Please complete your profile to unlock commenting and other important features.

Please select your date of birth for special perks on your birthday. Your username will be your unique profile link and will be publicly used in comments.
Narcity Pro

This is a Pro feature.

Time to level up your local game with Narcity Pro.

Pro

$5/month

$40/year

  • Everything in the Free plan
  • Ad-free reading and browsing
  • Unlimited access to all content including AI summaries
  • Directly support our local and national reporting and become a Patron
  • Cancel anytime.
For Pro members only Pro
Summary

Ontario has a 'Garden City' with endless trails and a postcard-worthy waterfront

It's a beautiful spot for a day trip.

Lead Writer, Travel

Springtime in Ontario means cherry blossoms, scenic strolls, and gorgeous gardens. This city, located a road trip from Toronto, is full of spring charm and a beautiful spot for a getaway.

St. Catharines is the largest city in the Niagara region, just over an hour from Toronto.

According to Niagara Falls Tourism, it's known as "The Garden City" due to its "lush greenery, vast hiking trails and picturesque parks."

The quaint downtown core is lined with local shops, eateries and entertainment venues. You can find everything from bookshops to antique stores and cozy cafes.

St. Catharines is situated in Niagara's wine region, so you'll want to visit some of the surrounding vineyards. Henry of Pelham Family Estate Winery and Rockway Vineyards are some top spots to check out.

The city is home to more than 90 kilometres of beautiful trails to explore. You can wander along the Bruce Trail and trails within Short Hills Provincial Park for a peaceful spring outing. You can also head to Richard Pierpoint Park, where you'll find more trails and a community garden.

You don't want to miss a trip to Port Dalhousie, St. Catherine's waterfront community. The postcard-worthy area boasts quaint shops, lakeside parks and lighthouses.

You can enjoy beaches, scenic piers and an antique carousel during your visit.

With waterside charm and lush scenery, St. Catharines is a beautiful spot for a spring outing.

St. Catharines Tourism website

Before you get going, check out our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your adventure.

Explore this list   👀

    • Lead Writer

      Madeline Forsyth is a Toronto-based Lead Writer for Narcity Media. After earning her B.A. (Hons) at Queen's University, she spent a year travelling much of the world as a flight attendant. Now, she uses her experience in the travel industry and passion for writing to share stories about buzzworthy events and adventures across Canada and the globe. Madeline has been published in PopSugar and has interviewed sports and entertainment personalities for Narcity. She has covered and photographed restaurant openings as well as event launches such as the world premiere of the Dr. Seuss Experience. Some of her favourite things to write about include charming small towns and anything to do with Harry Potter.

    8 dreamy Ontario towns and cities locals say you should visit instead of Toronto

    There are so many amazing places to explore in the province.

    8 enchanting small towns in Ontario that are even prettier in the spring

    You'll feel like you've stepped into a spring fairy tale at these spots.

    This enchanting small town set on a BC island was named among North America's 'most peaceful'

    Sandy beaches, ancient forests and a cozy town — anyone?. 🌲

    This Ontario gem with waterfront towns and beaches is one of Canada's 'best' spots to live

    It has "large" homes "priced much lower" than major Canadian cities.

    New data reveals the 'most peaceful' places to live and Canadian towns demolished US ones

    Five Canadian towns were named the most serene on the continent. 🍁