Niagara-on-the-Lake is a well-preserved town that was the first capital of Upper Canada 1791-96. Because of its proximity to the Niagara River and Lake Ontario, the town developed into a busy port and shipbuilding center. After the Welland Canal was completed in 1829, bypassing Niagara-on-the-Lake and damaging its port trade, the settlement declined. New industry soon arrived, however, as railroads made the area accessible to tourists. Learn More...