City: St. Catharines
Top Things to do in St. Catharines
The 8 Best Hidden Gems 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. 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!
2. 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
3. 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.
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. 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.
6. 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.
7. Decew Falls
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 32 reviews
Reviewed By daviddG8925YX - St. Catharines, Canada
Come and view the historic foundation of Decew House. This was Laura Secord's destination when she set out on her celebrated trek from Queenston over the rough terrain of the Niagara Escarpment in June of 1813 to warn the British military of an impending American attack. The foundation of DeCew House has been preserved as a memorial and a park site. Take the time to stroll down the road to see Morningstar Mill. Take a hike and view the mill and the old homestead.
8. Lakeside Park Beach
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 137 reviews
Following Council direction City of St. Catharines beaches are restricted to Niagara residents only during the COVID-19 pandemic. Visitors may be searched on entry and adults (individuals 18 years of age and over) required to provide proof of residence. No BBQs No Smoking or Drinking on beach or in park Dogs must be on leash A picturesque beach on the south shore of Lake Ontario situated in historic Port Dalhousie. Stunning views of the Port Dalhousie harbour, lighthouse and the north shore of Lake Ontario. Beach Amenities Parking (Capacity is 80 Cars / 5 accessible spots) Playground Carousel Washrooms Snack bar Picnic area Volleyball courts Walking trail
Reviewed By RickandDenise9 - St. Catharines, Canada
Lakeside beach has picnic facilities, washrooms, grass play area ,a nice beach and free parking. Check the posts on the beach to see if swimming is recommended that day.
