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Only Minutes from Niagara Falls, a Canadian Time Capsule AwaitsBy Marilyn Loeser
Not only is it a beautiful drive dotted with souvenir shops and tourist attractions, but it’ll lead you to the village of Niagara-on-the-Lake where the river meets Lake Ontario. Although it’s only 15 minutes from the falls, it feels more like centuries away. Historic sites, antique and gift shops and the opportunity to tour the area from a horse-drawn carriage await you here.
In 1778, Loyalist refugees began crossing from Fort Niagara to settle the west bank of the Niagara River. A town was laid out in a grid pattern of four-acre blocks and grew quickly, gaining prominence as the first capital of Upper Canada from 1792 to 1796. The architecture is a direct link to Georgian England and is symbolic of the Canada of British power and authority. Niagara-on-the-Lake was, in fact, settled by United Empire Loyalists after the American Revolution and later became a strategic military site during the war of 1812.
Historic preservation caught on and many citizens took the initiative to renovate and restore the buildings’ historic character and preserve their town’s heritage. This collection of residential, commercial and community buildings is the best-preserved in Canada build between 1815 and 1859, recalling the era when Niagara-on-the-Lake was a prominent, prosperous Loyalist town.
As you head back toward Niagara Falls, there are other historic attractions you may want to stop at along the way. The McFarland House, for example, is open for tour during
the summer months. Costumed guides offer a look into cultural living of the
1800’s —
The restored home of rebel publisher William Lyon Mackenzie houses a collection of five centuries of printing history including a Louis Roy Press, the oldest in Canada and one of the few original wooden presses remaining in the world. The Mackenzie Heritage Printery and Newspaper Museum is open during the summer months only. Another historic location preserving the history of the War of 1812 is the Laura Secord Homestead.
The plan called for an assault that would give the Americans control of the entire Niagara Peninsula. The Secords knew British troops had to be warned. Because of an injury earlier in the war, James couldn’t attempt the journey, so despite the danger, Laura set off to warn the British.
As a result, the invading Americans were defeated in the battle. Tours are offered during the summer months. The reconstructed homestead is filled with authentic furnishings of the 1812 period.
For more information on The McFarland House, Mackenzie museum and Laura Secord Homestead, visit the website at www.niagaraparks.com. For information about the entire Niagara Falls Canada tourism area, call 1-800-56-FALLS or check the website at www.niagarafallstourism.com. |
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If your vacation plans call for Niagara Falls, make sure
you take a little journey north along the Niagara River on the Canadian side.
During
the summertime, streets are lined with a rainbow of floral colors framing
buildings dating from the period following the War of 1812. Houses from this era
are designed in the British Classical tradition.
Destroyed
during the war by retreating American forces in 1813, citizens rebelled in their
own way by rebuilding the town in the British tradition. British Classical
characteristics include symmetrical one and two-storey buildings with
rectangular floor plans. Anchored by landmarks such as churches and cemeteries,
businesses and homes are built close to the street.
Niagara-on-the-Lake
was a prominent and prosperous Loyalist colonial town until the early 1860s when
its decline as an economic and administrative center began. This turned out to
be a blessing in disguise. The village’s colonial buildings were spared from
redevelopment, enabling the community to utilize its historic buildings and
setting as one of its greatest assets.
Breathtakingly beautiful, Niagara-on-the-Lake invites you
in, asks you stay awhile, enjoy a meal, shop and learn a little Canadian — and
American — history.
manners, good taste and gracious living.
Laura and her husband James had been ordered to house
American soldiers in their home. On the evening of June 21, 1813, the Secords
overheard an American plan to attack British forces.
It took her more than 18 hours to make the 20 mile trek —
avoiding American patrols, unfriendly Native forces, wildlife including wolves,
wildcats and rattlesnakes and crossing thick woods and swift streams.
If you go: