Gatekeeper's Retreat
1887 Lakeshore Road
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Why people book this hotel
“Breakfasts on both days were amazing - wonderful local produce and ingredients s…”
“For the first day, we were out before the 9am breakfast, so David prepared us so…”
“We even had homemade cookies left in our bed one night”
“Location was quiet and very picturesque, and easy walk to downtown”
“A lot of effort and thought was put into breakfast by the host but we found the …”
“Beautiful bed and breakfast a short walk from the centre of Niagara on the Lake,…”
“Location of the property was fine with about a 30 minute walk to the main street”
“Good breakfast and location”
“Beautifully decorated, incredibly clean and superb communal spaces”
“Clean, tidy and beautifully appointed”
Overview
Equipped with free Wi-Fi and a daily three-course breakfast, this Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario bed and breakfast is surrounded by a well-tended garden. The historic old town, offering shops, restaurants and the Shaw Festival Theatre, is 1.5 km away. The elegantly decorated rooms at Gatekeeper's Retreat feature an en suite bathroom and are fitted with wooden floors. Some boast a four-poster bed, while others have a seating area with fireplace. Guests at Gatekeeper's Retreat can sit back in the common lounge area, equipped with a cable TV and a library. A stone-paved terrace can also be enjoyed. This Niagara-on-the-Lake property is located on the wine route and a 10-minute walk from the shores of Lake Ontario and Ryerson Park. Butler's Barracks National Historic Site is within a 3-minute drive. Parking is available on site at no additional cost.
Traveller reviews
Norma
couple
September 25, 2025
“Stay was fine but we've come to understand, as a couple, B & B's are not for us. We prefer hotel/mo”
A lot of effort and thought was put into breakfast by the host but we found the content unusual. Location of the property was fine with about a 30 minute walk to the main street.
Carole
family_with_children
August 27, 2025
“Property well located but the herb smell gave me a headache and made it hard to sleep.”
Good breakfast and location
Ian
couple
August 2, 2025
“An amazing place to stay.”
One of the nicest places we have stayed in. Beautifully decorated, incredibly clean and superb communal spaces. Breakfasts on both days were amazing - wonderful local produce and ingredients superbly cooked. Rarely do you find a proper cup of tea outside the UK but there was an amazing choice of tea served in a tea pot and china cup! We even had homemade cookies left in our bed one night. David was so welcoming and made our stay very special. This is a wonderful place to stay and I cannot recommend it highly enough.
Dylan
couple
April 25, 2025
“Perfect place to stay in Niagara on the Lake”
Beautiful bed and breakfast a short walk from the centre of Niagara on the Lake, with exceptional hosting by David and Jason. Our room was the size of an apartment and super comfy and relaxing. Breakfast was very tasty with a different surprise main dish each morning. Really happy we chose this place for our 2 night stay.
Kyra
couple
November 18, 2024
David was such a wonderful host and knows so much about the area. I will be booking with him again 100%
Heather
couple
September 11, 2023
Clean, tidy and beautifully appointed. Food was phenomenal, loved the tea nook. David was a gracious and personable host, gave great suggestions and recommendations. Location was quiet and very picturesque, and easy walk to downtown.
Kelster-195
couple
September 6, 2023
“Lovely Quirky Guest House!”
What a pleasure staying here was! When we arrived David showed us around and each part was so well decorated. Then there was the surprise of the little speakeasy bar that was downstairs, it was so cool we spent a bit of time on both nights down there. David told us that he used to be a set designer and you can see he has a real talent for it! Our room on the first floor was a good size and had a very comfortable bed, so we had a great night's sleep on both nights. For the first day, we were out before the 9am breakfast, so David prepared us some pastries and muffins that we could grab and go, and they were delicious. On the second morning, we had breakfast with the other guests and that was great - the food was delicious and the company was fun. I would have no hesitation recommending this guest house at all!
Michael
couple
September 3, 2023
“Comfortable bed, great breakfast, great host, great value.”
The breakfasts were a masterful display of culinary delight (excellent). Coffee was very good and hot. Our room and bathroom was very spacious . Great little spots to retreat to from the outdoor seating area, the upstairs library and the intimate lounge down below. All our needs were taken care of by the owners. They have put a lot of time into making their guests feel right at home! Location is good. Great stay.
Ellen
couple
July 13, 2023
“Asthetically pleasing antique theme is a perfect location for biking/wine tasting/day at the lake.”
The house was tastefully decorated with perfectly selected antiques. The room was extremely clean. A full breakfast is tastefully presented, and the food is delicious. The hosts are accommodating and helpful making sure your every need was met.
John
couple
June 3, 2023
Amazing place!
taich
couple
May 17, 2023
The breakfast was amazing. Always starting with local cheeses and jams, bread, tea and coffee. Then a lovely hot breakfast always different but always delicious. French toast one day, an egg and mushroom skillet the next etc. Extremely welcoming, friendly and accommodating. The whole house is a furnished in a 1920-30's style including the speakeasy in the basement. I was warned by the host this experience would ruin our expectations of other bed and breakfasts. And I have to say David... You were right!! Thank you for helping make out getaway special.
Edward
couple
December 5, 2022
Breakfast was exceptional!! David showed exemplary care and detail with every aspect of our stay!!! Although we weren’t able to meet Jason, we want to extend our warmest thank you to you both for a wonderful, wonderful stay!!! You made this a memorable visit for us both!!! Wishing you both a joyous Christmas and prosperous new year!!! Edward & Nicolle
Alan
family_with_children
September 30, 2022
“perfect stay fabulous breakfasts”
It is beautiful with lots of quaint unexpected furniture and pictures
Holly
couple
September 28, 2022
“Great accommodation, lovely host, fabulous breakfast”
We really enjoyed our stay. The location was walkable from the lakeshore and the main street in the old town. David was a wonderful host. We had everything we needed and more. Room was spacious and comfortable with direct access to a lovely garden.
Sean
couple
August 12, 2022
Excellent host. Clearly takes a massive amount of pride in his work
Mary Liz
couple
April 9, 2022
The place was beautiful. The host was lovely and the breakfasts were delicious.
PabloRG
couple
March 7, 2022
“Relaxing stay”
Excellent breakfast. Beds were very comfortable. All rooms + common areas were beautifully decorated with attention to detail. Even the soft background music was soothing.
Alex
extended_group
February 21, 2022
“A relaxing and enchanting treat”
Staying at Gatekeepers Retreat was a very special treat from the minute we walked through the door. The house and furnishings is comfortable, eclectic and interesting. There is a little bar downstairs that is like a speak easy....so unusual and quaint. David has such a wonderful flair. There were little unusual touches throughout the home The food was truly delicious...I mean who makes a 3 course breakfast? Everything was locally sourced as possible (in February). We were smacking our lips and full all day. David is a collector of teas. His tea pantry is open all hours and there are dozens of teas
Carey
couple
February 14, 2022
“very enjoyable”
Carey
couple
February 14, 2022
“very enjoyable”
Facilities
Food & Drink
Special diet menus (on request)
General
Air conditioning, WiFi available in all areas, Non-smoking rooms, Heating
Internet
Internet services, WiFi, Free WiFi
Outdoors
Garden, Terrace
Parking
Free parking, Parking, Parking on site
Services
Shared lounge/TV area, Luggage storage
Queen Room
This room features a French-style four-poster bed, a desk and an en suite bathroom.
Superior Queen Room
Featuring an en suite bathroom with a skylight, this room includes a mahogany four-poster bed.
Queen Suite
This suite features a dining area and a seating area with a fireplace. A desk and en suite bathroom are also included.
Hotel Policies
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