City: St. Catharines
Top Things to do in St. Catharines
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The 10 Best Things to do Good for Kids in St. Catharines, Canada
St. Catharines is the largest city in Canada's Niagara Region and the sixth largest urban area in Ontario, with 96.13 square kilometres (37.1 sq mi) of land and 133,113 residents in 2016. It lies in Southern Ontario, 51 kilometres (32 mi) south of Toronto across Lake Ontario, and is 19 kilometres (12 mi) inland from the international boundary with the United States along the Niagara River. It is the northern entrance of the Welland Canal. Residents of St. Catharines are known as St. Cathariners. St. Catharines carries the official nickname "The Garden City" due to its 1,000 acres (4 km) of parks, gardens and trails.
Restaurants in St. Catharines
1. British Methodist Episcopal Church
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 26 reviews
Reviewed By Maurene_K - Dover, United States
The British Methodist Episcopal Church National Historic Site of Canada is located in the heart of Old St. Catharines near the home of the friend I stayed with while visiting this area with friends from home. We visited in the morning on Sunday which was our free day from organized activities with the rest of the visiting group. As a historian and a visitor to the Harriet Tubman historic sites in Maryland and New York in the United Sates, I wanted to see this site, too. It is a quaint, small, picturesque church. The church has a long history connected early settlers of African descent in the Niagara Region. They began coming to the St. Catharines area around 1788. They brought their Methodist religion with them. Many were followers of Rev. John Wesley, founder of Methodism and an ardent abolitionist. They were also followers of Bishop Richard Allen, founder of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. The church’s Salem Chapel was founded in 1820 by African-American freedom-seekers. The most famous member of the Salem Chapel was the illustrious Harriet Tubman, a runaway slave who became a leading Underground Railroad conductor for slaves escaping from Maryland. She moved to Canada after the United States Government passed the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850. She lived in St. Catharines from 1851 to 1861. Construction of the present-day church began in 1853, so she was there to see it happen. We did not have a reservation so we were unable to get a guided tour, but we could look around before services started at 11:00 AM. It was a slightly different layout from a Methodist church in the United States. There was the usual communion table; however, the pulpit was in the center, not off to the left side. Most of the wood in the chancel area and rail was a lighter color, such as blond maple. The American and Canadian flags were standing in two corners. We enjoyed our visit to this hallowed ground. I did not take photos here. Outside, the front of the building was in dark shadows. Inside, services were beginning soon. For its important place in history, we rate the British Methodist Episcopal Church at 5.0. We recommend a visit for those interested in history. If you found this review helpful, please click THANK below.
2. Lakeside Park Carousel
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 636 reviews
Reviewed By RickandDenise9 - St. Catharines, Canada
This lovely carousel has been here for many, many years and is beautiful! It's a very fun ride for only 5 cents!
3. Lester B Pearson Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 29 reviews
Reviewed By daviddG8925YX - St. Catharines, Canada
Nice playground for the kids and a couple of soccer fields at this location. The library is also located on the property with two swimming pools
4. St. Catharines Museum and Welland Canals Centre at Lock 3
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 386 reviews
Reviewed By operalover939 - Toronto, Canada
The museum offers interesting insight into the history of St Catharines and the role that the Welland Canal played in its development. The attached Ontario Lacrosse Hall of Fame is quirky but engaging, at least to someone who as a teenager watched box lacrosse in Victoria. An unexpected bonus that we were able to watch from the viewing platform as the CSL Assiniboia passed through Lock 3. It fit in well with our timed visit, 1 1/2 hours to allow for cleaning between time slots.
5. Woodend Conservation Area
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 36 reviews
Reviewed By daviddG8925YX - St. Catharines, Canada
Many an hour have I spent walking my dog, on leash of course, or cycling up Taylor Rd. to get to Woodend. Local hikers and bikers can be seen enjoying the area at all times of the day and evening. Paths the take you off the road and wind you towards the old house which I believe is owned by the District School Board of Niagara for school outings and outdoor learning for students. The house sits atop of the hill overlooking the Q.E.W. highway which travels into Niagara Falls heading east or Toronto heading west. It's a nice area to spend a few hours outdoors.
6. Morningstar Mill
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 150 reviews
Morning Star Mill and Decew Falls are closed temporarily during the COVID-19 pandemic 2020. The City of St. Catharines will update this listing when it is open again.
Reviewed By firecaptain217
Nothing short of brilliant how the friends of Morningstar Mill have restored it's working to allow those visitors of all ages to have a glimpse into the past, and unlock the history of how life was in the early years, for those living in Decew. Awesome.
7. Happy Rolph's Animal Farm
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 250 reviews
Reviewed By RogerBowA1
A friendly, relaxing place to enjoy animals, nature and a nice walk. Friendly staff and a great place for parents to bring their children.
8. Royal Henley Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 25 reviews
Reviewed By daviddG8925YX - St. Catharines, Canada
Royal Henley Park is a neighbourhood park with playground equipment that can be accessed through Jaycee Park or through the public pathway on Royal Henley Boulevard. There is a footbridge that takes you from Jaycee Gardens Park into Port Dalhousie where you can watch the rowers practice. When the Royal Henley Regatta is on, the bridge is located at the finish line so you can watch the sights and sounds of the races.
9. St Catharines Farmers Market
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 98 reviews
Reviewed By daviddG8925YX - St. Catharines, Canada
If you like fresh fruits and vegetables, this is the place to shop. I love the hustle and bustle of the atmosphere here. Farmers are proud of what they grow and their pride shows through when you speak with them.
10. Sunset Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 41 reviews
Please note that Sunset Beach is open only to Niagara Residents during the COVID-19 pandemic. Proof of residence will be checked on entry. BBQs are NOT permitted. Alcohol and smoking are NOT permitted Bags will be checked by security Dogs must be on leash at all times Sunset Beach is located along the shore of Lake Ontario on the Waterfront Trail and is in close proximity to the Welland Canals Parkway Trail. This park has 365 metres (1,200 feet) of sandy beach to enjoy. On August 24, 2015 City Council approved a request to change the name of Municipal Beach to Sunset Beach. Beach Amenities Parking (Capacity is 150 Cars and 10 Boat/Seadoo combos) Playground Picnic area Public boat launch ramp for small and personal watercrafts during the boating season within daylight hours Washrooms
Reviewed By Cathywatson9 - Niagara-on-the-Lake, Canada
This beach is beautiful and well kept. A great place to watch the sunset, walk your dog, paddleboard, you can launch your boat or sea doo. Best beach in St. Catharines
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