Here is the final post on the “Great Places To Run in Niagara series” I’m featuring the Welland Canal Parkway. I featured Port Dalhousie, Queenston Heights and the Recreation Trail Along The Parkway.
In this fourth post on the topic of Great Places To Run in Niagara, I am featuring the recreational trail along the Welland Canal Parkway.
Running along the Canal
The recreational trail is a popular spot for walking, running, roller blading and cycling. The 9 km long trail runs North South along the Canal and spans from Lock 1 to Lock 3, with a few lift bridges in between. This is one the places I have run, jogged and roller bladed along countless times. Often with my furry companion in tow!
I would rate this course “easy”. There are a few dips, but no significant change in elevation.
Parking
There is plenty of parking along the recreational trail. There are small parking lots throughout the trail, with a larger parking lot at Lock 1 neat Lakeshore Road, where the recreational trail starts and at Lock 3, where the trail ends at the Lock 3 Museum/Lacrosse Hall of Fame.
Historical Significance
The recreational trail runs along the Welland Canal. The Welland Canal connects Lake Ontario to Lake Erie. If you are familiar with Niagara Falls, you’ll understand that in order for ships to travel between these two lakes they need to travel up or down the Niagara Escarpment. The canal was built to allow ships to do this, and to bypass Niagara Falls.
The current Welland Canal is actually the fourth one and was built in the 1930’s. The first Welland Canal was constructed in 1829 and didn’t last long since the ships were getting too large to fit.
Two more canals sandwich between. Remnants of these old canals are found around St. Catharines if you know where to look. Many sections are now buried as they were used as landfills.
As mentioned above, you can still see old stone remnants of the old canal in Port Dalhousie, specifically while running through Jaycee Park. The building in the photo to the left shows the old Dry Docks
Niagara is well-known for the Niagara Falls, but there is much to Niagara then that. With a great culture, tourism, beautiful natural environment, amazing agriculture, its role in Canadian history, and can’t forget the fabulous wine that is produced here, it’s no wonder that I love Niagara! Have you been to Niagara Canada?
Check out the other great trails for running in Niagara:
Port Dalhousie
Queenston Heights
Recreation Trail Along The Parkway
For more on the Welland Canal: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Welland_Canal
Thanks Ray! Many people bring chairs and wait for the big lakers to come by!
I look forward to visit Niagara Falls! It’s been my dream to visit since I was a wee young one so once our little one is older and knows how to appreciate a vacation, we’ll definitely visit! xx
Shireen | Reflection of Sanity
Running along the canal looks so picturesque! One of my friends just visited Niagara on the Lake and raved about the wine. Unfortunately I’ve only been to the falls. Looks like a great place to explore!