Every civic holiday weekend thousands of people flock to Port Colborne for the Canal Days Marine Heritage Festival.
This year’s event runs Friday to Monday, marking the 47th annual edition of the festival that has grown from a modest museum event into one of Niagara’s marquee summer experiences.
Canal Days began in 1979.
“It came about as a celebration to mark the 150th anniversary of the opening of the first Welland Canal, which was in 1829,” said Tami Nail, assistant curator at Port Colborne Historical and Marine Museum and a member of the Canal Days advisory board.
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“It started … for all the communities that were affected by the canal going through it, and it was planned as (something) for every community to celebrate, called Canal Days,” she said.
The event has remained anchored in Port Colborne ever since, growing in scope while retaining its original purpose.
“That’s kind of the beginning of where Canal Days became a Port Colborne event, and has always been held on the civic (holiday) weekend,” Nail said.
Since its inception, the festival has expanded from the museum — it’s celebrating its 50th anniversary — to across the city’s waterfront, with events now stretching from the lighthouse and H.H. Knoll Lakeview Park east to the downtown canal corridor and Lock 8 Gateway Park.
“Every year, we try to grow it, include groups that maybe have always wanted to be (involved) or something significant, heritage-wise, canal-wise, maybe even industry-wise,” said Nail. “It’s really a moving event; it’s not always the same. Every year we try to make it better and bigger.”
The museum remains a focal point for festivalgoers wanting to connect with Port Colborne’s marine history.
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“We’re also really the place for families to come.”
She said the museum is expecting to see about five, six thousand people through just on the Saturday and Sunday.
This weekend’s offerings at the museum include live demonstrations in the museum’s heritage buildings, people portraying early settlers and naval figures, and a strong Indigenous presence.
“We have four re-enactors this year, we have a great Métis presence with the Niagara Regional Métis Council coming with its trading post … and we open up with the all-female Indigenous group of the Strong Water Singers.”
Visitors will also be able to tour a new exhibit called “Towing the Line,” which celebrates Lower Lakes Towing Ltd.’s 30th anniversary, Nail said.
The presenting sponsor of Canal Days, GIO Railways, also made a donation to support the festivals growth of $75,000.
Other museum exhibits and interactive activities include cornhole, boat races, old-fashioned toys and a rope making station.
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“We really try to keep it marine-themed, just to go with the educational part of it. But we also keep it fun, for people to learn.”
Elsewhere in Port Colborne, the downtown area becomes a pedestrian promenade during the festival. The streets come alive with food trucks, street performers, and vendors selling such things as art and nautical-themed gifts.
The weekend will be chalked full of events for everyone to enjoy. A Kids Zone will be set up in King George Park, along with a Rec Zone on Clarence Street.
A classic car show, showcasing antique vehicles, will take place at the Vale Health and Wellness Centre.
Boat tours and the popular Parade of Lights return, offering views of illuminated vessels gliding along the canal, capped off with a fireworks display on West Street over the Welland Canal Sunday night.
At H.H. Knoll Lakeview Park, the main stage lineup will feature a mix of Canadian rock favourites and tribute bands, including The Trews, Finger Eleven, Sloan, Big Sugar and Boston Levi.
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Tribute acts Desire (U2) are also scheduled to perform.
The concerts are free to attend, with donations encouraged at the gates. Lawn chairs are not permitted at the Friday and Saturday concerts.
Whether you’re in search of music, history, or just a perfect summer evening by the water, Canal Days “really is for everybody,” Nail said.
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