Community Profile
Welcome to the rhythm of Thorold-the small city that lives to the beat of its own rhythm–a little bluesy and a lot friendly. Steeped in the history of the Welland Canal, the City of Thorold sits 350 ft. above sea level at the top of the Niagara Escarpment “Where Ships Climb the Mountain”. A picturesque view of Locks 4,5,6 & 7 awaits you. Coordinate your stop at our Lock 7 Viewing Centre with the Seaway Schedule so you can catch a vessel as it passes the viewing deck.
Thorold’s historical downtown will surprise you with many newly restored buildings with freshly painted facades adding quaint heritage flair. The results are stunning! The beautification of Front Street is helping to rejuvenate the community and destination stores have set the trend. From old favourites to new trend-setting boutiques we invite you to shop, eat or browse at your leisure and let yourself be inspired!
Take part in the rhythm of Thorold and enjoy a variety of live events. You’ll enjoy theatre by talented members of the Thorold Community Theatre, historic Beaverdams Park is host to the sounds of Canada’s oldest community ensemble, the fifty-piece Thorold Reed Concert Band and every fall, experience the energy of the Canal Bank Shuffle, a blues celebration that swings into town and takes the city by storm making Thorold a true Blues destination.
Summertime family traditions start here. For an affordable and fun night out, relive your childhood at Can-View Drive In. Fall is the perfect time to take a family trip to Howells Family Pumpkin Farm for a hayride or a visit to the Haunted Spook Barn. Good times are in store for motorsport enthusiasts at Merritville Speedway –another summertime favourite.
Outdoor enthusiasts will be happy to explore Thorold’s conservation areas for hiking and wildlife watching. Short Hills Provincial Park also offers stunning scenery of the Niagara Escarpment with its equestrian and mountain bike trails. For golf lovers, Brock and Fox Run are two golf courses situated within city limits.
Thorold is rich in buildings of cultural and historic value. Over 50 designated properties are located within the city and surrounding rural communities. Many heritage buildings like Welland Mills are beautifully restored. Significant historic sites such as DeCou House connect us to our past.
History
On November 30, 1824, approximately 200 people gathered near the Allanburg bridge in Thorold to witness the sod-turning for the construction of the Welland Canal. The fourth version of the canal provides you with an opportunity to watch the phenomenon of a ship climbing a mountain, just south of the place where it all began.
Battle of Beaver Dams National Historic Site in Thorold was the site of a decisive British victory during the War of 1812, between Iroquois and American forces. Warned by Canadian heroine, Laura Secord, (and an Iroquois scout) the Caughnawaga Iroquois and Grand River forces defeated an attacking American force near Beaver Dams on 24 June 1813.
Vessels pass through Lock 7 and then sail north into the Twin Flight Locks (Locks 4, 5 and 6). This is the most complex part of the Welland Canal System and it is truly where the magic happens! This is where the ships climb the mountain because this set of locks function like giant steps in a large flight of stairs. The Twin Flight Locks either raise or lower a ship three times the height of a regular lock as this is where the Niagara Escarpment falls. The Twin Flight Locks also allow for two-way traffic so upbound and downbound ships can travel at the same time. The water levels always have to be correct so the vessels can traverse the escarpment smoothly. The height of the lift of the Flight Locks and Lock 7 combined is 57 metres or 187 feet. It truly is an engineering masterpiece!
Top 10 Things to Do in Thorold
1. DeCou House
Laura Secord is a true Canadian hero for her role in warning the British of a surprise attack by American forces.
On June 21, 1813, after overhearing plans of the pending battle, she made the perilous 32 km journey from her home in Queenston to reach Lieutenant FitzGibbon at DeCou House.
2. Twelve Mile Creek
Nestled within the Niagara Escarpment and Twelve Mile Creek valley, this unique and fragile ecosystem provides a tranquil setting for wildlife and visitors.
Renowned as a hot spot for seasonal trout fishing, the area is also popular with birdwatchers.
3. Can-View Drive-In
A throwback to summer fun awaits at the Can-View Drive-In situated on Highway 20 at Highway 406.
As the sun sets behind the screens and ticket booths open, hundreds of families make their way to one of the last remaining drive-ins in southern Ontario.
4. Beaver Dams National Historic Site
Spend quality family time at Battle of Beaverdams Park, a 10-acre park with a bandshell in the heart of downtown Thorold. This historic park plays host to a wide variety of events throughout the year including Canada Day ceremonies.
Battle of Beaver Dams National Historic Site in Thorold was the site of a decisive British victory during the War of 1812, between Iroquois and American forces.
5. Cycling
The City of Thorold is a bicycle friendly community.
From the Welland Canal Parkway Trail you can ride 8km through our tree-lined streets as you make your way to Historic Downtown.
Several bicycle racks are installed for your bike parking convenience.
6. Canal Bank Shuffle
The third weekend in October, we paint the town blue!
For four fun-filled days, music-lovers fill downtown Thorold’s cafés, pubs and halls, where the best blues musicians from both sides of the border appear at the popular annual Canal Bank Shuffle.
7. Lock 7 Viewing Center
Discover the Lock 7 viewing center situated atop of the Niagara escarpment, the most picturesque view of Locks 4,5,6 & 7 awaits you.
You haven’t seen anything yet, until you view a massive ship pass by just a few feet away from you.
8. Restaurants
In Thorold, hospitality and dining is a pleasant experience. Diverse restaurants, bistros and cafés offer something to satisfy every taste – from an Italian feast to roadhouse fare.
Discover the friendly atmosphere and down-home cooking of a family restaurant or local pub.
9. Front Street
The revitalized downtown streetscape is bringing in curious shoppers, residents and developers.
Newly renovated buildings are quickly filling up making Downtown Thorold a destination for visitors looking for a unique “Old Town” experience – and Front Street does not disappoint!
10. Howells Pumpkin Farm
September through October, Howells Pumpkin Farm is where families come to have fun!
Where else can you take the kids to see baby pig races or a jump in a straw barn?
Getting Here
City of Thorold
P.O. Box 1044
Thorold, ON L2V 4A7