8 Fun Things To Do In St. Catharines

The Beauty Of St. Catharines, Ontario 

St. Catharines is often called the "Garden City" because it has over 1,000 acres of parks, trails, and gardens. It is the largest city in the Niagara Region if you go by population, beating out its more well-known neighbour, Niagara Falls. This abundance of green space means that the city has been able to maintain a large amount of its natural beauty, allowing it to be a place where you can live quietly while also not having all the busyness of Niagara Falls. However, just because it doesn't have one of the world's most well-known landmarks doesn't mean there aren't many fun things to do in St. Catharines. This wonderfully green city still has plenty of activities for you to check out, whether you're just driving through as a guest, planning a family trip to the city and its surrounding areas, or if you live in the area. 

1. First Ontario Performing Arts Center 

The First Ontario Performing Arts Center is a terrific place to go for entertainment both on a live stage and on screen. If a show or movie is your idea of fun, you'll almost certainly be able to find an event on their calendar that's up your alley. 

Those into movies will likely find something to enjoy at the Center's film house. The film house has a long list of old and new films in a cinematic environment that also features refreshments for those involved. They also have a survey for community members to share and propose films they would like to show.  

If you prefer live shows, this place still has you covered. Artists of all sorts perform their acts, from comedians entertaining you with their jokes to musicians playing live music, with a set schedule letting you know of upcoming events. Dozens of live shows annually ensure that you will never go long without something unique happening at this venue.  

2. Richard Pierpoint Park 

For those who would prefer a quiet day outdoors, Richard Pierpoint Park might be the fun thing to do in St. Catharines, where you can base your day around. Opened in 1967 to help celebrate Canada's 100th anniversary, this park was initially named "Centennial Gardens" but changed its name in 2021 in honour of one of the city's most well-known residents. The park features a large totem pole, the Merritt Trail, where you can enjoy a nice hike or play disc golf. 

Named after William Hamilton Merritt, the person who initially brainstormed the Welland Canal, the Merritt trail offers 45 kilometres of historical sites, allowing you to see the remnants of mills, canal locks, and other industrial highlights that date back to the earlier days of the city. Hiking and cycling are options for those wishing to explore. 

Disc golf provides an opportunity for you to either have a relaxing time or show your competitive streak in trying to get the best (lowest) score you can.  

Both options are available year-round, even in the winter, meaning you'll never be kept from these fun opportunities. 

3. Happy Rolph's Animal Farm 

Trees and open spaces aren't the only fun things to do in St. Catharines that can be seen as part of the city's beauty. Named after its founder, Harry “Happy” Rolph, Happy Rolph's Animal Farm is where people of all ages can have a view of farm animals such as goats, horses, rabbits, ducks and more!  

In addition to the animal viewing areas, the site also features a large playground, a park area of over 2.5 acres, an area for picnics, a pavilion, quiet sitting and viewing areas, and a nature trail. The area can also be rented out in advance if you wish to have a large enough event there. This variety of family-friendly activities can be one of the most fun things to do in St. Catharines if you want to bring your kids along. 

4. St Catharines Museum & Welland Canals Centre 

The St. Catharines Museum has displays that people of all ages can enjoy many of its 'artifacts of the week,' giving insight into some of its most prominent exhibits. These exhibits include the “History At Work” display showing those who helped build St. Catharines in its early history, including the “Leading The Way” exhibit that focuses on the work put in by many women who shaped the history of the city. There is also Food! Glorious food displays menus and photographs of food and establishments that existed early in the city’s history, as well as many of the tools that helped create some of the dishes involved. There is a downloadable guide that lists general exhibits and an estimated amount of time it would take for someone to explore each one individually. 

The Welland Canal allows people to watch ships from all over. The observation deck “Lock 3 Viewing Platform” will enable observers to take in this beautiful view not seen anywhere else. Other activities include exploring the Canals Gallery to learn about the history of the canal, and The Historic Welland Canals, where you can learn about those who helped build the canal. 

5. Ontario Lacrosse Hall Of Fame 

The Ontario Lacrosse Hall Of Fame is another fun thing to do in St. Catharines. Located in the St. Catharines Museum, the Ontario Lacrosse Hall of Fame celebrates the history of this unique sport and has new members inducted every year. Having existed since 1997, this hall provides ample opportunity for those who love lacrosse to indulge in its history, while those unfamiliar can use the wealth of information here to act as a jumping-off point and begin to understand the game that is Canada’s official summer sport. Exhibits include a showing of the history of lacrosse, artifacts from the sports’ introduction to Canada, nods to the native roots of the sport, and a display honouring the Green Gaels’ seven consecutive Minto Cup (National Junior League) victories. Minto Cup, as well as the Mann Cup (Senior A Men’s Box Lacrosse) and Presidents Cup (Senior B Box Lacrosse), are also on display at certain times. 

6. Lakeside Park 

Lakeside Park is another fun thing to do in St. Catharines as it offers many different activities for the entire family. This shore includes a 1,500-foot beach from which one can enjoy the view of Port Dalhousie Harbour, the lighthouse, and a large portion of Lake Ontario. It also has enough room to play beach volleyball, with multiple courts available. Other activities just away from the shore include a playground area for kids, the Lakeside Park carousel, a picnic area with a pavilion, and more. With all these activities, it's no wonder this is a popular place with people from all over. 

7. Walking Food Tour And Walking Cocktail Tour 

For those who are interested in trying out a variety of foods and refreshments from local restaurants, check out the Niagara Food Tour and Walking Cocktail Tour. 

The Niagara Food Tour is suitable for all ages, and features meals at four different locations. During the tour, your tour guide will explain to you how each of these locations and their menus have ties to the history of the city of St. Catharines and the Niagara region.  

If, however, you prefer something with some adult beverages, you might want to take a look at the Walking Cocktail Tour. Along this guided tour, you will get to eat and enjoy some refreshing cocktails at five different stops. There is also an option to opt out of the wine pairs portion and enjoy solely the food for those who wish to do so. 

8. DeCew Falls 

Don't let the neighbouring Niagara Falls have all the fun when it comes to waterfalls. Although not a worldwide sensation like the nearby massive waterfalls, DeCew Falls can be seen from Morningstar Mill and is part of a great hiking trail. If you prefer a quieter place away from all the noise and busy atmosphere of Niagara Falls and would enjoy a more relaxed and peaceful place, Decew Falls would certainly be one of the fun things to do in St. Catharines that might appeal to you. This 72-foot-tall waterfall is also not the only one in the area; Lower DeCew Falls and Tunnell Falls are both also in the area and on the same trail. There is a longer route for those who wish to take their time and see everything in its beauty and a shorter route for those who prefer a quick visit. 

Enjoy The Beauty Of The City 

While many nearby cities can offer more big-city feels, most of the fun things to do in St. Catharines are geared to those who prefer a much quieter, down-to-earth time where you avoid crowds and have a lot more room for yourself while being appropriate for all ages. Whether you're looking for family fun, a friendly event with your buddies, or a fun solo adventure, St. Catharines is a beautiful place with many fun things to do.