The St. Catharines Transit Commission maintains bus lines across the city and neighboring Thorold, providing public transit. Coach Canada also serves the central station, offering Toronto and Niagara Falls routes.

All major lines converge at the St. Catharines Bus Terminal, near the Ontario Ministry of Transportation. Though rail travel is growing more popular, the St. Catharines railway station is mostly underused, with vehicle travel being residents’ primary transit modes.

The Welland Canal, a maritime canal stretching 43.4 kilometers through St. Catharines, is the city’s most distinguishing transportation landmark. The canal allows cargo vessels to cross the nearly 100-meter difference between Lake Erie and Lake Ontario. Four of the canal’s gates are within city limits.

Some St. Catharines neighborhoods include:

Downtown St. Catharines

The downtown area has a new arena, performing arts center, businesses, and eateries. You can get around downtown by driving between 12 Mile Creek and two main roads that provide rapid access to the rest of the region.

Downtown is a significant historic district and a vibrant cultural hotspot, with various taverns and restaurants on St. Paul and James Streets. In September, you can also find the Niagara Grape & Wine Festival and Grand Parade.

Various retail and commercial shops, government offices, banks, and legal firms are in the center. The Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts, a Brock University campus, is also in the downtown area.

Port Dalhousie

Port Dalhousie is traditionally a family favorite and a terrific area to raise children. And it is easy to understand why Port Dalhousie provides something for every young family.

For starters, the highest-scoring public school in St. Catharines is in Port Dalhousie: Gracefield Public School ranked first in the city.

In addition to the schools, there are many activities. Lakeside Park is a Port Dalhousie and Niagara favorite, located just a few minutes away. A stunning beach, a century-old carousel, and a brand-new pavilion add to the neighborhood’s family appeal.

Merritton

Merritton is a popular St. Catharines neighborhood featuring a family-friendly residential section, Secord Woods. The area is within walking distance to schools, close to the interstate, and has shopping and restaurants.

Merritton was an independent entity before amalgamation in 1960, which saw the founding city of St. Catharines acquire many satellite towns (along with Grantham and Port Dalhousie).

Residents still have a strong feeling of communal identification. The St. Catharines Seniors’ Centre presently occupies the ancient town hall on Merritt St., originally the City of St. Catharines Museum.