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Botanical Gardens, Niagara Falls
Ontario

The Shaw Festival: Extraordinary Theater and Nature in Niagara

Program No. 10396RJ
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Itinerary
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. Read More.
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Duration
5 days
4 nights
What's Included
Included
10 meals ( 4B, 3L, 3D )
5 expert-led lectures
2 expert-led field trips
2 hands-on experiences
4 performances
An experienced Group Leader
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
Niagara-on-the-Lake
The Shaw Festival: Extraordinary Theater and Nature in Niagara
Sep 13 - Sep 17, 2027
Program Number 10396
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Activity Note
Hotel check-in from 3:00 p.m. Remember to bring your name tag.
Afternoon:
After you check in and have your room assignment, join us at the Road Scholar table in the lobby to meet with program staff, get any updated information, and confirm the time and location of the Orientation session. If you arrive late, please locate your Group Leader and let them know you have arrived.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
Orientation: 7:30 p.m. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions.

We will learn from a series of local experts who will give lectures and lead field trips. Program-related travel will be via private motorcoach unless noted otherwise.

Periods in the schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.

Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/current conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.
Activity Note
Walking up to 2 miles throughout the day. Navigating stairs at the theatre.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will walk to the Shaw Festival. There, we’ll learn about the festival’s history with an insider, go behind the scenes to see how productions are brought to life, and take part in a discussion about how the season comes together.
Lunch:
At the Shaw Festival.
Afternoon:
We will attend our first theatre performance of the program. The specific production will be announced once the 2027 season is confirmed. Following the performance, we’ll have the opportunity to take part in a facilitated discussion to deepen our appreciation of the production.
Dinner:
This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to have what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Evening:
At leisure. Spend the evening at your own pace, whether unwinding or exploring.
Activity Note
Walking up to 2 miles throughout the day. Getting on/off a motorcoach. Navigating stairs at the theatre.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We’ll be joined by a local expert who will share insights into the cultural and Indigenous history of the Niagara region. Through this presentation, we’ll learn about the area’s rich heritage and significance. We’ll then make our way to the festival where the group will participate in an educational session with members of the Shaw ensemble, followed by a hands-on choreography workshop.
Lunch:
At the Shaw Festival.
Afternoon:
We’ll gather for another theatre performance. The specific production will be announced once the 2027 season is confirmed. After the show, those who wish may join a facilitated discussion exploring themes and interpretations from the performance.

From the theatre, we’ll travel by motorcoach to Niagara Falls. Upon arrival, we’ll have some independent time near the brink of the Horseshoe Falls to explore and take in the views.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant overlooking the natural wonder of Niagara Falls. We’ll then return by motorcoach to the hotel.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Walking up to 2 miles throughout the day. Getting on/off a motorcoach. Navigating stairs at the theatre.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will walk to the Shaw Festival, where we’ll enjoy a special musical event and take part in a hands-on singing workshop, exploring and lifting our voices together.
Lunch:
At the Shaw Festival.
Afternoon:
We will attend our final theatre performance together. The specific production will be announced once the 2027 season is confirmed. After the show, we’ll gather for a post-show discussion and special Shaw farewell as we reflect on the week’s theatre experiences.

We’ll then travel to a nearby Niagara vineyard to learn about the history of the family-owned property and its winemaking process. The experience concludes with a sampling of small-batch wines.
Dinner:
At the vineyard’s restaurant, we’ll have a private dinner featuring seasonal dishes prepared with ingredients from the on-site garden and nearby farms. Share favorite experiences and enjoy camaraderie with new Road Scholar friends during our farewell dinner.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check-out and departure in the morning.
Activity Note
Hotel check-out by 11:00 a.m.
Breakfast:
At the hotel. This concludes our program.
Morning:
If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to like our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!
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