Welland Canal 
Welland Canal
The 42km (26mi) Welland Canal joins Lake Ontario (75m (246ft) above sea level) and Lake Erie (at 174m (571ft) above sea level almost 100 m (330 ft) higher). The canal is situated not far from the world famous Niagara Falls and close to the Canadian-US frontier. It takes eight massive locks to surmount the so-called "Niagara Escarpment" separating the two large lakes.
The 42km (26mi) Welland Canal joins Lake Ontario (75m (246ft) above sea level) and Lake Erie (at 174m (571ft) above sea level almost 100 m (330 ft) higher). The canal is situated not far from the world famous Niagara Falls and close to the Canadian-US frontier. It takes eight massive locks to surmount the so-called "Niagara Escarpment" separating the two large lakes.
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Must-see attractions nearby:
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Every year more than 1000 ocean-going ships and about 3000 other sea-going vessels pass through the locks, as well as "lakers" and other inland craft mostly sailing under the Canadian flag. In 1990 freight carried totaled about 48 million tons, wheat, iron ore and coal being the principal commodities.
The first Welland Canal was opened in 1829. A second was built between 1845 and 1915, and a third between 1887 and 1930. Even this was unable to meet the demands of ever increasing traffic and larger ships however, and on August 6th 1932 the Governor General of Canada inaugurated a route designed for modern needs. Between 1967 and 1973 a 13 km (8 mi.) stretch near the little town of Welland was re-aligned and straightened and the opportunity simultaneously taken to rebuild an important road and rail underpass. The old canal which leads directly through Welland is now used by pleasure craft and water-skiers.
The eight locks are each 261.8m (860ft) long, 24.4m (80ft) wide and 9.1m (30ft) deep. Ships using the seven lifting locks and the single containing lock which make up the canal staircase are restricted to a maximum length of 222.5m (730ft) and 23m (75ft) beam. The maximum permitted draught is 7.9m (26ft) and the maximum air draught 35.5m (116ft). To raise or lower a ship 14.2m (46ft) in one of the seven chamber locks involves sluicing 94.5 million liters (20million gallons) of water into or out of the lock, a procedure which normally takes about ten minutes.
The first Welland Canal was opened in 1829. A second was built between 1845 and 1915, and a third between 1887 and 1930. Even this was unable to meet the demands of ever increasing traffic and larger ships however, and on August 6th 1932 the Governor General of Canada inaugurated a route designed for modern needs. Between 1967 and 1973 a 13 km (8 mi.) stretch near the little town of Welland was re-aligned and straightened and the opportunity simultaneously taken to rebuild an important road and rail underpass. The old canal which leads directly through Welland is now used by pleasure craft and water-skiers.
The eight locks are each 261.8m (860ft) long, 24.4m (80ft) wide and 9.1m (30ft) deep. Ships using the seven lifting locks and the single containing lock which make up the canal staircase are restricted to a maximum length of 222.5m (730ft) and 23m (75ft) beam. The maximum permitted draught is 7.9m (26ft) and the maximum air draught 35.5m (116ft). To raise or lower a ship 14.2m (46ft) in one of the seven chamber locks involves sluicing 94.5 million liters (20million gallons) of water into or out of the lock, a procedure which normally takes about ten minutes.
Related Attractions
Lock 1
Lock 1 of the Welland Canal is located right at the Lake Ontario entrance to the canal. Close by are the Port Weller dry-docks.
Lock 2
The second lifting lock of the Welland Canal is at St Catharines a short distance inland. Picnic place nearby.
Lock 3
An observation platform at Lock 3 of the Welland Canal, (south of St Catharines) gives an excellent view of the lock in operation. Information center.
Lock 7
Situated at the small town of Thorold Lock 7 of the Welland Canal is the final lifting lock on the Niagara Escarpment section of the canal.
Lock 8
The regulating system at Lock 8 of the Welland Canal (at the Lake Erie end of the canal at Port Colborne) is one the largest in the world. Interested spectators can watch from the viewing tower in the adjacent park.
Locks 4, 5, 6
The three twin-flight locks of the Welland Canal (4, 5 and 6) are the most interesting part of the canal. They can handle two ships simultaneously, one going up and the other in a parallel lock going down.
Merritt Island, Canada
Merritt Island is located between the Welland Canal and the Welland River and is home to Merritt Island Park.
The length of old canal made redundant by the new stretch completed in 1974 is now used for water sports and by pleasure craft. Leisure and sports facilities are provided on Merritt Island, which lies cut off between the two canals. Information board (history of the canal).
The length of old canal made redundant by the new stretch completed in 1974 is now used for water sports and by pleasure craft. Leisure and sports facilities are provided on Merritt Island, which lies cut off between the two canals. Information board (history of the canal).
Merritt Trail
The interesting Merritt Trail takes in various old and modern sections illustrating different phases in the enlargement of the canal.
The trail covers four sections from Port Dalhousie to Welland and is used for hiking, walking, cycling, jogging, hiking, and cross-country skiing in winter.
The trail covers four sections from Port Dalhousie to Welland and is used for hiking, walking, cycling, jogging, hiking, and cross-country skiing in winter.
Port Robinson
In August 1974 the M.V. "Steelton" rammed Bridge No. 12 at Port Robinson, destroying it.
Port Robinson is divided by the Welland Canal and with the bridge taken out in the mishap, getting from one side to the other involves either a long detour to a bridge further along, or a passenger ferry that runs during the summer months.
Port Robinson is divided by the Welland Canal and with the bridge taken out in the mishap, getting from one side to the other involves either a long detour to a bridge further along, or a passenger ferry that runs during the summer months.
Thorold Tunnel
The Thorold Tunnel (Highway 58), the first to pass under the Welland Canal, was opened in 1968.
