St. Catharines: A Festive Weekend Getaway
As the largest city in the Niagara Region, St. Catharines, Canada is known as "The Garden City," lying on the northern entrance of the Welland Canal. It offers an array of parks and sanctuaries, as well as venues for sports such as ice hockey, soccer, baseball, and rugby. Travelers come in via the Niagara Falls International Airport and Buffalo Niagara International Airport.
Best Time to Visit
May to October are the best months to head to St. Catharines, Canada, where warm weather awaits in July, August, and September. Tourism is at its peak in August and June, but don't let that deter travel plans. The Folk Arts Festival takes place in Montebello Park throughout May, while the Niagara Grape & Wine Festival occurs in winter, summer, and fall. Other notable events include the SCENE Music Festival and the Chicken Chucking Championships, which happens in January.
What to Do & Area Attractions
When in St. Catharines, Canada, make sure to drop by the Butterfly Conservatory and visit the Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens, where a tropical paradise is a haven for over 2,000 butterflies of 45 different species. Check out the architectural masterpiece that is the Lewiston-Queenston Bridge, which connects Lewiston, New York to Queenston, Ontario. Bike your way down the Welland Canals Parkway Trail, a path that spans up to 45 kilometers and features views of massive ships and grassy banks. Head over to the Henry of Pelham Family Estate, one of Niagara's oldest estate wineries for some afternoon wine tasting. In the evening, check into the Hampton Inn, Four Points by Sheraton St. Catharines Niagara Suites, or Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites St. Catharines Conference Center.