St. Catharines is situated in Southern Ontario, approximately 51 kilometers (32 miles) south of Toronto across Lake Ontario. It is located 19 kilometers (12 miles) inland from the international border with the United States along the Niagara River. This makes it the northern entrance of the Welland Canal, which connects Lake Ontario to Lake Erie and is an important shipping route for cargo vessels. St. Catharines is known as "The Garden City" because of its extensive parks, gardens, and trails. It boasts approximately 1,000 acres (4 square kilometers) of green spaces for residents and visitors to enjoy. St. Catharines is a vibrant city with a rich industrial history, beautiful natural surroundings, and a growing focus on services and urban development.