Get to know St. Catharines
Discover Ontario’s very own Garden City and an array of fascinating cultural attractions in St. Catharines, a Canadian getaway located on the shores of Lake Ontario and within a 30-minute drive of the iconic Niagara Falls. From lazy days exploring more than 1,000 acres of lush green spaces to finding new favorite tipples along the Niagara Wine Route and peeking into the past at the Port Dalhousie Heritage District, there’s plenty to keep the whole family entertained. From quaint cottages to luxury lakeside pool homes, St. Catharines vacation rentals offer the perfect base from which to enjoy all that this vibrant city has to offer.
Experience bustling downtown St. Catharines
Many St. Catharines vacation rentals are within a short stroll of the city’s downtown district, a revamped spot where you can indulge in a little retail therapy at its boutique stores, browse the colorful stalls at Ontario’s oldest farmers’ market (Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, year-round), or squeeze in a culture fix at the CRAM Gallery, the country’s smallest art gallery, and the Brock School of Fine and Performing Art’s Rodman Hall. Downtown St. Catharines became an official stop on the Niagara Wine Route back in 2014, making it the perfect launch pad for enjoying your favorite tipple at the likes of the 13th Street Winery.
Explore gorgeous outdoor spaces in St. Catharines
St. Catharines has plenty of appeal when it comes to outdoor activities, but the pace at which you enjoy your surroundings is up to you. The city is known for its beautiful parks and gardens and it’s easy to see why at the Frederick Law Olmsted-designed Montebello Park where features include an ornamental fountain and commemorative rose garden. If you’re traveling with children, a trip to the petting farm at Happy Rolph’s Bird Sanctuary is guaranteed to put a spring in their step. And for something a little different, why not take a Segway tour along the 28-mile-long Welland Canal?
Enjoy St. Catharines in the summer
Summer is peak season in St. Catharines and with good reason. Average temperatures between June and August can top 80 degrees although the breeze from Lake Ontario can provide some welcome cooling. Admittedly, it’s more crowded at this time of year but the area attractions are in full swing so you won’t miss any of the highlights. Temperatures over the winter can drop below freezing and blizzards are a common event. The shoulder seasons of spring and fall are a good bet if you’d prefer fewer crowds and a wider choice of St. Catharines vacation rentals.
Exploring the waterfalls and other natural features in St. Catharines
Whether you're an active traveler or just want to appreciate the scenery, St. Catharines is a great place to get out in nature. These are some of the area's most stunning features, all within 30 miles (48.2 km) of the city center:
- Montebello Park (0.2 mi / 0.4 km)
- Niagara River Gorge (9.7 mi / 15.6 km)
- Whirlpool State Park (9.7 mi / 15.6 km)
- Butterfly Conservatory (9.8 mi / 15.7 km)
- Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens (9.8 mi / 15.8 km)
- White Water Walk (10 mi / 16 km)
Transportation to and around St. Catharines
The nearest airport is in Toronto Pearson Intl. Airport (YYZ), located 40.4 mi (65.1 km) from the city center. If you're unable to find a flight that fits your schedule, you might consider flying into Buffalo Niagara Intl. Airport (BUF), which is 30.3 mi (48.8 km) away.
If you're traveling by train, you can make your way to St. Catharines Station.
Calendar Month
Temperature
Precipitation
Cloudiness
Occupancy
Pricing