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small city in Niagara Region, Ontario, Canada
North America > Canada > Ontario > Niagara Peninsula > Welland

The Welland Civic Square

Welland is a city of 56,000 people (2021) in the Niagara Region of Ontario Canada. The city is centred on the Old Welland Canal which splits the city into a Northwestern section and a Southeastern section. The Eastern section is primarily older, having been the original settlement for the diggers of the Welland Canal. As the town grew it expanded Northwest and is now almost completely urbanized in this area.

Understand

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History

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Welland Courthouse

The city was settled in 1788 by the United Empire Loyalists, who were refugees from the United States. On 19 October 1814, Canadian forces led by George Hay, 8th Marquess of Tweeddale, met an American raiding party, numbering approximately nine hundred, near the eastern edge of the present community during the Battle of Cook's Mills. After an intense skirmish, the Americans retreated to Buffalo, New York. Cook's Mills was the second to last engagement of the War of 1812 on Canadian soil.

The Welland Canal has been involved in the area's history since the First Welland Canal was extended to reach Lake Erie in 1833. A wooden aqueduct was built to carry the Welland Canal over the Welland River at what is now downtown Welland, and the area became known as simply Aqueduct. A lock to cross from the canal to the river and vice versa was also built. A small shantytown soon developed around the facility, providing essential services in what was a convenient stop-over location.

The growing town was later named Merrittsville, after William Hamilton Merritt, the initiator of the Welland Canal project. This name is still reflected in the name of the Merrittville Highway (Niagara Road 50), which served as the primary north-south route in central Niagara before the construction of Highway 406. Welland gained its present name when it was incorporated on 25 July 1858. It became a city in 1917.

In addition to the presence of the canal, one of the few railway crossings across the canal was near Welland. The two factors contributed to the development of heavy industry in Welland. The Plymouth Cordage Company was the first major industrial company to open a plant in Welland in 1906. By the 1930s, Welland was an important industry location in the region and was developing rapidly.

In the 1960s, the city was starting to outgrow the canal passing through its core. The Welland By-Pass project, started in 1967 and finished in 1973, provided a new, shorter alignment for the Welland Canal by removing it from downtown Welland to the city's outskirts. With the completion of the bypass, Welland's east end (and the former town of Crowland) became a virtual human-made island between the new and old canal channels.

This was viewed with enthusiasm as the canal's constant traffic was interfering heavily with transportation within the city. The canal's old alignment was renamed the Welland Recreational Waterway with the purpose of developing several recreational facilities and tourist attractions along its shores. The plans called for fishing platforms, water slides, boat rental points, as well as marine and rail historical exhibits.

The effects of the canal relocation were compounded by the gradual, but steady move of industry out of Welland as a trend for global manufacturing was developing. As a result, there was much deterioration in downtown Welland in the years immediately after the project. Many businesses relocated to the city's north end, where a retail hub was being developed in and around the Seaway Mall.

Visitor Information

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Get in

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Map
Map of Welland

By car

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From St. Catharines take Highway 406 south. The 406 passes through Thorold before ending in Welland. The North end of Welland can be accessed from the Merritt Rd. exit. The Seaway Mall and other large stores and restaurants can be accessed from the Woodlawn Rd. exit. The Southeastern part of Welland and the downtown core can be accessed from Main St. where Highway 406 ends in a roundabout.

By bus

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Get around

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  • Niagara Region Transit (local routes) (formerly Welland Transit), ☏ +1 833-678-5463. Niagara Region Transit operates local bus routes within Welland as well as regional routes. To pay the local fare ($3 as of 2023), insert exact cash (coins or paper money) into a fare box. After paying your fare, ask for a transfer to complete your trip on another local Niagara Falls Transit bus. The local fare is not valid for intercity trips. Buses generally run every 30 or 60 minutes. (updated Mar 2022)

Taxis are also available but it is recommended that you travel by car. Park lands neighbour the canals and river and contain a continuous trail that runs the length of the city. This makes biking a convenient method to travel North-South in the city.

Biking or rollerblading along the canal trails is a good, safe way of connecting to the cities to the north and south, avoiding practically all car traffic.

  • Welland Canal. Hard to miss! Once the largest industrial project in the world and still operating today it facilitated the opening of the Upper Great Lakes to the Atlantic and thereby imperial Britain. A monument to the hundreds of workers who died in its construction can be found just outside the downtown core.
  • Merritt Island is in the center of the town and is a 3 km long island that runs between the Old Welland Canal and the Welland River. Recreational trails and parks run the extent of it. The only car entrance is from the southern edge behind the court house. Near the parking lot there is a playground for children, and in the summer you can rent paddle boats and canoes for use along the river. The Niagara Food Festival is held in this park in the fall.
  • Welland is known for its murals. Around town you can find varied sizes and genres of the wall paintings.
  • The village of Port Robinson is divided by the current Welland Canal. Either side is a good location to watch for ships traversing the canal. The canal is operational from late March to Christmas every year.
  • 1 Can View Drive-In, 1956 Regional Road #20, Fonthill, . Movie Hotline +1 905-892-9929 or +1 905-892-1155. Opens mid-April every year subject to weather. Admission varies, see web-site. (updated Mar 2022)
  • 2 Fonthill Bandshell, 20 Pelham Town Square, Fonthill. 7PM-9PM. Summer Concert Series in Peace Park south of Fonthill City Hall. Thursday nights from mid-June to September. The organizers include a wide variety of musical styles. Bring your own lawn chair. Admission by donation. (updated Mar 2022)
  • Merrittville Speedway, 2371 Merrittville Highway, Thorold (go west from Hwy 406 on Regional Rd 20, and turn north), ☏ +1 905-892-8266. Gate opens at 5:30PM, Showtime is 7PM. Canada's longest-running dirt track features stock car racing Saturdays from late April till Labour Day weekend. There are also special events on some other days, e.g. Labour Day Weekend. Adults $12, students (13-18) & seniors $10, kids (8-12) $5, under 8 free. Parking free. 
  • Niagara Regional Exhibition (Welland Fair), 1100 Niagara St, ☏ +1 905-735-6413, toll-free: +1 888-935-6413, fax: +1 905-735-2317, . Held every year in early June - will next be held June 3, 4, and 5, 2022. Admission $5, All-day rides $35. (updated Mar 2022)
  • Pelham Summerfest, . "Come Chill on the Hill". Four days of family fun occur on the 3rd weekend of July each year. Free. (updated Mar 2022)
  • 3 Welland International Flatwater Centre, North Course: 16 Townline Tunnel Rd, South Course: 473 Forks Rd, ☏ +1 905-735-1700 (Ext. 4000). Disciplines include canoe, dragon boat, kayak, paddle board, rowing, swimming, scuba diving, and triathalon. (updated Mar 2022)
  • Welland Recreational Waterway, ☏ +1 905-732-7673. The Old Welland Canal that runs though the town is now a recreational canal and supports many different water sports including fishing, jet skiing, water skiing, and rowing. Certain speed limits have been put in place in different areas. Swimming in the canal is not advised, but some people swim around one of the numerous boat ramps in the centre of town. 
  • Welland Rose Festival, ☏ +1 905-732-7673. Annual event that occurs mid-June. (updated Oct 2024)
  • Youngs Sportsplex, 570 River Rd, ☏ +1 905-735-8106, . A multi-sports complex serving Welland and the Niagara Region. Four indoor tennis courts, an indoor FIFA regulation sized soccer field, and five outdoor soccer fields. Also indoor golf driving range, ultimate frisbee, slo-pitch, flag football, field lacrosse, and corporate kickball. (updated Mar 2022)
  • Welland Jackfish, 90 Quaker Rd, ☏ +1 905 630-9036. 2019 is the inaugural season for the Welland Jackfish baseball team in the independent Intercounty Baseball League. The team used to be the Burlington Twins/Herd. May to August. $8. (updated Apr 2019)
  • 4 Hike or bike the Greater Niagara Circle Route. 140 km trail that goes through Niagara Falls, Fort Erie, Port Colborne, Welland, Thorold, St. Catharines and Niagara on the Lake. Greater Niagara Circle Route (Q127242875) on Wikidata 
  • Big Box Zone (Woodlawn and Hwy 406). There's not much in the way of big box stores in Welland. This area includes a Wal-Mart Supercentre, Canadian Tire, RONA, LBO, Dollar Tree, and Marks Work Wearhouse. 
  • 1 Seaway Mall, 800 Niagara Street North (at Niagara and Woodlawn), ☏ +1 905-735-0694, fax: +1 905-735-5422, . M-F 10AM-7PM; Sa 10AM-5PM; Su 11AM-5PM. The largest shopping centre in Welland. The main stores are Hart, Shoppers Drug Mart, SportChek, Staples, Stitches, and Winners. There is a Cineplex on the south-east corner, and a branch of the Welland Public Library. Seaway Mall (Q17124738) on Wikidata Seaway Mall on Wikipedia (updated Mar 2022)
  • 2 Welland's Farmers Market, 50 Market Square (between Young and Division Streets), ☏ +1 905-735-1700 ext 4000, . Sa 6AM-noon (year round). The largest, oldest, and most well-known market in the Niagara Region. Farmers' Market Building (Q114580085) on Wikidata 
  • 3 Pelham Farmer's Market, 20 Pelham Town Square (Fonthill). Every Thursday May to October, 4PM to dusk. Some days have special events, eg Salsa Competition or Pumpkin Challenge. Now includes a Supper Market featuring foods from local restaurants. 

There are many chain restaurants around Welland, and Niagara Street is home to many of those chain restaurants including A&W, Boston Pizza, Burger King, Dairy Queen, Harvey's, Little Caesars Pizza, McDonald's, Mr. Sub, Pita Pit, Pizza Hut, Popeyes, Subway, Swiss Chalet, Tim Hortons (two locations), and Wendy's.

  • Beamsville Fish and Chips, 397 Thorold Rd (between South Pelham Road, and Prince Charles), ☏ +1 905-732-9444. M-Th 11AM-9PM, F 11AM-10PM, Sa noon-8PM, Su 4-8PM. Take-out fish and chips, and some other items. Now has a seating area. (updated Mar 2022)
  • 1 Blue Star, 676 King St (south of downtown, north of Ontario Rd), ☏ +1 905-732-2459, fax: +1 905-732-3302. M Tu 9AM-7PM, Th-F 9AM-7PM, Sa Su 8:30AM-7PM. A very popular Welland restaurant. (updated Mar 2022)
  • Cool Licks, 642 King St (south of downtown, north of Ontario Rd), ☏ +1 905-734-7665. A family-run ice cream and small meal parlour with large portions and cheap prices. This place is packed in the summer. 
  • Mossimo's Pizza & Subs, 164 Regional Road 20 West, Pelham, ☏ +1 905-892-7777. Su-Th 10:30AM-10PM, F Sa 10:30AM-11PM. Mossimo's started in 1993 as a small mostly take-out pizza joint. In 2000, they moved to a larger location. In March 2014, they opened a new bigger restaurant. This growth is because it is Fonthill/Pelham's favourite pizza parlour. (updated Mar 2022)
  • Mr Mikes Steakhouse Casual, 800 Niagara St N (Seaway Mall), ☏ +1 289-820-8886, . Su-W noon-9PM, Th-Sa noon-10PM. This is the first location in Eastern Canada of this Western Canadian chain. (updated Jan 2018)
  • 2 M.T. Bellies Tap & Grill, 871 Niagara St, ☏ +1 905-788-9474. Su-W 11:30AM-9PM, Th-Sa 11:30AM-10PM. Their slogan is "Big Food Big Fun" and definitely lives up to this. Definitely try the Buffalo Chicken Fingers or Chicken Parmesan. Make reservations if coming at a busy time. The bar is also popular with the locals and is a good place to meet long time Wellanders. (updated Mar 2022)
  • 3 My Place Bar & Grill, 20 Regional Rd 20, Fonthill, ☏ +1 905-892-4949, . Tu-Th 11:30AM-10PM, F Sa 11:30AM-11PM, Su 11:30AM-9PM. Mediterranean cuisine. Serves a nice Sunday brunch buffet with omelet bar. (updated Mar 2022)
  • Peter Pipers Pubhouse, 111 Regional Rd 20, Fonthill, ☏ +1 905-892-0782. Su noon-8PM, M Tu 11AM-9PM, W Th 11AM-11PM, F 11AM-midnight, Sa noon-midnight. Regular specials most days, including $5 burgers on Mondays, and Beef on Weck on Thursdays. Parking came be a problem at busy times. (updated Mar 2022)
  • Pho Real, 124 Regional Rd 20, Fonthill, ☏ +1 289-897-8799. Su-Th 11AM-9PM, F Sa 11AM-10PM. (updated Mar 2022)
  • Cheers Restaurant, 292 East Main St., ☏ +1 905-732-5551, . Tu-Su 11AM - midnight; Su-Mo 3PM - 11PM. Local pub with award winning fish and chips, homemade burgers and chicken wings. (updated Jan 2023)

Drink

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Sleep

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  • 1 Best Western Plus Rose City Suites Hotel, 300 Prince Charles Dr, ☏ +1 905-732-0922, toll-free: +1 800-387-8186, fax: +1 905-732-0644, . Check-in: 3PM, check-out: 11AM. Smoke-free, all-suite hotel. Some suites have a full fridge and stove. Complimentary hot breakfast. Beside the Old Welland Canal. (updated Mar 2022)
  • Hipwell's Motel, 299 20 Hwy, Pelham (one mile west of Fonthill), ☏ +1 905-892-3588, fax: +1 905-892-0068. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: 10:30AM. 26 rooms. Outdoor pool. Picnic area. (updated Mar 2022)
  • 2 Travelodge by Wyndham, 870 Niagara St (north of Seaway Mall), ☏ +1 289-820-7020. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: 11AM. Pet friendly (ground floor only). 80 rooms. Free continental breakfast. (updated Mar 2022)
  • 3 Holiday Inn Express & Suites Welland, 224 Power Dr, Welland, ON L3B 5N4 (Going southbound on highway 406 take the exit for Woodlawn Rd, take a right onto Woodlawn Rd, take a right on Primeway Dr, take a right on River Rd, left on Power Dr.), ☏ +1 905-735-9999, toll-free: +1-877-660-8550, . Check-in: 3:00 PM, check-out: 11:00 AM. Welland's newest hotel opening in September of 2021. The hotel has 4 floors, 16 suites, 8 accessible rooms for a total of 80 smoke free units. Complimentary Breakfast/Coffee. Other amenities included are free Wi-Fi, access to an indoor pool, limited fitness center, ice machines and an ATM. Self-Parking is available for free. CAD. (updated Dec 2023)

Connect

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Go next

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  • Hamilton — the Niagara Peninsula's largest city, and the "City of Waterfalls".
  • Niagara Falls — 30 minutes to the east.
  • Niagara-on-the-Lake — a quaint, historic town with great little shops, restaurants, wineries, and (in the summer) the Shaw Theatre Festival.
  • Port Colborne — at the south end of the canal, on Lake Erie.
  • Fort Erie — to the south-east, across the Niagara River from Buffalo.
  • St. Catharines — follow the Welland Canal to Lake Ontario.
This city travel guide to Welland is a usable article. It has information on how to get there and on restaurants and hotels. An adventurous person could use this article, but please feel free to improve it by editing the page.
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