Oakes Garden Theatre is 80 Years Old

Earlier this week the Kelly and Ryan Live TV show was held in Oakes Garden Theatre in Niagara Falls, Canada. I thought I’d tell you a little about this outdoor theatre.

Located at 5851 Niagara Parkway this curved pergola overlooking a central amphitheatre was opened in 1937 and offers visitors and locals alike a tranquil retreat in the heart of Niagara Falls. Somewhat hidden at the back of the theatre is a lovely Japanese Garden and a lily pond. A small bridge passes over the pond. It’s a favourite location for wedding photographs.

The theatre was named after local businessman Harry Oakes (later to be named Sir Harry Oakes) who exchanged the land Oakes Garden Theatre was built on, for a much larger piece of land above the falls. His family home, a large Tudor-style mansion had been built on in 1928 on an adjacent piece of land. Today, the renovated mansion is now the location of The Niagara Parks Commission’s headquarters. A small Par 3 golf course is on the front lawn of the headquarters