Wayne Gretzky Estates

The basics

Whether you’re more interested in sipping wines made with Niagara-grown grapes, sampling whiskies and other spirits made from Canadian grains, or simply paying tribute to the legacy of one of Canada’s greatest athletes, Wayne Gretzky Estates is a standout Niagara-on-the-Lake destination.

To guarantee your spot, book one of several tasting packages in advance—from a wine and spirits tour to a cocktail-making class—or nab a walk-in spot on the day. The estate also offers several seasonal attractions, including a skating rink in the winter and an outdoor wine garden, complete with a pool table and other games, in the summer. To make visiting especially easy (and leave the driving to someone else), you can also stop by as part of a wine-tasting tour of Niagara-on-the-Lake.

Things to know before you go

• To avoid disappointment, it’s best to make reservations for tours and tasting experiences before you visit.

• To complement your wine and spirit tastings, order from the Tasting Hall’s food menu, which includes everything from cheese boards to boeuf bourguignon.

• Visitors must be 19 or older to consume alcoholic drinks in Ontario.

• Tour tickets still need to be purchased for children and designated drivers to allocate space; they will be served non-alcoholic drinks.

• There is a small additional admission fee for the winter skating rink; it’s also recommended to bring your own ice skates.

How to get there

Wayne Gretzky Estates is located at 1219 Niagara Stone Road in Niagara-on-the-Lake in Ontario. It’s about a 10-minute drive from downtown Niagara-on-the-Lake, 20 minutes from Niagara Falls, and a little more than 2 hours from Toronto. While public transit options are limited, tours make visiting easy.

When to get there

Wayne Gretzky Estates is open daily from late morning to evening (with extended hours on Fridays and Saturdays); the last seating is 2 hours before closing time. The Whisky Bar Patio is open daily from May to October. It’s also worth visiting in the summer for the wine garden, and in the winter to hit the skating rink. Just note that inclement weather can close the estate at short notice.

Niagara-on-the-Lake wine festivals

Niagara-on-the-Lake, home to around 50 wineries, is one of Canada’s premier wine regions, and its proximity to both Toronto and Niagara Falls makes visiting easy. Schedule a trip in the autumn for the annual Niagara Wine Festival, drop by in January to try the region’s renowned icewine at the Niagara Icewine Festival, or sample the year’s new wines at the Niagara New Vintage Festival in the summer.