Toronto: Niagara-on-the-Lake, Wine Tasting & Chocolate Tour

Imagine spending a full day exploring some of Ontario’s most delightful sights—without the hassle of driving or planning. That’s exactly what this tour offers: a chance to enjoy Niagara’s wine country, the charming town of Niagara-on-the-Lake, and a sweet chocolate factory visit—all in one satisfying 9-hour trip from Toronto.

We love the way this tour balances scenic beauty, delicious tastings, and relaxed free time. The small-group style ensures a friendly vibe, and the expert guides make the experience both fun and informative. One little caveat: since the tour stays in Canada, you don’t get to see Niagara Falls itself, which might be a downside for those expecting the iconic waterfalls. Still, for those seeking a taste of local wine, chocolates, and the pretty streets of NOTL, this trip hits the sweet spot. It’s ideal for travelers who want a well-rounded, hassle-free day that combines food, scenery, and culture.

Key Points

• Comfortable transportation in a climate-controlled minibus makes for a relaxed journey.
• Expert guides add insight, humor, and local knowledge, enhancing each stop.
• Tastings include five wines, including the famous Icewine, plus chocolates and maple syrup.
• Two hours of free time at Niagara-on-the-Lake allows for exploration, shopping, and lunch.
• The tour is well-paced, with enough time to enjoy each activity without feeling rushed.
• Priced at $109 per person, it offers good value considering the variety of experiences included.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Overview of the Experience

This tour is a wonderful mix of sights, tastes, and town strolling. It begins early, with pickup options conveniently located around Toronto, making the start of your day straightforward. Once on the road, the 1.5-hour drive takes you into Ontario’s premier wine region, with scenic views along the way.

The first big highlight is the Jackson Triggs Estate Winery tour. Here, you get about an hour of guided walking through the vineyard and wine-making process, topped off with five generous wine samples. You’ll taste award-winning wines, including Niagara’s famous Icewine, which many visitors agree is a highlight. Several reviews emphasize the quality of the tastings—“A wonderful experience to tour the winery and see all the equipment used to make the various types of wines”, and the chance to sample five wines, which many say exceeded expectations.

Next, you’ll enjoy a two-hour free visit to Niagara-on-the-Lake, called “Canada’s prettiest town” for a reason. Expect charming streets lined with boutique shops, cafes, and historic buildings. Many visitors mention how lovely it is to stroll, browse, and grab a bite—many choose to bring a picnic or dine at one of the restaurants. The free time is enough to soak in the atmosphere, take photos, and perhaps visit the town’s local market or picturesque spots.

The tour’s chocolate stop at the CFX Chocolate Factory is another crowd favorite. Here, you’ll see how chocolates are made, sample lots of fresh chocolates, and leave with a sweet souvenir. It’s a fun, tasty break that appeals to all ages. Many reviewers highlight the “plenty of tasty samples” and the “friendly, knowledgeable staff”.

Another point of interest is the Living Water Wayside Chapel, small but photogenic, offering a quick photo opportunity of this tiny, historic chapel. It adds a bit of quirky charm and is a good conversation piece.

Finally, the return journey takes around two hours, giving you time to relax and reflect on your busy day. The overall itinerary stays flexible to accommodate traffic or weather, ensuring your experience remains enjoyable.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

The Wine Tasting

The highlight for many is the Jackson Triggs Winery tour. The 1-hour guided visit explores the vineyard, wine-making process, and ends with the tasting of five wines, including Niagara’s signature Icewine. Reviews praise the knowledgeable guides and high-quality wines, noting that they appreciated tasting wines they might not have tried on their own. It’s a genuine chance to expand your knowledge and palate—especially if you’re a wine enthusiast.

Scenic Free Time in Niagara-on-the-Lake

Two hours give ample opportunity to explore at your own pace. Travelers consistently mention how beautiful and charming the town is, with many taking the time to window shop, take photos, or enjoy a leisurely lunch. This free time is also flexible enough for those who want to visit local markets or just relax in a cafe.

More Great Tours Nearby

Chocolate Factory Tour

The CFX Chocolate Factory adds a sweet touch to the day. Visitors rave about the variety of samples and the chance to see chocolates being made. It’s an excellent stop for families or anyone with a sweet tooth, and the guided tour makes it more engaging.

Scenic Stops and Unique Attractions

Other highlights include a photo stop at the Living Water Wayside Chapel, one of the smallest chapels in the world, and a country market. These little stops add flavor to the trip, giving you a taste of local culture and history.

Practical Details and Value

The tour costs $109 per person, which, given the inclusions—transportation, winery tour with five tastings, chocolate tasting, and free time—offers good value. The price doesn’t cover lunch or gratuities, but the itinerary’s flexibility allows for a picnic or choosing your own meal in Niagara-on-the-Lake.

Transportation in a climate-controlled minibus ensures comfort, especially during the Ontario weather changes. The smaller group size, as mentioned in reviews, means better seating and a more personalized experience, which many find makes a difference.

The tour is 9 hours long, with pickup options starting at 7:45 AM from various central locations. The return around 5:30-6 PM is convenient for those staying in Toronto or Mississauga.

One important note: the tour does not include Niagara Falls or the waterfalls. If those are your main goal, you might need a different trip. But for wine, chocolates, and a picturesque town, this tour hits all the right notes.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for food and wine lovers who want a relaxed, hassle-free day in a beautiful setting. It’s also great for families, couples, or small groups seeking a taste of local culture and scenery without the stress of driving. Travelers who appreciate small-group tours, knowledgeable guides, and authentic experiences will find this trip especially worthwhile.

If you’re craving an itinerary that balances scenic views, delicious samples, and leisure time, this tour offers a well-curated experience that feels both indulgent and genuine.

FAQs

Does the tour include Niagara Falls?
No, this tour focuses on Niagara-on-the-Lake, wine tasting, and chocolates. Niagara Falls is not part of this trip.

What is the duration of the tour?
The tour lasts about 9 hours, starting early in the morning and returning in the late afternoon or early evening.

Are there pick-up locations in Toronto?
Yes, there are six convenient pick-up points, including hotels and central spots like the Royal Ontario Museum and Yonge Street. You’re automatically assigned the closest location when booking.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, water, weather-appropriate clothing, and an appetite! Luggage or large bags are not allowed on the bus.

Is lunch included?
No, lunch is not included. There are many options for a picnic or dining in Niagara-on-the-Lake.

Are tips for guides included?
No, tips are optional and not included in the price.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, children can sit on laps for free (2 and under). The stops and activities are family-friendly.

Do I need a passport or visa?
No, since the tour stays within Canada, no visa or passport is needed.

Final Thoughts

This tour offers a carefully balanced day filled with scenic beauty, delicious tastings, and charming small-town vibes. Its value lies not just in the experiences but in how smoothly everything operates—from comfortable transportation to guided insights. The combination of wine, chocolates, and free time makes it a flexible, enjoyable outing suited for those who want a taste of Niagara’s best without the crowds or complications of self-driving.

If you’re after a relaxed, well-organized day trip that highlights local flavors and picturesque scenery, this tour is a solid choice. It’s especially appealing for travelers who prioritize quality guides, authentic experiences, and a good mix of structured activities and leisure. Just keep in mind—if your main goal is Niagara Falls itself, you’ll want to consider other options. Otherwise, this trip promises a memorable slice of Ontario’s delights with plenty of opportunities to relax, taste, and explore.

You can check availability for your dates here: