Where to Stay
A vintage van filled with gnomes, Santas and holiday decor in a garden shop

St. Catharines and the Niagara Benchlands Shops and Holiday Markets

See the markets

Shop local in Niagara for the holidays.

Find one-of-a-kind gifts in the boutiques and antique shops of downtown St. Catharines and the Benchlands’ village main streets, then soak up the season at a holiday market filled with local makers, seasonal treats and festive displays.

Insider tip Thistle Bookshop (opens in a new tab) in Port Dalhousie now has its own bar, so you can browse for a holiday read with a cocktail in hand.

Three friends laughing over a holiday wreath at a festive market

Holiday Markets

Explore festive markets with seasonal displays and activities, and shop local makers for unique ornaments and holiday gifts.

Shopping and Antiques

Browse boutiques, antique shops and makers’ studios for gifts you won’t find anywhere else.

Niagara Trip Ideas

More to read

Where to Stay

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 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
Get directions in Google Maps (opens in a new tab)

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.

A CAA Niagara Airbus shuttle waiting at a hotel entrance

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)

Thank you to our funders