All Along the Waterfront: Leisure and Recreational Pursuits

Those who live in NOTL know that the Niagara River can provide a sense of ease and relaxation. Many enjoy swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, and boating along our shores today. 

Although the River has a swift current, people have enjoyed swimming along the shoreline, whether off the Queenston or Niagara docks, Ball’s Beach, and Lion’s Beach (Queen’s Royal Park).

From free swim lessons, jumping in the steamship wake, and spending countless summer hours sunbathing on the beach, the River has provided a refuge for many from daily life.

Rowboats were rented to tourists from the late 1800s and into the 1900s for recreational fishing and leisure. At one time there were 6 boat-renting facilities along the River.

John Redhead owned one of these boat-renting facilities and at one time had a fleet of 45 rowboats! 

The pleasure boat industry that developed in town encouraged locals to take up sailing as a hobby. The Niagara-on-the-Lake Sailing Club was formed in 1968, and the old wharf was used to operate their marina.

Brave individuals paid 10 cents to be taken out onto the lake on the Swimming Saucer. The saucer would spin around while the rider held onto the exterior ropes and leaned out over the water. Once at a good speed, they let go of the rope and flew into the water!  

Even though the commercial fishing industry died out in NOTL, many still indulged in recreational fishing along the River.

Many have attempted to solo swim across Lake Ontario. The swim was first completed by Marilyn Bell in 1954. At the age of 16, she swam from the mouth of the Niagara River to Toronto. This plaque  in Queen’s Royal Park honours those who have successfully made the swim.