Map of Niagara-on-the-Lake attractions now available

The STAY Niagara-on-the-Lake Tourist Map is now available, and includes information about participating restaurants, shops, wineries, bed and breakfast and vacation rental properties, churches, community centres and more.

While it has tourists in mind who are coming to NOTL, and is a valuable resource for visitors, it will also be of interest to locals who think they know the area well, but may find a hidden gem they didn’t know about.

The Tourist Map was first printed several decades ago, with an updated brochure printed every year.

An extraordinary feature of the map is a work of art used as the front cover design. Members of the Niagara Pumphouse Arts Centre were invited to submit one of their paintings, and in a juried competition, one would be selected for the cover. This year's winner was Julia Kane's A Perfect Day in Niagara-on-the-Lake.

John Foreman, President of STAY Niagara-on-the-Lake (formerly the B&B Association), says, "This painting captures the beauty and diversity of our local landscape. The use of colour and composition truly sets this artwork apart and makes it a fitting representation of our beautiful town.”

Kane was honoured and thrilled to have her painting chosen as the winning piece. She says she draws inspiration from the lush agriculture of the Niagara region and loves painting vineyards, orchards, street scenes, and clouds. In A Perfect Day in Niagara-on-the-Lake she has captured Lake Ontario, with a laker and sailboats in the background. She has included migrant workers in the vineyard, as they are an important part of our culture.

Kane started painting at an early age. In elementary school her artistic talent was recognized, and she participated in many art programs throughout high school.

Her award-winning painting was done in acrylic. In the last few years she also started working with fused glass, and painting with glass paste. Some of her work can be seen at the Pumphouse.

Her favourite place to paint is at Konzelmann Estate Winery, she says. It is the only winery in Niagara located on lakefront property on the shores of Lake Ontario. Kane says on many days she can see Toronto, right across the lake, from the viewing stand. From this vantage point she can capture many subjects for her paintings — vineyards, orchards, workers, water, boats, and clouds.

The Tourist Map is distributed by STAY NOTL members, and available at participating businesses, the Chamber of Commerce Tourist Information Centres, NOTL Ambassadors, and Ontario Travel Centres.

Grab a map and enjoy exploring NOTL this summer.