Community Profile
From authentic wine and culinary experiences, to unique festivals and cultural events including live music, theatre and sporting events, historical sites and a thriving downtown St. Catharines is at the heart of it all.
As you explore the Garden City be sure to include a visit to the Welland Canal Lock 3 Museum and experience the Great Lake ships travelling through the world-renowned Welland Canal and learn all about the rich community. The Welland Canals Centre’s elevated observation platform lets visitors see ships from around the world as they navigate Lock 3 on their way through the St. Lawrence Seaway System. See the ships climb the mountain from this observation platform which is always free to use.
The Welland Canals Centre also provides opportunities to picnic in the park or enjoy the playground with your family. Experience the canal’s past and present through a 15-minute video and museum exhibits. The Lockview Lounge on the second floor offers a great view in comfortable surroundings, especially during inclement weather.
Downtown St. Catharines is a vibrant hub showcasing an eclectic mix of boutiques, shops and restaurants with menus from around the world as well as Ontario’s longest running farmer’s market.
The entertainment scene is rich with intimate live music venues, sporting events and concerts at the Meridian Centre and the new FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre.
Visit the quaint harbour side village of Port Dalhousie with two historical lighthouses, a beach, charming boutiques, restaurants, the Royal Canadian Henley Regatta, and a historic LooCarousel! Summertime brings Canada Day celebrations, car shows, outdoor concerts, the annual Dragon Boat Festival and Ribfest in August.
In the fall enjoy the Niagara Wine Festival, or hop over to Niagara’s largest indoor shopping destination, the Pen Centre which encompasses one million square feet of shopping fun.
Whatever the season… It’s all in St. Catharines!
history
A town initially formed because of its proximity to the convergence of 12 Mile Creek and Dick’s Creek, now dubbed the “Garden City,” St. Catharines has a little something for everyone.
St. Catharines was a nucleus for the creation of the Welland Canal, an engineering masterpiece that attracts visitors from around the world.
Visit Lock 3 to view the St. Catharines Museum and Welland Canals Centre and the Ontario Lacrosse Hall of Fame.
The elevated observation platform at Lock 3 is an ideal place to witness ships maneuvering the lock system.
Explore the story of the City of St. Catharines in the Museum’s exhibit galleries, including the Underground Railroad, the four Welland Canals, the First World War, the history of Canada’s oldest sport – Lacrosse and much more.
Top 10 Things to Do in St. Catharines
1. Algoport Skate & BMX Park
Located at Lock 8 Park, the Algoport Skate & BMX Park’s design is marine heritage and replicates a laker passing under a bridge and portrays a compass to navigate youth.
2. Roselawn Centre for the Arts
The Arts and Cultural Route is a self-directed guide to the studios and galleries.
The Roselawn Centre for the Arts is a community centre that host the Showboat Festival Theatre as well as international acclaimed musicians.
3. Cycling
Discover the outdoors by exploring the numerous cycling and hiking trails.
Greater Niagara Cycle Route, The Friendship Trail, Gordon Harry Conservation Trail, the Lake Erie Waterfront Trail and The Welland Canals Parkway Trail.
4. Canal Days
Port Colborne has a number of events throughout the year.
The signature event is the Canal Days Marine Heritage Festival each August long weekend.
Other popular events are Flavours, and Sportsfest.
5. Sugarloaf Marina
The Marina has over 700 ships and provides all the on-shore amenities to make your visit enjoyable.
Fishing in Port Colborne is an amazing experience, offering year-round, world-class sport fishing.
6. Historical Marine Museum & Heritage Village
The Port Colborne Historical Marine Museum and Heritage Village features a century of heritage buildings, historic gardens, pathways, covered pavilion and a tea room.
The 1861 Georgian-Revival style Williams Home serves as the main exhibit gallery.
7. Lock 8
HH Knoll- Lakeview Park is a waterfront park overlooking Sugarloaf Marina and Gravelly Bay.
Lock 8 Gateway Park overlooks the Welland Canal. Mud Lake Conservation Area encompasses 160 acres of lakes, streams, wetlands and woods.
8. Nickel Beach
Nothing can beat a day at the Lake! Nickel Beach contains shady picnic areas, washrooms and unsupervised swimming.
Centennial-Cedar Bay Beach with tennis courts, playing fields, and washrooms on site.
9. Shopping
Check out the many unique shopping experiences that Port Colborne has to offer.
Shopping areas are Downtown Port Colborne, Main Street, West Side Plaza, Port Colborne Mall and Portal Village Plaza.
Stroll…Shop…and Relax!
10. Vale Health & Wellness Centre
The 145,000 square foot venue includes two NHL-sized ice pads, a walking/jogging track, six outdoor bocce courts and through the YWCA, an aquatic centre with lap and leisure pools, a gymnasium and fitness area.
Getting Here
City of St. Catharines
50 Church St.
St. Catharines, ON L2R 7C2