Top Corporate Holiday Event Ideas: Part 2 [2024 Edition]
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At The Idea Hunter, we understand that crafting truly remarkable corporate retreat destinations starts with a deep appreciation of a venue's unique offerings. Our journey with 124 on Queen began when we first visited this beautifully renovated venue in Niagara-on-the-Lake in August. Their 2022 transformation brought much-needed modern refinement to the area, making it an ideal corporate retreat destination.
Our first visit left us deeply impressed, and we knew there was more to uncover. This winter, we returned to experience a different side of 124 on Queen—one that embraces the magic of Niagara-on-the-Lake in its quieter, colder months.
If you missed our first article on 124 on Queen, you can find it here.
Niagara-on-the-Lake, often viewed as a summer destination, transforms into a winter wonderland. 124 on Queen is leading the charge in redefining what a winter corporate retreat location can be. With refined accommodations, and engaging activities, it offers the perfect setting to bring your team together, spark creativity, and make the most of the season. This venue perfectly blends relaxation and inspiration, making it an ideal corporate retreat location for your team—suitable for groups as small as 5 and as large as 72.
See a video recap of our visit here
Prime Location on Queen Street: Nestled right in the heart of Niagara-on-the-Lake, 124 on Queen spans an expansive property from Treadwell Cuisine to The Gate House, offering convenience and accessibility. Plus, it is conveniently located just 60 minutes from Buffalo International Airport and 90 minutes from Toronto’s Pearson Airport.
Award-Winning Excellence: 124 on Queen has been recognized with the prestigious Tripadvisor Travelers Choice Award (Best of the Best), as well as the WITT (Wellness in Travel & Tourism) Seal, highlighting its commitment to quality and guest well-being.
Exceptional Service: The hospitality here knows no bounds. Every staff member, regardless of their role, goes out of their way to ensure your stay is nothing short of outstanding.
Attention to Detail: Every aspect of the property has been designed with your comfort and convenience in mind, ensuring your team feels genuinely appreciated. Thoughtful amenities include a 24/7 fitness center, in-room Nespresso coffee, premium Nunshen European teas, and alkaline spring water in each room.
Versatility for Corporate Groups: Whether you need intimate spaces for small team gatherings or a larger corporate retreat destination, 124 on Queen offers versatile options to suit every need.
Amenities Galore: 124 on Queen offers an impressive array of features, including a 12,000-square-foot spa for ultimate relaxation, 75 beautifully appointed rooms, two outstanding restaurants, underground parking with EV chargers, an onsite Starbucks for your caffeine fix, and a serene 20,000-square-foot outdoor zen garden for moments of tranquility.
Building on the exceptional amenities and prime location of 124 on Queen, take advantage of the unique seasonal experiences available in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Experience the best of the upcoming winter season with these curated activities:
Wine Tours & The Exclusive Ice Room at Peller Estates:
At Peller Estates, your team can explore the winemaking process through guided tours of the vineyards and cellar. Private group tastings are available, offering insights from a sommelier, and the Icewine Lounge—a room made entirely of ice—adds a unique team-building element to the experience. You have not tasted ice wine, until you taste it in an ice room.
Niagara Icewine Festival (January 10-26th):
This festival is an iconic winter event in Niagara-on-the-Lake, celebrating the region's famous icewine. Over three weekends, guests can enjoy exclusive wine tastings, gourmet food pairings, and live entertainment. The festival features outdoor street festivals, winemaker dinners, and tours of local wineries, providing an immersive cultural experience perfect for team bonding and memorable moments – And not to worry if you missed the 2025 planning window because this festival is an annual celebration (mark those 2026 calendars!).
Skating at Wayne Gretzky Estates:
Enjoy the outdoor rink (December to March) and DJ nights on Saturdays for a fun team outing. Beyond skating, the estate encompasses a winery, distillery, and brewery, providing opportunities for wine, whisky, and beer tastings. Interactive classes and memorable dining experiences further enrich the visit.
Snowshoeing at Thirty Bench Wine Makers:
Thirty Bench Wine Makers offers a unique winter experience perfect for a corporate retreat. Guided snowshoeing tours take your group through picturesque vineyards, with wine tastings along the way. This activity balances adventure and relaxation, promoting team bonding while appreciating Niagara's natural beauty.
A Taste of Niagara-on-the-Lake (April 11-12, 2025):
This two-day gourmet food and wine event is ideal for extending your retreat and experiencing Niagara’s finest culinary talent. Attendees can sample dishes from top chefs, enjoy wine pairings, and engage with culinary experts—creating an excellent setting for informal networking and team-building.
If the winter chill has you wanting to stay inside, 124 on Queen still offers plenty to keep your team energized and engaged. When staying indoors is more appealing, the venue’s curated experiences keep the energy high, making it an ideal corporate retreat location even when the weather keeps you indoors:
Spa at Q: The 12,000-square-foot destination spa at 124 on Queen is an oasis of relaxation, perfect for unwinding after a day of activities. Featuring traditional spa treatments, a salt room, and a unique hydrotherapy wellness circuit—including warm and cool pools, sensory showers, a cedar sauna, a eucalyptus steam room, and the only snow room in Canada—this spa experience is an ideal way to help your team relax, recharge, and feel rejuvenated during your retreat.
Shaw Festival Theatre: Just a short distance from 124 on Queen, the Shaw Festival Theatre offers a world-class cultural experience that’s perfect for team bonding. Featuring an array of captivating performances inspired by the works of George Bernard Shaw and beyond, this theatre provides an engaging way to inspire creativity and conversation among your team while enjoying a memorable evening of entertainment.
Cocktail Mixing & Wine Seminars: These hands-on sessions are perfect for team-building, allowing participants to learn new skills while enjoying themselves. Creating cocktails or tasting wines together encourages communication, teamwork, and a relaxed atmosphere.
Paint Nights: Guided painting sessions help your team tap into their creative side, regardless of their skill level. It's a fun, low-pressure activity that sparks conversation and lets participants bond over their artistic efforts.
Murder Mystery Dinners & Cooking Classes: These interactive experiences promote problem-solving, collaboration, and creativity. Whether it's solving a mystery together or learning to cook a dish, these activities foster teamwork and provide plenty of laughs and memorable moments.
To make your winter retreat even more appealing, take advantage of 124 on Queen’s exclusive Warm Up to Winter Meeting Promotion (valid November 2024 – April 2025):
• Guestroom Rates: Starting at $179 per night for select dates.
• VIP Perks: Complimentary suite upgrade with a welcome amenity for your group’s VIP.
• Meeting Essentials: Reduced venue fees, complimentary screen/projector package, and flipcharts.
• Spa & Dining Discounts: 10% off at the Spa at Q (excluding RMT services) and 15% off Starbucks purchases.
• Booking Bonus: Secure your meeting by December 31, 2024, and receive a 5% credit on guestroom rates back to the master account or in 124 on Queen gift cards.
After exploring all the incredible features and activities 124 on Queen has to offer, it’s easy to see why it stands out as a premier retreat destination. For over 20 years, The Idea Hunter has been crafting unforgettable events, and with our recent expansion into Ontario-based corporate retreats, we can’t wait to bring you to this venue to experience it yourself.
As you seek to create meaningful connections and inspire your team, 124 on Queen in Niagara-on-the-Lake offers a setting unlike anything else we’ve seen in the area. With luxurious accommodations, versatile event spaces, and a wide range of activities, this boutique hotel is the ideal choice for your next corporate retreat.
Ready to plan your retreat? Let The Idea Hunter and 124 on Queen collaborate to bring your vision to life. Contact us today to create a bespoke corporate retreat destination experience that will leave a lasting impression on your team.
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