The Welland Canal

The Welland Canal is an amazing site to behold in the Niagara Region.  This canal transports ships from Lake Erie to Lake Ontario by using a series of 8 different locks that either raise and lower the ships depending on the direction they are going.  There is a difference in height of 99.5 m (326.5 feet) between the two lakes.   It is 42 km (26 miles) long and is used by more than 3000 ships every year.  Originally built in the early 1800’s it has gone through a number of changes since then.  The current version is the fourth canal to be built.

Port Colborne has three bridges that raise to allow the ships to pass.  In between two of the bridges is a park where you can get a close view of one of the worlds longest locks which is 1,380 feet long.  It has a viewing platform where you can see the lock  raises or lowers the ship 1 to 4 feet  depending on the levels of water in Lake Erie.  There is also a Visitor Information center located across the road on Mellanby Ave where you can learn more about the canal, the times the ships are coming through as well as about the beautiful Niagara Region.

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