Canada

I came to Canada in September 2012 with my husband and my youngest son from Pakistan. My two older children were born in Canada. I lived in Toronto for almost two years. Then we moved to St. Catharines because my husband got a job here. St. Catharines is the largest city within the region of Niagara, located on the Southern shores of Lake Ontario. It is also known as “The Garden City”.  The “St. Cathariners,” as the residents are called, are very proud that many parks, gardens, trails and playgrounds that occupy 1,000 acres of land. The weather of St. Catharines is the same as most of the cities in Southern Ontario. It has been a safe place to live in for me and my family. The crime rate has always been lower compared to the other cities in the GTA.

One should know that there are amazing places to visit here like the Port Dalhousie Beach and the St. Catharines Museum & Welland Canals Centre. The city has three more scenic beaches along the shores of Lake Ontario that capture breathtaking sunsets. These are: the Lakeside Beach, Jones Beach and Sunset Beach. On the Welland Canal, you will see large ships travelling from different countries especially from the U.S. The Canal, which connects Lake Ontario and Lake Erie, has a long and colourful history dating back to when it was first built in 1824. You will surely appreciate nature with your family at the Montebello Park and the Walker Arboretum. If you love hiking, you will enjoy the trails of the Short Hills Provincial Park and the Burgoyne Woods Park. And of course, at the end of your visit, grab a bottle of wine from three of the best Niagara wineries found in St. Catharines. The city’s soil is perfect for producing grapes used to make award-winning wines.

My city is home to the Niagara Folk Arts Multicultural Center which organizes many festivals throughout the year such as the Niagara Folk Arts Festival. This longest-running heritage festival in Canada is an annual event that welcomes all cultures and people to experience Canadian traditions, arts, food and music. My family and I have attended this festival every year since we moved here five years ago. My kids look forward to participating in the fun activities and exciting games every May. Other popular events open to everyone are the Art of Peace Festival, the Scene Music Festival and the Niagara Grape & Wine Festival. The Wine Festival has been very well attended by wine lovers and connoisseurs in mid-September.

St. Cathariners are very welcoming, gracious and hospitable. They are from different communities and cultures who live here happily and peacefully. I love this city very much. So next time you drive along the Queen Elizabeth Way (QEW), why don’t you come and check out the Garden City of Ontario. It is only less than half an hour away to and from Niagara Falls. You will not regret the delightful experience.