General Information

Experience the ultimate in soothing luxury - personal service, stunning rooms, the finest spa in the Niagara Region and great, great food. Whether you're in Niagara-on-the-Lake visiting family, seeking relaxation or simply looking for a place to stay, the Oban Inn more than meets your accommodation needs. There are 26 guestrooms to choose from, the delightful restaurant and the calming Ospa facility for an unforgettable tranquil experience.

Captain Duncan Milloy of Oban, Scotland, built the house in 1824. Milloy opened his private home to guests, and thus began a practice that has continued ever since. An unfortunate fire occured in 1992 on Christmas Day. However, the facility was rebuilt as a faithful replica of how it once was and reopened in 1993, resuming all operations to meet the needs of the guests.

The Oban Inn is an integral landmark that contributes to the historical ambience of Niagara-on-the-Lake. It is located within walking distance of shopping boutiques, theatres, scenic trails and Niagara’s wine tasting shops. The Oban Inn directly overlooks Lake Ontario and the Niagara-on-the-Lake Golf Club, North America’s oldest golf course established in 1875.

Hours of Operation

Open Year-Round

Photo Gallery

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 Queen Street

Left (north) at Gate Street

Oban Inn is located at the corner of Front Street and Gate Street

From Niagara Falls:

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

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

Right (north) on King Street

Left at Front Street

Oban Inn is located at the corner of Front Street and Gate Street

Historical

Captain Duncan Milloy, a sailor from Oban, Scotland, decided to build his home on the corner of Front and Gate Street in 1824. His wife and three kids, William, Colin and Effie lived in the house, while Captain Milloy built and sailed the third “City of Toronto". Captain Milloy and his two sons served in Council, Captain Milloy for two years, William for three and Colin for six. William Milloy is said to be the one that named “Oban Inn” after the old hometown of the family in Scotland.  William eventually came to run it as a boarding house until his death. Oban Inn was then passed ownership to Effie, his sister and her husband Arthur Harvey. Ownership of Oban Inn came to be passed along many families and individuals, and still managed to operate successfully.

Christmas Day, in 1992 Oban Inn experienced a devastating fire, which left only the foundation of house intact.  As previously discussed, the inn was rebuilt as an exact replica. Then in 2006, the inn underwent further renovations, while still striving to preserve its natural authenticity. 

Adjacent Land Uses

Oban Inn is situated two blocks from the main street, and walking distance to all Niagara-on-the-Lake attractions.  Niagara-on-the-Lake is a Canadian historical town, enriched with many attractions, such as the host of the Shaw Festivaland is a part of Ontario's wine and viticulture country. There are many scenic trails along the Niagara River that provide recreational activity, such as cycling, running or simply walking your dog. There is also the opportunity to play around of golf at the Niagara-on-the-Lake Golf Club, which is considered the oldest golf course in North America, established in 1875.  There are over 20 wineries nestled in Niagara-on-the-Lake that provide wine tours, taste testing and more.  In close proximity there are also the three Shaw Festival theatres that host unforgettable performances.

Further Information

Carnochan, J. History of Niagara. Toronto: William Briggs, 1914.

Cumberland, Barlow. A Century of Sail and Steam on the Niagara River. Chapter 4: Expansion of Steamboating on the Niagara. 1846.

Niagara-on-the-Lake Chamber of Commerce

Niagara Reminiscences

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.