Museums

Of course, a town as rich in heritage as Niagara on the Lake abounds in historic museums. Just one block from Lyons House Bed and Breakfast is the Niagara Historical Society Museum. Visit this charming building, the first structure in Ontario built solely as a museum, and see more than 20,000 artifactst Nearby, in the historic village of Queenston, the Mackenzie Heritage Printery is Ontario ’s only publishing museum with working displays. While in Queenston, be sure to visit the Laura Secord Homestead and homage to Ms. Secord, whose bravery changed the course of the 1812 War.

Fort George National Historic Site of Canada

Here, history is alive. A visit to the site allows you not only to hear about history, but to actually experience the sights, sounds, smells and tastes of a garrison in the early 19th century. You can watch soldiers perform drill or listen to the music of the fife and drum corps as both prepare for battle on the Niagara frontier. Inside Fort George your pace and your pulse will quicken, as you become caught up in the atmosphere of anxious preparations for war. Time has stalled here. It is the eve of the War of 1812, and the British Army still occupies the Fort.

Fort George is the focus of the interpretation programme for visitors to the Niagara Complex. Each summer, staff in period uniform conduct activities typical of the garrison prior to the war.

Open April 1-Oct 31 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Guided tours year round by appointment

Galleries

Lyons House Bed and Breakfast is proud to support Niagara on the Lake’s thriving arts community. In addition to showing our own collection of original artwork by Linda Hankin, we love to visit local galleries:
• The Niagara Pumphouse Visual Arts Centre – located in a restored riverside pumphouse, this gallery is home to monthly Sunday afternoon salons to introduce local artists. The exhibitions are open to the public on weekends and most weekdays.
• Preservation Gallery – this beautiful space, located on King Street, displays works by Trisha Romance Alex Colville and Philip Craig.
• The River Brink Gallery in Queenston displays art, sculptures and precious antiques amassed by Samuel E. Weir.

Theatre

Niagara on the Lake is proud to host a world-class theatre festival, with one of the top acting ensembles in the world. Each season, The Shaw Festival Theatre presents a selection of productions from April to December at three wonderful and unique venues, each located minutes from Lyons House B&B.

Antiquing

Prepare to fall in love with the romance of Lyons House and Niagara on the Lake. It’s so easy to be swept up in the charm of yesteryear, and easier still to take a little bit home with you. Stroll the streets of NOTL to visit quaint antique shops or enjoy a short drive to Forum Gallery on Niagara Stone Road and Lakeshore Antiques on Lakeshore Road. These shops offer a broad range of antiques and collectibles, from small jewelry to fine authentic furniture. Each location houses the offerings of several antique dealers under one roof, so you’re sure to find a sought-after treasure.