Hotel Blog

Welland Canal Locks up to 33km one way

This is a family friendly route, just a few very short sections of road, rest of the route is trail. The exit onto the trail is a bit tricky…Food options were pulled from Google Maps. I generally bring all I need when I ride. 

Exit the hotel front doors and go right towards the neighbors stop sign and pick up the trail, travelling left on the trail. When you come to the street, you want to keep the canal on your RIGHT.  So cautiously cross the street here and get back on the trail. 

The trail will come to a light at Division Street & Main Street Bridge, cross the street twice; once to cross Division St bridge, and once over Main to get the canal back on your Right hand side. (The Taris on the Water restaurant will be behind you) This is the most complicated it will get. 

Food Option coming back to the hotel: Exit the trail to the right, onto Woodlawn Road. This will bring you up to the Seaway Mall on the right. You can dine at the food court, or outdoors on the patio at Mr. Mike’s Steakhouse Restaurant which is around the other side, also have a Burger King here. 

Continue on the trail staying next to the Canal. After about 9km from leaving the hotel, you’ll come up to Bridget crossing – a boat that takes you from one side of the canal to the other for more exploring or a drink at the restaurant just on the other side. (Due to Covid, this may be closed). Turn back now for 18km round trip. 

Continue North and your next big stop is at the Hwy 20 & Allenburg bridge. This is an active lift bridge, cars can be delayed for 30minutes waiting for ships to pass under. (Good photo opt here). Turn now for a 26k round trip. 

Food Option: If you cross the Allenburg bridge to the other side, you’ll see Indian Flame Bar & Grill 

Continue North, next stop is Lock 7. The lock will be on your right where there is a little viewing platform. There is a Lock 7 museum and kissing rock just up the street to the left with a quick right. This is also where you re-catch the trail.  Turn here for a 38km round trip. 

Continue North, the trail will come to a strange end at Glendale Ave, a main street that passes through St Catharines. You’ll turn right using the side walk, or the road, then cross the street, but don’t cross the bridge. The next lock #3 is just ahead on the right. Turn here for a 46km round trip. 

                Food Options not far from the trail at the mainroad: Good eats Diner. George Greek Village.

I have not been up this far in a long time, but continue North again, keeping the canal on the right hand side, you will come up to Lock # 2 in about 5km, turn here for a 54km round trip.  There is a little bit of crossing main streets again to get to Lock #2. 

Almost at the end of the lock system, keep North for another 3km to make it to Lock 1. Turn here for a 60km round trip. 

Still feeling for some adventure, Google Maps show you can keep straight ahead past Lock one and come to the tip of the trail, where the lake enters the canal, in just another 3km, turn around now for a 66km trip. 

Well done! 

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