The St. Catharines Cenotaph is located in Memorial Park and is a memorial to the brave men and…read morewomen from the Niagara region who served in various conflicts. It was unveiled on August 7, 1927 by Brigadier General W.B.M King, who commanded the 10th Brigade of the third Canadian Field Artillery Battery during the struggle for St. Julien at the second battle of Ypres in 1915. The monument is the centerpiece of a small park just north of the bridge on Saint Paul Street. It is comprised of a large column constructed out of brick and granite, mounted atop a concrete plinth, set on terrace level steps. In includes inscriptions and bronze plaques commemorating the sacrifices of local soldiers that recognize the Second World War, Korean War, Peacekeeping (2006) and the Merchant Navy were added later. At the top, front of the column is the St. Catharines crest and on the reverse side is a maple leaf. A scroll-like ornamentation is at the base of the column. A furled flag and maple leaf grace each side of the cenotaph, and the symbols of the different units that fought in the Great War are found encircling the structure. On the bottom plinth are two carved crosses. Originally there was a large reflecting pool at terrace level in front of the cenotaph, but it was removed in late 1930. There is a historical marker nearby that points out the heroism of Lance Corporal Fred Fisher, V.C., 1894-1915 [Yes, he was just barely 20 years old.]. It reads, "Born in St, Catharines, Fred Fisher abandoned his studies at McGill University when World War I broke out and served with the 13th Battalion, First Division, Canadian Expeditionary Force. Fisher was awarded the Victoria Cross for his exceptional courage in action near St. Julien, Belgium, on April 23, 1915, during the second battle of Ypres. Under very heavy fire he led a machine-gun detachment covering the withdrawal of an artillery battery. Though his crew fell to enemy attack, Fisher held their position. He then returned to the garrison for more men and advanced again to the firing line. Killed in action the next day, Fisher has no known grave." The park is a focal point for Remembrance Day ceremonies. [Review 2079 of 2024 - 190 in Ontario - 23098 overall]

Great place but they really should put up signs and a PSA before the film starts to tell people NOT…read moreTO TALK DURING THE MOVIE. Thankfully the staff will evict disrupters if you make a complaint to them.

pretty average theatre! Be warned - the ticket machines are incredibly aggravating to use. You're…read morerequired to select your seats on the touch-screen when buying, which is expected for a busy theatre, however the touch sensors don't seem to be working properly. What I mean by this is that the seat you touch isn't often the seat selected by the software. If you're a single party and aren't picky it isn't a big deal, but for a large party trying to get grouped seating in a specific area, prepare yourself mentally for the struggle

Built between 2014 and 2016, the Burgoyne Bridge is composed of box girders, the main span of which…read moreis supported by a 410-ft. (125 m) arch fabricated from tubular sections. It replaced the original 1915 bridge that had a higher and lower level. The bridge carries Saint Paul Street over Highway 406 and Twelve Mile Creek Park. I was here in the morning so I did not get the opportunity to see the bridge all lit up. But even in the daytime, this steel arch is a beautiful structure. Bridges should be pretty and too many of them are simply functional concrete decks. Thank you to the Regional Municipality of Niagara for building something special. [Review 1488 of 2024 - 165 in Ontario - 22511 overall]

This statue and monument are located next to the bridge in Merritt Park. of William Hamilton…read moreMerritt in St. Catharines, Ontario, stands as a tribute to this influential figure in Canadian history. Merritt, known as the "Father of Canadian Transportation," played a pivotal role in the development of the Welland Canal, which was crucial for bypassing the Niagara Falls and facilitating navigation between Lake Ontario and Lake Erie. The statue captures Merritt's legacy and the inscription highlights his contributions to the region's infrastructure and his service as a member of Parliament and the Legislative Council. The nearby marker reads in English, "A pioneer in the field of transportation, Merritt was born in Bedford, New York and settled at Twelve Mile Creek (St. Catharines) with his Loyalist family in 1796. He served with the provincial cavalry during the War of 1812, then operated mercantile and milling enterprises here. Primarily responsible for the construction of the first Welland Canal (1824-33). Merritt worked tirelessly to promote this ambitious venture, both by raising funds and by enlisting government support. During his long tenure in the Legislative Assembly (1832-60) he championed freer trade policies and various transportation projects. In particular he advocated building a comprehensive system of canals and railways linking inland waters with the ocean, a scheme which foreshadowed the opening of the St. Lawrence Seaway over 100 years later." It is in French on the reverse. The inscription on the statue reads, "This Statue of the Honourable William Hamilton Merritt has been erected by his grandson William Hamilton Merritt of the City of Toronto, son of William Hamilton Merritt Jr. of St. Catharines, as a tribute to the father of Canadian transportation who through initiatory steps in first waterways and railways earned that title." [Review 2078 of 2024 - 189 in Ontario - 23097 overall]

Located in a parking lot against some greenery, this marker points out something that was and is no…read morelonger. It's next to the beautiful Burgoyne Bridge. The marker reads, "On this site stood the Anglican chapel, St. Catharines (1795 - 1836), the first public building in the community. The name St. Catharines became associated with the community and the church. By 1797 a log school house was situated just east of this spot. The Parish included a cemetery and a parsonage. An assignment to the church dated Feb. 17, 1796 is the first documented use of the City's name and records the names of the 44 heads of the community's founding families and others from the surrounding area. "John Backhouse, John Hayner, Jacob Dittrick, Abraham Clendenin, Benjamin Froilick, Henry Smith, Zackariah Hayner, Richard Hayner, Albert Hayner, Adam Haynes, Cornelius Follock, John Decow, Robert Campbell, John Turney, John Brown, William Day, Obediah Hopkins, Peter Hopkins, Asa Waterhouse, John Willson Senr., Hugh Willson, John Kelly, Jonathan Nunn, George Couke, Jacob Upper, Anthony Upper, Petter Wever, George Houver, Stephen Seburn, Philip Metler, Andrew Hanseler, Jacob Bowman, George Keefer, Michael Teattor, Jacob Ball Jr., George Hartsell, John Stevens, Adam Hutt, John Dennis, John Bessey, James Newkirk, Francis Wever, Robert Bessey, Jabish Bessey." The marker was erected in 1996 by the St. Catharines Bicentennial Committee. It is not easy to spot, with bronze raised lettering on a brown sign. But it's there. [Review 1487 of 2024 - 164 in Ontario - 22510 overall]

The freaking best guided tour ever! They made our trip so memorable, especially our guide Jimmy…read more He's hilarious!

Alan was great! He was always prompt, friendly and informative. He picked us up from our B&B, drove…read moreus to our 4 wine tours one of our days as well as back and forth to Niagara Falls another day for our boat ride. Really made our vacation easy and fun. Both my husband and I highly recommend Alan and his private car service!!!

Port Dalhousie was the Lake Ontario terminal for the Welland Canal from its inception in 1829 until…read more1932, when the canal's entrance was relocated to Port Weller, some four kilometers to the east. A fixed red light was shown from the lighthouse's framework until the tower, which cost $2,943.19, was constructed and operational. On June 1, 1902, the range lights were electrified, and the inner light's color changed from fixed red to occulting white. The discontinued inner lighthouse was designated a Recognized Federal Heritage Building in 1990, and in 1997 it was transferred to the City of St. Catharines. The lighthouse was restored between 2000 and 2002. Note the "beaver" weathervane atop the lighthouse. Also, it is one of just six wooden octagonal lighthouses remaining on the Canadian side of the Great Lakes. The others are Port Burwell on Lake Erie, Western Islands and Lonely Island on Lake Huron, and Slate Islands and Otter Island on Lake Superior. [Review 1480 of 2024 - 157 in Ontario - 22503 overall]

This massive fixed bridge carries Queen Elizabeth Way over the Welland Canal. Six lanes of traffic…read moreat high speed with no breakdown lane on either side. The full length of the bridge is 1.4 miles. It opened to traffic in 1963. Initially, tolls were charged but were discountinued in 1973. A twin of the bridge is planned to start soon which would take around 4 years to complete and it would allow double the traffic. I found it easy to drive. I'm in a very tall vehicle so seeing over the wall and looking down more than 100 feet to the canal? Not for the faint hearted! [Review 1423 of 2024 - 101 in Ontario - 22446 overall]

I only had an hour to explore Morningstar Mill but I'm glad I made a stop. I just happened to be…read morein Canada the same weekend the mill was running (It only operates about three times a year but is a nice place regardless). It's a small place and guests are able to explore the mill, see the process of grain made into flour, tour the home and barns and there's even a little trail. I saw a number of photographers there also, capturing family portraits. (I believe you have to have permission for this). I'm from the Midwest but had never seen a mill in operation. Never one to miss an experience, I hopped into each building to watch the process, ask questions of the volunteers and even brought a small sack of flour home (they did question me at the airport). I'm not sure if tours are provided, but if asked, the volunteers are eager to explain a few things. This is especially great for families with children who are of the age to understand the milling process and it's even cooler you can take some flour home and make something together. Worth a trip, especially if it's in operation! You could easily spend a couple hours or more exploring. A great Fall family excursion for sure. Morningstar Mill is a small, rural industrial heritage site owned by the City of St. Catharines and operated in partnership with the Friends of Morningstar Mill. It features a working grist mill built in 1872, a turbine shed, a sawmill, a blacksmith and carpentry shop and the historic home of the Morningstar family. The Mill provides a rare glimpse back in time to when moving water was used to mechanically grind grain into flour. Admission is free. Donations are encouraged. Check the website for up to date information on milling and tour schedules. Decew Falls are also nearby, as are many beautiful areas, vineyards and I stayed at Omi's Hause, a gem of a bed and breakfast just a few minutes away!