Things to do:

Welland Recreational Waterway, Canal Trails and Parks

Running through the heart of the City, the Welland Recreational Waterway is an excellent location for   sport fishing and flat water activities, including rowing, kayaking, canoeing and paddle boating. 

Enjoy a leisurely walk or bicycle ride along the Canal Trails – part of the Greater Niagara Circle Route - or through Welland’s downtown parks and rose gardens.  www.canalcorp.ca

Rentals are available.

Merritt Island

This hidden treasure, located within walking distance of Welland’s downtown core, is an outdoor paradise nestled along the Welland Recreational Canal.  Scenic Merritt Island is an ideal area for family picnics, walking, hiking, biking, blading, wheeling, jogging, or just sitting. Wood carvings blend in with the natural splendor and trails and pathways are lined with distance markers. 

IlluminAqua 

Experience the magic of IlluninAqua, a blend of art, culture, fire and water. Musical artists perform on a floating stage amid the beauty of firepods along the Welland Recreational Waterway.

Visit www.illuminaqua.com for showtimes and performers.

Dragon Boat Festival

The Dragon Boat Festival has become one of Welland’s most exciting city-wide events, drawing thousands of competitors and spectators from around the area.     www.wellanddragonboatfestival.com

Niagara Food Festival

Hailed as the Region’s “Tastiest Party”. In addition to showcasing local cuisine, the festival offers evening music concerts by Canadian artists. www.niagarafoodfestival.com

 

Welland Rose Festival

The Rose Festival is the city’s longest-running festival, commemorating Welland’s proud heritage as “The Rose City.”  www.wellandrosefestival.on.ca

 

Variety Nights by the Canal

On Wednesday evenings from June through August, Variety Nites by the Canal is held at the Rose City Seniors Centre.  Both are among the most popular summer evening outdoor activities in the Region.

Annual Folklore Festival

International cuisine and multicultural delights are the trademarks of the Welland Folklore Festival, organized by Welland Heritage Council and Multicultural Centre.  A range of open houses and multicultural celebrations are held throughout the year, including a series of international luncheons in June at historic Market Square and a World Ball in April.  www.wellandheritagecouncil.com

Welland Farmers’ Market

The market boasts a small town tradition with an international flavour.  Vendors from across the area provide a range of produce reflecting Welland’s diverse ethnic roots. The market operates Saturdays year round.

Welland Historical Museum

The Welland Historical Museum is a historically-designated, world-famous Carnegie Building.  The spacious structure, once home to the Welland Public Library, is located at 140 King Street and boasts a display of maritime history and artifacts highlighting the city’s canal heritage.  The Museum is open Tuesdays-Saturday, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.   (905-732-2215). www.wellandmuseum.ca

Welland Public Library 

In its new location at Civic Square, the Welland Public Library has one of the most picturesque vantage points in Niagara, providing a spectacular view of the Welland Recreational Canal.  The Library is noted for its genealogical archives and research service, as well as its Amphitheatre Antics – fun family entertainment during the month of July. The Library is open Monday –Saturdays and Sunday afternoons from mid-October through March. www.welland.library.on.ca

Niagara Regional Exhibition

Welland is home to one of the oldest annual agricultural fairs in Southern Ontario.  The Niagara Regional Exhibition is held the second weekend in September.  Call the Niagara Regional Agricultural Society at 905-735-6413.

Winter Lights Across Welland

The Annual Residential Lighting Contest takes place in December.  Each year, seasonally-decorated homes across the city are reviewed by a team of judges who tour the city looking for that special site.  Houses are judged on a number of criteria, including colour/special lighting, innovation, creativity and fun and the ultlimate “buzz” factor.

This event is sponsored by Welland Hydro, the Tribune, and Welland Transit and it is organized by the Winter Lights Committee.

Tour buses will be going out to view the entrants in December.  A seat on the tour bus can be booked by calling Welland Transit at 905-735-1700 extension 3101, and all tours will leave from the Rose City Seniors Activity Centre.

For more information, contact: