By Xavier Morzine
There’s a particular kind of joy that comes from a road trip with a single, delicious mission: eat as much peach as humanly possible. That’s exactly what a day trip to Niagara-on-the-Lake’s Peach Festival delivers. Held every year on the first weekend of August along historic Queen Street. This is small-town Ontario at its sweetest; quite literally. Use this guide to make the most out of the NOTL Peach Festival.
Getting To NOTL
Transit
For those who want take the GO Train to Niagara-on-the-Lake (NOTL) take note: while possible there is no “easy way” to reach this tourist town. You can take the GO Train to Niagara Falls Station then transfer to the WEGO Niagara Falls bus route 604 (Niagara-on-the-Lake Shuttle) to Fort George. One can also travel with FlixBus. This intercity bus will also stop at Fort George.
This historical fort is located just southeast of NOTL. While there are several bus options to Niagara-on-the-Lake. These options are not recommended if travelling with a large group and small kids. Walking around the historical downtown is essential.
Read more about the travel options from our Toronto to Niagara Falls Transport Guide. Methods of transport are broken down by time and cost.
Driving
Thankfully, driving to NOTL is doable. However, parking during the Peach Festival is difficult and you’ll have to walk a few blocks. Not only that but the quaint Georgian Era grid of streets that make up the town are very narrow. Mix that in with tourists parking on both sides of the street (makes it quiet the jam) the once quaint, tree canopy lined streets suddenly turn into space just wide enough for one car. We personally witnessed a full size Jeep Grand Wagoneer with it’s extended running board clip and destroy the rear tire of a poor Hyundai Kona. We mean it, that tire was shredded beyond repair. Thankfully, the driver of the Grand Wagoneer pulled over and left their contact information on windshield of the Kona.
That said, parking at the NOTL Peach Festival is doable and free. Make sure to park several blocks away to avoid the stress of trying to find that prefect spot. (Or risk having your tires destroyed!)
What to Expect at the Peach Festival
For decades, Niagara-on-the-Lake has held its Annual Peach Festival downtown on Queen Street, which is closed to vehicular traffic (during the festival). Allowing for tourists to freely walk the entirely of downtown NOTL. Downtown is idlily lined with food vendors, artisans, local merchants, and market stalls piled high with peaches.
Fresh peaches straight from the surrounding orchards. Pallets full of fresh Niagara-on-the-Lake Peaches are continuously brought to market stalls during the days. Replenishing the quickly sold baskets.
Come hungry! Vendors turn out peach pie, peach cobbler, peace drinks, peach popsicles, peach salsa, sausage on a bun served with peach sauce and pretty much anything peach-related in-between. This is not a light-snacking kind of day. You and the family will be overloaded on peach (and anything peach related) by sundown! (We tired Italian sausage with peach chilli sauce, peaches and cream popsicles, peach and ginger shots and a hibiscus peach lemonade).
NOTL: Wine, History, Theatre and More
While the NOTL Peach Festival is the primary draw. NOTL has more to offer. Consider staying overnight at one of the town’s beautiful historical hotels or B&Bs.
- Wine country: Niagara-on-the-Lake is the heart of Ontario wine country, and you’ll pass by several wineries heading into NOTL on Niagara Stone Road. Many lean into the summer season with a relaxed way to close out the afternoon with a glass of local VQA wine.
- Fort George: NOTL is one of the oldest settlements of Ontario. This National Historic Site from the War of 1812 is on the edge of town is a short walk away.
- Historical town: NOTL is one of the best preserved early examples of 19th-century buildings, boutique shops, and gardens worth a slow wander. The town is very serious about their historical prestation and walking the surroundings blocks is a like stepping into the past.
- Shaw Festival: If live theatre is your thing, bookend the festive afternoon with performance and recover from the sun in a cooled theatre. The Shaw Café & Wine bar is a major attraction along Queen Street.
Trip Tips for Attending the Peach Festival
- Bring cash: Some smaller vendors and market stalls may not take cards. More vendors take card and tap but come prepared. Major bank ATMs are located downtown.
- Wear comfortable shoes: You’ll be on your feet and over pavement most of the day.
- Bring a cooler bag: If you plan to buy fresh peaches to take home, you’ll want somewhere to keep them from turning into peach mush in a hot car. Or purchase a basket of peaches when leaving.
- Dress for the weather: Early August in Niagara can be hot, humid, and sunny. Made even more difficult by walking over asphalt all day. Regular rain showers forming off Lake Ontario are common.
- Arrive early or stay late: The festival draws crowds from across the region and Toronto, so the calmest festival times tend to be first thing in the morning or in the last hour before it wraps up. Plus you’ll avoid heavy traffic on the highway.
- Public Washrooms: Are located between the Court House Theatre and Balzac’s behind Queen Street near King Street.
Why the Trip is Worth It
While it is easy to write out this as “just another food festival”. The Niagara-on-the-Lake Peach Festival is worth the drive vendors and merchants make a serious effort to incorporate peaches into their recipes and food. From sweet and savory stables such as: salsa, sauces, popsicles, sausages, drinks all incorporate peaches. This is a community that is serious about celebrating their heritage. Whether a date or a family-friendly outing, keep the next NOTL Peach Festival in mind.