Whether you’re new to Brock or have been here for a while, there’s always something happening in St. Catharines. Take a break between classes or study sessions and explore a few of our favourite local spots.
1. Trails Around Town
When your week gets overwhelming, head out to one of Niagara’s many trails for some fresh air. We suggest starting with the Merritt Trail. It’s flat, scenic and follows Twelve Mile Creek through different parts of the city. You’ll pass bridges, water views and some old canal ruins.
If you’re up for more of a hike, Short Hills Provincial Park is worth the trek. It’s about 15 minutes outside St. Catharines and has multiple trails, including one that leads to Swayze Falls. Bring water and good, durable shoes. It’s peaceful, quiet and great for getting your steps in.
You also may have heard a lot about the Bruce Trail. It runs right past Brock and connects to Morningstar Mill, where you can catch some waterfalls without leaving town. Pack snacks and take a break at the lookouts.
2. Kully’s Original Sports Bar
Kully’s is the go-to for game nights, wing nights, or nights when you’re too tired to cook. Located right in downtown St. Catharines on St. Paul Street, it always has something going on: sports on every screen, loud energy, and solid food options (plus, you’ll get a discount through our Perks Program).
Chow down on wings, burgers, loaded fries, wraps, and huge pizzas. Keep an eye out for their daily specials like Wing Mondays or Cheeseburger Thursdays. You’ll see lots of Brock students here, especially on weekends, which makes it a great spot to meet new people!
3. The Pizza Company
Closer to campus on Pelham Road, The Pizza Company is a fast, reliable spot when you need a good slice. They also serve wings, pasta, subs, and more. It’s ideal for group takeout nights or a last-minute dinner between classes. Bonus: Brock students get discounts with a student ID, which adds up if you’re ordering regularly.
4. FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre
The PAC downtown has a mix of events year-round and features live music, movies, comedy nights, and theatre. It’s not highbrow or expensive, and post-secondary students get a free Film House Membership. If you’re into arts and culture, it’s a solid way to spend a night out without going broke. Grab a ticket, then head to Kully’s or a local pub after. Or reverse it. Up to you.
5. Niagara Artists Centre (NAC)
This is a small, free art gallery downtown. You don’t have to know much about art to appreciate it. They showcase local artists and sometimes host events, workshops, and pop-up installations. The NAC is low-key and easy to drop into if you’re downtown. Just up the street, there’s a vintage shop called Out of the Past, which sells handmade goods if you’re into one-of-a-kind finds.
6. Downtown St. Catharines
The downtown core is where everything seems to come together. St. Paul Street, James Street and Queen Street are lined with restaurants, thrift shops, murals, and live music. Most of the area is walkable, so you can bounce between spots without needing a ride.
Check out the Farmers’ Market on Saturdays, where you’ll find local produce, baked goods, and random cool stuff.
During the warmer months, the city hosts free concerts and street fairs downtown, so keep an eye on the events calendar.
Find Your Next Hangout and Your Next Home
There’s more to St. Catharines than you’ll see in the first few weeks of school. Take your friends or explore a few spots solo. Whether you’re eating, hiking, or catching a show, it’s easy to find things to do around Brock that won’t drain your student budget.
And if you’re looking for student housing in St. Catharines or anywhere across Niagara, Rentals 101 makes it simple. Browse listings near Brock University, discover local perks, and find a place that fits your life both on and off campus.
