A Royal Weekend at the Prince of Wales Hotel, Niagara-on-the-Lake

Whether you’re looking for an escape from the city or a picturesque place to hunker down while visiting Niagara Falls, Niagara-on-the-Lake is the perfect place to go. For lovers of art, history and architecture, its crown jewel is the Prince of Wales Hotel, a Victorian landmark where even the corridors feel like galleries.

Prior to our visit, I had never been to Niagara-on-the-Lake before this visit. I had passed through many times on the way to Niagara Falls but never stayed in this enchanting little town. For me, the best place to stay is the historic Prince of Wales Hotel.

About the Prince of Wales Hotel

The Prince of Wales Hotel is a landmark in historic Niagara-on-the-Lake. It first opened on this corner of King and Picton Streets in 1864 as Long’s Hotel, and its cornerstone, carved with that date, can still be seen today. It is part of Vintage Hotels, a collection of Ontario properties that keep their antique charm while offering modern amenities.

The name “Prince of Wales” honours the 1901 visit of the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and York, who would later be crowned King George V and Queen Mary. Regal paintings hang throughout the hallways and guest rooms, and the essence of Victorian charm covers the floors, walls and even ceilings.

Architecture

The hotel was designed in the Second French Empire style, seen most clearly in its mansard roof and polychrome brickwork. Everything felt regal. Stepping inside, I felt I had become the same kind of royalty the hotel was named after. Our suite was in the building furthest from reception, but I didn’t mind. Walking down the corridors and exploring every little corner of the place was a treat.

One of my favourite things about the hotel was the corridor into the reception area. It was lined with paintings in the style of Flemish and other old masters, and even the wallpaper was luxuriously embellished. The ornate frames seemed to swell and sprawl, as if they were living within the walls.

Rooms and Suites

Our room was the cutest little place. It was decorated in the Victorian style, with Tiffany-style stained glass lamps on either side of the room and paintings of young girls in frilly dresses all over. We even had our own little fireplace, the perfect thing to curl up in front of after coming in from the cold.

The hotel offers 110 individually decorated rooms and suites, from Traditional, Superior, Deluxe and Premium rooms to Suites and the Royal Suite. Rates vary by room type and season, so check current prices when you book.

Pool and Spa

After settling in, we headed off for a dip in the indoor pool at the hotel’s Secret Garden Spa. Even the swimming area was decked out with Victorian designs, and its shape reminded me of a European bathhouse. After our swim and a soak in the whirlpool, we changed into our robes and made our way down to the spa for a couples massage. We sat in lush leather chairs sipping tea and coffee while we waited. Even the washrooms were gorgeous: Delftware-inspired porcelain sinks and wall tiles sparkled, and real wooden doors with etched glass made up each stall.

The room where we had our massage was sumptuously decorated. It was perhaps the largest room I have ever been in for a massage, and the luxury of the place simply added to the relaxation.

A Four-Course Dinner at Noble

We loved our four-course dinner at Noble, the hotel’s restaurant. Its seasonal menus draw on wine country produce and French tradition, and the dining room looks out over Simcoe Park. Menus change with the seasons, but this is how a four-course meal there could look today.

1. Bread and butter: Bread baked before sunrise, served with a seasonal butter inspired by Niagara-on-the-Lake.
2. First course: Steak tartare with black trumpet mushroom catsup, cured hen’s yolk, gherkin and beef tallow toast. For something lighter, try the watercress salad with garden peas, goat cheese and a cabernet franc vinaigrette.
3. Main course: Brome Lake duck breast with a duck fat potato rosti, heirloom carrots and Saskatoon berry jus. The beef tenderloin, with creamed spinach, mushrooms and parliament sauce, is the splurge.
4. Dessert: Blackberry and lavender crème brûlée with a French butter cookie, ideally with a small glass of Niagara icewine.

Dinner is served daily from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m., and the award-winning wine list is curated by sommelier Fred Gamula.

Afternoon Tea in The Drawing Room

In the spring I also went for afternoon tea, or high tea as many call it, in the hotel’s Drawing Room, and I loved every minute. The room is as ornate as the rest of the hotel, with red and gold carpeting, intricate crown moulding and sparkling chandeliers. Tea is served daily with tiered service, a choice of premium Sloane tea, finger sandwiches and pastries. Several menus are available, including The Prince of Wales Tea with Canadian cheeses and The Royal Tea, served with a glass of local sparkling wine or a cocktail. Reservations are recommended.

Breakfast at Noble

The hotel’s breakfast is served in Noble, the hotel’s restaurant, daily from 7:00 to 11:00 a.m. The menu has included Eggs Benedict with Canadian bacon, a Canadian cheddar omelet and a traditional two-egg breakfast, along with a breakfast Caesar or a pink grapefruit mimosa if you are feeling indulgent.

Before You Go

Details checked November 1, 2026. Confirm with the hotel before you travel, as rates and hours change.

• Location: 6 Picton Street, at King Street in Old Town Niagara-on-the-Lake, about a five-minute walk from the Shaw Festival Theatre.
• Check-in and check-out: Check-in is after 3:00 p.m. and check-out is before 11:00 a.m. Early check-in and late check-out are not guaranteed. Bring a physical photo ID and credit card. Ontario also requires guests who park on site to provide a phone number and vehicle details.
• Costs: Rates are in Canadian dollars and vary by room type and date. A resort fee of $19.95 a day plus tax covers parking, valet, Wi-Fi, the Old Town shuttle, pool and fitness access, and EV charging. HST of 13% and a 4% municipal accommodation tax apply.
• Spa and pool: Secret Garden Spa is open daily, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and treatments run 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Book spa treatments early, by phone at 1-888-669-5566. The pool, whirlpool and sauna are included for hotel guests. Day passes are $35, available Monday to Friday only, bought in person and not bookable in advance.
• Dining: Dining and spa reservations are not made automatically, even with a package. Afternoon tea in The Drawing Room runs daily from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., according to its reservation listing. Reserve Noble and tea ahead.
• Dogs: Dog-friendly rooms are limited and must be booked in advance. The fee is $35 plus tax per dog, with a maximum of two per room. Dogs are not permitted in the lounge, restaurant or spa.
• Closures: No closures had been announced for the hotel at the time of writing. Holiday periods, including Christmas week, have limited spa availability and day-pass blackouts.
• Timing: Weekdays are easier for spa day passes and treatments.

A Royal Farewell

Like all good things, our weekend had to end. We begrudgingly packed up and headed out, a little reluctant to leave the warmth of our fireplace. If you’re after an escape from the city, with a generous helping of art, history and architecture, the Prince of Wales delivers on all three. It was undoubtedly the most romantic and luxurious weekend of my life, and I got to spend it with my favourite person in the world.