General Information

Experience Ontario’s only five-star country inn, which was built in the late 1890s as a canning factory for Niagara’s peaches and tomatoes.  The inn originally known as Factory 13 once accommodated several hundred Polish soldiers that were being trained for the First World War.  Today, the Pillar and Post Inn is assured to fulfill the needs of all guests by providing luxurious accommodation, dining and an award-winning spa. 

Located in the historical town of Niagara-on-the-Lake, the Pillar and Post Inn becomes the perfect place to relax, escape everyday life while enjoying the cultural heritage of the Niagara Region.  Guests may grab a horse and carriage ride to downtown Niagara-on-the-Lake, which is just minutes away.  The downtown area is home to many different unique stores and shops, spectacular theater performances, as well as restaurants and pubs.  

The Cannery Restaurant in the Pillar and Post Inn provides a relaxed informal atmosphere while offering Niagara’s favorites, such as grilled steaks and fresh homemade pizza.

Pillar and Post Inn is also very well-known for its top-rated spa, 100 Fountain Spa, which became North America’s number one spa in 2007-2008.  Along with facials, body massages and reflexology, the 100 Fountain Spa is one of the few that offers vinotherapy treatments, which are enriched spa treatments that incorporate locally grown grape and wine into the products used. 

Hours of Operation

Open Year-Round 

Photo Gallery

TripClip Audio File

Directions

From Toronto:

QEW exit 38B, (Hwy. 55 exit), Niagara-on-the-Lake 

Left (north) on Glendale Avenue and drive over the QEW overpass

Left (west) on York Road at lights and service centre with washrooms

Right (north) on Niagara Stone Road/Regional Road 55

Right (east) on John Street West

Left (north) at the Pillar and Post Inn at #48

From Niagara Falls:

River Road/Niagara River Parkway north towards Niagara-on-the-Lake

Left (west) on John Street East

Right (north) into the Pillar and Post Inn at #48

From USA:

I-190 N to the Queenston-Lewiston Bridge

Once in Canada, north along the Niagara River Parkway towards Niagara-on-the-Lake

Left (west) on John Street East (Kurtz Orchards will be on corner)

Right (north) into the Pillar and Post Inn at #48

Historical

The Pillar and Post Inn was not initially built for accommodating visitors.  As previously discussed, in the late 1890s the building was constructed for its sole purpose of canning Niagara peaches and tomatoes.  The canning factory contributed to the distribution of Niagara's fine produce. 

As soon as the First World War impacted the world, Factory 13 became home to several hundred Polish soldiers.  The soldiers were being trained in Canada and needed a place to stay.  Factory 13 provided the space.    

The factory still did canned Niagara’s produce up until 1957, when the factory was converted into a basket manufacturer.  By 1970, the building was then transformed into a restaurant and craft center.  It was not until two years later that the building became known as Pillar and Post Inn and accommodating only 35 guests. 

Over the years there have been renovations and expansion, which has given the hotel to accommodate up to 122 guests.  Although, the renovations have brought modern commodities, the hotel provides an authentic structure that has retained its history.  The original post and beam construction is still intact and can be seen today in the main lobby and throughout the restaurant.

Adjacent Land Uses

Niagara Historical Society Museum is only .8 km away.  Downtown Niagara-on-the Lake is only .10km away.  There are over 20 wineries in Niagara-on-the-lake, and Pillar and Post Inn can provide all information regarding Wine Country Trolley Tours.  Niagara River only 1.6 km away provides beautiful trails and scenic routes, which can be explored on foot or bike.

Further Information

Vintage Hotels Official Website - Pillar and Post Inn

Niagara-on-the-Lake Chamber of Commerce Website

This web page was created by Deanna Welsh in December 2009. TripClip narration and photos by Deanna Welsh.  I would like to thank Dave Brown and Carla Carlson for their help in the creation of this page.