Summary
The largest urban center in Ontario’s Niagara Region, St. Catharines is commonly referred to as ‘The Garden City’ owing to its abundance of gardens, trails, and parks, encompassing approximately four square kilometers of green space.
Regrettably, St. Catharines is frequently bypassed by tourists en route to Niagara Falls. This presents an advantage for those who choose to explore this captivating city, as it offers significant value for visitors.
There is an array of activities available in St. Catharines, ranging from rowing to shopping. Additionally, the city boasts galleries, museums, theaters, and a multitude of outdoor pursuits. Below are the 15 best experiences in St. Catharines:
1. Smell the roses
Montebello Park is the most expansive and renowned park in St. Catharines, designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, the architect behind Central Park. The park is home to the largest collection of roses in the city.
With over 1,300 rose bushes representing 25 distinct varieties, it is indeed an ideal location to appreciate the beauty of roses.
Established in 1887, the park is recognized as a historic site today. Alongside the rose gardens, it features a pavilion and a band shell, both constructed in 1888.
2. Wander around a port
The community of Port Dalhousie presents a delightful waterfront area. Stroll through the port and relish the fresh air.
Positioned along Lake Ontario, Port Dalhousie features St. Catharines’ most frequented beach, situated within the historic Lakeside Park, which also includes an antique carousel.
Moreover, the port holds considerable historical importance as it served as a primary terminus for the Welland Canal, evidenced by its historic lighthouse at the end of the pier.
3. Watch a regatta
The Royal Canadian Henley Regatta is a prestigious rowing event organized annually in August. This regatta occurs in Port Dalhousie and has been a tradition since 1903.
Named after the renowned Henley Royal Regatta in England, it originally mirrored its distance. However, in 1964, the course was shortened to 200 meters.
Each year, the Royal Canadian Henley Regatta attracts over 3,000 rowers from around the globe, and in 1999, the course was upgraded to accommodate the World Rowing Championships.
4. Go for a walk
St. Catharines offers over 90 kilometers of accessible trails suitable for walking, cycling, and jogging. During the winter months, these trails are open to cross-country skiing.
Among these trails, the Bruce Trail stands out as the oldest and holds the status of a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is the longest trail in Canada, with 12 kilometers traversing the city.
Additionally, Ontario’s renowned Waterfront Trail passes through the city bordering Lake Ontario, alongside the 1.5-kilometer Terry Fox Fitness Trail.
5. Sip on wine
Numerous world-class vineyards in St. Catharines cater to wine enthusiasts. Consider participating in a wine tasting tour and savor an afternoon of excellent wines.
This region is particularly distinguished for its white wines and ice wines, which are typically highlights of wine tours. Red wines are also available; however, the region is less recognized for them.
Wine tasting tours frequently include a delightful gourmet meal, concluding with lunch or dinner, along with transportation to and from your accommodation.
6. Explore a park
Engage in hiking, mountain biking, or horseback riding within Short Hills Provincial Park, a 660-hectare area located in the southwest corner of the city.
As you navigate the park, you may observe various wildlife, including white-tailed deer, meadow voles, and coyotes. Short Hills Provincial Park is also home to rare plant species, such as sweet chestnuts, paw-paws, and tulip-trees.
The park features six distinct trails and several waterfalls, offering a spectacular experience of natural beauty.
7. Visit a waterfall
Waterfall enthusiasts should not overlook a visit to DeCew Falls, which comprises two separate waterfalls: Upper DeCew Falls and Lower DeCew Falls.
The Upper DeCew Falls is a prominent plunge waterfall measuring 22 meters in height and approximately six meters in width, while the Lower DeCew Falls is a tranquil cascade standing at 7.5 meters.
The larger waterfall is visible from the Morningstar Mill, whereas the smaller falls are situated at the bottom of the gorge and can be accessed by hiking.
8. Learn about the city’s history
Although modest in size, the St. Catharines Museum emphasizes local history. Located at Lock 3 on the Welland Canal, the museum features an elevated observation platform.
A visit to the museum affords insight into the city’s history through various artifacts, including those pertaining to military, shipping, and industrial sectors, alongside household furnishings on display.
Ascend the viewing platform to observe the vessels navigating the canal and the St. Lawrence Seaway, then take the opportunity to explore the museum’s gift shop.
9. See the province’s best Lacrosse players
While not in person, you can still encounter the excellence of Lacrosse at the Ontario Lacrosse Hall of Fame & Museum. As one of Canada’s national sports, Lacrosse has a rich history spanning centuries.
Traverse the Ontario Lacrosse Hall of Fame & Museum to gain insight into the sport’s impact on the culture and history of Ontario, a province that has maintained an active presence in the sport.
Conveniently located adjacent to the St. Catharines Museum, a visit allows you to explore both sites in a single trip. The outdoor area features a children’s play zone and a scenic walking trail.
10. Go to the theatre
The FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre is the city’s largest and most esteemed venue for theatrical performances. This 8,800 square meter cultural complex is positioned in downtown St. Catharines.
The art center serves as a primary location for productions by students of Brock University’s Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts, alongside hosting a diverse array of other performances.
The center encompasses four distinct venues, including a 775-seat concert hall, a 300-seat recital hall, a 210-seat theater, and a 187-seat film house.
11. Look at animals
Adjacent to Lake Ontario, Happy Rolph’s Animal Farm provides an excellent opportunity to observe animals. You can relax on a bench by a pond or explore the farm, enjoying the animals within their natural habitat.
The 1.06-hectare farm is home to a variety of birds, plants, and other fauna, which can be viewed from designated viewing areas.
Happy Rolph’s Animal Farm also features a large playground, a picnic area, and a nature trail, as well as restroom facilities and a parking area.
12. Go underground
Discover the terminus of the Underground Railroad. The Underground Railroad and Niagara’s Freedom Trail facilitated the escape of enslaved individuals from the United States to Canada in search of freedom.
St. Catharines served as the terminus for this critical underground network, which remains accessible for exploration today. This national historic site represents an important chapter in history, illustrating how Harriet Tubman assisted numerous individuals in their quest for liberty.
Another significant landmark associated with this history is the British Methodist Episcopal Church, established for newly freed citizens in 1855.
13. Go back in time
Stroll through the charming Yates Street Heritage District, which dates back to the late 1800s on land originally owned by William Hamilton Merritt.
This heritage district is situated along the banks of Twelve Mile Creek and initially flourished as a milling zone, later becoming a residential area for mill owners.
The area has been preserved, featuring beautiful tree-lined streets; while the mills may no longer exist, the historical homes remain.
14. Shop in a local market
The Market Square Farmers Market represents an integral aspect of the city’s culture and history, situated in the heart of St. Catharines adjacent to the historic Courthouse.
Explore the market to discover local products such as preserves, artisan jams, spices, and baked goods, along with locally sourced produce, meat, and dairy items.
In addition to shopping, Market Square hosts special events such as butter-making classes, arts and crafts activities, and food tastings, with live music scheduled every Saturday from June to October.
15. Have fun at a festival
St. Catharines is well known for its annual festivals and events, with several that are certainly worth attending.
The Folk Arts Festival stands out as one of the most celebrated and has been an enduring tradition for over 35 years. Art enthusiasts are encouraged to visit The Art of Peace Festival.
The two-day S.C.E.N.E. Music Festival attracts a crowd of over 3,000 people and predominantly features alternative music bands. Wine lovers will particularly enjoy The Niagara Grape & Wine Festival, which spans the entire region.
