Greetings

Welcome to the Old Welland Canals Field Guide. Most people living in the Niagara area are familiar with the Welland Canal. Running from Lake Ontario to Lake Erie its one of the largest canals in the world. What fewer people know is that the current Welland Canal is actually the fourth in a series of canals built between the two lakes.

This website was created as a guide to these older canals and the landmarks that still exist along their routes. The site also contains histories, virtual tours, and a few hiking tips. Go exploring and you're bound to learn something about the canals you never knew before.

Have a question about the canals? Please post them on The Welland Canal Facebook page. The group has over 4,000 members who enjoy discussing the Welland Canals. Comments about the website can still be sent to ac.ocitapmys|slanacdnallewdlo#ac.ocitapmys|slanacdnallewdlo

Where Are the Canals?

This website was written for local residents who want to see and learn about the canals. If you're not a local resident the following two maps show the location of the Welland Canal that is currently in operation. It's a good approximation of where these older canals are located.

Left: North America focused on the Great Lakes. Right: The current Welland Canal shown connecting Lake Erie and Lake Ontario and bypassing Niagara Falls, a natural obstacle that prevented shipping between the lakes.