6 St. Catharines History and Culture Stops

Add These To Your Next Niagara Getaway

“I had NO idea!”

Visitors drawn to Niagara by the region’s picture-perfect waterfalls, world-class wineries, and scenic shorelines are often surprised to discover that the area is also home to a diverse collection of museums, galleries and landmarks that showcase Canadian culture and history in very engaging ways. Here are some visitor favourites in and around St. Catharines that are well worth adding to your must-see list on your next Niagara getaway.

St. Catharines Museum and Welland Canals Centre and Lock 3 Viewing Platform and Discovery Park

In addition to showcasing the fascinating history of the Welland Canal through an informative video and thoughtfully curated exhibits, the St. Catharines Museum offers visitors the chance to step back in time and really get to know the Niagara region. A range of permanent and rotating exhibits celebrate the people, passions, and pastimes of those who helped shape today’s Niagara, including refugees and Freedom Seekers. The facility is also home to the Ontario Lacrosse Hall of Fame and Museum. The Museum hosts a wide range of programming throughout the year, including summer hikes, guided spirit walks in local cemeteries, and special holiday programming. 

Watching a massive ship float up the lift lock to continue its Great Lakes journey on the Welland Canal is something every visitor to Niagara must see at least once. Lock 3’s expansive elevated viewing platform offers the perfect perch for a bird’s-eye view of all the action! The nearby outdoor ship-themed play area is a fun place for little ones to work out their wiggles before going inside to discover more of the Welland Canal story. 

While You’re In The Neighbourhood…

Enjoy an authentic feast of Greek favourites with a fantastic view of the Welland Canal at George’s Greek Village.

Salem Chapel BME Church

See the historic church that legendary Underground Railroad conductor Harriet Tubman attended when she came to Canada following the passing of the Fugitive Slave Act in 1850. Group tours are available by appointment and must be booked in advance. If you’re visiting on a Sunday, the small congregation, which consists of descendants of the African American founding fathers as well as other Methodist worshippers, welcomes everyone. 

While You’re In The Neighbourhood…

Make your way up Geneva Street for authentic Chinese cuisine at MA Chinese Cuisine, boasting some of the best Dim Sum in the city.

Lakeside Park Historic Carousel

Climbing aboard one of the Lakeside Park Carousel’s 68 hand-carved animals and going for a spin should be on the bucket list of any kid or kid at heart making the trip to Niagara. The Port Dalhousie treasure, which was built by Charles I.D. Looff, is one of only nine hand-carved carousels in Canada, and still costs just five cents a ride! Try to spot the original Looff lion, one of only five in North America and the only one with a head that’s turned to watch onlookers as it circles by! The Carousel is open on weekends and holidays from mid-May to July, daily from July to Labour Day, and on weekends from Labour Day to Thanksgiving.

While You’re In The Neighbourhood…

A carousel ride calls for ice cream! Try Old Port Dairy Bar’s delicious hand-scooped cones, milkshakes, sundaes, and banana splits.

13th Street Winery - Gallery and Sculpture Garden

There’s so much more to enjoy than award-winning wine at 13th Street Winery. Named the 2022 Canadian Winery of the Year, this Niagara gem offers an experience that goes well beyond the glass. Part of the winery’s vision is to create a destination that stimulates all the senses, not just taste. That vision comes to life in the Sculpture Gardens, a thoughtfully curated outdoor space that invites guests to slow down and explore. Set among the vineyard landscape, the gardens feature a permanent collection of striking works by artists including Karoly Veress, Floyd Elzinga, Dan Solomon, Ken Hall, Ronald Boaks, and Ilan Averbuch. Visitors are encouraged to wander the grounds at their own pace, perhaps with a glass of wine in hand, and take in the scale, texture, and storytelling behind each piece. It’s an immersive way to experience art in nature, adding another layer to what makes a visit to 13th Street so memorable. 

While You’re In The Neighbourhood…

Don’t miss the delicious meals and treats on offer at 13th Street Winery’s on-site Vineyard Kitchen and Bistro and Bakery (p.s. the butter tarts might be just as famous as their exceptional wine!).

FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre

Culture-curious travellers will also want to browse the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre calendar before their trip to see if an upcoming event coincides with their visit. With arthouse film screenings, concerts, and theatrical and dance performances, this world-class performing arts venue has a jam-packed roster of diverse events.

While You’re In The Neighbourhood…

Grab some pre-dinner drinks at Pharmacii, known for their inventive cocktails and creative concoctions. Then, pop in for dinner at Les Incompetents, a French-ish bistro inspired by Home Alone with indulgent shareable plates and a can’t-miss vibey atmosphere.