Nearby: St Catharines, Ontario
The City of St. Catharines has 131,000 residents living on the Southern shore of Lake Ontario at the northern end of the Welland Canal. St. Catharines. "the Garden City", is the largest urban area in the Niagara Peninsula and its largest employer is General Motors of Canada. The extensive waterways, trail systems and parklands of St. Catharines create a natural network of recreational opportunities that include fishing, sailing, boating, hiking, cycling, golfing- the possibilities are endless!
The St Catharines area was first settled by United Empire Loyalists who were given land grants following the end of the American Revolution. In the early 1800's it was known as "Shipman's Corners" for an important tavern and stagecoach stop, located near what is now Ontario Street and St. Paul Street. It was also called "The Twelve", referring to the Twelve Mile Creek. However, the name St. Catharines, in one form, or another had preceded all other names, though its origin is obscure. 
While first referred to as St. Catherines (with an 'e') on an 1808 survey, but became St. Catharines (with an 'a') when the town was incorporated in 1849. The town was referred to as the "garden city" since the 1840īs, due its abundance of gardens and nurseries. The town flourished after the first Welland Canal opened in 1829. In the 1850īs the Town was a major stop on the Underground Railroad including for its famed conductor, Harriet Tubman. These escaped & freed slaves built what became known as the British Methodist Episcopal Church on Geneva Street in 1855. St. Catharines became a health spa Mecca when natural underground salt springs were discovered along the Twelve Mile Creek in the early 1800s. In 1876 St. Catharines was incorporated as a City.
Historic Port Dalhousie 'Old Port' was the original Ontario end of the Welland Canal, via 12 Mile Creek. This community has boat-launching facilities, marinas, fishing charters, tour boats, beaches, picnic pavilions and more. The Port Dalhousie Harbour Walkway traces the shoreline winding past historical sites, quaint shops, gardens, and fully restored 19th century light- houses, and an antique carousel. The world renowned century-old Royal Henley Regatta rowing championship is hosted here.
Today, St Catharines lies on the Wine Route- a scenic trail that winds through Niagara past award-winning wineries amongst vinifera grape vineyards, including those of Henry of Pelham Family Estate Winery and Hender Estate Wines. In addition, Niagara's unique landscape allows for a wide variety of golfing experiences, with over 40 public golf courses within a half hour's drive of St. Catharines. Official Site for City of St. Catharines. FoundLocally's St Catharines image gallery FoundLocally's Port Dalhousie image gallery FoundLocally's Business listings for St Catharines Parks and receational pathways Wineries Attractions Antique Carousel Lakeshore Park in Port Dalhousie It is one of the oldest hand crafted wooden merry-go-rounds in North America. Henley Regatta Rowing Site Port Dalhousie World class rowing competitions are held at this rowing course once a year. 
Welland Canals Centre @ Lock 31932 Welland Canals Parkway (formerly Government Road) St. Catharines, ON, L2R 7K6 Mailing: St. Catharines Museum, Box 3012, St. Catharines, ON, L2R 7C2 (905) 984-8880, Fax (905) 984-6910, toll-free: 1-800-305-5134 From the elevated viewing platform at Lock 3, get a close-up look at ships from around the world and experience the wonder of the Welland Canal. Inside, watch the 15 minute video presentation Welland Canals Past and Present and learn more about the four Welland Canals in the Museum exhibits and education programs. The Museum chronicles the industrial, cultural and social history of the area with an emphasis on the Welland Canal. Browse in the museum gift shop. The Welland Canal connects Lake Ontario to Lake Erie, which is 100m (327ft) higher than Lake Ontario. Some 8m (27ft) deep, the canal enables large ocean vessels to navigate the Great Lakes. Each year, more than a thousand oceangoing vessels travel through the seven locks that make up the 42km (26mi) long canal. The average transit time for any vessel is 12 hours. Port Weller Dry Docks Lakeshore Road at the Welland Canal View enormous ships being built, refitted or repaired. Annual Festivals
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