Community Profile
The City of Port Colborne is where the Welland Canal joins with Lake Erie. The canal, which passes through the heart of the city, has been a driver of growth in the community. Today, the Welland Canal continues to play an important role in Port Colborne, serving as a multi-modal transportation hub. It is also a focus of many tourism attractions in the city.
Even to this day, some of Port Colborne’s major businesses rely on the canal for the movement of cargos to and from the City. Business has evolved to now include ship repair shops and ship wrecking yard. Port Colborne is the only location along the Welland canal right next to modern ships.
Downtown Port Colborne, located on the west side of the canal near the Clarence Street Lift Bridge, is home to the Port Colborne Historical & Marine Museum and Heritage Village which celebrated and documents the history of the Port Colborne area and its marine industry. Historic West Street boasts some of the finest shops and restaurants in southern Niagara, and the Port Promenade is an excellent place to watch ships pass through the Welland Canal and into Lake Erie.
Lock 8 Gateway Park with an elevated viewing platform, flower gardens, fountains, picnic pavilion and washrooms, is a popular location to watch ships as they pass through the southernmost lock on the Welland Canal.
The park also includes the uniquely designed “Algoport” Skate and Bike Park, which has been styled to resemble a freight ship.
Lock 8 is the second longest canal lock in the world at 421 metres in length. The jack-knife bridges at both ends rise as ships pass through the lock. The Port Colborne Visitor Information Centre is located adjacent to the park at the corner of Main Street West and Mellanby Avenue.
Port Colborne also offers a large marina, several public beaches, Vale Health & Wellness Centre which includes two arenas and a pool, and dozens of kilometers of paved recreational trails.
Two 18-hole golf courses are within the immediate vicinity of Port Colborne, along with many parks and conservation areas for relaxation and hiking.
history
The history of Port Colborne is closely entwined with that of the Welland Canal. Port Colborne was established as a settlement when the Welland Canal was extended from Port Robinson to Lake Erie in 1833. From grain terminals and flour mills to a steel mill and metal refinery, the Welland Canal’s presence running through the middle of the community has shaped the local economy.
The Clarence Street Lift Bridge is one of three remaining lift bridges operating on the Welland Canal. Next to the bridge are walls of the old guard locks from the second and third Welland Canals, as well as the abutments of a swing bridge that once crossed the canal.
Port Colborne celebrated its marine heritage with the annual Canal Days Marine Heritage Festival. Held during the civic holiday long-weekend in August, this is your opportunity to view and tour ships, cruise Lake Erie or the Welland Canal on a tall ship, and join the festivities held throughout town including an exciting concert series.
Top 10 Things to Do in Port Colborne
1. Algoport Skate & BMX Park
Located at Lock 8 Park, the Algoport Skate & BMX Park’s design is marine heritage and replicates a laker passing under a bridge and portrays a compass to navigate youth.
2. Roselawn Centre for the Arts
The Arts and Cultural Route is a self-directed guide to the studios and galleries.
The Roselawn Centre for the Arts is a community centre that host the Showboat Festival Theatre as well as international acclaimed musicians.
3. Cycling
Discover the outdoors by exploring the numerous cycling and hiking trails.
Greater Niagara Cycle Route, The Friendship Trail, Gordon Harry Conservation Trail, the Lake Erie Waterfront Trail and The Welland Canals Parkway Trail.
4. Canal Days
Port Colborne has a number of events throughout the year.
The signature event is the Canal Days Marine Heritage Festival each August long weekend.
Other popular events are Flavours, and Sportsfest.
5. Sugarloaf Marina
The Marina has over 700 ships and provides all the on-shore amenities to make your visit enjoyable.
Fishing in Port Colborne is an amazing experience, offering year-round, world-class sport fishing.
6. Historical Marine Museum & Heritage Village
The Port Colborne Historical Marine Museum and Heritage Village features a century of heritage buildings, historic gardens, pathways, covered pavilion and a tea room.
The 1861 Georgian-Revival style Williams Home serves as the main exhibit gallery.
7. Lock 8
HH Knoll- Lakeview Park is a waterfront park overlooking Sugarloaf Marina and Gravelly Bay.
Lock 8 Gateway Park overlooks the Welland Canal. Mud Lake Conservation Area encompasses 160 acres of lakes, streams, wetlands and woods.
8. Nickel Beach
Nothing can beat a day at the Lake! Nickel Beach contains shady picnic areas, washrooms and unsupervised swimming.
Centennial-Cedar Bay Beach with tennis courts, playing fields, and washrooms on site.
9. Shopping
Check out the many unique shopping experiences that Port Colborne has to offer.
Shopping areas are Downtown Port Colborne, Main Street, West Side Plaza, Port Colborne Mall and Portal Village Plaza.
Stroll…Shop…and Relax!
10. Vale Health & Wellness Centre
The 145,000 square foot venue includes two NHL-sized ice pads, a walking/jogging track, six outdoor bocce courts and through the YWCA, an aquatic centre with lap and leisure pools, a gymnasium and fitness area.
Getting Here
Port Colborne Visitor Information Centre
76 Main Street West
Port Colborne, ON L3K 3V2
Port Colborne Economic Development, Tourism and Marketing
66 Charlotte Street
Port Colborne, ON L3K 3C8