Families

Fall Colours & Easy Trails

Explore the magic of the Niagara Escarpment as it comes alive with colour this autumn, with trails, waterfalls, and more to see.

Farms & Markets

Visit pumpkin patches, corn mazes, farms, and more.

Museums and Attractions

Travel through time at unique heritage landmarks, family-friendly museums, and fun for kids of all ages.

Stay the Night

Stay at charming boutique hotels, winery guesthouses, and more.

Itineraries

What's on this Fall

Music festivals, live theatre, family events and so much more

See all fall events

Fall Reading

Niagara Fall Fun Guide for Families

Top family activities in Niagara for kids of all ages.

Read the article

Getting Here

Illustrated map of St. Catharines and the Niagara Benchlands along Lake Ontario — from Beamsville, Vineland and Jordan in the west to Port Dalhousie and downtown St. Catharines in the east, with the QEW, the Bruce Trail, the Waterfront Trail and the wine route marked.

St. Catharines and the Benchlands are an easy drive from across the Golden Horseshoe — and you can leave the car at home: GO Transit runs train and bus service to St. Catharines.

Toronto1 hr 15 min · via QEW
Hamilton30 min · via QEW
Buffalo, NY45 min · via QEW / Peace Bridge
Niagara Falls20 min · via QEW

Niagara Benchlands

Explore the stunning Niagara Benchlands, a haven for wine enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. With over 50 craft wineries dotting its steep slopes, orchards, and rural villages, this region boasts award-winning wines and breathtaking landscapes. Discover local markets, hidden shops, and rich history all amidst a food lover's paradise shaped by the unique climate and terroir of the area. Perched on the Niagara Escarpment, the Benchlands offer a wealth of natural wonders, including the renowned Bruce Trail and UNESCO Biosphere.

St. Catharines

Nestled in Ontario's picturesque Niagara Region, St. Catharines is a vibrant destination that perfectly blends culinary excellence, a thriving craft beverage scene, rich cultural experiences, and abundant outdoor activities. Savour farm-to-table delights at local restaurants, explore renowned wineries and craft breweries, and immerse yourself in the arts at theatres and galleries. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy scenic parks, hiking the Bruce Trail, and water sports in the historic waterfront neighbourhood of Port Dalhousie. Whether you're a foodie, wine lover, culture aficionado, or adventure seeker, St. Catharines offers something for everyone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is St. Catharines and the Benchlands?

St. Catharines and the Benchlands is the stretch of West Niagara between the Niagara Escarpment and Lake Ontario, anchored by St. Catharines and Beamsville, Vineland, Jordan and Port Dalhousie. St. Catharines, a vibrant city filled with craft breweries, a thriving culinary scene, boutique shopping, and live entertainment. From historic downtown streets to waterfront trails along Lake Ontario, St. Catharines is Niagara’s urban playground, perfect for foodies, art lovers, and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Just minutes away, the Niagara Benchlands await with Ontario’s largest concentration of wineries, lush orchards, craft breweries, and a UNESCO Niagara Escarpment Biosphere. Home to over 50 award-winning wineries, farm-to-table dining, and scenic hiking and cycling routes, this region is a haven for wine lovers and nature seekers.

When is the best time to see fall leaf colours in St. Catharines and the Benchlands?

Fall is one of the best times to visit St. Catharines and the Niagara Benchlands. The Niagara Escarpment turns red, orange, and gold, and the vineyards turn gold. You can see fall colours all October and into early November. Colour is usually strongest in mid to late October. Niagara changes later than most of Ontario because Lake Ontario keeps the region warmer.

How far is St. Catharines and the Benchlands from Toronto?

About 90 minutes on the QEW. St. Catharines is roughly 110 km from downtown Toronto, with Beamsville, Vineland and Jordan a few minutes closer. GO Transit serves St. Catharines for those that prefer transit. Only 90 minutes from Toronto makes it one of the easiest summer day trips outside of the city, and a great place to stay the night too.

How far is St. Catharines and the Benchlands from Niagara Falls?

St. Catharines is about 20 minutes from Niagara Falls, and Beamsville, Vineland and Jordan are about 30 minutes. Many visitors stay near the Falls and spend a day here, or stay in St. Catharines and the Benchlands to skip the crowds.

Where should I stay in St. Catharines and the Benchlands?

The St. Catharines and the Benchlands is home to chic boutique inns, cozy farm stays, lakeside retreats with unforgettable views, and everything in between. Inn On The Twenty in Jordan Village is the boutique wine country pick, with a spa and restaurant on site. Our you can explore the many unique short term rental stays. St. Catharines has the region’s largest selection of hotels, all within 20 minutes of Beamsville’s wineries and Port Dalhousie’s waterfront.

What is there to do in St. Catharines and the Benchlands besides wineries?

A lot! Live theatre at the Foster Festival in St. Catharines, craft beer at one of the many local breweries, dining at Michelin-star restaurants, hiking and waterfalls at Ball’s Falls and along the Bruce Trail above Beamsville, the beach at Charles Daley Park, ship-watching at Lock 3 on the Welland Canal, Underground Railroad history at Salem Chapel, u-pick cherry and peach farms, farmers markets in both St. Catharines and Beamsville, and free rides on the 1898 Lakeside Park Carousel. And so much more.

Are there free events in St. Catharines and the Benchlands this fall?

Yes! Fling off King in Beamsville is free, and so is the Hallowe’en Candy Trail in downtown St. Catharines. Happy Rolph’s Animal Farm is also free, and carousel rides at Lakeside Park cost five cents.

Is St. Catharines and the Benchlands good for families?

Very. Heritage Days at Ball’s Falls, the Lakeside Park Carousel and beach in Port Dalhousie, Happy Rolph’s Animal Farm, u-pick farms from Vineland to Beamsville, Ribfest’s family programming, and freighter-watching at Lock 3 all work for kids, and most are free or nearly free.

When is peach season in Niagara and the Benchlands?

Peaches peak in August. The farm markets and u-pick orchards along King Street between Vineland and Beamsville, including Peach Country Farm Market and Cherry Avenue Farms, are at their best mid-August.