Experience the Welland Canal Corridor
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On this tour, marvel at one of Canada's engineering achievements - the Welland Canal. Watch massive freighters from around the globe pass through locks on their way to the Lakes Erie and Ontario. The tour follows the Welland Canals Parkway Interim Route beginning at the Welland Canals Centre in St. Catharines, and ending in the beachside city of Port Colborne.
The Welland Canals Centre at Lock 3 features a lock observation platform, food facilities, gift shop, information services, an audio-visual presentation, picnic area, ample free parking, the St. Catharines Museum* and the Ontario Lacrosse Hall of Fame. Ships transit the canal from April to December. Call ahead that morning for viewing times, at 1.800.315.5134.
The Welland Canals Parkway Trail, a 43km paved trail for non-motorized traffic, runs parallel to the Welland Canal on the east side of Welland Canals Parkway. This trail is suitable for biking, hiking and blading. The entire trail has completed sections in all four canal communities throughout Niagara. Visit the Lock 7 Viewing Complex overlooking Lock 7.
Follow the canal on Government Road south of Glendale Avenue to view the Twinned Flight Locks 4,5 and 6 in Thorold. These locks allow simultaneous locking of ships in both directions.
At Glendale Avenue access Highway 406 and drive south to Welland. Exit at Woodlawn Road in Welland and follow Woodlawn to Niagara Street and turn left to follow Niagara street into Downtown Welland. The downtown core showcases the world's largest outdoor gallery, 27 giant murals depicting Welland's heritage. A walking tour of Welland's Giant Murals is highly recommended. Tour maps are available at information centres and downtown stores. Every September, the Niagara Food Festival, with over 40 restaurants and wineries from across the Niagara Region, takes place.
From Niagara Street follow the Welland Canals Parkway Interim Route signs that lead from Welland to Port Colborne. At Lock 8 Park, you will find an elevated observation stand that allows spectators an excellent view of one of the world's longest locks.
Follow signs on Main Street to reach the Port Colborne Historical & Marines Museum* (admission charge during Canal Days in August.) This five building complex features the Neff Steam Buggy, which is the oldest car in Ontario, a canal display, an operating blacksmith's shop, log school house and Arabella's, a quaint tea room serving homemade biscuits and jams. The Museum also hosts many special events including Canal Days in August.
Other Options:
The Pen Centre, Merritt Island Park, Showboat Festival Theatre* at the Roselawn Centre* and the Centre for the Arts - Brock University*
