Lakeside Park Carousel

Lakeside Park Carousel is a hand-carved wooden carousel in Port Dalhousie featuring 68 animal figures including horses, lions, camels, goats, and giraffes positioned around four central chariots. A restored mechanical music organ plays throughout the ride using paper rolls that are regularly replaced.

The carousel was built between 1898 and 1905 in Brooklyn by Charles I.D. Looff and his craftsmen before being moved to Ontario in 1921. It has undergone numerous restorations over the decades to maintain its original character.

The carousel serves as a gathering place where families experience the tradition of hand-carved craftsmanship and mechanical music. Visitors come to enjoy a piece of early carnival culture that still operates much as it did over a century ago.

Entry is affordable and each ride lasts just a few minutes, making it perfect for young children. Visit on weekdays when crowds are lighter to experience the carousel more comfortably.

The musical organ that powers the ride was built by a Berlin instrument maker and later modified by the American Wurlitzer company. Workers regularly swap the paper rolls that control the melodies to keep the music varied and fresh.

Location: St. Catharines

Address: 1 Lakeport Rd, St. Catharines, ON L2N 4P6, Canada

Phone: +19056885600

Website: https://stcatharines.ca/en/arts-culture-and-events/lakeside-park-carousel.aspx

GPS coordinates: 43.20357,-79.26626

Latest update: December 10, 2025 20:08