All right, after reading the other posts about NOTL we have decided that May or June will be our trip dates. However, because of a meeting that my husband has to attend at another location, the dates we have to select from would be May 9 to 18 OR June 20-29. I was thinking that there might be fewer crowds in early May, but will flowers be in bloom by then? Will mid to late June be too hot and more crowded? I would love the last week in May or 1st week in June, but no can do because of the meeting.

Please help us decide - Thanks!

I always like to go to NOTL in May because it gives me great ideas for my planters. They should be out early to mid May with a regular mild spring. As far as the gardens go you may have tulips but not likely annuals for fear of frost to May 24.

May weekends offer the Wine and Herb Festival but June there are always a few wine events on as well. The Shaw Festival will already be playing in May so either month would be good for theatre~

http://www.wineandherbfestival.com/

http://shawfest.com/

The weather should be mild in May, but as mentioned already, will be a little early for the fabulous show of pots and gardens in town. I think if gardens are a draw for you, then wait till June. You might still catch the end of the strawberry season too.

Just a heads-up that May 17 - 19 is a long weekend in Canada (we celebrate Victoria Day which will be Monday May 19 in 2008). Things will be busy starting Friday that weekend, you'll want to have your rooms booked well in advance.

June weather can be quite variable up here - in 2007 we had unusually high temperatures in June. We've had other years, temps have stayed quite cool until late June. But, still, I think of mid to late June as typically being a very nice time to vacation in Canada - usually pleasantly warm weather, fewer crowds than July/August, lots of flowers.

mat makes a good point about Victoria Day. And, Canada Day is July 1 but you will be gone by then if you leave June 29. But, that weekend will be a busy one too b/c of Canada Day.
June 20-29 wld be my 1st choice of the 2 times that you are considering because it will be warmer & there will be more flowers in bloom.

Pam, I agree with wow. The end of June is a better time for flowers in Niagara-on-the-lake as the traditional planting time here is Victoria Day weekend. However, fruit tree blossoms are at their peak in early to mid May so that's a special time too.

If you decide on June, you should plan to attend the annual Strawberry Festival on the grounds of St. Andrews Presbyterian Church on Saturday, June 21, 2008.

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