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Things To Do In St Catharines
St Catharines, also known as “The Garden City” is a pretty little town located in the eastern part of Ontario. Due to its proximity to the famous big cities of Ontario, this city is often considered by tourists as the best place to look for hotels. This city is just an hour away from Toronto and Brampton. While visiting Ontario make sure you look for accommodation in St Catharines and explore other neighboring cities. This being said, the garden city itself offers so much to its visitors.
It is known for its lush green gardens and soothing weather. The trails in the region are absolutely magnificent and attract hundreds of tourists every year. You can also get a wonderful view of Niagara Falls from this city while visiting the Welland Canal. To witness the great Niagara Falls, we would highly recommend that you visit this city. Apart from all the adventure and fun activities, the city is also rich in culture and lifestyle. You should totally visit this place to discover the best of Canada.
While you are here make sure to take a trip around Toronto. Check out our post Things To Do In Toronto to plan your vacation.
Now let us see what are the fun activities and places that you should check out when you are in St Catharines.
St Catharines Lakeside Park Carousel
The Lakeside Park Carousel is one of the most famous places to visit in St Catharines. Located on Lakeport road, this wonderful park has a lot of fun activities for everyone. Not only are the rides amazing, but the park also has a great cultural significance. Their Carousel has more than 60 different animals that are hand-carved and date back up to 1898.
It will be an extremely fun trip for everyone who plans to visit this Carousel. You can also find various picnic spots and enjoy your time while you are here. Don’t forget to explore the history of this place by taking a self-guided tour and getting yourself acquainted with the park.
Timings: Saturday and Sunday. 11 am to 6 pm
Things to do: take a guided tour of the park. Go picnicking and sightseeing. Enjoy the rides.
Address: 1 Lakeport Rd, St Catharines, ON L2N 4P6, Canada.
You can book your tickets on their website here and also find information about their rental facility.
13th Street Winery
Don’t forget to take a trip to one of the most famous wineries in Ontario, the 13th Street Winery in St Catharines. This vibrant place is a perfect spot for a road trip on a pleasant day. There are large, well-maintained grounds with great outdoor settings that will make this trip worth your time. They not only have great wines but also serve some of the best dishes.
Make sure to enjoy a meal while you are here while experiencing a nice outdoor setting.
You can also have a look around their gardens and shop for some flavors on your way back.
Timings: Monday to Friday. 10 am to 5 pm.
Things to do: take a self-guided tour of the vineyard. Enjoy wine tasting and explore more about the process. Enjoy a nice meal at their outdoor bistro. They also have a small gallery that features local art, make sure to also check that out.
Decew Falls
If you want to enjoy the natural beauty of this town then we highly suggest that you take a trip to Decew Falls. St Catharines is known for its natural beauty and amazing waterfalls. Make sure you visit one when you are on your trip to the city of St. Catharines. The whole place is marked with beautiful gardens and trails. There is also a small house and a very old mill in the area which gives it a very vintage look. It is a perfect place to explore the city’s magnificent landscapes.
You can also take a hike on the paved trails to get a better view of the entire waterfall. This place is also famous for the historic foundations of the Decew house. So not only is this place a great recreational getaway but it is also filled with history and heritage that you should definitely explore.
Timings: Monday to Friday. 8 am to 7 pm.
Things to do: go for a walk and spend a relaxing time by the waterfalls. Explore the historic Decew house.
Henry Of Pelham Family Estate Winery
The Estate Winery is the most famous Winery in St Catharines which also offers a great place for picnics and sightseeing. Henry Pelham wineries are best known for their world-class flavors and beautiful vineyards. while you are visiting this beautiful place make sure to check their estate and try out different flavors. There is also an outdoor sitting arrangement that adds beauty to the whole setup. They serve delicious food along with their wines, and we highly recommend that you take a small trip to their farm.
Timings: Open all days. 11 am to 5 pm.
Things To Do: take a self-guided tour of the winery. Enjoy their fun events and spend your day in the lap of nature. The Estate is also surrounded by some beautiful hiking trails. Make sure to enjoy a small hiking trip as well.
Address: 1469 Pelham Rd, St Catharines, ON L2R 6P7, Canada.
Sunset Beach
If you are planning to visit St Catharines in the summer season, you should totally include Sunset Beach in your itinerary. Located on Lombardy Avenue in the city, this famous place sits along the shores of Ontario Lake.
It is a very vibrant beach that offers various facilities for everyone. You can go swimming, boating, and paddling in the lake while enjoying the scenic ic views of the horizon.
There are also many food outlets near the beach which makes it a perfect place for small road trips. You can also check out other parks and beaches in the area like Lakeside Park and Jones Park.
Timings: Open only in the summer season. 8 am to 11 pm.
Things to do: they have special picnic areas and playgrounds where you can enjoy a relaxing time with your peers. Go swimming and boating as well.
St Catharines Museum
St Catharines is not only a great destination for outdoor activities and adventure sports but also very rich in culture and heritage. When you have explored the beautiful blue seas of this city, make sure to also take some time out and explore the history and art of this wonderful place. The St Catharines Museum and Welland Canals Centre is a great place to visit on your trip. This place offers great exhibitions and wide collections of public arts, local history, and artistic materials.
It is a really fun place to spend your day exploring the unknown art of the world.
Timings: Open all days. 9 am to 5 pm.
Things to do: take a guided tour of the museum. Visit the exhibitions and the famous archives of history.
Happy Rolph’s Animal Farm, St Catharines
This Animal Farm is a great place to visit with your family. It is a very well-kept farm that offers breathtaking views and many fun activities to do. You can find picnic spots, playgrounds, and lakes to sit and have a relaxing time with your friends. The Trails are also a good way to explore the park. Many animals roam around the park freely and there are lots of animal displays too.
It is a great place for picnics and sightseeing. We highly recommend that you grab some coffee and snacks and visit this park for picturesque views. This park is also the most famous attraction among the tourists in St Catharines and we highly recommend that you visit this place for some fun activities.
Timings: Open all days. 8 am to 10 pm.
Things to do: go for a cozy picnic. Enjoy the trails, ponds, and animal viewing areas.
Montebello Park in St Catharines
Montebello Park is another must-visit place on your trip to St Catharine’s. There are special picnic spots and playgrounds that offer great views of the landscape. You can always find something enjoyable to do here owing to its location in the heart of the town. There are many unique species of plants and flowers that you should definitely check out.
The major attraction of this place is the Live Music events. People come here to attend these festivals from all over Ontario. It also hosts several other events like wine tasting, craft shows, and concerts.
Timings: Monday to Friday. 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.
Address: 64 Ontario St, St Catharines, ON L2R 5J5, Canada.
Fun Thing To do: whenever you find yourself here, make sure to attend a live event. There is no entry fee.
Port Dalhousie
Road trips are the best way to enjoy your vacation and make the most out of your visit. One of the best places for a road trip, when you are visiting St Catharines, is Port Dalhousie. This pretty coastal city is located just 15 minutes away from the central city and is a wonderful getaway for your small adventures.
There are lots of beaches and parks in the area where you can spend your evening. When you are visiting the place, make sure to try out their local seafood restaurants. It is a great place to explore and enjoy with your loved ones.
Things to do: visit the port Dalhousie Beach which is their most famous attraction. Go picnicking and hiking in the parks.
Short Hill Provincial Park
This Provincial Park is located a 12-minute drive from the main market. It is a great place to spend your day relaxing and enjoying the natural beauty of the city. The park is mostly known for its trails that are covered with unique plants and trees. The area is rich in wildlife too and offers opportunities for bird spotting and other natural wonders.
We highly recommend that you visit this park and take a hike along the picturesque paths.
Timings: Open all days.
Things To Do: enjoy a relaxing day with and plan a road trip. There are many fun activities that you can enjoy with your loved ones.
Address: Pelham Rd, Thorold, ON L0S 1M0, Canada.
FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre
FirstOntario is a unique theatre and performing arts center is the most famous attraction among the visitors and the locals alike. It hosts a variety of events throughout the year. The entire place comprises four venues that have their signature presentations and performing artists. You can attend various events of local artists and theatre groups which play a very important part in the culture of the city.
It is a great place to go and have a fun day when you are in St Catharines. You can book your tickets well in advance according to your interests.
Things To Do in Arts Centre: watch a live performance. Take a guided tour of the Arts Centre and explore new things.
Find out more about the timings and shows on their website here.
Yates Street Heritage District St Catharines
Yates Street Heritage District is a famous street and a must-do thing to do in St Catherines that presents the history of the town. This street was first developed in the 1800s along the banks of Twelve Mile Creek. It is famous for its heritage value and great art murals that preserve the history and culture of this town.
We highly recommend that you take a self-guided tour of the street and discover some hidden gems in the city.
There are many other heritage walks that are offered in the city and you can check them out on their official website here.
There are so many other fun activities that you can do while you are visiting St Catharines. You should definitely check out the beautiful city of Hamilton, which is just 30 minutes away from the town. There are so many other cities that you can see and make good use of your time. You should totally check out Brampton and Markham while you are here. The best way to explore any new city is by taking a road trip and enjoying the culture and lifestyle of the locals. We have covered all the amazing things that you explore so do give it a read. Check out Things To Do In Brampton and Things To Do In Markham here.
