Our Favourite Picnic Spots in Niagara-on-the-Lake

Life is a Picnic in Niagara-on-the-Lake

Indulge in a picturesque day with a picnic at one of these must-see spots in Niagara-on-the-Lake. With its combination of delicious bites, great company and beautiful scenery, a picnic creates the perfect break from the hustle and bustle that defines modern life. Picnics may seem like a thing of the past, but we can’t recommend a more peaceful way to combine Niagara’s incredible bounty with its peaceful landscapes.

The Queen’s Royal Park Gazebo

It’s difficult to describe how romantic the Queen’s Royal Park Gazebo is to guests who haven’t seen it. Try to imagine you and your loved one sitting under the cover of a beautiful gazebo, wrapped up in its white pillars as you look out over the serene blue waters of Lake Ontario and the Niagara River.

This spot is a favourite for wedding nuptials, so you’ll need to plan ahead for your special occasion to ensure you can book the space. But, if you do, you will not be disappointed.  Whether you’re celebrating with an intimate group, up to 12 people or you two just need an escape, this is a spot an extraordinary day of quiet relaxation.

Location: 16 Front Street, Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON

The Gardens at Pillar and Post

Your new favourite spot in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Inspired by Monet’s classic gardens, The Gardens at Pillar and Post are a stunning 21,000 sq. ft. of seasonal blooms, water features, and a picturesque promenade lined with lush florals, shrubbery, and trees. Enjoy your lunch under the umbrella at one of the available cruiser tables, then relax with some lawn games in the large grassy area.

Your lunch can be ordered from The Outpost, serving sandwiches, snacks, and beverages. No outside food or beverage is permitted on the grounds.

Location: John St. W in Niagara-on-the-Lake

Simcoe Park

This park, a stunning respite amidst the lush Niagara region, is a wonderful spot for romantic and family picnics alike. The park includes amenities for your little ones, such as a playground and splash pool, and there are often vendors and events taking place that will provide fun for the whole family. While Simcoe Park is located in the middle of Niagara-on-the-Lake, it offers views of a beautiful botanical garden that will make you feel as though you’re miles removed from Niagara’s lovely, but livelier town.

Location: Picton Street, Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON

The Niagara Parkway & McFarland Park Pavilion

Haskell Photography

If you’re up for exploring, you can travel along this 55-kilometer or 35-mile road that follows the Niagara River from Lake Erie to Lake Ontario. You can nestle into various picnic spots along the parkway and enjoy unparalleled views of the Niagara River and Niagara Falls. Along the way, you will discover many quaint stops that show you the very best our region has to offer. McFarland Park Pavilion is located along the Niagara Parkway and is a great place to experience the beautiful sights and lush green Niagara landscapes.

Stop for a bite to eat along your journey – or bring a brown bag lunch and settle down wherever best suits you and your guests. In 1943, Winston Churchill described the Niagara Parkway as the “prettiest Sunday afternoon drive in the world.” Like Churchill, many visitors to the Niagara Region have fallen in love with the Parkway and all the sights you can discover while travelling along this historic path.

Location: McFarland Park Pavilion, 15927 Niagara Pkwy, Niagara-on-the-Lake

The Charles Hotel

Exclusive to patrons of Vintage Hotels or Niagara’s Finest Hotels

Sheltered from the crowds of Niagara-on-the-Lake’s busy centre, The Charles Hotel boasts a spacious property with verdant lawns, lush flower gardens and shade trees perfect for a picnic. The property is licensed, and food and beverages can be purchased from the on-site restaurant. The historic surroundings will remind you of an era of gracious hospitality when life had a simpler pace.

Location: 209 Queen St. in Niagara-on-the-Lake

Ryerson Park

A favourite picnic spot that both locals and visitors seem to adore. Ryerson Park is a great spot for both a picnic lunch and enjoying a romantic sunset in Niagara-on-the-Lake. With stunning views of Lake Ontario, Ryerson Park is a great spot to relax and unwind after a long day of wine tasting and touring Ontario wine country. This park is beautifully maintained and has lots of benches and picnic tables so you can enjoy a sunset picnic in Niagara.

Location: Niagara Blvd, Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON

Queenston Heights Park

If you’re hoping to create a special day for your partner, visit Queenston Heights and treat them to a scenic picnic atop the Niagara Escarpment. Whether you love the great outdoors or want to be swept up in the history of this park, which many have described as the birthplace of Niagara Falls, we highly recommend a visit to Queenston Heights.

When you first arrive, you’ll be greeted by bedded gardens, which are redesigned annually to create a welcoming atmosphere for new and return visitors alike. For generations, those who love the outdoors have enjoyed picnics and hikes throughout this revered park. There are areas where children can play and couples can relax, and the park intersects with the Bruce Trail, so dependent on how rigorous an adventure you’re looking for, you can take advantage of Queenston Heights’ convenient locality to many points of interest.

You have the option to book a picnic pavilion or, if you’d rather leave the preparation up to someone else, enjoy local cuisine and award-winning VQA wine at the Queenston Heights Restaurant.

Location: 14184 Niagara Pkwy, Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON

Plan a Perfect Picnic in Niagara-on-the-Lake with Vintage Hotels

No picnic is complete without a gourmet picnic basket filled with the delicious flavours of Niagara-on-the-Lake. Our local restaurants offer a wide selection of dishes that can easily be packed up for a picnic to suit any tastes.

Pillar and Post

Choose from a selection of sandwich and snacks that are available from the OutPost, located in The Gardens. Unwind in The Gardens with your favourite snacks and sandwiches.

Niagara’s Finest Thai

Enjoy authentic, delicious, and traditional Thai food when you order from Niagara’s Finest Thai for your picnic. Choose from an assortment of appetizers or the chef’s signature pad Thai

Prince of Wales

Experience a taste of royalty with a traditional afternoon tea spread filled with authentic teas, pastries, scones, and sandwiches during your picnic in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Prince of Wales also offers a delicious charcuterie board for two, perfect for sharing with a loved one.

Masaki Sushi

Have a picnic lunch for two that includes authentic, yet modern, Japanese cuisine. Share a meal together that consists of dishes like spicy salmon rolls, dynamite rolls, edamame, and gyoza.

Plan a Perfect Picnic in Wine Country

Don’t forget, there is beauty in simplicity. A lovely picnic in Niagara-on-the-Lake will bring you back to a place where romance can blossom, and you can make beautiful memories with those who appreciate the simpler side of life.  Let Vintage Hotels pack you a delicious picnic lunch and plan your romantic afternoon admiring Niagara-on-the-Lake’s many wonderous green spaces.