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Alumni, Just for fun!, Ridley News, The Weekend Programme, Tips for New Ridley College Students, Uncategorized

Top Things to Do in the Niagara Region

October 18, 2022 tyler_adair@ridleycollege.com

Alumnae, Geena Prestia ’21 and Angela Finn ’22 share their thoughts on the best places to shop, snack and explore in the Niagara Region.

By: Geena Prestia ’22

Calling all Ridley explorers! Ridley is proud to be a part of the bountiful Niagara Region, and we know that when our students want to stretch their paws, they love to explore all that the outside community has to offer. From the plethora of restaurants in the area to the many beautiful sights, like Niagara Falls, there is always something for our Tigers to do when class is not in session. Recent graduates, Geena Prestia ‘21 and Angela Finn ‘22 share the best places to shop, snack and explore in our latest blog post.  

When Geena remembers her many years spent at Ridley, there is a collection of fun memories, both on and off campus. Here were some of her favourite things to do in Ridley’s surrounding community:

Clifton Hill & The Falls

As a Niagara Falls native, one of Geena’s number one recommendations for an exciting day trip is visiting Niagara Falls itself at the bottom of the infamous Clifton Hill. “With arcade games, mini golf, haunted houses and the big Sky Wheel, there is so much to explore in such a small area!” she says.

At the very bottom of Clifton Hill is where you can overlook the amazing waterfalls. It’s a view you will not want to miss!

Pen Centre & Landmark Cinemas

When winter rolls around, it can get quite chilly in Niagara, making some outdoor spots a little tricky to visit. If you’re looking for a way to stay warm on a cold day but still have some fun, we suggest you visit the Pen Centre mall and Landmark movie theatre in St. Catharines. Just a short drive from Ridley’s campus, there are plenty of trendy stores for you and your friends to spend the day browsing in. Conveniently built right next door to the mall, Landmark Cinemas always has great movie showings, and you can enjoy the show with a nice buttery bag of popcorn!

Apart from the various places you can visit in Niagara, the region is home to several incredible restaurants for you to try. Angela Finn shares some of her top recommendations for the foodies of Ridley:

Wind Japanese & Thai

If you are a sushi fan, this restaurant will not disappoint! Just a short walk over the Burgoyne Bridge, Wind is the perfect lunch or dinner spot for our Tigers. “My friends and I always loved going to Wind for dinner, they have so many options and the food is delicious!” says Angela. If you do decide to go, we recommend wearing some loose bottoms, because this all-you-can-eat style restaurant will have you stuffed for hours!

Mahtay Café & Lounge

If you’re looking for something a bit more casual, or even a new study space, Mahtay Café is the perfect spot for you. The urban vibe of the restaurant is a hit among our students, and their creative sandwich recipes are to die for! Next time you’re feeling a little restless on a Sunday afternoon in the dorms, bring a good book and an empty tummy down to St. Paul Street for a tasty snack and refreshing iced coffee at Mahtay.

Niagara has so many opportunities for Ridley students to explore new places, try new things and take a break from their busy school schedules every now and then. So, put your explorer hat on and immerse yourself in all the excitement that Niagara has to offer!

Just for fun!, Tips for New Ridley College Students

Top Things To Do in Niagara

August 30, 2018 1517347

In a few days, the Ridley campus will once again be abuzz. As you plan your return to St. Catharines, we prepared a list of top activities for students and parents to experience.

For Students…

Catch a Sports Game

Root for the home team! Check out the basketball skills of the Niagara River Lions or cheer on the Niagara IceDogs on the rink at the Meridian Centre – only a few blocks away from Ridley!

2. Take in a Movie

Visit the Film House at the PAC or head to Landmark Cinemas to catch a flick! Grab a bag of popcorn and relax as you take in some of the newest blockbusters.

3. Go Back-to-School Shopping

Head down to the Pen Centre and check out the latest fashions for grub days.

4. Visit Downtown’s Instagram-Worthy Eateries

There is something for everyone! Beechwood Doughnuts to satisfy your sweet tooth, East Izakaya for your sushi cravings, and Mahtay Café to enjoy a warm beverage, board games and culture!

5. Visit Fourth Avenue for Shops, Dining and More

With two of St. Catharines’ favourite family-owned restaurants, Frescos and Lina Linguinis, just around the corner, you can enjoy a taste of Italy or the Mediterranean in your own backyard! Not to mention, you can stock up on snacks and back-to-school supplies at the nearby Walmart and Superstore.

For Parents…

Sample Niagara’s Best

13th Street Winery, Westcott Vineyards, Mahtay Café and Ma’s all have Ridley connections! Whether you’re looking to try a famous butter tart, sample Niagara wine or enjoy a nice cup of coffee, there’s a spot for you.

2. Explore Canada’s Prettiest Town

Niagara-On-The-Lake is known for its charm, its beauty, its history – and its wine! Only a 20-minute drive from campus will bring you to this idyllic town, which attracts nearly 3.5 million tourists each year!

3. Visit the Outlet Collection

Check out Canada’s largest open-air shopping mall located conveniently off the highway in Niagara on the Lake. With over 100 stores and restaurants, Niagara’s outlet collection will satisfy any shopper!
Photo: www.outletcollectionatniagara.com

4. Take in a Show

Both the First Ontario Performing Arts Centre and the Meridian Centre are only a quick jaunt from campus, and with a robust lineup of shows, concerts and sports game, there is no shortage of things to do in St. Catharines. Looking for more culture, make sure to visit the Shaw Festival in Niagara-On-The-Lake! Photo: First Ontario Performing Arts Centre

5. Visit Niagara Falls

Take your children to see one of the Natural Wonders of the World! While you’re there, make sure to leave time for a little fun on Clifton Hill.

Just for fun!, Ridley News, The Weekend Programme

The Weekend Programme – April 2016 Highlights

May 2, 2016 1517347

Launched in 2015, the Weekend Programme provides students with fun activities – on and off campus – every weekend. This April, the Weekend Programme was chalked full of highly anticipated events, Ridley traditions and exciting outings!

Students witness a battle of epic proportions on the big screen

Saturday, April 2^nd

There’s nothing better than seeing an action-packed movie on the big screen, so that’s what nearly 30 students spent their Saturday evening doing. Our Ridleians loaded up the bus and ventured to Landmark Cinemas to see Batman vs. Superman: Dawn of Justice; an epic motion picture, that pits two beloved superheroes against one another. As always, our students enjoyed an evening out with their peers.

House trip to the Great Wolf Lodge

Saturday, April 9^th

Members of the boy’s houses travelled to Niagara Falls for an evening of fun at the Great Wolf Lodge, a waterpark resort, located not far from campus. There, they hit every water slide, lazy river and water challenge in site! It was a wonderful outing and a great opportunity for the boys to bond before Summer begins.

“Best night of the year.”

– Mrs. Jessica Roud, Housemaster of Dean’s House

Students took part in some friendly competition on the court

Saturday, April 9^th

On Saturday, students hit the badminton court for a tournament. It was a great opportunity to practice their skills, bond with their classmates and get active. At the end of the tournament, students enjoyed a pizza party, provided by Ms. Margaret Lech, Assistant Head of Upper School and talented badminton player.

“Going to badminton on Saturday was a really good time! I think everyone that attended brought the best energy they could (including Ms. Lech!) My favourite part of the night had to be when I played Victoria and our competitive sides came out; the game really took a turn. Calling a rematch with Victoria and Ms. Lech!”

– Rachel Overbeeke ’17

“Badminton on Saturday was a blast. At the beginning it was quiet, but once everyone started to come out it was loads of fun. Everyone’s competitive and fun side came out, which made it even more exciting to play. My favourite part of the night was having a match against Ms. Lech (when I said I needed competition), even though she beat me. It was okay because I was taking it easy on her. P.S. I call for a rematch against you Ms. Lech. The challenge has been accepted.”

– Victoria Dabanovich-Mahoney ’18

Students sang their hearts out at MNO Music Night

Saturday, April 16^th

Students gathered in the Ross E. Morrow Theatre for the annual MNO Music Night, hosted by Merritt North. Our talented Ridleians hit the stage, where they sang, danced, showcased their talents and even participated in a little bit of karaoke. This annual student-led event proves to be a hit, year after year.

Ridleians ventured ‘In the Woods’ for the annual Cadet Ball

Saturday, April 23^rd

Our Grade 11 and 12 students experienced a night they’d never forget on Saturday, April 23^rd. The annual Cadet Ball is a long-standing Ridley tradition, where our students don their crisp cadet uniforms and their prettiest gowns for a night of dinner, dancing and good company. This year, Club Italia’s ballroom was transformed into an enchanting forest, inspired by the children’s book, Where the Wild Things Are. The Family Guild and Grad Committee planned a fantastic event for our senior students and faculty members. To view photos from this year’s whimsical Cadet Ball, click here.

With adventurous day trips, tournaments and one of the most memorable events of the year, April was a month to remember for many of our students. As the school year winds down, the Weekend Programme still has some fantastic events planned. We can’t wait to see what’s in store for our students.