The Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake is celebrating a successful 2025 visitor season at the Niagara District Court House, where the Town’s dedicated NOTL Ambassadors welcomed tens of thousands of guests from across Canada and around the world.
Between May 9 and October 18, the Court House welcomed 43,488 visitors from nine provinces, 42 U.S. states, and 103 countries. Each weekend, its doors opened to residents and visitors alike, inviting them to step inside the landmark, explore its storied halls, and engage with the photos, documents, and artifacts that bring the building’s rich history to life.
The season concluded with an impressive turnout during the Doors Open NOTL event, hosted by the Niagara-on-the-Lake Museum, on October 18, where 1,971 visitors explored the landmark and were greeted by Lord Mayor Zalepa.
Throughout the season, guests were captivated by the Court House’s timeless charm and left with a deeper appreciation for Niagara-on-the-Lake’s heritage. Many shared their impressions in the guest book, writing:
- “So much history to love!”
- “A masterpiece of history.”
- “Very beautiful, we love Canada!”
The Town extends sincere thanks to Tourism Niagara-on-the-Lake and the NOTL Ambassador Team, whose warmth, enthusiasm, and knowledge created a memorable experience for every guest who stepped through the Court House doors.
The Town looks forward to once again welcoming visitors when the Court House reopens for the 2026 season.
Quotes:
“The Court House stands as a proud symbol of Niagara-on-the-Lake’s history, and it was inspiring to see so many residents and visitors experience it this season. On behalf of Council, a huge thank you to the NOTL Ambassadors for providing a great experience to all those who toured.” – Lord Mayor Gary Zalepa
“Welcoming so many visitors from around the world speaks to how meaningful it was to open this piece of history to our community. My thanks to Staff for facilitating such an important initiative, and we look forward to opening the Court House again next year.” – CAO Nick Ruller
“We’re delighted to see the Court House open its doors to visitors once again. This historic landmark is such an important part of Niagara-on-the-Lake’s story, and welcoming guests inside adds a new depth to their experience of our town. It’s a wonderful example of what can be achieved through collaboration and a shared commitment to celebrating our heritage.” – Kathy Weiss, Tourism NOTL
“The NOTL Ambassadors were delighted to partner with the Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake and the Niagara-on-the-Lake Museum to open the Court House to the public. Visitors and residents alike were impressed by the beauty of the iconic building and the story of its history. And kids loved the jail cell!” – Laurie Harley, NOTL Ambassadors
“The popularity of the historic Court House demonstrates that visitors are genuinely interested in our local history. Heritage tourism is a growing opportunity here because people want meaningful experiences that connect them to the stories and places that shaped our province. We were grateful to partner with the Town and the NOTL Ambassadors to help share the history of this landmark and provide authentic displays to help tell the story. We look forward to supporting it again in the future!” – Sarah Kaufman, CEO/Curator NOTL Museum
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Media contact:
Marah Minor, Corporate Communications Lead
905-468-3266 | communications@notl.com