Welland Canal, Ontario

An Engineering Marvel Connecting the Great Lakes

An aerial view of a cargo ship navigating the Welland Canal, with the locks and surrounding parkland, separating the city and Lake Ontario from the sprawling suburbs and industrial areas.

Overview

Welland Canal, Ontario Cruise Port

The Welland Canal, a key portion of the St. Lawrence Seaway, is an extraordinary feat of engineering that provides an essential shipping route through the Niagara Peninsula. Spanning 27 miles, this ship canal bypasses the magnificent Niagara Falls, connecting Lake Ontario with Lake Erie. A cruise through the Welland Canal is a unique, all-day experience where the journey itself is the main event. Passengers get a front-row seat to the meticulous process of ascending or descending through a series of eight locks, an incredible display of maritime mastery in action.

While transiting, ships pass by a variety of landscapes, from quiet countryside to bustling port towns, offering a fascinating perspective on the region's industrial and natural beauty. The canal allows guests to witness huge cargo ships and smaller pleasure craft sharing the waterway, all while the ship is raised or lowered by gravity-fed water. This behind-the-scenes look at a crucial part of North American maritime history makes a Welland Canal transit a truly memorable and educational cruise experience.

Top Things to Do in Welland Canal, Ontario

Witness the Ship Transiting a Lock

The highlight of the day is the ship's journey through each of the canal's eight locks. Watch from the deck as the massive gates open, the ship sails into the chamber, and the water levels are meticulously raised or lowered to meet the next stage of the journey. This is a rare and captivating spectacle.

Tip: The Twin Flight Locks (Locks 4, 5, and 6) near Thorold are a particular marvel, as they raise or lower the ship three times in a row. It’s an ideal spot for photography and is considered the most complex part of the system.

Learn About the Canal's Engineering

Listen to your cruise's onboard enrichment lectures or commentary from the bridge. These provide fascinating insights into the history of the canal, its construction, and the incredible engineering principles that allow it to operate with only gravity.

Tip: Ask your cruise staff about the history of the four Welland Canals, as the current one is the latest in a long line of innovative waterways.

Visit the Lock 3 Viewing Centre (from the ship)

While the ship doesn't stop, you'll pass by the Lock 3 Viewing Complex in St. Catharines. This public park and museum has a large viewing platform where local visitors often gather to wave at passing ships, creating a fun, interactive moment with people on shore.

Tip: Have your camera ready and be prepared to wave! The Lock 3 viewing center is often a bustling spot with enthusiastic spectators.

Observe the Surrounding Scenery and Wildlife

The transit offers a constantly changing panorama. You'll pass through quaint Canadian towns, serene parklands, and bustling industrial areas. Look for local wildlife like herons and geese along the banks, or other ships sharing the waterway.

Tip: The entire transit takes several hours, so find a comfortable spot on the open deck to relax and enjoy the ever-changing scenery.

Watch for the Unique Movable Bridges

Pay close attention as the ship approaches one of the many movable bridges that cross the canal. These range from vertical lift bridges that are pulled straight up to allow a ship to pass, to swing bridges that pivot out of the way. It’s a seamless ballet of engineering.

Tip: These bridges are a great place to see people on the shore, sometimes with cars waiting for the ship to pass, providing a direct link between the local community and the massive vessels.

Experience the Sensation of "Floating Uphill" or "Downhill"

As your ship is raised or lowered in each lock, you will physically feel the subtle sensation of the water level changing. It's a unique and memorable feeling to know you are "sailing uphill" from Lake Ontario to Lake Erie or vice-versa, conquering a massive change in elevation.

Tip: This experience is one that's hard to capture in photos. Take a moment to simply stand on the deck and feel the ship's ascent or descent.

Overview