Lock 7 Viewing Complex

The Twin Flight Locks in Thorold. Ontario. Canada.

At the Lock 7 Viewing Complex you can watch the ships climb the mountain through the Twin Flight Locks and make their way into Lock 7, the highest and also the last lift up the Welland Canal. The lock can hold ships up to a maximum of 225.5 metres long and 23.7 metres wide. That only leaves, literally, inches of space between the ship and the lock walls - a very tight squeeze! You can view this phenomenon from our outdoor viewing platform or the bleachers, where the ships pass just a metre away. Visit our website at
thoroldtourism.ca or call our friendly staff at 905-680-9477

PORT COLBORNE WELLAND CANAL NIAGARA FALLS ONTARIO CANADA

The freighters at this canal will blow your mind as their 30,000-ton weight is lifted up and over the Niagara Escarpment. Originally developed in 1829 for the purpose of a safe detour for ships to go around Niagara Falls, the Welland Canal has a long and rich history to offer visitors to the area. With 27 miles of water, the canal has eight locks, the first seven being in the first 9 miles of the canal from Thorold and north. Locks, or sections of water that are closed off with gates, raise or lower vessels with the water levels. As the water flows downhill from Lake Erie toward Lake Ontario, the locks are filled and emptied. The Lock 3 Viewing Complex has an elevated area for easy viewing of the canal. Visit the Welland Canal, located 15 minutes from Niagara Falls and next to the St. Catharines Museum, and explore the system of locks for a fun and educational experience.

Niagara Falls is a set of massive waterfalls located on the Niagara River. Niagara Falls (French: les Chutes du Niagara) comprises three separate waterfalls: the Horseshoe Falls (sometimes called the Canadian Falls), the American Falls, and the smaller, adjacent Bridal Veil Falls. While not exceptionally high, Niagara Falls is very wide. With more than 6 million cubic feet (168,000 m³) of water falling over the crestline every minute it is the most powerful waterfall in North America. Wikipedia CC

DON PUGH