Your Perfect Spring Getaway: Wine Country, Shaw Festival & Where to Stay in St. Catharines
Spring in Niagara is something special. The vineyards wake up, the Shaw Festival opens its doors, and the whole region hums with energy. If you've been thinking about a weekend escape — or even a long-overdue break with someone you love — this is your sign.
Most people head straight for Niagara-on-the-Lake or Niagara Falls when planning a Niagara getaway. But here's what savvy travellers already know: staying in St. Catharines gives you the best of everything — without the premium prices, the parking headaches, or the tourist crowds. You're 10 minutes from the Shaw Festival, surrounded by world-class wineries, and a short drive from the Falls.
The Shaw Festival 2026: What to See This Season
The Shaw Festival season runs April 2 through December 23, 2026 — and this year's lineup is one for the books. Whether you're a longtime fan or visiting for the first time, there's something that will pull you in.
Highlights from the 2026 season include:
Funny Girl — the iconic Barbra Streisand musical, reimagined for a new generation
Sleuth — a gripping two-hander thriller that plays the audience masterfully
Cinderella — a timeless classic with the kind of staging only Shaw can deliver
Book your tickets early — weekend performances sell out weeks in advance, especially in spring when the weather draws crowds to the region. The Festival Theatre and Court House Theatre are both in the heart of Niagara-on-the-Lake, just a 10-minute drive from your hotel in St. Catharines.
Spring Wine Country: Where to Go
Spring is an underrated time to visit Niagara wine country. The vines are budding, the tasting rooms are less crowded than summer, and many estates are pouring their latest vintages for the first time.
A few stops worth building your weekend around:
Peller Estates — one of the most stunning properties on the route, with exceptional Baco Noir and Cabernet Franc
13th Street Winery — a unique offering of locals favour bakery, famous for their butter tarts, an art collection, and live music. A landmark visit for any wine lover.
Trius Winery — great for a leisurely lunch paired with their award-winning sparkling wines
Henry of Pelham — family-owned, warm, and consistently excellent across the board
The Niagara wine route runs through the Niagara Peninsula and connects dozens of estates along the way. Grab a map at your hotel and take it slow — that's the whole point.
Why St. Catharines Makes Sense as Your Base
Here's the honest case: you get access to everything Niagara has to offer, with none of the markup that comes with booking directly in Niagara-on-the-Lake or near the Falls.
From St. Catharines, you can:
Reach the Shaw Festival in under 15 minutes
Drive to Niagara Falls in about 25 minutes
Access the main wine route in under 10 minutes
Walk to local restaurants, Old Port Dalhousie, and Montebello Park
The Hampton Inn St. Catharines Niagara is a polished, comfortable base that suits couples and solo travellers looking for something reliable and well-located. For groups or families, the Holiday Inn St. Catharines offers more flexibility with its event spaces and larger footprint.
A Sample 2-Night Spring Itinerary
Day 1 — Arrive & Settle In
Check in, freshen up, and take a short drive to Old Port Dalhousie for dinner along the waterfront
Evening: Early Shaw Festival performance if you booked ahead
Day 2 — Wine Country Day
Morning: Slow start, hotel breakfast
Midday: Drive the wine route — aim for 2–3 estates with a long lunch at one of them
Afternoon: Wander through Niagara-on-the-Lake's main street, browse the shops
Evening: Shaw Festival matinee or dinner reservation at a local spot
Day 3 — Falls & Head Home
Morning: Quick drive to Niagara Falls for the view and a walk along the gorge
Midday: Head home, refreshed
Ready to Plan Your Spring Escape?
The Shaw Festival season is already underway and spring weekends fill fast. Don't leave it too late.
Book your stay at heartofniagara.ca — and let us help you make the most of Niagara this spring.