From the lace-trimmed porches of heritage homes to the vine-dark rows that slope down toward Lake Ontario, Niagara-on-the-Lake smells like warm bread, crushed grapes and summer lavender.

In spring the town hums with the Shaw Festival and outdoor cafés spilling onto Queen Street; in winter, fog drifts over the vineyards and the lights along the Niagara Parkway make the old stone buildings glow. Every shopfront here feels like a tiny stage set for local makers.

Whether you’re hunting preserves, pottery, or a bottle that tastes like Niagara sunshine, these are the best souvenirs from Niagara-on-the-Lake to bring a slice of the peninsula home.

Check out my article on the 5 Best Gift Shops

1. Icewine

Why pick this up: Icewine is the region’s signature liquid, intensely sweet, floral and concentrated, it’s a dessert in a glass and a piece of Niagara’s climate and winemaking heritage.
What to look for: 200–375 mL bottles from producers like Inniskillin, Pillitteri or Jackson-Triggs; Riesling and Vidal are classic icewine varietals. Check for vintage and sugar levels (g/L) if you want a sweeter or lighter style.
Price bracket (2025): CAD$25–CAD$120 per bottle (smaller 200 mL bottles are common).
Where to find it: Winery shops on Niagara Stone Road and Queen Street, the Wine Bar & Shop at Peller Estates, and specialty liquor stores across Niagara-on-the-Lake.

2. VQA Niagara Table Wines

Why pick this up: The Niagara Peninsula punches above its weight with crisp Rieslings, peppery Cabernet Francs and fresh Chardonnays, perfect for remembering long vineyard lunches.
What to look for: Look for the VQA (Vintners Quality Alliance) label, varietal clarity (Riesling, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc), and wines from areas like Beamsville Bench or Niagara-on-the-Lake.
Price bracket (2025): CAD$15–CAD$45 per bottle.
Where to find it: Tasting rooms along Queen Street, Jackson-Triggs, Inniskillin, local wine shops and the Niagara-on-the-Lake Visitor Centre.

3. Local Honey & Beeswax Goods

Why pick this up: The fruit orchards and wildflowers around the peninsula create honey with floral depth – a sweet souvenir that tastes of local terroir.
What to look for: Raw, single-flower or small-batch honey; beeswax candles and balms made by Niagara beekeepers. Look for local branding and raw filtering.
Price bracket (2025): CAD$8–CAD$30 for jars and candles.
Where to find it: Niagara-on-the-Lake Farmers’ Market, boutique gift shops on Queen Street and farm stands in the countryside.

4. Peach Preserves and Fruit Butters

Why pick this up: Summer peaches from the Niagara fruit belt become jammy, aromatic preserves that bottle the warm season, ideal on scones back home.
What to look for: Small-batch, low-sugar or spiced varieties (peach-ginger, peach-vanilla). Glass jars with local orchard or farmer labels are a good sign.
Price bracket (2025): CAD$6–CAD$18 per jar.
Where to find it: Farmers’ markets, The Shops at Niagara-on-the-Lake, and orchard farm stores in nearby Niagara-on-the-Lake and Jordan Village.

5. Lavender Products

Why pick this up: Lavender fields and boutique distillers in the Niagara region produce sachets, oils and salts that smell exactly like sunny afternoons in town.
What to look for: Dried lavender bundles, essential oils (labelled lavender angustifolia), lavender-infused soaps and bath salts. Locally grown lavender is always a plus.
Price bracket (2025): CAD$10–CAD$40.
Where to find it: Specialty gift stores, farmers’ markets, and nearby lavender farms — often sold on Queen Street or at seasonal farm stands.

6. Artisan Cheese from Niagara Dairies

Why pick this up: The Niagara Peninsula’s cool nights and rich pastures make for excellent cheese,  from tangy cheddars to creamy artisan chèvre.
What to look for: Small-batch, age-stated cheeses, local labels like Kettleby Creek or Shaw & Smith–style producers; vacuum-sealed portions travel best.
Price bracket (2025): CAD$8–CAD$30 per portion.
Where to find it: Cheese counters at farmers’ markets, specialty grocers in town, and many winery tasting rooms that pair local cheeses with wines.

7. Shaw Festival Memorabilia

Why pick this up: A program, poster or pin from the Shaw Festival is a theatrical keepsake that captures the town’s cultural heartbeat.
What to look for: Season playbills, limited-edition posters, signed programs or collectible pins from current productions. Theatre-related gifts are often beautifully designed.
Price bracket (2025): CAD$5–CAD$50.
Where to find it: The Shaw Festival gift shop at Festival Theatre, box office, and select bookstores on Queen Street.

8. Handmade Pottery and Ceramics

Why pick this up: Local potters turn Niagara clay and regional glazes into mugs, serving bowls and vases that feel rustic and refined, perfect mementos of cozy cottage life.
What to look for: Wheel-thrown pieces, local maker stamps, dishwasher-safe labels and small chips-free glazing. Choose functional pieces you’ll use daily.
Price bracket (2025): CAD$30–CAD$200 depending on size and artist.
Where to find it: Artisan studios, galleries on Queen Street, and craft fairs in the town square, plus studio visits in nearby Jordan and St. Catharines.

9. Handcrafted Chocolates & Confections

Why pick this up: Chocolatiers in town make truffles, wine-infused chocolates and fruit caramels that pair beautifully with local icewine.
What to look for: Single-origin chocolate, wine-infused bonbons, and boxed assortments labeled by chocolatier. Watch for heat-sensitive packaging in summer.
Price bracket (2025): CAD$6–CAD$35 for boxes.
Where to find it: Boutique chocolate shops on Queen Street, seasonal stalls, and confectioners near the waterfront.

10. Ontario Maple Syrup & Maple Butter

Why pick this up: Ontario maple products are a classic Canadian gift, rich syrup and creamy maple butter carry the taste of spring sap runs in the region’s sugar bushes.
What to look for: Grade A syrup, small-batch maple butter in sealed jars, and products labeled Ontario or Niagara for provenance.
Price bracket (2025): CAD$12–CAD$40 per bottle/jar.
Where to find it: Local farm stores, Niagara-on-the-Lake gift shops, and market stalls during maple season.

If you’d rather not juggle glass bottles, many wineries and shops ship — a convenient way to bring home these souvenirs from Niagara-on-the-Lake without breaking your luggage. 🍁

Let me know in the comments if you have any other top ‘what to buy’ ideas!

About the Author

Colin is the founder of SouvenirsIdeas.com and a passionate traveller with a soft spot for ceramics, markets, and food tours. He writes practical, first-hand guides to help you bring home souvenirs that actually mean something — not just more clutter!