It is a well known fact in Canada that Niagara-on-the-Lake is known for its 100’s of vineyards and people flock from all over to visit Canada’s premier wineries. What is little known about Niagara-on-the-Lake is that it is home to many of the Country’s finest inns, bed and breakfasts and Airbnb’s. So many in fact, you will have a difficult time deciding where to stay during your visit to Ontario’s largest wine region.
PILLAR AND POST
A VINTAGE INN IN NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE
Trust me when I say that you can’t go wrong with any of them. I have stayed at many and have loved them all, but I haven’t loved any quite as much as I love the Pillar and Post. After a day of exploring Niagara-on-the-Lake, the Pillar and Post is the perfect spot to return to in order to catch up on some much needed rest.
Pillar and Post, a Vintage Inn
The Pillar and Post is part of a hotel group of Vintage Inns which has expanded in recent years and now consists of seven hotels:
- Prince of Whales
- Queens Landing
- Pillar and Post
- Millcroft Inn & Spa
- Jordan House
- Inn on the Twenty,
- and the most recently acquired, Moffat Inn
I admit that I haven’t stayed at any of the other Vintage Inns other than the Pillar and Post. I have been staying at the Pillar and Post for years and I am absolutely in love with it. My motto is “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”, so I keep coming back to the same Inn and I continue to be met with the same hospitality that I experienced during my first visit. So, if you are wondering where to stay when visiting Niagara-on-the-Lake, the Pillar and Post is where you want to be for your home away from home.
The Pillar and Post is brimming with elegance at every turn, while at the same time you won’t be able to resist lounging with a glass of wine on one of the many couches scattered throughout the Inn. It is no wonder that the Pillar and Post is one of Ontario’s finest Country Inn.
How to Get to Pillar and Post
The Pillar and Post is located in Niagara-on-the-Lake, a small town a short 25 minute drive from Niagara Falls and a 30 minute drive from the Rainbow Bridge, the border between Canada and the U.S.
If driving to Niagara-on-the-Lake from Toronto, you can expect to be on the road for approximately an hour and a half.
If you will be arriving from Southern Ontario or the Windsor/Detroit border, the drive is long and you will be driving through some high traffic areas making for a long drive of close to 4 hours.
While Niagara-on-the-Lake is considered to be a tourist town, I guarantee that you will find it much quieter and quainter than Niagara Falls. It is the perfect destination to just relax, wander the quaint shops, taste award winning wine and eat delectable food. What more could you ask for?
History of Pillar and Post
The Pillar and Post was built in the late 1980’s and was operating as a canning factory for Niagara’s peaches and tomatoes under the name of Factory 13.
Later at the beginning of World War One, Factory 13 became home to Polish soldiers who were training in Canada and needed a place to stay. The factory continued canning operations while at the same time housing the soldiers. By 1970 the Inn had been transformed into a restaurant and craft center. By 1972 the Inn became known as the Pillar and Post with capacity to accommodate 35 guests. Believe me when I say that the Inn has evolved immensely since this time.
Pillar and Post Guest Rooms
This Inn has so many things to offer that it is difficult to know where to start, but since the main purpose of booking a room is for a place to sleep, I will begin with the rooms.
Pillar and Post offers 122 guest rooms to suit all of your needs and budget. When choosing your room, you will have a choice of:
- Traditional Guest Rooms
- Superior Guest Rooms
- Deluxe Guest Rooms
- Premium Guest Rooms
- Suites
- Penthouse Parlour Suite
The room you choose will depend on your plans throughout your visit, as well as the number of people you are travelling with.
I have stayed in all of the rooms with the exception of the suites and I can tell you that there isn’t a bad room. If you are travelling alone or as a couple, the traditional room will suit your needs. If you have friends staying in the Inn with you, I would recommend a Deluxe or Premium Guest Room as they offer a sitting area which is perfect for socializing. If you want to splurge or you are entertaining a few people, I highly recommend the Penthouse Parlour Suite (it even has a bar 🙂 ). The rooms are located over 2 floors and all rooms are close to the Inn’s amenities.
Just One Tip: In the Summer, I prefer a room on the 2nd floor over-looking the outdoor pool. If you’re lucky, you might even witness a wedding in the gardens.
Restaurants at the Pillar and Post
I could write for hours about the food at the Pillar and Post. I’m pretty sure it’s the food that keeps me coming back. It’s to die for!
There are three choices of dining at the Pillar and Post available throughout the day:
(see outdoor pool)
The Cannery Restaurant
The Cannery is a fine dining restaurant offering a cozy, intimate atmosphere and some of the best food on the planet (the prime rib is my fav). While the dinner is outstanding, the breakfast is just as good. Reservations are required for the Cannery.
Vintages Wine Bar
Vintages Wine Bar offers a relaxed atmosphere and is the perfect spot to grab a quick bite to eat or gather with friends. This is also where you can grab a cocktail and sit back and relax by a fireplace. Reservations are not required and are on a first come first serve basis.
The Outpost at the Gardens
The Outpost at the Gardens is a located outdoors by the pool and is open throughout the warmer months of the year.
Make sure you check out the menu to see all of the yummy food!
HOURS
Breakfast: Daily 7:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Lunch: Daily 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m
Dinner: Daily 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Lounge Menu: Daily 11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
The Outpost at the Gardens: Sunday – Thursday 12:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. AND
100 Fountain Spa
One of the great benefits of staying at the Pillar and Post is the easy access to the award winning Spa. From basic spa essentials such as an exquisite manicure to the signature spa treatments, you can’t help but feel pampered at the 100 Fountain Spa.
The 100 Fountain Spa is currently operating on reduced hours due to COVID. Appointments for the Spa book up fast so I recommend that your appointment be made as far in advance as possible.
Pools and Hot Springs
The Pillar and Post boasts an indoor pool, hot springs, and Niagara-on-the-Lakes only heated outdoor pool, all of which are currently only available to hotel guests due to COVID.
Outdoor Pool
The outdoor pool is open from 8:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., even throughout the Winter months, and does not require reservations. There are several seating areas around the pool with gas firepits, which do require reservations. Reservations for the seating areas are made in 1 hour increments.
Indoor Pool
The indoor pool located on the main floor of the building is open from 8:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. and does not require reservations.
Hot Springs
The hot springs are located in the spa area and currently has a limited capacity due to COVID. Reservations are required and can be made at the spa reception. Reservations are made in 15 minute increments between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:40 p.m.
Weddings at the Pillar and Post
I honestly can’t think of a more romantic location to have a wedding than in one of the venues at the Pillar and Post. In fact, I had my own wedding in the Secord Room which created the magical, intimate atmosphere that I was looking for.
If you choose to say your “I do’s” at the Pillar and Post, you will have several options to choose from:
Olde Library
The Olde Library will accommodate up to 80 guests, with dinner to be served in the adjoining private dining room.
Upper Canada Hall Ballroom
This space is perfect for a slightly larger wedding and it will accommodate up to 170 guests.
Secord Room
The Secord Room is perfect for a smaller, intimate wedding which will accommodate up to 24 people as you say your “I do’s” in front of the romantic fireplace.;
The Gardens at the Pillar and Post
The Gardens will accommodate up to 176 guests and offers three different locations to choose from. All of the gardens are so beautiful and I certainly would have a difficult time choosing my preference.
The Barn
The Barn offers a rustic, but romantic atmosphere and will accommodate up to 74 guests. It also houses its own kitchen.
Contact your Wedding Planner today and get started on planning the wedding of your dreams!
Pillar and Post, Know Before You Go
As a guest at the Piller and Post, you will have every one of your needs catered to. If not, then all you have to do is ask. There are certain things though that you should know before you go:
- The Cannery Restaurant can be quite costly. I recommend booking a special package which also includes dinner, for at least one night.
- Parking in Old Niagara-on-the-Lake can be quite difficult. The hotel does have a shuttle service to the downtown core which operates 4:00 p.m. to 11 p.m. 7 days a week. Visit the front desk to make arrangements. The downtown core is within walking distance (approximately 4 – 5 blocks).
- Shortly after you check in, you will receive a text from Ivy, the Concierge. She will check up on you throughout your stay. If you have any questions you can also reach Ivy by text and she will be more than happy to assist.
- Check-in is 3:00 p.m. and check-out is 11:00 a.m.
- I highly recommend that reservations for dining and spa treatments be made prior to your arrival.
- Room service is available.
- During COVID, the cleaning staff no longer will be entering the rooms to clean or replenish towels, etc. If you require any room amenities, either dial 0 or text Ivy.
- There will be robes in each room to use when going to one of the pools or spa. Don’t be shy, everybody wears them. Bring your own flipflops.
Pillar and Post, a 5 Star Vintage Inn
If I could make one recommendation to this incredible gem of an Inn, it would be to continue doing what you’re doing! Even though some things have changed since my last visit and modifications have been made due to COVID, I believe the changes are positive and the management and staff have made the Pillar and Post the perfect getaway destination to escape the challenges of life as it is today. Believe me when I tell you that you won’t ever want to leave.
Much Love 🙂
Kelly xoxo
JUST ONE PASSPORT 
Neha
I have to confess, I wasn’t even aware that there is a wine region so close to Niagara Falls in Canada – so I now have another thing to add to my to-do list for whenever international travel is possible for me again! The inn sounds like just the kind of place I’d like to stay in, especially when I read about the spa and hot springs. Thanks for sharing all this helpful info.
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Just One Passport
There are over 100 wineries just a 20 minute down river from niagara falls. I love the wine area way more than the Falls area. It isn’t quite as touristy
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Agnes
I love Canadian wines. I visited a few wineries on Vancouver Island, but I haven’t been to Canada’s wine region in Niagara on the Lake yet. However, it’s on my list. So I appreciate your loading recommendation as it’s always challenging to decide where to stay. I like the restaurants at the Pillar and Post and its garden. It seems to be a great place to stay. It’s also great that in winter it is possible to skate there.
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Just One Passport
This was the first time that I’ve stayed in the Winter. It was fantastic. I especially loved being able to swim in the outdoor pool! If you ever get the chance, I highly recommend visiting this part of Canada. The wine is pretty good and there are so many vineyards.
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diapersinparadise
I love the ice skating rink, how fun! The Pillar and Post sounds amazing. From the food to the wine, to the hot springs! I also love that you had your wedding there, and can give an honest recommendation for doing so. What a beautiful setting!
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Just One Passport
It really is a great setting, especially for couples, although I did do this trip solo. This is the first year with the skating rink and it appears to be a huge success.
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Michelle
Wow! Pillar and Post looks like the perfect place to recharge! I love the comfortable and inviting style they have created. Although, I might never see it because I might not get out of those hot springs! LOL!
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Just One Passport
Yes the hot springs are definitely my favorite part of the hotel right along with the food
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anthomas717
It has hot springs?! I think that would be the first, second, and last thing I check out.
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Just One Passport
It does and it’s my favorite part of this entire hotel!
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Jennifer Record
what a comprehensive post..looks like a lovely area to visit with plenty to do
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Just One Passport
It’s beautiful with a ton of wineries!
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