You must have probably heard that there are tons of other fun places to explore in Niagara Falls other than the Falls. But did you know there are many other touristy cities to visit in the Niagara Region apart from Niagara Falls?
Yes, you heard that right!
St. Catharines, the charming city of the Niagara Region is located only around 20 kilometres away from Niagara Falls. Like most tourists, you can stay in St.Catharines during your Niagara Falls vacation to avoid paying a fortune for your hotel and accommodation (Niagara Falls hotels can be quite expensive on the wallet during peak seasons). You can first have a thrilling fun adventure at Niagara Falls and then enjoy the last few days of your vacation exploring the best places in St. Catharines.
Want to know what fun places and experiences await you in St. Catharines? Scroll down to unveil the top attractions in St. Catharines!
Top Places to Explore While in St. Catharines
Lakeside Park Carousel
Lakeside Park Carousel, located in Port Dalhousie allows visitors to take a memorable trip back in time. This historic spot has over 68 hand-carved wooden animals such as majestic horses, lions, and camels.
Built between 1898 and 1905, Lakeside Park Carousel houses some rare craft pieces and has one of only five remaining Looff lions in North America. Tourists can also hop on a beautifully restored animal here for a ride, and relieve their childhood days. Want to hear the best part of this tourist place in St.Catharines? A ride on the classic carousel still costs just a nickel!
Welland Canals Centre at Lock 3
This is another historic spot in St.Catharines which is situated right next to an operating lock on the Welland Canal. The first thing that you can visit here is the museum that is located at 1932 Welland Canal Parkway and showcases to tourists the rich history of the city.
You can also witness the canal in action from this place. You can watch massive ships go through the dramatic elevation change through the lock system. There is an observation deck that offers tourists a perfect vantage point while the Lockview Lounge provides you a comfortable space for enjoying the view.
13th Street Winery
13th Street Winery is a winery wonderland located on Fourth Avenue in St.Catharines. This award-winning winery (it won the No.1 Winery in Ontario title in 2022) is loved by locals and tourists for its exceptional wines. From hand-crafted sparkling wines to Gamay Noir, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Riesling, 13th Street Winery’s extensive wine selection is truly admirable.
Apart from sipping glasses of wine, you can also explore the grounds of the winery and discover the amazing collection of sculptures and artwork in this place. They also have a seasonal outdoor Vineyard Kitchen Bistro where you can relish yummy local fare that goes perfectly with the wines.
And remember not to leave this winery without a trip to its on-site 13th Street Bakery. Here, you can tempt your taste buds with delectable butter tarts, fresh-baked goodies, and some homemade jams.
Happy Rolph’s Animal Farm
Love a farmyard adventure? Then, you need to hop into the Happy Rolph’s Animal Farm located at 650 Read Road. This place in St.Catharines is a favourite among locals, especially families with kids.
Happy Rolph’s Animal Farm was originally a bird sanctuary but now it is home to many farm animals. You can get up close and personal with goats, sheep, pigs, cows, and even some friendly fowl.
Apart from the animal encounters, there are spacious grounds in Happy Rolph’s where your kids can have a fun time. Meanwhile, you can take a scenic walk along the trails and admire the serene ponds in the place. You can also pack a picnic lunch and enjoy a fun family time surrounded by mesmerising nature all around.
Decew Falls
If you feel you didn’t get enough of Niagara Falls, head over to another beautiful waterfall destination in St.Catharines – Decew Falls. Decew Falls is located towards the outskirts of the city on Decew Road. This tourist destination in St.Catharines is known for its picturesque setting and stunning scenery, allowing locals and tourists to relax and unwind amidst nature.
The main attraction in the Decew Falls is the 72-foot waterfall that cascades into a turquoise pool. You can marvel at the beauty of the falls from a distance or take a refreshing dip in the basin below.
If you want a little more adventure, you can scramble down a steep path to take a closer look at the fall’s base. The Bruce Trail, a famous long-distance hiking path also passes near the falls.
Morningstar Mill
This is another place in St.Catharines where you can journey back in time. This 2.98-acre heritage site which is located at 2714 Decew Road is known for preserving a specific memory from the rural industry time.
The star attraction of the Morningstar Mill is obviously the restored gristmill which was originally built in 1872. You can observe the water-powered marvel grinding grains into flour first-hand.
Apart from the mill, you can explore the home of the Morningstar family which can offer you a glimpse of how life was back in the 1930s. You can see how families of that time lived and worked on the property in that era. The site also has a blacksmith barn where you can witness the traditional metalworking craft.
What Are the Other Places to Explore in the Niagara Region Apart from These?
There are several cities worth exploring in the Niagara region other than St.Catharines and Niagara Falls. For instance – Niagara-on-the-Lake is a charming town known for its wineries, historic location, and beautiful parks. This city has a quaint and relaxing atmosphere, the perfect place if you’re looking for a laid-back day trip.
Welland is another city in the region that has the famous and scenic Welland Canal and tons of other green spaces. Additionally, Port Colborne, located on the shores of Lake Erie is a must-visit if you want to take a look at the maritime heritage and be a part of fun festivals. In short, the Niagara Region has many hidden gems that promise tourists a trip full of fun and excitement.
