Things To Do
in Lincoln
Lincoln is a township in Ontario's Niagara Region known for its fruit orchards, vineyards and small-town charm along the southern shore of Lake Ontario. The area blends agricultural heritage—especially tender fruit and wine production—with scenic conservation areas and a growing culinary scene. Villages like Beamsville, Jordan and Vineland serve as hubs for tasting rooms, farm gates and local markets.
It’s an easy base for exploring Niagara’s wineries, trails and nearby Lake Ontario shoreline.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your day with a leisurely stroll through the historic downtown of Lincoln, where charming architecture and quaint shops line the streets. Stop by a local café for a fresh pastry and a cup of coffee while soaking in the lively atmosphere of the morning. Don’t miss visiting the Lincoln Museum to learn about the town’s rich history and heritage.
After lunch at one of the local eateries, continue your exploration by visiting the nearby vineyards that Lincoln is famous for. Take a guided tour to learn about the winemaking process and enjoy tastings of some exquisite local wines. As the sun begins to lower, take in the scenic views of the Niagara Escarpment from one of the vineyard terraces.
Conclude your day with a dinner reservation at a highly-rated farm-to-table restaurant, where you can savor local dishes made from fresh ingredients. Enjoy the warm ambiance and perhaps catch some live music that showcases local talent. After dinner, take a peaceful evening walk along the waterfront, reflecting on the day’s adventures.
Start your day with a hearty breakfast at a local diner, fueling up for a day dedicated to exploring the region’s renowned vineyards. After breakfast, head out to the picturesque wine country where rolling hills and grapevines stretch as far as the eye can see. Your first stop will be a vineyard that offers an informative tour of their facilities and a chance to meet the winemakers.
Post-lunch, visit various wineries within the Lincoln area, each offering unique wine styles and tasting experiences. Interact with knowledgeable staff who will guide you through the nuances of each wine, enhancing your understanding of the local viticulture. Enjoy a picnic lunch among the vines, surrounded by the stunning landscape that defines this part of Canada.
As the day winds down, find a cozy wine bar to relax and unwind, sampling some of the best wines you discovered throughout the day. Pair your drinks with small plates from the bar menu as you chat about your favorite finds. The evening can culminate with a sunset view over the vineyards, creating the perfect end to a wine lover's day.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-20 |
| 🍷Wine tasting (per winery) | $10-20 |
| ☕Coffee or café drink | $3-5 |
| 🛏️Mid-range hotel (per night) | $100-180 |
| 🚌Local bus or short taxi ride | $3-25 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Excellent local wineries, cideries and farm-to-table food scene
- Scenic landscapes and easy access to trails, orchards and lake views
- Less crowded and more relaxed than bigger tourist hubs
- Proximity to Niagara attractions and Toronto within driving distance
- Limited late-night nightlife and entertainment options
- Many attractions are seasonal—some businesses close in winter
- Public transit is limited; a car is strongly recommended
- Weekend crowds at popular wineries can mean peak prices and wait times
Places to Visit in Lincoln
Visit one of these nice places.
Clifftop views over Lake Ontario with great vantage points for sunrise/sunset and seasonal migratory birdwatching; bring a telephoto for distant waterfowl.
Vineyards, rolling hills and stone barns create classic wine-country compositions—rows of vines are especially photogenic in spring and fall foliage season.
Charming village storefronts, seasonal decorations and patio-lined streets ideal for street and architectural photography.
Apple and cherry trees in blossom (spring) or laden with fruit (summer/fall) make vivid seasonal images; many farms allow photos from public areas.
Food in Lincoln
Lincoln Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Plates featuring local peaches, cherries or apples with Ontario cheeses and preserves—found at wineries, farm markets and many restaurants during growing season.
Must-Try!
Classic fruit desserts made with local stone fruit; bakeries and farm stands in summer and early fall are the best places to try them.
A regional specialty: concentrated, sweet apple cider fermented like a dessert wine. Available at specialty cideries and some wineries.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Seasonal markets selling fresh fruit, baked goods, preserves and prepared farm food—great for sampling seasonal produce and buying picnic supplies.
Small roadside stands are common in summer and fall offering cherries, peaches, apples and homemade jams; ideal for fresh, inexpensive snacks.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Canadians are generally polite and value queuing and personal space—wait your turn, say please and thank you, and apologize if you bump into someone.
Many scenic spots are on or near private farmland—stay on marked paths, close gates, and ask before entering private property or photographing people at work.
Watch for farm equipment on rural roads and be patient; yield to pedestrians in village areas and follow posted speed limits.
Safety
Tipping in Lincoln
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is customary in Canada: 15–20% at restaurants, $1–$2 per drink at bars or $2–$5 for coat check and similar services. Wineries and tasting rooms sometimes add service for large groups—check the bill.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted; tap payments (contactless) are common. Some small farm stands and rural vendors may be cash-only or use e-transfer/Interac; carry some cash for remote purchases.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Blossom season (especially cherries and apples) brings beautiful displays and cooler, changeable weather—bring layers and expect some rainy days. Wineries reopen fuller schedules and farmers’ markets resume regular hours.
Warm to hot weather with long daylight—prime time for fruit picking, outdoor concerts and patio dining. Expect crowds on weekends at popular wineries and drive times may increase.
Harvest season and peak color—excellent for winery events, apple and pumpkin picking and cider tastings; temperatures cool, especially evenings, so pack a jacket.
Cold with potential snow; many outdoor activities are limited and some seasonal businesses close or reduce hours. Winter wine tours and holiday market events still provide charm but check opening times and road conditions.
Lincoln at Night
Hiking in Lincoln
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Accessible trail segments along the Niagara Escarpment offering ridge-top views, mixed forest and limestone outcrops—suitable for day hikes and photography.
Short, well-marked trails to spectacular lookout points over Lake Ontario and areas known for bird migration; good for families and sunset views.
A larger provincial park east of Lincoln with longer trails, river valleys and more rugged terrain—great for multi-hour hikes and spotting waterfalls after rain.
Airports
How to reach Lincoln by plane.
Major international hub about 1–1.5 hours by car depending on traffic; offers rental cars, shuttle services and extensive connections.
US airport about 1.5 hours’ drive (plus border crossing) useful for some budget carriers; factor in time for crossing the Canada–US border.
Smaller regional airport with limited services located near St. Catharines; useful for private flights and some charters, with ground transport options to Lincoln.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Longstanding families and farm owners whose work centers on fruit orchards, vineyards and agriculture—community events often reflect this heritage.
A growing population of vintners, restaurateurs and artisanal producers attracted to the Twenty Valley’s terroir and tourism economy.
Residents who commute to larger centres like St. Catharines or Hamilton and retirees drawn by the quieter lifestyle near the lake.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Canada’s national pastime—local rinks host minor hockey leagues, figure skating and community events throughout winter.
A regional winter sport with clubs in nearby towns; community curling rinks offer leagues and social play.
Road and gravel cycling is popular thanks to scenic rural routes and winery loops; organized rides and charity events occur seasonally.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Lincoln.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are widely available at wineries, cafés and restaurants that emphasize local produce; inform staff of restrictions and many kitchens can adapt mains or create seasonal vegetable plates.
Vegan choices exist but are more limited in smaller towns—look for plant-forward tasting menus, salads, grain bowls and bakeries that can accommodate substitutions; call ahead if you need a full vegan meal.
Many eateries offer gluten-free options, especially for salads, grilled proteins and some desserts; cross-contamination is possible at smaller bakeries and markets so mention sensitivity.