St. Catherines/Welland

St. Catharines, Ontario is the largest city in Canada's Niagara Region, and the eighth largest urban area in the province. It's a place known for its beauty, friendly atmosphere, and rich history. Here's a glimpse into what St. Catherines has to offer: * **Location:** St. Catharines lies in Southern Ontario, bordering Lake Ontario. It's situated 51 kilometers (32 mi) south of Toronto and 19 kilometers (12 mi) from the Niagara River which forms the border with the United States. * **The Garden City:** St. Catharines is nicknamed "The Garden City" due to its abundance of parks, greenery, and natural beauty. The Niagara Escarpment, a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, runs through the city providing stunning scenery and hiking trails. * **Welland Canal:** A key feature of St. Catharines is the Welland Canal. This canal bypasses Niagara Falls and connects Lake Erie to Lake Ontario, making St. Catharines a vital part of the Great Lakes Waterway transportation system. * **Rich History:** St. Catharines boasts a rich history dating back to the early 1700s. The area was originally inhabited by Indigenous people, and later became a vital trade route for European settlers. The city played a significant role in the War of 1812, and its development is intertwined with the growth of the Niagara region's fruit farming industry. * **Things to Do:** * Explore the beauty of the Niagara Escarpment with its hiking and biking trails, scenic lookouts, and waterfalls like Decew Falls. * Take a boat tour on the Welland Canal to learn about its history and engineering marvel. * Visit the St. Catharines Museum to delve deeper into the city's rich past. [Image of St. Catharines Museum] * Explore the Niagara-on-the-Lake wineries and sample some of the region's renowned wines. * Enjoy the vibrant downtown core with its shops, restaurants, and cafes. * Catch a show at the historic St. Catharines Performing Arts Centre. Whether you're seeking outdoor adventure, historical exploration, or a vibrant cultural scene, St. Catharines, Ontario has something to offer everyone.