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With its clear beaches, vibrant waterfront and welcoming small-town charm, Port Colborne is gaining recognition as a sought-after tourism destination – including as a friendly port for international cruise ship visitors.
This season, the City expects 66 ship visits from four major cruise lines: Viking’s Octantis and Polaris, Victory Cruise Lines’ Victory I and Victory II, Pearl Seas Cruises’ Pearl Mist, and Ponant’s Le Bellot. The arrival of the Viking Polaris on Saturday, April 18, will mark the start of the 2026 cruise ship season.
While cruise ships have long been welcomed in Port Colborne, the City’s cruise tourism is reaching new levels of international interest.
Greg Higginbotham, Port Colborne’s Manager of Government Relations, says passengers visit from across the globe – including French, European and American markets – with many discovering the City for the first time as part of their journey through the Welland Canal.
“Our involvement with cruise tourism stems from Port Colborne’s location as the southern gateway to the Welland Canal, with direct connections to major Great Lakes ports such as Toronto, Cleveland, Chicago, and Duluth,” explains Higginbotham.
Visitors looking to explore beyond the port can join historical walking tours organized by the City and led by residents, providing a closer look at Port Colborne’s history, waterfront, and downtown area.
Local resident and tour guide Brian Harvey, who is entering his second full season leading tours, says the experience is as rewarding for guides as it is for visitors.
“I love the positive energy and sharing of historical information with passengers during their tour,” he says. “Passengers have been naturally inquisitive, and the tour has a great, easily walkable mix of hands-on historical elements, as well as stories and history to share as we move from the wharf to the museum, the canal and the business district.”
The 90-minute tour includes a leisurely walk along the canal and across the lift bridge, weaving together scenic views and stories the City’s rich marine heritage. Visitors also can also explore the Port Colborne Historical & Marine Museum’s many exhibits at their own pace.
Harvey says he’s sure to share the significance of the Welland Canal and its impact on the region through each tour.
“Passengers will either have just recently navigated the canal from Lake Ontario, or will soon be embarking on that journey, so there is also a healthy appetite to understand more about the canal and this manmade passage between Lake Ontario and Lake Erie,” explains Harvey. “Being able to show historical elements of earlier canal infrastructure and communicate the way of life of locals over two centuries is a powerful reminder of our past, while showing the promise of our future.”
Of course, each tour concludes with a quick stop at a local business to enjoy a sweet treat or glass of Niagara wine – a fitting way to wrap up the excursion.
Higginbotham says the growth and success of the City’s tour guide program is largely resident-driven, shaped by local enthusiasm for showcasing the community.
“Our current roster of guides is outstanding,” he says. “None are professional tour guides by trade, but you wouldn’t know it from the quality of their tours.”
Guides complete a training program, including walk-through practice activities, before leading small groups of approximately 15 passengers.
“Thanks to the success of our historical walking tours, more and more visitors are shopping at local businesses,” says Higginbotham. “It’s been very convenient having the cruise ships dock right downtown Port Colborne. Passengers are drawn in by what they see and are eager to explore the local shops.”
Beyond history, sightseeing and shopping, Harvey says it’s the connection between residents and visitors that leaves the strongest impression.
“I think the greatest impact I have personally witnessed is seeing some of the passengers connect with the Port Colborne community through our history,” he says. “There are many ‘aha’ moments as we walk through town and passengers make connections with our history – and often their own at the same time.”
Higginbotham agrees, noting the City’s small-town atmosphere is what sets it apart as a sought-after travel destination.
“The welcoming atmosphere and walkable streets in Port Colborne offer a relaxed and accessible visitor experience,” he says. “I can’t count how many times I’ve heard how welcoming Port Colborne residents are. Our residents go out of their way to say hello, give directions, and even offer to show cruise visitors around.”
As the City continues to welcome cruise ships from around the world, it’s the people, their stories, and the shared sense of community that make visitors feel right at home in Port Colborne.
Community members interested in learning more about the City’s cruise ship tour guide program are invited to contact tourism@portcolborne.ca
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