares nearby on both the American/Canadian sides?
Hi Tami! Unfortunately, I don’t have a recommendation for a specific hotel, but I’m sure there is a La Quinta in the area, and they’re one of my favorite chains. As for where your where your pup can walk with you – the park on the Canadian side of the falls is completely pet friendly, so you’ll be able to admire the views together from many angles. Have a great trip, and waggin’ trails!
I’m planning on going to Niagara Falls (CA) end of this month for a couple days. I am taking Casey (my dog). I have read over your site and found good information, but was wondering if you can recommend a good hotel. Also, is there any of the walks at the Falls he could go on?
I can’t recommend anything in the Wilson area from personal experience, Kerian, but it seems there are several pet friendly hotels in the area. Here’s a link to get you started: http://www.gopetfriendly.com/Hotels/new-york/lockport/1.aspxHave a great trip, and waggin’ trails!
Im planning on visiting the area, Late August 2016 – have an event to attend in Wilson NY. I will have my 2 dogs with me. Looking for accommodation. Any suggestions?
Thanks so much for letting us know, Michelle. It’s fantastic that Shaws has found a way to accommodate people traveling with pets, even though the law prohibits dogs on the restaurant patio. And thanks for the heads up on Boondocks! I’m sure that information will come in handy for many people.
Had lunch at Shaws two weeks ago with our two little dogs. While they couldn’t serve us on the patio, there was one table just off property… Delightful service, wonderful food. And if you need a place to board for a night or two near the Falls, look up Boondocks. Treated our girls like the princesses they are!! http://boondockspetresort.com/
It’s hard to believe that it’s been more than five years since we first visited the Niagra Falls area! We didn’t even have the RV yet – we were still doing road trips in the car and staying in hotels. I’m sure much has changed since then, so thanks for the head’s up!
Spent some time in the area at the end of May (2015) writing three posts. Niagara Falls, Queenston, Fort George (pet friendly!) and of course Niagara on the lake. I found the least pet friendly spot to be niagara on the lake. The area is well worth it though. -Montecristo Travels
I really enjoyed reading this one article as i also have a pet his name is buzziii….He was with me at my http://www.getbustours.com/2day-york-niagara-falls… along with my friends. We had great time there. Last year he couldn’t join us because he was then just two months older. I just drop him to my mom’s home. But no more now….
Great tips, Julie! Thanks so much for stopping by, and waggin’ trails to you.
Anyone who is visiting Niagara on the Lake with their dog should definitely check out The Commons. It is right in town and has the most fabulous off leash dog path up the middle… There are also numerous trails through the woods there and all the dogs love it. Very friendly local people and dogs frequent it daily.