Entire home·Private host

Secret Garden Cottage in Old Town Niagara-on-the-Lake

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Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop
Interior
Property grounds
Outdoor dining
Exterior

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

2 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 7139 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Parking available
  • Fireplace
  • Barbecue grill
  • Kitchen

Explore the area

View in a map
Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON
  • Place, Jackson-Triggs Winery
    ‪16 min walk‬
  • Place, Shaw Festival Theatre
    ‪20 min walk‬
  • Place, Peller Estates Winery
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • Airport, Buffalo, NY (BUF-Buffalo Niagara Intl.)
    ‪50 min drive‬

Room options

Similar properties

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

Secret Garden Cottage in Old Town Niagara-on-the-Lake

The Secret Garden Cottage is a charming, licensed short-term rental home situated in Historic Old Town of NOTL. Your stay will lift your spirits with all the comforts of home. Beautiful in any season, enjoy having the house to yourself, as well as the gifts that this unique area has to offer. A 10-minute walk from the main (Queen) street, you can walk or cycle to the many high-quality wineries, outstanding restaurants, charming shops in town, and highly-acclaimed Shaw Festival productions. Or cozy up with all of the comforts of home, enjoying a glass of local wine on the back deck or in the Garden Room, while gazing out over the stunning Secret Garden.

This home is the perfect size for a "couples’ weekend", and it is large enough to accommodate up to 7 guests. Inside there are games, puzzles, books, and Amazon Prime TV, all helpful with keeping children and adults engaged! Cook in the fully-equipped kitchen (spices, oils, sugar, flour...it has it all!), use the big BBQ in the backyard, or dine out at one of the amazing local restaurants.

Need a work space? No problem! Your office can be in the Music Room.

The Secret Garden is the absolute gem of this property and you can enjoy it while sitting in the Garden Room, on the back deck, or in any of the 3 tiers of the garden.

Located at the back of the garden, the shed contains 2 bicycles, saving you having to rent elsewhere! Use them to experience wine-tasting, outstanding farm-to-table meals, and the wonderful trails in the wine areas, and alongside Lake Ontario.

It is situated within walking distance to many coffee shops, restaurants, wineries and other attractions. The walk to the main street (Queen St.) is 12 minutes.

It's just a 15-minute drive to the Outlet Collection at Niagara, and 30 minutes to Niagara Falls.

MAIN FLOOR:

The Secret Garden is a hidden gem, and the beautifully landscaped property can be enjoyed from both inside and outside of the home, with spacious front and back porches.

The GARDEN ROOM is the most special place of the home. Cozy up with a good book, a mug of coffee or tea, or a glass of wine, and you will be in your own little oasis. There is also an electric fireplace for cooler days.

The KITCHEN features all the appliances you will need, has so many glasses, dishes, pots, pans and more, and the pantry is well-stocked with baking and cooking supplies. The adjoining DINING ROOM has an expandable table with 6 chairs. (2 additional ones are stored in the basement.)

Need an office to work at your home away from home? There is a desk in the MUSIC ROOM. It also has an upright Kawai piano, should you need to rehearse some music or just want to have a sing-along with your family or friends. That room also has a double sofa bed. (PLEASE ADVISE IF YOU WOULD LIKE THE BED PREPARED FOR YOUR STAY - SMALL ADDITIONAL CHARGE.) There are black-out blinds in this room, contributing to a quality sleep.)

The comfortable LIVING ROOM contains an electric fireplace, a multitude of games and books, and a Smart TV with an Amazon Fire Stick. You can also sign in to your other accounts, such as Netflix, if desired.

There is also a POWDER ROOM on the main floor.

UPSTAIRS:

TWO BEDROOMS with quality queen size beds and black-out blinds (for an amazing night's sleep!) are on the upper floor, and THE PRIMARY BEDROOM also contains a love seat that can be set up as a twin sofa bed. (PLEASE ADVISE IF YOU WOULD LIKE THIS SOFA BED PREPARED FOR YOUR STAY - SMALL ADDITIONAL CHARGE.)

The UPSTAIRS BATHROOM is spacious, with combined tub/shower, toilet and sink with plenty of counter space. For your convenience, I also provide quality safe and clean Canadian Rocky Mountain Soap Company toiletries along with plenty of plush towels for your use.

Enjoy the floral and musical themes throughout the cottage, and be sure to have a glass of wine (provided by your host!) on the deck overlooking the extensive and stunning Secret Garden, or in the Garden Room with a beautiful view!

IMPORTANT THINGS TO KNOW:

1) 7 is the maximum number of guests that the Secret Garden can comfortably accommodate. There is an additional charge of $50 per sofa bed per stay, so that the sofa beds can be prepared in advance of your arrival, with cozy bedding, extra-thick mattress covers, and enough pillows and towels provided for all guests, and then dismantled after your departure.

2) About TAXES: Town of NOTL requires me to charge a MAT (Municipal Accommodation Tax) of 4% on the room rate fee. Airbnb does not have capacity for this to be charged separately, so I have had to build it into the nightly fee. I "back out" the MAT and submit it to the Town. HST (Harmonized Sales Tax - combination of Provincial and Federal) of 13% is applied to the room rate and MAT, and I submit this to the CRA (Canada Revenue Agency).

3) NOTL Town License: 061-2023

4) CRA BN for HST purposes: #87571 7795
During your stay at this vacation home, you'll be within walking distance of Lake Ontario. Laundry facilities are available. The vacation home includes amenities such as free WiFi and a kitchen.
  • Air-conditioned home with kitchen, washing machine, and 1.5 bathrooms
  • Free WiFi
  • Amenities include laundry facilities
  • Onsite recreation includes a playground
  • 15 minutes by foot from Lake Ontario and a 2-minute drive from Shaw Festival Theatre
As a guest of this vacation home, you'll find barbecue grills, a garden, and laundry facilities. The front desk is open around the clock.

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in the house: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Car required
  • Parking on site

Kitchen

  • Blender
  • Coffee grinder
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dishwasher
  • Electric kettle
  • Hob
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Paper towels
  • Refrigerator
  • Spices
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 2 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided
  • Sofa bed

Bathroom

  • 1.5 bathrooms
  • Bathtub or shower
  • Hair dryer
  • Shampoo
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining table
  • Fireplace
  • Living room
  • Separate dining area

Entertainment

  • Books
  • Games
  • Music library
  • Smart TV

Outdoor areas

  • Barbecue grill
  • Fenced yard
  • Garden
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Patio

Laundry

  • Laundry facilities
  • Washing machine

Work spaces

  • Desk
  • Desk chair

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • No lift (single-level property)
  • Smoke-free property

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board

Location highlights

  • In a village
  • In the city centre
  • Near a health/beauty spa
  • Near a hospital
  • Near an outlet shopping centre
  • On a lake

Things to do

  • Bicycles
  • Cycling nearby
  • Golfing nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Winery tours nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
  • Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • First aid kit
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Deadbolt lock

General

  • Bicycles
  • Comprehensive recycling policy
  • Garden
  • No plastic coffee stirrers
  • No plastic drinking straws
  • No plastic soft drink bottles
  • No plastic water bottles
  • Reusable cups
  • Reusable tableware
  • Unit size: 1,500 square feet

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Contactless check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 21

Check-out

Check-out before 12:00 PM
Contactless check-out available

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Check-out instructions

The host requires you complete the following before checking out:
Load and start the dishwasher
Remove personal items and remove leftover food and drinks
Turn off the lights and lock the doors
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.

Rules

This home is not child-proofed for very young children. There are both a portable high chair and a portacrib (with sheets provided) available for use.

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Note from host: Children 3 and older are welcome

Events

No events allowed
The Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake forbids this.

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

This property is managed by a private host (a party not acting within their trade, business or profession). EU consumer law, including the right of withdrawal, will not apply to your booking. The cancellation policy set by the private host will cover your booking.
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Note from host: The Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake forbids this.
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions. You will also receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account which will enable you to manage your booking.
Property Registration Number 061-2023

Property is also known as

Vrbo Property

Reviews

Secret Garden Cottage in Old Town Niagara-on-the-Lake Reviews

10

Exceptional

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Eco-friendliness
Rating 10 - Excellent. 66 out of 66 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 66 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 66 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 66 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 66 reviews

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

CINDY A.

Liked: Cleanliness
We thoroughly enjoyed our stay. The home is so charming and comfortable and had everything we needed. We are impressed with the attention to detail throughout the cottage. The gardens are beautiful and we appreciate the restaurant recommendations. Many Thanks to our host Tara
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer B.

Liked: Cleanliness
We really enjoyed our stay at the secret garden. It was a great location. A short easy walk into old town. It was spotlessly clean and very comfortable. The garden and garden room were our favourite places to relax during our stay. While we did not do much cooking the kitchen was well stocked for anyone to preparing meals on site. Thanks again for letting us stay at your place!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jeff F.

Liked: Cleanliness
Every thing was just as it should have been and more. Tara has been very friendly, very helpful and courteous. This has been our first trip “north of the border”! We did not get the full experience due to some “under the weather conditions” but both of us agreed that we would love to have other trips here! If we are able to come back this is the place for us! For me it was home away from home! Relaxing and very peaceful! Love everything about The Secret Garden Cottage”! It was perfect for us!!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer S.

Liked: Cleanliness
This was a cousin’s trip. We have said for the past 20 years we were going to take a trip and we finally did!Tara is an excellent host. The house was immaculate. Filled with anything you could possibly need.But of course the garden was the gem. Absolutely beautiful! Secret Garden is it’s perfect name.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Dana V.

Liked: Cleanliness
The cottage was amazing and Tara was incredibly helpful!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ann K.

Liked: Cleanliness

A Secret Garden Retreat

Great property, lovely gardens and a great location for walking tours of NOTL. Tara is a great host.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Frances B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Beautifully landscaped, well equipped, nicely furnished home in a convenient location near Old Town. Tara is extremely prompt with communication. Provides excellent information on area activities Already planning a return visit!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Joanna F.

Liked: Cleanliness

Wonderful vacation cottage

From the moment you enter this cottage, you realize the love and thought the owners put into it. They have provided everything you will need to feel at home. It is comfortable and well appointed. The name is perfect; out back, there are truly Secret Gardens… nature at her best.This is a wonderful property to feel at home, away from home. A
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Laura W.

Liked: Cleanliness

Beautiful place

We had a wonderful time at this place it was so beautiful! Exactly what you see in the pictures and even better in person! When I go back to Niagara on the Lake I will check to see if it’s available before I look anywhere else.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Nancy P.

Liked: Cleanliness

Secret Garden Cottage stay

My sister and I spent two nights at Tara’s and had a lovely time. We spent most of our time in the garden room catching up over coffee and wine. Thank you Tara for being a super host and thank you for a delicious bottle of Niagara wine to start our stay. We would definitely come again!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Anne-Marie R.

Liked: Cleanliness

Paradise

Excellent host - great communication. Fantastic property - immaculate and has everything you should need. I will definitely return in the warmer months - I want to see that amazing garden in full bloom! Thank you Tara!
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Burgundi G.

Liked: Cleanliness

Girls Trip Niagara on the Lake

We had a great stay at the Secret Garden Cottage. The host was super friendly and quick to reply to messages. The house itself was cozy and very clean. We really enjoyed our morning coffee time in the Garden Room. The view to the backyard was so nice! We will definitely stay here again!
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

evelyn m.

Liked: Cleanliness

Great stay

Tara was wonderful. Her home is so beautiful. I can’t wait to visit again,
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jodi S.

Liked: Cleanliness

A Little Piece of Paradise in Wine Country

What an incredible cottage Tara has here! It’s far roomier than the pictures show, and the backyard is exceptionally beautiful! It felt just like the movie the Secret Garden - hence the name, obviously. Tara was so responsive to any questions we had, and ensured this cottage was perfectly equipped and prepared for all guests’s needs. The location was great as well - central to everything we wanted to see. A short walk to some fabulous shops and restaurants, a quick 5-10 bike ride to some renowned wineries, and a short 20-min drive to the falls. We all agreed we will absolutely be back. Thanks for being such a wonderful host, Tara! Cheers.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Angie B., Akron Ohio

Liked: Cleanliness

Cozy Garden Paradise

Everything about this place was wonderful. Tara had thought of every possible convenience. The cottage was clean and the gardens were lovely. Close to the shopping district and bike trails.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kevin D.

Liked: Cleanliness

Ideal setting in NOTL

Exceptionally clean and comfortable with a back yard that will inspire you. Bicycles were are wonderful surprise!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

JIM H.

Liked: Cleanliness

Garden Cottage

Great place in fabulous location to Vineyards and downtown Niagara on the Lake! Gardens spectacular! Will be going back!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Amy B.

Liked: Cleanliness

Beautiful home for a family vacation!

This house was perfect for my family of 6 vacation! I was concerned it might be a little tight for us but we had plenty of space at this beautiful home!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

warren m.

Liked: Cleanliness

Spring 2024

We really enjoyed our time at the secret garden cottage. The garden in back was amazing and very private. Mornings in the back room overlooking the garden, and evenings on the back deck were our daily routine. There are several restaurants and a great bakery that are easily within walking distance. And being able to walk or bike to NOTL and the the paved trail system is a major plus. We will definitely be booking this place again in the near future.
Stayed 8 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Gerald Z.

Liked: Cleanliness

A Special Stay at the Secret Garden Cottage

From start to finish, we had a perfect stay at The Secret Garden Cottage. Serenely decorated and quaintly designed, the cottage, with charming sun room and remarkable garden, perfectly complemented our visit to Niagara on the Lake. The cottage is close enough to walk to shopping and dining on Queen Street and well placed to visit area wineries and attractions. The small market and excellent bakery next door were an extra treat. Best of all, Tara is a wonderful host!
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Rob R.

Liked: Cleanliness

Secret Garden Cottage

Great stay! House was great, very clean, lots of kitchen supplies, close to downtown. Lots of room for two couples. Highly recommend!
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kelly B.

Liked: Cleanliness

A great weekend in NOTL

This 2as our second visit to the Secret Garden Cottage and we couldn't be happier. The house is perfect for a getaway and close to all the restaurants, shopping and sights in Niagara on the Lake.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Joanne

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Pefect spot for a girls weekend away, or a family when you want to have more room than a hotel offers. Our girls weekend away was special in this quaint cottage, The sun room in back was so peaceful and relaxing for morning coffee or afternoon drinks. Everything you need is there and Tara could not have been more helpful. Totally recommend.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer H.

Liked: Cleanliness

Beautiful Cottage!

One of the better home rentals we have stayed in and we have stayed in quite a few. Hostess was responsive and generally wonderful. Thank you for sharing your lovely little cottage!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Peter

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Exceptional choice for a weekend getaway. Feels like home with lovely gardens and a well appointed spotless space! Tara is also fantastic at communication and leaving all the necessary information you need for the house and the surrounding area. The bikes are a perfect extra for the winery tours.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023