The Welland Canal

New! Find out Which Ships are in the Canal Now.

The Welland Canal is an incredible feat of engineering.

Originally initiated by local businessmen, the
first canal (1829) was built to stimulate local
and regional trade. Over the last century and a
half, the canal has grown to become a vital link
for international commerce, connecting The
Atlantic Ocean with the heartlands of North
America.

The present day Welland Canal which connects Lake
Ontario to Lake Erie, is the fourth to be
constructed. It is part of the St. Lawrence Seaway
and 2,350 miles (3,780 km) of the international
waterway.

The Welland Canal is 27 ft. (8.2m) deep and 26 miles (42 km) long.
A system of eight locks circumvent nature's wonder, Niagara Falls.

Locks one to seven are lift locks, each having an
average rise of 46.5 ft. (14.2 m). Lock eight, a
regulating lock, one of the longest locks in the
world, makes the final adjustment to Lake Eries's
level.

Locks four, five and six are called the "flight
locks", because no reach separates them and they
are twinned to allow two way traffic.

The three main cargoes carried through the Welland
Canal include wheat, iron-ore and coal. The
average transit time is about 12 hours.

The Locking Procedure

Uses gravity to raise and lower vessels: To raise
a vessel, the upstream valves are opened at the
bottom of the walls and the following steps occur:

-the ship sails through open gates into the lock.
 It then is secured to bollards near the side of
 the walls.

-the gates are closed and when the valves are
 opened to allow the water to flow in, the ship
 begins to lift.

-when it reaches the correct level, the gates are
opened, and the ship can sail out.

The procedure (which is reversed to lower a
vessel), takes approximately ten minutes and an
average of 21 million gallons (95.4 million
litres) of water.

Scenic Canals Drive

marked with special road signs highlights some of
the many points of interest along the canals.
Detailed touring maps are available from
information centres.

Vessel Information

A daily shipping schedule is posting at the Lock 3
Viewing Centre, St. Catharines.

Picture tour of the Welland Canal

The welland Canal is accessible to private
pleasure craft. Step-on guides for tour groups of
individuals are available at a rate of $20 hour.
Advance booking is required by calling:


 Region Niagara Tourist Council
 (905)984-3626 or
1-800-263-2988.