ST. CATHARINES

 A historic city in the heart of the wine country and the Niagara fruit belt, where half of the province's entire output of fruit is grown. Originally a Loyalist settlement, St. Catharines had been a depot of the "Underground Railroad", the site of the first Welland Canal, and also had the first electric street car system in North America. For over 100 years the city has been home to the Royal Canadian Henley Regatta, second only in size to the famous English regatta.

 Looking North on St. Paul Street 

This beautiful city has been nicknamed the ‘Garden City’ due to its many gardens, parks and trails. There is at least 4 square km of green space within city limits.
Niagara Grape & Wine Festival. A festival honouring the ripening of the grapes. Ten days of wine gardens, vineyard tours, ethnic concerts, dances, athletic events and a big parade with bands and colourful floats. (Late September.)

 

Destination Ontario 

HAMILTON

Situated at the western end of Lake Ontario, in the heart of the area known as the Golden Horseshoe, Hamilton is a city of contrasts - it is  both the Steel Capital of Canada and a home of a 1,000 ha botanical garden, as well as major arts and cultural facilities. Amidst clamorous steel mills of Hamilton stands one of North America's finest concert halls.

 

Dundurn Castle. This 19-th century, 35-room mansion is restored to its former splendor as the home of Sir Allan Napier MacNab, Prime Minister of the United Provinces of Canada, 1854-56. Various Special events and exhibits are featured throughout the year. (Dundurn Park on York Blvd.: all year, daily, afternoons. Extended hours June - Labour Day).

 

Hamilton Military Museum. Displays uniforms, equipments and weapons of war, dating from the War of 1812 onwards. (Grounds of Dundurn Castle: all year, daily, afternoons.)

Art Gallery of Hamilton. This impressively designed structure contains a fine collection of paintings, sculptures and graphics by Canadian, American and European artists and features an extensive exhibition program.

 

Tourism Hamilton