THE 10 BEST Free Things to Do in St. Catharines
Best Free Things to Do in St. Catharines
- Traveller favouritesThings to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.
- Traveller rankingHighest rated attractions on Tripadvisor, based on traveller reviews.
Category types
Types of Attractions
Traveller rating
Neighbourhoods
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30 places sorted by traveller favourites
Beaches • Parks
Open now
Historic Sites • Religious Sites
Sports Complexes • Parks
Fairview - Facer
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Lighthouses
Speciality & Gift Shops
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What travellers are saying
- Brent MWetaskiwin, Canada480 contributionsIt's all about the timing. My wife wanted to see the locks and I was interested in them too. I checked the schedule online and found it confusing and not really sure what time a ship was going to come through. We pulled up at the perfect time. A ship was just pulling up to the lock. By the time we got out of the car and to the lookout it was pulling in and we were able to watch it the whole way through from the lookout.
I must say that the lookout is impressive and there was a guide answering your question. There were also several poster boards detailing the locks. We watched the ship transfer through the lock and then went inside the museum. The cost? by donation, suggested at $5 per person. So we threw in $20 for the 3 of us (our adult daughter was with us) Then we watched the movie, it was informative, and proceeded through the museum.
I really enjoyed this stop and learned a lot. I was really surprised at the number of changes to the different canals over the years.
Very interesting. If you are interested in history and the challenges in building the locks I would highly recommend this.Written May 11, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - carriesunshineOrillia, Canada481 contributionsNot only does 13th Street have amazing wines, the grounds and facilities here are awesome! Beautiful place for a tasting,a glass of wine or lunch. Gorgeous surroundings. Don't forget to stop by the bakery for some delicious treats to take home!Written June 5, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- audrey b1 contributionWe had a complimentary guided tasting for 8 that was included in my Estate membership. [Free right now with a purchase of a case of wine]. Kelly, our guide for our tasting, was very knowledgeable and friendly, one of the best guides I've had:) I have been on many tastings at local Niagara wineries, and I still learned a few new things and it was entertaining. I went with some art friends, and Olivia, the manager, allowed our group to do some watercolour painting and sketching in the ballroom after our tasting. It had snowed in the morning, so the fresh snowy scenes out the window were nice inspirations for our sketching/painting, as well as the art hanging in the ball room.Written January 15, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- 4minuuToronto, Canada166 contributionsWe live close to this wonderful little zoo. The kids enjoy the animals and experience diverse birds and plants, all in a natural, outdoor setting. You can enjoy quiet seating and viewing areas on the shores of Lake Ontario or alongside two ponds. The park also features a playground, pavilion and walking trails to explore. Great place for a picnic! I particularly love the donkeys and the goats.Written January 19, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Scott CSt. Catharines, Canada769 contributionsGorgeous spot, with a short, but well maintained set of trails. Parking lot is a little small for the numbers of people who come here. Wish you could access the bottom of the ravine to get a better shot of the waterfall.Written November 11, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- susanaqueridaVancouver, Canada445 contributionsThe Friends of Morningstar Mill run the place. They offer tours, and it’s free although donations are appreciated. You see the workings of a grain mill from the ground floor and then go down to the basement to see below. When it’s not COVID, the mill actually runs and produces flour for sale. This year, it’s not running but the tours were on, with limited hours. Best to call ahead to make sure they’re open. We also toured the family home, restored to circa 1935 furnishings. A nice place to have a family outing.Written August 26, 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- 4minuuToronto, Canada166 contributionsI enjoy the quiet at this beach. Most people come here with paddle boats or kayaks so it's usually very quiet. But there can be a lot of sea weed smell sometimes if the wind blows in the wrong direction.Written January 19, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Robby G CToronto, Canada78,235 contributionsThis is the British Methodist Episcopal Church, St. Catharines.
There is an historical information panel.
This church is realy old,but it is attractive as well.
The old Historic Methodist Church is quite old 1786-1997
The church is white.
I like it!Written April 14, 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Andreaga2 contributionsI love the different options they have to offer, from cheese, jam, fruits, plants, Mexican food and even clothingWritten September 22, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Scott CSt. Catharines, Canada769 contributionsGreat brewery and restaurant. The Oddbird part serves great food, just as the parent restaurant in downtown does. The beer, with a nice selection is great, and with a nice variety. More rotational would be a suggestion, but don’t tamper with your mainstays. We will definitely return.Written November 12, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- bigdoubled71London, Canada3,092 contributionsHernder Estate Winery was a stop in the Wrapped up in the valley event recently in which they were pairing a beef sider on a brioche bun with creamy horseradish and their 2017 merlot. The beef slider was delicious and went very well with the wine. Hernder is a beautiful winery with a covered bridge.Written November 24, 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Susan jancsi19 contributionsLove the quiet in the middle of the city.
The landscape the fall colors.
What a blessing. Whether you enjoy walking your dog, or simply relax for a bit this is the place I find to be a bit like heaven might be.
Lunch break here I come!Written October 12, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Robby G CToronto, Canada78,235 contributionsI like the Lester B Pearson Park.
It has beautiful flowers.
This park is 100 years.
Kids play with the Splash Pad
We walked at the trees. They are amazing.
There are sports as well: High lights.
They do football.
They have baseball.
There is parking.Written April 4, 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Scott CSt. Catharines, Canada769 contributionsGreat spot, nice sized beach and fairly clean. Nice view at sunset, hence the name. Very different than the beach in Port Dalhousie, being very low key, without the restaurants, bars and other touristy attractions. It is nice being next to the canal entrance/exit, if you're into watching for ships. Definitely worth a visit if you're looking to relax in a fairly low key environment.Written November 27, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Robby G CToronto, Canada78,235 contributionsThis is the Royal Henley Park.
This is were they rowing. Everybody here like that.
We can walk and enjoy the bodies of water.
There is a Martin Pond
There are benches to sit!
There is a small bridge and a long one.
On the long beach, we can go on the other side.
A must see!Written April 10, 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
