Victoria Day holiday weekend marks the opening of some of the community’s favourite summer activities.
Parks and trails
Regular maintenance at City parks and trails began earlier this month and will continue until Thanksgiving weekend. The city encourages residents to explore and enjoy city parks and trails from dawn until dusk but to do so carefully by following posted rules and being mindful of others. While using trails, residents should be aware of their surroundings at all times, stick to established paths, remain alert and watch their footing.
Happy Rolph's Animal Farm
Goats, bunnies and all the other lovable farm animals are back at their summer home. Happy Rolph's Animal Farm is open from dawn to dusk and also features a large playground, picnic area and stunning views of Lake Ontario from the 9/11 Memorial Walkway. Learn more at, stcatharines.ca/happyrolphs.
Splash Pads
The City’s inclusive splash pads at Catherine Street Park, Lester B. Pearson Park and West Park are set to open for the season Friday weather permitting. Splash pads are open 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Admission is free. Learn more at, stcatharines.ca/splashpads.
Lakeside Park Carousel
The carousel is opening up for the season. Starting Saturday the carousel will be open on weekends from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. The carousel will open daily between June 9 and Aug. 31. Enjoy free carousel rides Saturday, May 19 courtesy of Friends of the Carousel. The carousel will also be open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Victoria Day Monday, May 21. Learn more at, stcatharines.ca/carousel.
St. Catharines Museum and Welland Canals Centre
The St. Catharines Museum and Welland Canals Centre is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. all weekend, including Monday. Explore the museum galleries and experience exhibits such as the newly opened “People and Places” exhibit. Admission is by donation. Learn more at www.stcatharinesmuseum.ca.
Morningstar Mill
The picturesque Morningstar Mill heritage site at Decew Falls opens for the season Saturday. Tour the grist mill and miller’s house Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Learn more at stcatharines.ca/morningstarmill. The mill and house will also be open Monday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Garden City Golf Club
Go for the green at the Garden City Golf Club all weekend, including Victoria Day. The City-run golf course will be open from 7 a.m. to dusk, weather permitting. Learn more and book your tee time at stcatharines.ca/golf.
The Film House at FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre
Looking to enjoy some indoor activities? The Film House will have screenings on the weekend, but will be closed on Victoria Day. The Princess Bride screens on Saturday at 4 p.m. General admission is $9. Film House members pay $7. Learn more at firstontariopac.ca.
Closures
The following City facilities will be closed on Victoria Day, Monday, May 21:
- City Hall
- Enterprise Centre
- FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre box office
- Meridian Centre box office
- Parks, Recreation and Culture Services administration office
- St. Catharines Kiwanis Aquatics Centre
- Seymour Hannah Sports and Entertainment Centre, Bill Burgoyne Arena and Garden City Arena Complex
- Russell Avenue and Port Weller community centres
- Dunlop Drive, Port Dalhousie and West St. Catharines older adult centres
- Victoria Lawn Cemetery administration office (visitation is always available from dawn to dusk)
St. Catharines Transit will be operating on a holiday schedule on Victoria Day. Visit yourbus.com for a complete schedule.
Report fallen trees, road and sidewalk maintenance issues, blocked catch basins or sewer back-ups, to 905-688-5600. Report power outages to Alectra Utilities (formerly Horizon Utilities) at 905-684-8111.
Information about what’s open and what’s not is also available at stcatharines.ca/holiday.
