Welland

Welland, the namesake of the canals, is centrally located geographically in the Niagara Region. Through its downtown, visitors will be able to note the active by-pass of the 3rd canal and tunnel as well as have access to the revitalized decommissioned section of the canal, now often referred to as the “flatwater”.

With a bold move which was the start of the now Welland Canals, the “ditch”, of William Merritt who initially desired a new water supply for his grist mill operation and then evolving to include a ship route, the channel was dug deep enough for boats to travel into the Welland River and on to Lake Erie via the Niagara River. The challenges met along the initial route brought the Grand River solution which fed the required level of water into the Canal. An aqueduct would be used to cross the Welland River which is still in evidence in the downtown area of Welland and from which visitors will cross over to access Merritt Island, the little known gem of park in the peninsula.

It was 1833 when the schooner Matilda, the first ship to travel through the Canal sailed through the centre of a shantytown later to be known as Welland. In 1973 the construction of the By-pass brought an end to 140 years of commercial shipping through our downtown and so began a new legacy.

The canal caters both to the competitor and recreationist. The canal and the Flat Water center includes the competitive component hosting international, national, regional and local water events from Pan Am to local regattas. Home of the Dragon Boat Championships from 2015 through 2024, there is much to see and enjoy. The recreational aspect takes up the balance of the stretch of water shouldered by the greater Niagara Cycle path as well as park land. You can rent canoes and kayaks to enjoy a serene journey through our water way, or join in our annual triathlon.

Welland, is a mecca for photographers with its Flatwater, Merritt Island, Bridge #13, cycle paths along historical buildings. For photography enthusiasts the subjects are varied, from wildlife and water sports to historical structures.

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William Merritt initially dug a ditch to provide a new water supply for his grist mill operation, which evolved to include a ship route. This channel was deep enough for boats travelling into the Welland River and on to Lake Erie via the Niagara River. The initial route was challenging to navigate and so a second route was planned and would diverge at Port Robinson. When tragedy struck as the banks caved in at Port Robinson, a third route was sought out. The Grand River solution was timely and a channel was dug that would feed the required level of water into the Canal. An aqueduct would be used to cross the Welland River which is still in evidence today. Lake Erie water was let in to the Welland Canal through the Feeder in November of 1829.

In 1833, an extension of the Canal from Welland to Port Colborne was completed. The schooner Matilda was the first ship to make its way through the centre of a shantytown (now known as Welland). The 1973 By-pass brought an end to 140 years of commercial shipping through our downtown and so began a new legacy. The flatwater is now a world known venue of excellence for regattas and home of the Dragon Boat Championships through 2024.

Whether you are cycling, walking or driving into Welland you will enjoy a nature walk on Merritt Island or a leisurely stroll of downtown as you stop to rest, eat and shop. Stay for the evening and enjoy seasonal concerts on the waterfront stage and the nightly lighting of Welland Bridge 13.

Thorold

Welcome to the rhythm of Thorold-the small city that lives to the beat of its own rhythm–a little bluesy and a lot friendly. Steeped in the history of the Welland Canal, the City of Thorold sits 350 ft. above sea level at the top of the Niagara Escarpment "Where Ships Climb the Mountain". A picturesque view of Locks 4,5,6 & 7 awaits you. Coordinate your stop at our Lock 7 Viewing Centre with theSeaway Schedule so you can catch a vessel as it passes the viewing deck.

Thorold’s historical downtown will surprise you with many newly restored buildings with freshly painted facades adding quaint heritage flair. The results are stunning! The beautification of Front Street is helping to rejuvenate the community and destination stores have set the trend. From old favourites to new trend-­?setting boutiques we invite you to shop, eat or browse at your leisure and let yourself be inspired!

Take part in the rhythm of Thorold and enjoy a variety of live events. You’ll enjoy theatre by talented members of the Thorold Community Theatre,historic Beaverdams Park is host to the sounds of Canada’s oldest community ensemble, the fifty-­piece Thorold Reed Concert Band and every fall, experience the energy of the Canal Bank Shuffle, a blues celebration that swings into town and takes the city by storm making Thorold a true Blues destination.

Summertime family traditions start here. For an affordable and fun night out, relive your childhood at Can-­View Drive In. Fall is the perfect time to take a family trip to Howells Family Pumpkin Farm for a hayride or a visit to the Haunted Spook Barn. Good times are in store for motorsport enthusiasts at Merritville Speedway –another summertime favourite.

Outdoor enthusiasts will be happy to explore Thorold’s conservation areas for hiking and wildlife watching. Short Hills Provincial Park also offers stunning scenery of the Niagara Escarpment with its equestrian and mountain bike trails. For golf lovers, Brock and Fox Run are two golf courses situated within city limits.

Thorold is rich in buildings of cultural and historic value. Over 50 designated properties are located within the city and surrounding rural communities. Many heritage buildings like Welland Mills are beautifully restored. Significant historic sites such as DeCou House connect us to our past.

The City of Thorold is a bicycle friendly community. From the Welland Canal Parkway Trail you can ride 8km through our tree-­lined streets as you make your way to Historic Downtown. Several bicycle racks are installed for your bike parking convenience.

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On November 30, 1824, approximately 200 people gathered near the Allanburg bridge in Thorold to witness the sod-turning for the construction of the Welland Canal. The fourth version of the canal provides you with an opportunity to watch the phenomenon of a ship climbing a mountain, just south of the place where it all began.

Vessels pass through Lock 7 and then sail north into the Twin Flight Locks (Locks 4, 5 and 6). This is the most complex part of the Welland Canal System and it is truly where the magic happens! This is where the ships climb the mountain because this set of locks function like giant steps in a large flight of stairs. The Twin Flight Locks either raise or lower a ship three times the height of a regular lock as this is where the Niagara Escarpment falls. The Twin Flight Locks also allow for two-way traffic so upbound and downbound ships can travel at the same time. The water levels always have to be correct so the vessels can traverse the escarpment smoothly. The height of the lift of the Flight Locks and Lock 7 combined is 57 metres or 187 feet. It truly is an engineering masterpiece!

Visit Thorold’s Lock 7 Viewing Complex and Museum at 50 Chapel Street South, Thorold to watch ships as they sail over the Niagara Escarpment or climb the mountain. Listen to the roar of 23 million gallons of water pour into the lock and simply be amazed!

Stay in Thorold and experience a city that lives to the beat of its own rhythm – a little bluesy and a lot friendly. From fine boutiques to eateries, Thorold’s historical downtown will surprise you with newly restored buildings adding quaint heritage flair to Front Street. Colourful new facades, renovated storefronts and bike-friendly amenities for visitors looking for a unique Old Town shopping experience will find the casual and friendly beat a welcome change.

Port Colborne

The City of Port Colborne is where the Welland Canal joins with Lake Erie. The canal, which passes through the heart of the city, has been a driver of growth in the community. Today, the Welland Canal continues to play an important role in Port Colborne, serving as a multi-modal transportation hub. It is also a focus of many tourism attractions in the city.

The history of Port Colborne is closely entwined with that of the Welland Canal. Port Colborne was established as a settlement when the Welland Canal was extended from Port Robinson to Lake Erie in 1833. From grain terminals and flour mills to a steel mill and metal refinery, the Welland Canal’s presence running through the middle of the community has shaped the local economy.

Even to this day, some of Port Colborne’s major businesses rely on the canal for the movement of cargos to and from the City. Business has evolved to now include ship repair shops and ship wrecking yard. Port Colborne is the only location along the Wellanright next to modern ships. The Clarence Street Lift Bridge is one of three remaining lift bridges operating on the Welland Canal. Next to the bridge are walls of the old guard locks from the second and third Welland Canals, as well as the abutments of a swing bridge that once crossed the canal.

Downtown Port Colborne, located on the west side of the canal near the Clarence Street Lift Bridge, is home to the Port Colborne Historical & Marine Museum and Heritage Village which celebrated and documents the history of the Port Colborne area and its marine industry. Historic West Street boasts some of the finest shops and restaurants in southern Niagara, and the Port Promenade is an excellent place to watch ships pass through the Welland Canal and into Lake Erie.

Lock 8 Gateway Park with an elevated viewing platform, flower gardens, fountains, picnic pavilion and washrooms, is a popular location to watch ships as they pass through the southernmost lock on the Welland Canal. The park also includes the uniquely designed “Algoport” Skate and Bike Park, which has been styled to resemble a freight ship. Lock 8 is the second longest canal lock in the world at 421 metres in length. The jack-knife bridges at both ends rise as ships pass through the lock. The Port Colborne Visitor Information Centre is located adjacent to the park at the corner of Main Street West and Mellanby Avenue.

Port Colborne celebrated its marine heritage with the annual Canal Days Marine Heritage Festival. Held during the civic holiday long-weekend in August, this is your opportunity to view and tour ships, cruise Lake Erie or the Welland Canal on a tall ship, and join the festivities held throughout town including an exciting concert series.

Port Colborne also offers a large marina, several public beaches, Vale Health & Wellness Centre which includes two arenas and a pool, and dozens of kilometers of paved recreational trails. Two 18-hole golf courses are within the immediate vicinity of Port Colborne, along with many parks and conservation areas for relaxation and hiking.

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Port Colborne and the Welland Canal share a closely entwined history with one another. Port Colborne was established as a settlement when the Welland Canal was extended from Port Robinson to Lake Erie in 1833. The presence of the canal through the middle of the community has shaped the local economy. To this day, some of Port Colborne's major businesses rely on the canal for cargo movement.

Port Colborne is the only location along the Welland Canal to follow the original canal route. Visitors can see remnants of earlier canals right next to modern ships or check out the Clarence Street Lift Bridge, one of the three remaining lift bridges operating on the Welland Canal. View walls of the old guard locks from the second and third Welland Canals and abutments of a swing bridge that once crossed the canal.

The Port Promenade (along the side of the Welland Canal) is an excellent place to watch ships pass into Lake Erie, or visit Lock 8 Gateway Park to see ships from an elevated viewing platform as they pass through the southernmost lock on the Welland Canal and the second longest canal lock in the world! The Lock 8 Gateway Park also features a uniquely designed "Algoport" Skate and Bike Park which has been styled to resemble a freight ship.

St. Catharines

From authentic wine and culinary experiences, to unique festivals and cultural events including live music, theatre and sporting events, historical sites and a thriving downtown St. Catharines is at the heart of it all.

As you explore the Garden City be sure to include a visit to the Welland Canal Lock 3 Museum and experience the Great Lake ships travelling through the world-renowned Welland Canal and learn all about the rich community. The Welland Canals Centre's elevated observation platform lets visitors see ships from around the world as they navigate Lock 3 on their way through the St. Lawrence Seaway System. See the ships climb the mountain from this observation platform which is always free to use.

The Welland Canals Centre also provides opportunities to picnic in the park or enjoy the playground with your family. Experience the canal's past and present through a 15-minute video and museum exhibits. The Lockview Lounge on the second floor offers a great view in comfortable surroundings, especially during inclement weather.

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A town initially formed because of its proximity to the convergence of 12 Mile Creek and Dick’s Creek, now dubbed the “Garden City,” St. Catharines has a little something for everyone. St. Catharines was a nucleus for the creation of the Welland Canal, an engineering masterpiece that attracts visitors from around the world.

Visit Lock 3 to view the St. Catharines Museum and Welland Canals Centre and the Ontario Lacrosse Hall of Fame. The elevated observation platform at Lock 3 is an ideal place to witness ships maneuvering the lock system. Explore the story of the City of St. Catharines in the Museum’s exhibit galleries, including the Underground Railroad, the four Welland Canals, the First World War, the history of Canada’s oldest sport – Lacrosse and much more.

Downtown St. Catharines is a vibrant hub showcasing an eclectic mix of boutiques, shops and restaurants with menus from around the world as well as Ontario’s longest running farmer’s market. The entertainment scene is rich with intimate live music venues, sporting events and concerts at the Meridian Centre and the new FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre. Visit the quaint harbour side village of Port Dalhousie with two historical lighthouses, a beach, charming boutiques, restaurants, the Royal Canadian Henley Regatta, and a historic LooCarousel! Summertime brings Canada Day celebrations, car shows, outdoor concerts, the annual Dragon Boat Festival and Ribfest in August. In the fall enjoy the Niagara Wine Festival, or hop over to Niagara’s largest indoor shopping destination, the Pen Centre which encompasses one million square feet of shopping fun.

Whatever the season… It’s all in St. Catharines!