City: St. Catharines
Top Things to do in St. Catharines
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Top 10 Free Things to do 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. 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
3. Jaycee Gardens Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 16 reviews
Reviewed By daviddG8925YX - St. Catharines, Canada
I live near Jaycee Gardens Park and use it often to either bike or stroll and sometimes walk my dog. With the bridge that was added a few years back you can also walk into Port Dalhousie. The park also allows to you to watch the Royal Henley Regatta from the cliffs overlooking the water.
4. Always The Best - Chocolates Etc.
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 22 reviews
Family Business in Downtown St. Catharines located at 100 Welland Ave, Between Lake and Geneva. Come get your DELICIOUS CHOCOLATES, GELATO, COFFEE & DESSERTS. Live music Saturday nights all summer long! Check our website for more info.
Reviewed By Chopperone1929
We stumbled upon Chocolates, Etc on our way to Niagara--what an unexpected treasure of delectable treats! Between the four of us, we sampled them all. From gourmet Belgian chocolates and European pastries to specialty coffees and delicious Italian gelato--we thought we had died and gone to heaven! Not only were our tastebuds treated, but so were all our other senses, as the store, itself, makes you feel like you've stepped into old Europe. A family run business, we were made to feel right at home and appreciated the love and attention that went into everything that surrounded us. We then went out and enjoyed our desserts on a lovely patio--& because it was Saturday night, there was live music being performed! Needless to say, we got some goodies for the road. Thank you, Chocolates, Etc, for treating us not only to some of the most mouth-watering treats we've ever had--but for treating us like family! We would recommend you to anyone and will definitely be back! Grace Hardy
5. 13th Street Winery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 209 reviews
13th Street Winery specializes in small lot estate grown, hand-crafted table and sparkling wines. Since 1998, 13th Street Winery has continued to establish itself as one of the top small producers in the area, winning praise for its Gamay, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Riesling and méthode traditionelle sparkling wines. Visit our tasting bar, art gallery and bakery boutique on Fourth Avenue in St. Catharines.
Reviewed By DarlaG74
A perfect place to stop and taste their wine. Nice shop and a great bakery!! Every Saturday of long weekends they have burgers! With amazing toppings, wine and dessert. They have live music - a real fun place to hang out!
6. Henry of Pelham Family Estate Winery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 128 reviews
Located in Niagara’s Shorthills Bench appellation, Henry of Pelham Family Estate Winery is owned and operated by brothers Paul, Matthew, and Daniel Speck. Visit our estate to taste iconic, award-winning wines in our historic tasting room, tour the underground barrel cellar, bring a picnic, or enjoy casual dining at the Coach House Cafe. Henry of Pelham is committed to minimizing its environmental footprint in the vineyard and winery and is certified by Sustainable Winemaking Ontario.
Reviewed By caba4blue - Toronto, Canada
We did a tasting and a tour - it was a really excellent experience. A great way to spend the afternoon with really knowledgeable staff and enthusiastic. The winery is in a beautiful setting with a lovely outside patio.
7. 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.
8. Malcolmson Park
9. 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.
10. Rodman Hall Art Centre
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