Best Nature and Wildlife Areas in St. Catharines

"Niagara Glen is a beautiful park nestled right in the Niagara Gorge. A perfect slice of southern Ontario's natural beauty, and located within walking distance of the best hotels and attractions near Niagara Falls, this park offers views of the Niagara River Whirlpool and other sections of the Niagara River. If you’re interested in the geology of the Niagara Escarpment, head here to examine prehistoric rock formations, or just to hike the 2.5 miles (4 km) of trails through deciduous Carolinian forest."

"Designated as a nature reserve in 1992, Niagara Glen is one of the most popular areas for hiking on the Canadian side of the river. The hiking trails here are a bit more challenging than the other two parks mentioned, so proper footwear and a reasonable fitness level are musts. One of the highlights of this area is the overlook to the famous Niagara River whirlpool which is reached via the River Path."

"Sticking to the theme of natural attraction north of downtown, check out the Nature Glen. You get to head down stairways that take you along 4 kilometres of pathways deep within the Niagara Gorge. The area is known for its unique Carolinian Forest, many fossils, rock formations, and more."

"Found in the Felker’s Falls Conservation Area, Felker’s Falls remains a hidden gem among the more popular Hamilton, Ontario waterfalls. This long ribbon waterfall cascades over the edge of the Niagara Escarpment and ends in a bedrock gorge that reveals interesting formations. You can hike along the falls, or for a more accessible option, there’s a wheelchair-accessible loop that leads to the viewing area."

"The second stop on this day was to see Felker’s Falls – named after the Conservation Area it is located in. We were a little confused by the map because it looked like this waterfall was located right in the middle of a sub-division. Spoiler: that’s because it is."

"Felker’s Falls and the Felker’s Falls Conservation Area is right in the middle of a residential area, and there’s a big, free parking lot. Felker’s Falls is a 22 metre (72 feet) high ribbon waterfall that plunges over a rocky stepped ledge. It flows all year long."

"Just south of Table Rock Centre and the new Niagara Parks Power Station (opening July 1st), you'll find the hidden gem that is the Niagara Parks Floral Showhouse. Tour seasonal displays within the tropical foyer and three stunning display houses. Beyond the foyer doors, guests can also enjoy outdoor gardens and ponds featuring a miniature village and train."

"Endorsed by Accessibility Niagara, Heartland Forest is an outdoor area of wheelchair accessible hiking trails, fish ponds (catch and release with your own gear), animal carvings, and a tree house in the middle of the woods. Also enjoy their playground, with a custom merry-go-round, swing, and unique fire pit that accommodate wheelchairs safely and easily. We had a lot of fun here, just letting the kids explore."

"Thin Man may be the brewery in Buffalo’s bunch that most fills the Instagram feeds of beer fans, and for good reason. Since opening in the Elmwood Village neighborhood in the fall of 2016—one of the four partners is Mike Shatzel, who owned the beloved Blue Monk bar—it has collaborated on standout beers with several brewers in the industry’s vanguard, including Pure Project, Aslin, 3 Sons, and Collective Arts. Solo-produced brews such as Trial by Wombat, a hazy IPA hopped solely with the Galaxy variety, and the Take Precaution imperial stout, are equally excellent."

"With blues and reggae music flowing and a classic down-home decor, this is one of Buffalo's best barbeque haunts. Located in the trendy Allentown district, Fat Bob's atmosphere is friendly and the food terrific since nearly everything is made from scratch. The sides are scrumptious and include favorites like sausage gravy, mashed potatoes, and cornbread."

"Give your diet the night off and definitely have dinner at this place!. Incredible barbequed pulled pork, baked beans, corn bread, and - if you're…"

"Superb Northern Italian cuisine inspired by Tuscan and Venetian flavors highlights the seasonal menu at this quiet, elegant restaurant. After moving to Buffalo from Italy, owners Grimaldi and his then fiancee, Nancy, opened San Marco. The husband and wife duo have created a following and received much recognition, but they can still be found in the dining room and the kitchen each night."

"For more than 30 years Owners/Chefs Frank and Nancy Grimaldi have delighted guests from Western New York and around the world with the wonderful flavors ..."

"North American Indians called it Onguiaahram, or Thundering Waters. For hundreds of years, visitors to Niagara Falls have marveled at…"

"Take a close look at the work of one of America’s most famous architects at Frank Lloyd Wright’s Martin House Complex. This six-structure complex was originally built for Darwin D. Martin and includes the stunning George Barton House which was built for Martin’s sister and husband. Today, you can explore the facility in one of the many guided tours available."

"This 15,000-sq-ft house, completed in 1905, was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright for his friend and patron Darwin D Martin. Representing Wright's Prairie House ideal, it consists of six interconnected buildings, each meticulously restored inside and out. Two tour options (book online) offer different levels of detail on this elaborate project."

"Why You Should Go: The home of Canada’s most famous heroine who saved countless lives through her actions and courage in the war of 1812. When: Outdoor garden tours open July 2nd. Where: 29 Queenston St, Queenston"