Montebello Park in St. Catharines, ON in Canada is a smaller park at just under seven acres but it is quite remarkable with its beautiful rose gardens and historical significance in the community. Montebello Park was justifiably named as the "Montebello" translates into "beautiful mountain." If you have ever visited New York's Central Park you will likely recognize some of the same personality in landscaping and architecture as Frederick Olmstead, known as the father of landscape architecture, designed both.
The fountain contained within Montebello Park is beautifully ornate but the true focal point is the remarkable commemorative rose gardens with over 25 varieties of roses and almost 1,500 bushes in bloom during the warmer months. It's quite a lovely place to take a leisurely stroll when you are visiting the area as the park is pristine and the air is redolent with the scent of roses.
The pavilion and bandstand areas are designated historical landmarks and date back to the late 1800's. The pavilion was erected on the original foundation site of the Merritt estate, whose family purchased the land in the early 1800's. By the late 1800's the land was sold to the city of St. Catherine's and served as the area's first public park.
Montebello Park is the historical and cultural focal point of the city of St. Catherine's and often hosts concerts by local artists and bands. You could enjoy the sights and stop and smell the roses and perhaps even partake of some great music when you are visiting the area.
The Niagara Folk Arts Festival is one of the oldest cultural festivals in the area as it continues on through four decades of showcasing the arts of Niagara Falls' heritage.
