Jul
21
2009
Welland Canal
Author: RoudyThe Welland Canal is the pride of Canada/US relations and trading, stretching 42 KM’s through the mainland of southern Ontario, connecting Lake Ontario and Lake Erie. This massive water way provides a route around Niagara falls, an impossible obstacle for any vessel. besides being a practical solution for shiping problems, the canal has drawn generation after generation to it’s shores to see some of the world’s largest ships go by. There is no shortage of fun along this truely Canadian waterway.
(A ship going under the Lock 3 lift bridge, Photo ©2009)
The Welland Canal is the current of 4 canals, the other 3 date back well over 100 years. This modern waterway is home to small pleasure craft, large shipping vessels and both Canadian and American naval units. Starting at Lock 1 in St. Catherines it is imediately clear how big of a water way this is. Following the canal trail past lock 2 leads you to one of the last opened areas of public exploration allowing you to get close to the water and the ships that pass, but be careful, falling into these fast moving waters could be the last fall you make, so stay clea of the edge! As you walk down the path you will come across Port Weller dry docks, the current ship repair facility on the canal but that’s not what counts around this area. Around port Weller is a series of parks and a well paved continuation of the canal trail that will guide you the rest of the way through your adventure!
As you walk up hill on the trail you will come accross the Skyway bridge. A towerin marvel of modern engineering, it was proposed as a solution to the high way containing a lift bridge which would cause un-imaginable traffic back ups. While walking under you will get the feeling for the true size of this structure and just how much it adds onto the scenery of the waterway.
(A long view shot of the Skyway Bridge from Lock 3, Photo© 2009)
Just after the bridge you will find two fantastic restraunts just up the small hill, one for breakfast and one for dinner, depending what time you happen to be going down the trail. After these is the pride and joy of the canal, the Lock 3 viewing complex and interactive center. Containing all the info you could ever need to complete your adventures. The Lock 3 complex is jsut across the canal from an amazing forest that seems to go on forever. Walking around the complex will reveal multiple pieces of the old canals and the ships that once used them. Insie of the complex you’ll find a museum dedicated to the history of the 4 welland canals, a small gift shop and food stop. Near by if you’re a fan of ball hockey/volleyball you might be lucky enough to catch a few of the local teams playing at the BHI sports center.
(The Lock 3 viewing Complex, Photo© 2009)
Seeing the pure size of the ships that go through here is something that will leave you amazed everytime you see one, especially at a view like this…
Working your way past lock 3 will reveal an amazingly grown in trail filled with trees, plants and animals showing you the eco-friendly conciderations of the local population. After this short trail you’ll find yourself at the top of a small hill after crossing the bridge road, if you can see the water tower, you’ve just found the Twin Flight Locks (or lock 4, 5 and 6), but before you et there, glance to your right and you’ll see the Welland Canal Control Building.
(The Welland Canal Control Center, Photo© 2009)
Moving past this amazingly green side attraction you will reach the twin flight locks, these locks have sadly been fenced in by the Canadian government but that doesn’t make them any less amazing to see. These locks are the only locks in the world where a ship enters from one lock directly into another, side by side. This is also where you get the best view of downstream, you will be able to see almost to the point where you started your hike!
(Canal Trail between Lock 3 and Lock 4, 5, and 6, Photo© 2009)
Just up the hill from the twin flight locks is the Lock 7 viewing complex or “Kissing Rock”, a tourist hotspot containing many small hotels and places to eat in the city of Thorold just a few streets over. This is the last lock with an opened area to stay and eat so take a break and have a drink, because the next source of rest is in Port Colbern! Following the trail past lock 7 will lead you all the way to lock 8 in the city of Port Colbern, where you will find an end to your Canal adventure, depending on how many times you’ve stopped this adventure is expeced to last a total of 4 hours giving you a days worth of fun and food to hold close to you for the rest of your life.
