Steeped in history, surrounded by nature and nestled between Lake Ontario and the Niagara Escarpment, St. Catharines is Niagara’s urban connection to the heart of wine country. More than vineyard vistas and renowned wineries, though, St. Catharines offers a treasure trove of experiences from a emerging foodie and craft beverage scene, a vibrant arts community, outdoor life that’s second to none and some of the most exciting festivals and events around. St. Catharines is your next favourite place to visit in Ontario and surprisingly easy to get to.
St. Catharines is the largest city in the Niagara Region and 16th largest in Ontario with a growing metropolitan population of more than 136,000 and an energetic downtown.
Get to St. Catharines
By Car
St. Catharines is bisected by the Queen Elizabeth Way (QEW), which runs from Toronto to Buffalo. It also links to major 400-series highways to access points north, east, and west of St. Catharines.
There are 4 border crossings entering from the US to Niagara. For more information: visit cbsa-asfc.gc.ca or call toll-free 1.800.461.9999. For American customs information: visit travel.state.gov or cbp.gov.
From New York State
St. Catharines is approximately 50 kilometres (32 miles) from Buffalo. Cross the border the Peace Bridge, the Rainbow Bridge or the Queenston-Lewiston Bridge and follow the QEW towards Toronto. Exit at Ontario Street for downtown St. Catharines.
From Michigan State
St. Catharines is approximately 365 kilometres (225 miles) from Detroit. Cross into Canada at the Ambassador Bridge or the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel, follow HWY 401 East to HWY 403 East and then take the QEW Niagara to St. Catharines. Exit at Ontario Street to get downtown.
By Bus
Major cities serviced daily by bus include Niagara Falls, Burlington, London, Toronto, Buffalo, New York, Boston, Cleveland, Pittsburgh and Washington. Downtown terminal is at 70 Carlisle St. Call 905.682.9206 or visit greyhound.ca or coachcanada.com.
By Train
Via Rail and Amtrak offer a combined service to St. Catharines – one train from Toronto, New York City and Cleveland through Niagara Falls each day. Call 1.888.842.7245 or viarail.ca for information and reservations. Station opens 30 minutes prior to train arrival times and closes 30 minutes after departure. Tickets must be pre-purchased. No ticket sales available at station. Reservations and tickets can be purchased online or by phone. E-boarding passes can be printed using self-service kiosk inside the station. Call 1.888.842.7245 48 hours in advance for wheelchair lift requests. Checked baggage service not offered, visit viarail.ca for more information on carry-on baggage. Located on Great Western Street off St. Paul Street West.
GO Transit
Offering bus service daily from Toronto through to Niagara Falls stopping at the Fairview Mall. For fares and schedules call 1.888. GET.ON.GO (438.6646). Ticket sales hours (Saturday, Sunday and Holiday Monday 8:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.) applicable when Niagara Seasonal train service operates every weekend and Holiday between July and September. Tickets are available at the ticket vending machine for all other
services. 1.888.GET.ON.GO (438.6646) gotransit.com
By Plane
St. Catharines is easy to get to for visitors travelling to international airports in Hamilton, Toronto and Buffalo, NY. You can use most major air carriers and a short car, bus or train ride to get to St. Catharines in no time.
- Hamilton International Airport (YHM, Hamilton)
- Pearson International Airport (YYZ, Toronto)
- Buffalo International Airport (BUF, Buffalo, NY)
Niagara District Airport (YCM) in nearby Niagara-on-the-Lake is primarily for private and charter aircraft. Airbus and taxi service are available from all airports.
By Boat
If you are boating or sailing into St. Catharines, the city has many marinas offering transient docking and repair facilities.
Port Dalhousie Harbour
Transient dockage available at Dalhousie Yacht Club.
Port Dalhousie Pier Marina
80 Lighthouse Rd., St. Catharines; 905.646.5515
St. Catharines Marina
200 Broadway Ave., St. Catharines; 905.935.5522
