The Welland Canal has made a signifiacnt impact on the historical, natural and built development of St. Catharines. The Welland Canal Parkway is a recreational trail which links the cities industrial heritage and recreational future. The recreational parkway runs parallel with the Welland Canal. The section of the trail which extends from the St. Catharines Museum at Lock 3 and Lock 1 at Port Weller is 9 kilometers in length. The full length of the Welland Canal Parkway Trail extends 42 km from Port Colborne to St. Catharines.
The Welland Canal Prakway is open year-round.
The Welland Canal closes for the winter season (December to March).
From Toronto:
Exit QEW exit 44 toward South Service Road
Merge onto Dunkirk Road
Continue onto Service Road
Turn left at Queenston Street
Take the first right on Government Road
Follow Government Road to St. Catharines Lock 3 Museum
The Welland Canal company was founded by in 1824 by William Hamilton Merritt, who dug a canal using a horse-drawn cart. The present day Welland Canal opened in 1932 and is now operated by the St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation. The recreational trail which runs prallel with the Welland Canal was constructed over a decade ago.
The Welland Canal Parkway trail is a multi-use trail for non-motorized uses. Visitors are encouraged to engage in a number of activites, taking advantage of the unique and advanced trail system. Sightseeing is also a popular activity, as the trail allows users to witness the wonders of the canal closer than any other trail. The trail connects to the Lake Ontario Waterfront trail. The trail passes parks and picninc areas, sightseeing platforms and recreational facilities.
Walking, cycling, running, sightseeing, volunteer opportunities, cross-country skiing and relaxing.
The Welland Canal Parkway Trial St. Catharines section is surrounded by Lake Ontario to the North, Welland Canal to the East, St. Catharines Museum at Lock 3and public roads to the West.
City of St. Catharines, 2009 website
http://www.stcatharines.ca/recreation/pt/welland_canals_parkway_trail.asp
Canada Trails Website
Phone: | 905-680-9477 |
St. Catharines Lock 3 Museum
1932 Welland Canals Parkway
St. Catharines, Ontario
L2R 7K6
Latitude: | 43.154103 |
Longitude: | -79.19529 |
UTM easting: | 646732.39 |
UTM northing: | 4779508.743378017 |
St. Catharines, Ontario
L25 7K6
Tel 905-680-9477
Toll free 1-888-680-9477
Website http://www.stcatharines.ca/recreation/pt/welland_canals_parkway_trail.asp
Trail length: 9 km
Walking time: 2 - 4 Hours
Jogging time: 1 - 3 Hours
Cycling time: 1 - 3 Hours
Difficulty level: 2
Surface features: Asphalt path
Trail linkages: http://bobmcmullen.info/m-wellandfreedom.jpg