What to visit?

 

Welland Canals Centre at Lock 3

 

The Welland Canal is one of the world’s greatest engineering triumphs – the passageway between Lake Erie and Lake Ontario, built to circumvent mighty Niagara Falls. Explore the fascinating story of the Welland Canals and the unique history of St. Catharines – Canada’s Canal City in the St. Catharines Museum. See the ships ‘climb the mountain’ from the elevated observation platform and enjoy a video presentation of Welland Canals – Past and Present. Open year-round, daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. extended hours in the summer. Ships transit the canal from April to December. Call 905-984-8880 or toll-free 1-800-305-5134.

St. Catharines Museum at Lock 3

From the elevated viewing platform at Lock 3, get a close-up look at ships from around the world and experience the wonder of the Welland Canal.

 

Inside, watch the 15 minute video presentation Welland Canals Past and Present and learn more about the four Welland Canals in the Museum exhibits and education programs. The Museum chronicles the industrial, cultural and social history of the area with an emphasis on the Welland Canal.

Check also www.stcatharineslock3museum.ca for more information. 

 

Collections

 

The St. Catharines Museum possesses a major collection of artifact, archival, and art material related to the history of St. Catharines and the Welland Canal.

It includes shipping and marine artifacts, industrial and agricultural collections, military, sports, fire fighting, household furnishings, costumes and textiles, and fine art.

An Archives incorporates collections of Library holdings, photographs, maps, plans, municipal, corporate, and personal collections, and individual collections such as: Girl Guides, Fred Pattison Aviation Collection (BCAPT), St. Lawrence Seaway, family papers, marine photographs, Ferranti-Packard, and the DeCew Falls Waterworkds Collection.

 

Other large collections focus on sports (especially rowing), ships and shipping, the Welland Canals, the grape and wine industry, education, costumes and textiles, fine art,

community organizations, newspapers, and land records.
 

Marine History (including shipping and shipbuilding)

Educational Resources