City of Port Colborne

Cruise through history at Canal Days!

In 2009 the St. Lawrence Seaway celebrates it's 50th anniversary. The Welland Canal is an intrinsic part of the Seaway system and is still a very active trade and commerce route so it's business as usual as giant freighters, barges, and lakers glide past the festival all weekend long.

Only in Port Colborne does the current Welland Canal pass directly through the downtown business district, and only during Canal Days will visitors find an impressive array of special guests: Tall Ships, Coast Guard vessels, a working Fire Boat, and many other ships along the wall at historic West Street.

Many of these ships are open for public viewing, and many of the ships' crew interact with festival guests, or compete in marine challenges. Lake Erie Tall Ship Cruises are available and guests can also book a sunset dinner cruise, or view the spectacular Canal Days Fireworks from the deck of the Empire Sandy.

What better way to celebrate the height of summer than to bring all the elements togather - the feel of the wind and the deck beneath your feet, the spray of the water, the warmth of the air, and the fires of celebration in the sky overhead.

Returning to Canal Days this year is:

• Brig Niagara
• Empire Sandy
• E.M.Cotter 

The Historic US Brig Niagara is a reconstruction of the original vessel, first launch in 1813. She contains many elements of the first ship which was resurrected from the bottom of Lake Erie after being sunk for preservation in 1820. The Niagara was an important battle vessel during the 1812 war between the British and US - a battle that took place on the very waters she sails today. At 60m (198 ft) she is one of the largest Tall Ships to appear at Canal Days in recent years; so large, in fact, that she will require wall space on West street that would normally be occupied by three lesser ships. Deck tours will be available throughout the weekend, and although she won't be taking visitors out for cruises, she will be particpating in the pre-fireworks boat parade on Sunday August 2 - giving everyone an opportunity to see this awesome ship in sail.