Where urban energy
meets rural charm.
Follow the holiday colours through Niagara’s snow-dusted vineyards and village main streets, indulge in award-winning culinary experiences, savour local wines, icewines and craft brews while celebrating the season with gifts from local makers.
Start your holiday wander in the Benchlands and St. Catharines, about 90 minutes from Toronto and 20 from Niagara Falls.
Food and Drink
Enjoy Niagara’s celebrated dining scene including MICHELIN-awarded restaurants, taste the celebrated Benchlands wines and icewines, and sip local craft beer and cider.
Shops and Holiday Markets
Explore festive markets with seasonal displays and activities, and shop local boutiques to find unique ornaments and holiday gifts.
Outdoors
Get ready for winter adventure in St. Catharines and the Niagara Benchlands, where you’ll find scenic trails set amongst the breathtaking backdrop of the Niagara Escarpment.
Explore Outdoors
Arts and Culture
Plan your trip to explore historic villages, family-friendly museums and attractions, and Niagara’s home to exciting sports and live entertainment.
Where to Stay
Niagara Trip Ideas
Experiences in St. Catharines and the Benchlands
Tag @lovestc_ (opens in a new tab) or @niagarabenchlands (opens in a new tab) to share yours.
Holiday Events
Holiday concerts, live theatre, family events and so much more.
Don’t miss
-
Nov 14–15 and 21–22
Get Wrapped Up! (opens in a new tab)
Niagara Benchlands Wineries’ annual holiday pass allows you to wander through eight participating wineries, savouring a wine and holiday bite at each one.
-
Nov 20, 4 to 9 p.m.
Starlight Market (opens in a new tab)
Shop the market at the Lincoln Museum in Jordan, then watch the village light up on Main Street at 6.
-
Opens Nov 21
Let It Glow (opens in a new tab)
Bring your family and friends to Rennie Park for a festive celebration filled with dazzling lights, holiday entertainment and plenty of FREE fun for all ages.
Full calendar
Getting Here
St. Catharines and the Niagara Benchlands are an easy drive from across the Golden Horseshoe — and you can leave the car at home: GO Transit (opens in a new tab) runs train and bus service to St. Catharines.
- Toronto90 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.
Shuttles
-
CAA Niagara Airbus
Shared and private door-to-door rides between Toronto Pearson or downtown Toronto and St. Catharines, Beamsville, Vineland and Jordan.
Book Niagara Airbus (opens in a new tab) -
Landline
Air Canada’s motorcoach runs daily between Toronto Pearson and Niagara District Airport, minutes from St. Catharines, with free Wi-Fi, power at every seat and free parking.
Book Landline (opens in a new tab)
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are St. Catharines and the Niagara Benchlands?
In Ontario’s Niagara Region, between Lake Ontario and the Niagara Escarpment. St. Catharines is the city, with restaurants, craft breweries and the waterfront at Port Dalhousie. The Benchlands is the wine country just to the west, around Beamsville, Vineland and Jordan, with more than 50 wineries.
How far are St. Catharines and the Niagara Benchlands from Toronto?
About 90 minutes on the QEW, depending on traffic. St. Catharines is roughly 110 km from downtown Toronto, and Beamsville, Vineland and Jordan are a few minutes closer.
How far are St. Catharines and the Niagara Benchlands from Niagara Falls?
St. Catharines is about 20 minutes away, and Beamsville, Vineland and Jordan are about 30. Plenty of visitors stay near the Falls and come here for the day, or stay here to skip the crowds.
Can we get to St. Catharines and the Niagara Benchlands without a car?
Yes. GO Transit (opens in a new tab) runs train and bus service to St. Catharines. From Toronto Pearson, CAA Niagara Airbus (opens in a new tab) offers shared and private rides, and Landline (opens in a new tab) runs a daily coach to Niagara District Airport.
Where should we stay in St. Catharines and the Niagara Benchlands?
For wine country, Inn on the Twenty in Jordan Village has a spa and a restaurant on site. St. Catharines has the region’s largest selection of hotels, all within 20 minutes of Beamsville’s wineries and Port Dalhousie’s waterfront. See all the places to stay.
Are the wineries in St. Catharines and the Niagara Benchlands open in winter?
Yes, all year, and many host holiday open houses in November and December. The Niagara Benchlands Wineries calendar (opens in a new tab) has information on many of the area’s wineries.
What is there to do in St. Catharines and the Niagara Benchlands besides wineries?
A lot. See a holiday show at FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre (opens in a new tab), walk through Let It Glow (opens in a new tab) in Port Dalhousie, dig through the vintage and vinyl shops downtown, hike to the waterfalls at Short Hills (opens in a new tab) or Rockway (opens in a new tab), or book a workshop at The Watering Can (opens in a new tab).
Are there free events in St. Catharines and the Niagara Benchlands this winter?
Yes. A few local favourites:
- Let It Glow (opens in a new tab), St. Catharines. A free light festival in Port Dalhousie and downtown St. Catharines, from late November into early January. Opening night is November 21 at Rennie Park, with a drone show and fireworks at 6 p.m.
- Downtown St. Catharines Holiday Trail. December evenings of late-night shopping with free hot chocolate, gift wrapping, kids’ crafts and carolling.
- Lincoln Tree Lighting, Beamsville. Lincoln’s holiday kickoff at the Fleming Centre, usually on the last Saturday of November, with Santa, hot chocolate and skating.
- Outdoor rink at Hilary Bald Park, Beamsville. Free skating daily from December to March, weather permitting.
Are St. Catharines and the Niagara Benchlands good for families?
Very. At the holidays, try Breakfast With Santa (opens in a new tab) at Inn on the Twenty, a kids’ workshop at The Watering Can (opens in a new tab), or cookie decorating at Jordan House. Our family guide has more.
