Parks

Port Colborne is home to numerous beautiful parks and parkettes. Below is a list of some of our more noteworthy recreational properties:

HH Knoll Lakeview ParkHH Knoll Park
One of our major Parks is the beautiful H.H. Knoll Lakeview Park, which was established in 1922. Port Colborne's waterfront park overlooking Sugarloaf Harbour and Gravelly Bay.

Features include an outdoor picnic pavilion, outdoor stage, rose garden, Melissa's Memorial Playground, Discovery Spray Pad and washrooms. Lakeview Park is the beginning of the Welland Canals Recreational Trail and site of numerous community events including Canada Day Celebrations, Flavours of Niagara, and Canal Days Giant Kite Flying Competition and Car Show.

Located downtown at Sugarloaf Street at Elm Street.

Lock 8 Gateway Park
Overlooking the Welland Canal, and one of the world's longest locks, this beautiful viewing area and park was established November 5, 1979 to commemorate the visit by then Governor General Ed Schreyer and to mark then 150th anniversary of the opening of the 1st Welland Canal. As a regulating, or guard gate, Lock 8 raises or lowers ships 1 to 4 feet, depending on Lake Erie water levels. At 1,380 feet, it is one of the longest canal locks in the world. The "Jackknife" bridges at either end are raised and lowered as ships pass in, or out of the lock. Lock 8 Gateway Park contains an elevated viewing platform, flower gardens, fountains, picnic pavilion, and washrooms. Materials explaining the operation of the Canal, and information on ship schedules and destinations can be obtained at the Visitor Information Centre located across Mellanby Avenue from the park.
Located at Main Street West and the Welland Canal.

Centennial Cedar Bay Park
A quiet park, the former Township of Humberstone's Centennial Project was revamped in 1967. A 46-acre park overlooking Cedar Bay. Outdoor picnic pavilion, washrooms, tennis courts, baseball field, horseshow rings and sand beach. This is the site of Port Colborne Saddle Club events.
Located on Vimy Road at the southern end of Cedar Bay Road, off Highway #3 on the east side of the canal.

 
 
 

Trails

Two trails terminate in Port Colborne, both of which form part of the Greater Niagara Circle Route. These are excellent, paved, multi-used trails passing by some of the best scenery in southern Niagara, including the historic Welland Canal. Great for walking, cycling, skating, or wheeling. Click on the name of each trail to view their respective web-pages.

Greater Niagara Circle RouteThe Greater Niagara Circle Route
The Greater Niagara Circle Route is a paved, multi-use trail that connects Port Colborne, Fort Erie, Niagara Falls, Niagara on the Lake, St. Catharines, Thorold, and Welland in a 140 km circuit. It is made up of several different trails. In Port Colborne, the Welland Canals Parkway, which runs on a north/south axis from Welland, and the Friendship Trail, which runs on an east/west axis from Fort Erie, both meet at Seaway Park. A spur of the trail runs along the Port Promenade, parallel to Historic West Street, and terminates at scenic HH Knoll Park.

 

Friendship Trail LogoThe Friendship Trail
This 13.6 kilometer scenic pathway is paved and safe for cycling and ideal for walking, jogging, and rollerblading. The trail begins at Port Colborne Seaway Park and ends at Historic Fort Erie where it meets up with the Niagara Parks Commission Recreation Trail. All along its length this trail coincides with the Trans-Canada Trail.


Welland Canals ParkwayThe Welland Canals Parkway
This trail follows the canal along its west bank from St. Catharines through Thorold, Welland and Port Colborne. In Thorold, the path crosses onto the "Thorold Island" created between the old thrid canal and the current fourth canal. In Welland it follows the old fourth canal through the city and is paved on both sides of the canal. The trail zig-zags across the canal in Port Colborne until it meets the Friendship trail at Seaway Park.

 
 
 

Conservation Areas

Below is brief information on the two major conservation areas in and around Port Colborne. Both are important wetlands that are havens to migratory birds, and other forms of wildlife. Click on the name of each conservation area to visit their respective web-pages maintained by the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Area.

The Wainfleet Bog Conservation Area
The Wainfleet Bog is located on the western edge of Port Colborne. The wetland attracts a large variety of butterflies and bird species including yellow warblers, great blue herons, egrets, gulls, terns, sandpipers and ducks. Abandoned quarries on the site contain an interesting array of coral fossils extending back 380 million years.
The 1,000-acre Wainfleet Bog is the largest remaining peat bog in Southwestern Ontario.
An important wildlife habitat, the Bog is home to a small remnant population of Massassauga rattlesnakes as well as the rare Spotted Turtle. Controlled seasonal hunting for deer and small game. One hour trail rides through the Conservation Area are offered throughout the year by HorsePlay Niagara. Located at Wilson Road off Highway 3 West.

Mud Lake Conservation Area
A special place to experience nature at its best, Mud Lake contains 160 acres of lakes, streams, wetlands and woods.  The perfect spot for hiking, bird watching, and cross-country skiing or viewing the scholars from the South Niagara Rowing Club.

On the flight path of many migratory birds. More than 60 species of birds and waterfowl can be identified at this location. Controlled waterfowl hunting from late September to mid-November.
Easy access from the Welland Canals Recreational Trail or by following Elm Street North. Open all year round.


Also located around Port Colborne are these three smaller conservation areas. All are great places to experience nature, as well as spot birds and other types of wildlife.