Welland

Welland is a city built around one of the most important waterways in the great lakes region: The Welland Canal. Originally built in the early 1800s, more than 3,000 ships carrying more than 40 million tonnes of goods pass through the canal’s locks every year between Lake Ontario and Lake Eerie.

A prosperous city has emerged on the banks of the Welland Canal. The original canal that bisected the city is now out-of-use to the major ships travelling to the major ports of Canada and the U.S. It now serves as a recreational waterway flanked by green spaces and gorgeous trails.

Annual festivals like the Marine Heritage Festival over the August long weekend and the Rose Festival in June come with parades, vendors, and live entertainment that draw crowds from across the Niagara region and beyond. The International Flatwater Centre hosts a variety of watersport events where visitors can watch the professionals or participate themselves.

The city was originally a manufacturing and textiles hub for the Niagara region. It’s located less than 30 minutes south of the city of St. Catherines and about the same distance from Niagara Falls. In addition to a charming downtown and plenty of modern dining and shopping, Welland offers residents easy access to some of the region’s best universities, entertainment, natural wonders, and to the local food and wines of Niagara-On-The Lake.

Attractions

• Welland Canal
• Welland Museum
• Welland Farmer’s Market
• Merritt Park Amphitheatre
• Welland International Flatwater Centre

Shopping

• Seaway Mall
• Welland Plaza
• Main Street Bridge’s downtown boutiques
• East Main Plaza
• Fitch Street Plaza

Schools

• Niagara College
• Notre Dame College School
• École Secondaire Catholique Jean-Vanier
• Centennial Secondary School
• Jeanne Sauvé Catholic Elementary School
• Ross Elementary School

Parks & Trails

• Merritt Island Park
• Chippawa Park
• Waterway Trail
• Welland Canal Trail
• Welland Millenium Trail

Highways

• 406
• Hwy 20
• QEW