Montebello Park features 2.5 hectares of greenery in the heart of downtown St. Catharines. The park offers visitors an opportunity to relax on the tree-lined lawns, or even participate in some of the city's cultural and social events. Additionally, Montebello park has become host to some of Niagara's larger events including the Niagara Wine Festival and Rotary Ribfest and the Niagara Arts Festival.

In 1887, the city purchased the park from William Hamilton Merritt Jr., who had earlier named it 'Monte Bello', or beautiful mountain. However, the open space systems designed by Olmsted created a contrast between urban environment and the planned park to generate many physical and mental benefits to the visitor. At the time of development, overcrowding and industrial growth were creating a harsh living environment in the city. Therefore, Olmsted's ideas were implemented to benefit the daily lives of the city's residents.

Pavilion, picnic tables, benches, bandshell, children's playground, walking paths

The park was designed by internationally renowned landscape architect Frederick L. Olmsted. In addition, Montebello Park was the first and only public park in Ontario designed by Olmsted, who also designed Mount Royal Park in Montreal and Central Park in New York City. Furthermore, the commemorative rose garden contains over 1,300 bushes in 25 varieties, which is the city's largest rose collection and an ornamental fountain.

The bandstand was built in 1904 and is used to feature musical and artistic performances. The covered, circular Roy T. Adams Bandshell was modeled after the one built for the Buffalo Pan American Exhibition. the covered pavilion built in 1888 allows performances despite the rain or Shine.

Recreation & Community Services, City of St.Catharines

Wheelchair Accessible

https://brocku.niagaragreenbelt.com/listings/76-parks-gardens-a-conservation-areas/313-montebello-park.html

McPherson, R. (2014, May 1). Frederick Law Olmsted Designs Montebello Park. Retrieved from St. Catharines Heritage: https://stcatharinesheritage.wordpress.com/2014/05/01/frederick-law-olmstead-designs-montebello-park/

Rayman. (2009, June 29). Montebello Park - St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada - Olmsted Designed Parks on Waymarking.com. Retrieved from Waymarking: https://www.waymarking.com/waymarks/WM6P5Y_Montebello_Park_St_Catharines_Ontario_Canada

St. Catharines. (2019, April 18). Designated Heritage Properties. Retrieved from St. Catharines: https://www.stcatharines.ca/en/buildin/resources/Selected-Profiles-Designated-Heritage-Properties-revised-April-18-2019.pdf