By Michael Lowe
Niagara-on-the-Lake draws tourists from around the globe and even locals, myself included, enjoy visiting this jewel of Niagara. But, now there’s a new way to experience the natural beauty of the area. Climb aboard the Niagara Belle (photo above) where you can wine and dine while taking in the sights.
Niagara Sunset Cruises was established late last year by John Kinney, who also runs the popular Niagara Jet Boat operation (below photo).
During a season kickoff for industry folks, Kinney remarked, “I think we have something special here.”
It’s hard not to agree with him when you consider Niagara-on-the-Lake’s prime location for viewing sunsets over Lake Ontario, and the option to see the sights surrounding NOTL from the water is a great addition to tourism in the area.
We took advantage of the Friday night dinner cruise, which includes a buffet style dinner. Passengers board at 6:30 pm, lines are cast off at 7, and dinner served promptly at 7:30. The buffet offers plenty of choices including mixed green salad and an array of hot dishes — salmon, roasted chicken, roast beef, roasted potatoes and vegetables. Catering aboard a ship is usually a challenge due to small, cramped galley facilities but the catering crew managed to put together a hearty feast for the packed house.
The Niagara Belle also has full bar service including beer, wine and spirits with payment options of cash, credit or debit.
There are three deck levels on Niagara Belle, two enclosed and one open-air top deck perfect for sightseeing.
During your cruise a crew member gives a short commentary on local points of interest and historical facts. Cruise manager Karen Williams (photo below, second from right) welcomed guests and gave a short description of the night’s trip itinerary.
During dinner cruises, the Niagara Belle travels up and down the lower Niagara River from just south of Queenston to the mouth of the river at Lake Ontario. Niagara Sunset Cruises is offering a number of options from 1 1/2 hour wine tasting cruises to lunch and dinner cruises on the river.
Special cruises include a Sunday Captain’s lunch cruise or Canada Day fireworks cruise, which include a surf and turf dinner. Cruises depart from either the Queenston boat dock or Navy Hall dock depending on the package of choice. This new attraction is a relaxing alternative to sightseeing in the area — certainly, the flip-side to the exhilarating jet boat ride. It also offers locals a new perspective on Niagara, even if you think you’ve seen it all.
Niagara Sunset Cruises
55 River Frontage Road
Queenston, ON
1-888-438-4444
Comment here