St. Catharines has a variety of attractions for you to explore. Whether you're a lifelong resident or just visiting, there is so much to see and do. You can learn about the City's rich history and heritage, explore our vibrant culture and arts scene or explore the natural beauty of our parks, trails, and beaches.
Centennial Gardens
Plan a visit to Centennial Gardens! Want to learn about the Centennial Gardens totem pole attraction? The totem pole was created by Kwakwaka'wakw artist, Doug Cranmer of the Namgis Nation to commemorate Canada's Centennial. It was previously located at the park. The totem pole has been refurbished and staff are reviewing a new permanent location indoors to help protect this work of art from the elements.
Downtown St. Catharines
Downtown St. Catharines features one of the oldest farmers markets in Ontario and has more than 120 shops and boutiques alongside 50 cafes, restaurants and bars. With many heritage sites throughout the downtown core, taking a historic walking tour through the City is a must.
FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre
World-class arts and entertainment live in downtown St. Catharines at the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre.
Opened by the City in 2015, the 95,000-square-foot cultural complex and the programs it delivers are operated by its own, independent board.
With four state-of-the-art performance venues — Partridge Hall, Robertson Theatre, Recital Hall and The Film House — the centre has been a key driver of the City’s ongoing effort to spark a cultural renaissance in the community.
Festivals and special events
Each year, we host a variety of festivals and events. From our summer concert series to culture days, there is something for everyone!
Happy Rolph's Animal Farm
Take your family to Happy Rolph's Animal Farm and see a variety of animals, birds, and plants in their natural habitat. Bring your lunch and enjoy a picnic at one of our pavilions and take a walk along the nature trails or 9/11 Memorial Walkway.
Halls of fame
The City of St. Catharines has not one, but two sports halls of fame. Visit the Ontario Lacrosse Hall of Fame and Museum to learn about the history of lacrosse and get to know some of the greatest athletes in the sport.
At the St. Catharines Sports Hall of Fame, you'll get to explore historic sports memorabilia and view the inductees in the Wall of Fame.
St. Catharines Museum and Welland Canals Centre
The Welland Canal is one of the world's greatest engineering triumphs, connecting Lake Erie and Lake Ontario as a way for ships to by-pass Niagara Falls. The Canal has historic significance to the economy in Ontario and allowed for the development of a large manufacturing sector. Visit the St. Catharines Museum and Welland Canals Centre to see ships climb the Niagara Escarpment and learn about the history of the Canal.
Visit Port Dalhousie
Visit the quaint, historic harbour-front village of Port Dalhousie, located on the south shores of Lake Ontario. Spend the day visiting eclectic boutiques or dining in one of our waterfront cafes or restaurants. This historic village is filled with character and is home to:
- Historic buildings
- Two lighthouses built in the 1800s
- An antique Looff carousel in Lakeside Park
- The smallest jailhouse in Ontario