If you’re thinking of packing it in and leaving one of Ontario’s increasingly unaffordable rat-race cities, you’re not alone. Ontario has experienced a mass exodus of residents who had enough and made a logical choice: stop fighting to pay over a million dollars for a townhouse in Mississauga or a semi-detached in Ajax (if you can even find them) and instead, buy a luxury home in Calgary, Montreal, Saskatoon, or, better yet, start budgeting for your dream home and live in beautiful Niagara Region.
This is a big part of the reason for its surge in popularity, along with Niagara’s attractive features, which give it an unrivalled quality of life. Today, we take you off the beaten path to the Falls, where you’ll discover a few of the Region’s hidden gems.
Niagara’s Secret Gardens: Discovering Community Green Spaces
In the heart of the Niagara Region lies a network of community green spaces, each with its own unique charm, offering residents and visitors alike a chance to connect with nature, engage in leisurely activities, or simply enjoy moments of solitude being at one with nature. If it would take you driving through 2 hours of traffic for the same experience, it may be one of the signs it’s time to move.
Centennial Gardens, St. Catharines
Centennial Gardens is a hidden gem that offers more than just a green escape; it’s a place where art, history, and nature intertwine. Featuring walking trails that meander through diverse landscapes, from dense woodlands to open meadows and a picturesque creek, this park is a testament to the community’s dedication to preserving natural beauty in urban settings. The gardens also serve as a canvas for local artists, with sculptures and murals that add a cultural dimension to the natural backdrop.
Happy Rolph’s Animal Farm, St. Catharines
A sanctuary for both people and animals, Happy Rolph’s offers an experience unlike any other in Niagara. This 15-acre park combines the tranquillity of a garden with the joy of a community farm, housing a collection of animals and a large pond surrounded by walking paths. It’s a place where families can connect with nature, learn about local wildlife, and enjoy the simple pleasures of outdoor life.
Queenston Heights Park, Niagara-on-the-Lake
Perched atop the Niagara Escarpment, Queenston Heights Park is not only a site of historical significance but also a haven for nature enthusiasts. With sweeping views of the Niagara River and surrounding countryside, the park’s meticulously maintained gardens, including the Laura Secord Memorial, offer a peaceful retreat for those looking to immerse themselves in the beauty of the Region. The park’s extensive network of trails appeals to hikers of all levels, providing a scenic backdrop for exercise and exploration.
The Artisan’s Corner: Niagara Region’s Craftsmanship and Local Markets
The Niagara Region is not just a haven for nature enthusiasts and wine lovers; it also thrives as a bustling hub for artisans and craftsmen. Local markets and craft fairs offer a window into the creative tradition of Niagara.
HandMade Market
This market, held in various locations throughout the Region, including the scenic 13th Street Winery, is a celebration of all things handcrafted. Visitors can explore over a hundred stalls featuring local artisans showcasing their work, from jewelry and fine art to home décor and gourmet foods. HandMade Market is a must-visit for those seeking to connect with the Region’s creative community and take home a piece of Niagara’s artisanal spirit.
Ridgeway Farmers’ Market & Art by the Market
The charming town of Ridgeway hosts this vibrant market, where the focus is on farm-fresh produce and artisanal creations. Art by the Market, running concurrently with the farmers’ market, adds a unique cultural dimension, showcasing local artists and artisans. Visitors can enjoy live music, delicious food, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere that embodies the close-knit community of Ridgeway. It’s an ideal place to experience the local flavour, both culinary and cultural, and to appreciate the craftsmanship that is a hallmark of the Niagara Region.
Education Beyond the Classroom: Niagara’s Learning Landscape
Niagara Region extends the boundaries of education beyond traditional classroom walls, offering a rich array of community-based learning experiences that cater to all ages and interests. These innovative opportunities not only enrich the residents’ knowledge and skills but also create a culture of lifelong learning and curiosity.
Brock University’s Community Learning
Brock University in St. Catharines goes beyond its role as a higher education institution by offering community learning programs that engage the public in various fields of study and research. The Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts, for example, hosts art workshops, performances, and exhibitions that invite community members to explore and participate in the creative process. Additionally, the university’s Environmental Sustainability Research Centre offers seminars and projects focused on sustainable living practices, encouraging residents to become stewards of their environment.
Public Library Workshops and Events
The public libraries across Niagara Region, such as the St. Catharines Public Library and the Niagara Falls Public Library, are invaluable resources for community learning. They offer a wide range of free or low-cost workshops, talks, and events covering topics from digital literacy and creative writing to local history and gardening. These programs provide spaces for individuals to learn new skills, pursue interests, and connect with others who share their curiosity.
Niagara’s Neighborhoods: Finding Your Perfect Community
The Niagara Region is a mosaic of distinct neighbourhoods, each offering a unique lifestyle and community feel, making them the perfect locations to build homes for families, where you won’t have to skip vital home inspections to purchase a property. Here are two of its more popular locations.
Virgil, Niagara-on-the-Lake
Virgil is a charming community nestled within the larger town of Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario. Known for its vineyards and orchards, the area exudes a rural, agricultural charm blended with upscale living.
Virgil serves as a residential and commercial hub within the region, featuring a range of amenities, including numerous local shops, reputable schools, and modern sports and fitness facilities. The community also hosts various cultural and recreational events, enhancing its appeal as a family-friendly locale. Its proximity to the historic center of Niagara-on-the-Lake, with its renowned theatres and boutiques, adds to Virgil’s attractiveness as a place to live, offering residents a blend of quiet community life and access to high-quality entertainment and dining options.
Ridgeway, Fort Erie
Ridgeway is a picturesque small town located in the municipality of Fort Erie, just a short drive from the shores of Lake Erie. It’s famed for its historical ambiance, supported by a well-preserved downtown area that hosts a variety of antique shops, cafes, and a weekly farmers’ market. Ridgeway is known for its community-oriented spirit and hosts numerous events throughout the year that draw both locals and visitors, such as the popular Ridgeway Summer Festival.
The town is also a gateway to uncountable outdoor activities, with access to several beaches, nature trails, and parks. Its close proximity to the U.S. border and Niagara Falls makes it a strategic spot for both leisure and practical living, appealing especially to those who enjoy a quiet, small-town lifestyle with convenient access to major attractions and cross-border travel.
In Conclusion
Each of its neighbourhoods highlights the diversity within the Niagara Region, offering environments that cater to various lifestyles, from serene and scenic living spaces to vibrant and bustling community hubs. Whether you’re seeking the tranquillity of waterfront views, the convenience of urban living, or the charm of historic surroundings, Niagara’s neighbourhoods provide a welcoming community to call home.