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Canal Days

Members of the media, sponsors and special guests packed the Vale Health & Wellness Centre Thursday morning as the City of Port Colborne shared the musical lineup and festival details for the 2025 Canal Days Marine Heritage Festival, presented by GIO Rail.

From Friday, August 1 to Monday, August 4, the 47th annual Canal Days promises a Civic Holiday long weekend full of internationally renowned music, family-friendly fun, spectacular fireworks, delicious food, and much more.

Musical lineup

This year’s Canal Days mainstage is located in H.H. Knoll Lakeview Park on Friday, Aug. 1 and Saturday, Aug. 2. The music will then head to West Street on Sunday, Aug. 3.

Festivalgoers can look forward to a selection of all-Canadian performers for 2025.

  • Friday, Aug. 1
    • Opening the festival on Friday, Aug. 1 will be 205 HTZ-FM Rocksearch winners, Small Town Strip Club.
    • Then, 2024 HTZ-FM Rocksearch winners the Feral Minks hit the stage with their infectious alt-rock energy.
    • Next up, are Canadian rock legends Sloan, who have been a cornerstone of alternative music since 1991, with songs such as “Money City Maniacs” and “The Rest of My Life” rocking radios for decades.
    • Closing out the night is Big Sugar, whose heavy soul-driven sound, combined with socially conscious lyrics and a distinct reggae influence have been thrilling audiences across North America for more than 30 years with hit songs including “Diggin’ A Hole” and “Turn the Lights On.”
  • Saturday, Aug. 2
    • The music will resume on Saturday, Aug. 2 when Ottawa’s Boston Levi share their soaring sound and down-to-earth lyricism on the Canal Days main stage.
    • Burlington rockers Finger Eleven will take over with a range of international hits that will get the crowd on their feet including “Paralyzer” and the acoustic favourite “One Thing.”
    • The evening will wrap up with an unforgettable set from Canadian rockers The Trews, when they electrify an unforgettable Saturday night with hits including “Not Ready to Go,” “Highway of Heroes” and “Hold Me In Your Arms.”
  • Sunday, Aug. 3
    • While the City had been planning to host a rooftop concert on Sunday evening, due to growing costs and logistical challenges, the decision has been made to hold the concert at ground level at West Street and Sugarloaf Street instead. Concertgoers will be able to enjoy the musical entertainment and fireworks from the same seat, right near the stage at West and Sugarloaf. Lawn chairs are welcome.
    • U2 tribute band Desire will break in the new West Street Stage on Sunday, Aug. 3 as they get things going with hits from Ireland’s most famous band.
    • Toronto’s Main Event Music will keep things rocking with a captivating 10-piece party band performance that spans musical genres and keeps the audience dancing during the annual fireworks display, which are presented by Rankin Construction and Port Colborne Quarries.

This year, the capacity at H.H. Knoll Lakeview Park has been expanded to welcome up to 15,000 guests each night. However, these free shows are very popular and festivalgoers are encouraged to arrive early. Gates open at 6 p.m., and entry is not guaranteed if you show up late. The City has made several security upgrades to ensure a safe, family-friendly experience, including working with a festival security expert and adjusting the concert layout and entrances to improve crowd flow. A new security team, in coordination with emergency management partners, will oversee all safety measures on-site.

To ensure the health and safety of all concert goers, please note the following rules will be strongly enforced: 

  • No lawn chairs at H.H. Knoll Lakeview Park (Friday and Saturday)
    • An accessible seating area is available for individuals with accessibility needs.
    • Picnic benches are also available for concert goers who are unable to sit on the grass or stand for long periods of time.​
  • No coolers or large bags/backpacks
  • Wristbands required to purchase or consume alcohol. Must be 19+ with valid ID.
  • Bag checks upon entry
    • No weapons, pocketknives, chains or spiked clothing
    • No objects that can be used as projectiles
  • No aerosol cans
  • No outside alcohol or open beverages
  • No drugs or drug paraphernalia
  • No glass bottles or containers.
  • No smoking or vaping
  • No pets
  • Collapsible umbrellas are permitted.
  • No skateboards, rollerblades, bicycles, scooters or similar.
  • Additional rules at CONCERTS | Canal Days

Additional diverse musical performances will be offered by participating establishments along and near West Street throughout the festival grounds. Visitors will be able to take their favourite alcoholic beverage to-go and enjoy a variety of music as they walk through the festival grounds, visiting various vendors, and enjoying activities along the way. A full schedule of music, list of vendors, and more will be available at www.canaldays.ca before the festival!

Something fun for everyone

The festival will see the return of many well-loved signature attractions along with new additions participants are sure to enjoy.

  • Empire Sandy Tall Ship Cruises – The Empire Sandy will return to Port Colborne, offering a variety of cruises aboard the iconic 200-foot topsail schooner. Sponsored by Allied Marine & Industrial and Algoma Central Corporation, guests will be able to choose from a full-day journey along the Welland Canal or two-hour cruises on the picturesque waters of Lake Erie. Tickets for these cruises are on sale now at www.canaldays.ca, and early bird discounts are available until June 30.
  • Kids Zone – Presented by South Coast Homes, the Kids Zone will return to King George Park with tons of family-friendly fun, including bouncy castles, face painting and more!
  • Recreation Zone – Operated by the YMCA and sponsored by Sullivan Mahoney, the Rec Zone will be located in a new spot next to the Kids Zone and will have tons of activities, including basketball, cornhole, and more.
  • Artisan Market – An artisan market on Charlotte Street will feature a selection of unique handmade items from artisans from across the region, including a variety of Indigenous vendors.
  • The Port Colborne Historical & Marine Museum – The Museum is the place where Canal Days began in 1979, and it is sponsored by Lower Lakes Towing. This year, there will again be opening songs from the Strong Water Singers, and the Museum will host the Métis Nation of Ontario’s trading post, as well as Métis artist Tracey-Mae Chambers’ #hopenadhealingcanada art installations. Visitors to the Museum will also experience historical reenactments, heritage displays and demonstrations, marine activities and much more.
  • Sewell’s NAPA Automotive Annual Classic Car Show – The annual car show will cruise into the T.A. Lannan Sports Complex, 550 Elizabeth Street on Sunday, Aug. 3.
  • Indoor Craft Show –The craft show returns to the Vale Health & Wellness Centre, 550 Elizabeth Street, on Saturday, Aug. 2 and Sunday, Aug. 3., and will once again be hosted by the Port Colborne Optimist Club.
  • Indoor Niagara Diecast Toy Show – New to Canal Days, the Indoor Niagara Diecast Toy Show will take place Sunday, Aug. 3 in the Gym at the Vale Health & Wellness Centre, 550 Elizabeth Street. The show will welcome dozens of diecast toy car vendors and will include a downhill race competition, which will be open for public entry.
  • Lighthouse Tours – Lighthouse tours operate Friday, Aug. 1 to Monday, Aug. 4 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sign up for tours at Sugarloaf Marina.
  • Midway Carnival – The Midway will be located on King Street and will feature carnival games and rides. It will be open throughout all four days of the festival.
  • The Boat Parade of Lights – A floating parade of illuminated boats will sail through the Welland Canal prior to the Sunday evening Fireworks Spectacular along historic West Street.
  • Fireworks Spectacular – Presented by Rankin Construction and Port Colborne Quarries, this annual tradition will be held Sunday, Aug. 3 at 10 p.m. (pending Seaway traffic). Watch the show on the Welland Canal as the evening concert rocks on from its new location on West Street. Thank you to RedBoss Pyrotechnicians for preparing a great show again this year!

GIO Rail commits to four years as presenting sponsor

After signing on as Canal Days’ presenting sponsor in 2024, GIO Rail has announced the renewal of that commitment for the next four years.

As a long-time economic partner to Port Colborne, GIO Rail services the wide railway network across the Niagara region and other parts of Ontario. The announcement marks a commitment to enhancing future Canal Days festivals and promises to drive economic growth while strengthening City infrastructure.

GIO Rail Vice-President and Chief Operating Officer Neil Johnson says he is excited to continue the great partnership with the summer festival.

“We are honoured to return as the Canal Days presenting sponsor for 2025 and beyond,” says Johnson. “Canal Days is a one-of-a-kind celebration of Port Colborne’s vibrant marine culture, and we’re proud to deepen our partnership with the City, while contributing to a lasting impact in the community.”

Volunteers

Positions are still available for anyone wishing to volunteer during Canal Days. To volunteer, email volunteers@portcolborne.ca, call 905-835-2900, or complete our online application form. Canal Days volunteers and paramedic services are sponsored by Vale Base Metals.


To stay up to date with information about the 47th Canal Days Marine Heritage Festival, presented by GIO Rail, visit www.canaldays.ca, like us on Facebook (@CanalDays), or follow us on Instagram (@CanalDaysPC).