St. Catharines

Top 5 Family-Friendly Amenities in St. Catharines

1. Lakeside Park Carousel

   • An enchanting experience for all ages, this beautifully preserved carousel in Port Dalhousie offers rides at just 5 cents each. It’s a delightful attraction that captivates children and adults alike with its nostalgic charm and scenic lakefront setting.

2. Happy Rolph’s Animal Farm

   • This unique park provides families with the chance to interact with various farm animals in a picturesque setting along Lake Ontario. It includes a large playground and picnic areas, making it a perfect spot for a family day out.

3. Montebello Park

   • Designed by the famed Frederick Law Olmsted, this lush park in downtown St. Catharines is ideal for family picnics, leisurely walks, and enjoying the outdoor bandstand. The park's playground and floral gardens make it a hit with families.

4. St. Catharines Museum and Welland Canals Centre

   • Families can explore interactive exhibits about the local history and the engineering behind the Welland Canal. The viewing platform for ship watching adds an educational and fun element to every visit.

5. Port Dalhousie Pier and Lakeside Park Beach

   • Offering not just the carousel but also beautiful sandy beaches, volleyball courts, and walking trails, Port Dalhousie is a hub of activity where families can swim, play, and explore the historic lighthouse.

Other Notable Family-Friendly Amenities

6. Meridian Centre - A modern arena hosting sports events and concerts.
7. Brock University Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts - Features public performances and student art shows.
8. Niagara Grape and Wine Festival - Annual event with family-friendly activities celebrating the region's wine culture.
9. Seymour-Hannah Sports and Entertainment Centre - Offers skating rinks and recreational leagues.
10. Royal Henley Park - Provides recreational facilities and scenic views of Martindale Pond.
11. St. Catharines Farmers Market - A vibrant spot to shop for local produce and handmade goods.
12. Ridley College - Offers educational summer camps and community programs.
13. Sunset Beach - Known for its quiet atmosphere and clean beach, perfect for family outings.
14. The Pen Centre - The largest shopping mall in the region with family-oriented activities.
15. Burgoyne Woods Park - A large park with a playground, picnic areas, and a dog park.
16. Garden City Golf Course - Provides a family-friendly environment for learning golf.
17. Niagara Artists Centre - Hosts art classes and family workshops.
18. Morningstar Mill - Historic mill with a picturesque backdrop, ideal for educational outings.
19. Walker's Creek Park - Features extensive walking trails and natural beauty.
20. Rodman Hall Art Centre - Offers art exhibitions and children’s art programs.

Top 5 Most Desirable Neighbourhoods in St. Catharines

1. Port Dalhousie

   • Descriptor: Known for its waterfront charm, this neighborhood boasts historic architecture, the famous Lakeside Park Carousel, and a marina. Its vibrant community and scenic views make it a top choice for both residents and investors.

2. Old Glenridge

   • Descriptor: Located around the St. Catharines Golf and Country Club, this area is known for its prestigious homes, mature trees, and proximity to Brock University and downtown. It attracts those looking for a quiet, upscale environment.

3. Martindale Heights

   • Descriptor: This neighborhood offers modern homes with larger lots and excellent views of Martindale Pond. It's highly sought after for its newer developments and proximity to good schools and shopping.

4. North End

   • Descriptor: This area is appreciated for its family-friendly atmosphere, with plenty of parks, schools, and quiet streets. The proximity to Lake Ontario and multiple recreational facilities makes it ideal for families.

5. Downtown

   • Descriptor: The heart of St. Catharines, featuring a mix of new condos and historic homes. With ongoing revitalization, it’s becoming a hub for arts, culture, and dining, appealing particularly to young professionals and creatives.

Other Neighbourhoods in St. Catharines

6. Secord Woods

   • Close to community centers and shopping, this neighborhood offers affordable housing options suitable for first-time homebuyers.

7. Facer

   • Known for its European cultural influence and as the site of the annual Facer European Festival.

8. Glenridge

   • Located near Brock University, appealing to students and educational professionals.

9. Merritton

   • Offers a mix of residential and industrial areas with affordable housing.

10. Lancaster

    • Known for older, more affordable homes and proximity to amenities.

11. Grapeview

    • Close to the hospital and features newer developments and well-maintained homes.

12. Western Hill

    • Contains a mix of residential, commercial, and industrial spaces.

13. Vansickle

    • A rapidly growing area with new housing developments.

14. Power Glen

    • Historic area known for its scenic beauty and access to the Bruce Trail.

15. Fitzgerald

    • Offers affordable housing, though farther from central amenities.

16. Rykert

    • A mixed-use area with convenient access to shopping and services.

17. Queenston

    • An older neighborhood with more affordable housing options.

18. St. Patrick's

    • Known for its diversity and community-focused living.

19. Haig

    • A less central neighborhood with affordable housing.

20. Lincoln Heights

• Features a blend of residential and commercial areas, with access to major highways.

Top 5 Most Desirable Schools in St. Catharines

1. Ridley College

   • An independent boarding and day school located in the Western Hill neighborhood. It’s known for its rigorous academic curriculum and strong extracurricular offerings, particularly in arts and sports. Its diverse student body and high university placement rates make it a top choice.

2. Sir Winston Churchill Secondary School

   • Situated in the Glenridge neighborhood, this school offers robust programs in technology and the arts, supported by dedicated faculty and competitive sports teams, fostering a well-rounded educational environment.

3. St. Francis Catholic Secondary School

   • Located in the Secord Woods community, this school is celebrated for its excellent sports programs and strong academic offerings, including AP courses. Its active community involvement and leadership programs enhance its appeal.

4. Eden High School

   • Based in the Vansickle neighborhood, Eden is recognized for its focus on arts and technology. The school offers unique programs like the Specialist High Skills Major in arts and culture, attracting creatively inclined students.

5. Laura Secord Secondary School

   • This school is in the Queenston neighborhood and is known for its French immersion program and strong performing arts department, making it an excellent choice for students pursuing academic excellence in a bilingual and creative environment.

Other Notable Schools in St. Catharines

6. Governor Simcoe Secondary School (St. George's)

   • Known for a strong robotics team and arts department.

7. St. Catharines Collegiate Institute and Vocational School (Downtown)

   • Offers extensive vocational programs alongside traditional academics.

8. Holy Cross Catholic Secondary School (North End)

   • Provides a well-rounded Catholic education with an emphasis on athletics and arts.

9. Applewood Public School (Merritton)

   • Noted for innovative teaching methods and strong community involvement.

10. Jeanne Sauvé French Immersion Public School (Secord Woods)

    • A sought-after French immersion program attracts families interested in bilingual education.

11. St. Ann Catholic Elementary School (Western Hill)

    • Praised for a nurturing environment and strong literacy and numeracy programs.

12. St. James Catholic Elementary School (Fairview/Facer)

    • Focuses on Catholic values and academic rigor.

13. St. Alfred Catholic Elementary School (Grapeview)

    • Known for dedicated staff and a comprehensive sports program.

14. Prince Philip Public School (North End)

    • Celebrated for its diverse student body and strong support systems.

15. Lockview Public School (Port Dalhousie)

    • Community-focused with a reputation for fostering a supportive learning environment.

These rankings reflect a combination of academic excellence, extracurricular opportunities, and community feedback, providing a well-rounded view of the educational landscape in St. Catharines. Each school’s location within its respective neighborhood often influences its culture and accessibility, key factors for families choosing an educational institution.