St. Catharines Museum & Welland Canals Centre image

St. Catharines Museum & Welland Canals Centre

Tourist attraction Museum

One of the Most Reviewed Tourist attractions in St. Catharines


Address

1932 Welland Canals Parkway, St. Catharines, ON L2R 7K6, Canada

Website

www.stcatharinesmuseum.ca

Contact

+1 905-984-8880

Rating on Google Maps

4.60 (1.6K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Tuesday: 9 am to 8 pm
  • Wednesday: 9 am to 5 pm
  • Thursday: 9 am to 5 pm
  • Friday: 9 am to 5 pm
  • Saturday: 9 am to 5 pm
  • Sunday: 9 am to 5 pm
  • Monday: 9 am to 5 pm

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: museum (47) history (40) ships (28) canal (26) time (25) visit (23) Great (23) locks (21) nice (21) great (19)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Ken H. 1 year ago on Google
    A beautiful Museum with exquisite exhibits. All free too. The observation deck is the best way to view the ships in the lock. The Museum PA system alerts visitors when a ship is arriving. The Lacrosse exhibit and area to play was an unexpected surprise which is a real hit with kids. Check it out - well worth the visit. Thank you for providing such a fantastic Museum!
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Amy P. 4 months ago on Google
    Great place! We saw a couple of ships come by and a volunteer notified us of an American warship coming that had to be towed in. She said it was a rare event. The only annoying part was that the fencing is so thick and high that it is difficult to get the best view of the ships. This place is also a small museum. It is free. It takes about 30-45 minutes to comb through it very carefully. It mostly includes a history of the locks system and lacrosse in Canada. The lacrosse section was quite interesting -- especially how the wood is formed and altered to make a lacrosse stick. They have a walking trail. We walked there and back to the bridge. It took around 20-30 minutes. Washrooms: Yes Electric Car Charging Station: Yes. See my pic. Bus Stop here: Yes, the bus stops in the parking lot. See my pic. Gift shop: Yes. I believe it had some snack items inside, but it definitely had clothing and toys. Parking: Free and lots of it. Picnic Tables: Yes, they are at the back of the building. Staff: A lovely volunteer there was so kind and helpful to us! Wheelchair accessibility: The museum is all on one level. There are no stairs.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Christina E. 5 years ago on Google
    This place is awesome. Lots of historical items to view and things to read. If visual isn't enough for you they have audio too! Photography is allowed. Has observation lounge and decks so you can watch ships pass through lock 3 inside or outside. Has a small snack bar with coffee machine and light snacks, and a neat gift shop. Worth a visit for sure. While no admission fee per say, a donation of $4 per person is good. (Or more if you like!) ALSO they have the actual red ryder carbine action 200 shot range model air rifle from the cult classic movie 'A Christmas Story' and really, how cool is that.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 JIM L. 4 years ago on Google
    Great place. Love the history. Great place to spend a few hours with the family.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Sanje A. 4 years ago on Google
    Historic site worth visiting Morning star mill and the morning star family house. There are volunteer staff members who are very positive and willing to help. Entrance is free but there is a dmall donation box and it is a good way to say thank you. The site located on top of the decew Falls. Can get a wonderful view of the waterfall through the glass window. Can buy floor onsite. Portable toilets available on site. There are few picnic tables available.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Eri Mott N. 5 years ago on Google
    They won't allow you to get to the bottom as it's way too dangerous to venture down. But, it's beautiful regardless!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Sithira P. 2 years ago on Google
    This is the best place to visit if you want to learn about the history of St. Catherine and the canal. There are no entry tickets. The museum is not big but it has some valuable artifacts around St Catherine. Also there is a nice gift shop too. Do not forget to go to the observation deck and see how ships are lifted. During the winter season locks are not in operation.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Vimal V. 1 year ago on Google
    The Welland canal connects Lake Erie with Lake Ontario. The museum is awesome along with free entry and free parking makes this awesome. There is also a small children's park adjacent to the museum. You can watch huge ships go across the locks. There is also a platform from which you can watch. When we went, there was a huge barrage ship going threw the locks. The ship sang so low that you could clearly see the bridge. And the captain also waved to us.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jennifer H. 11 months ago on Google
    A nice place to stop and watch the boats travel through the locks and also learn about the locks. The outside viewing area was great, being able to watch just how the locks work.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Annie Mike m. 5 years ago on Google
    For me this museum place is the nice place to relaxing and you're watching the boat traffic, on de canard up and down watter movement upstairs view the boat ares app side working for all family to enjoy and they have food place , souvenir store, the picture of antique time and the tools
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Bernard N. 5 years ago on Google
    A working mill, and a short hike to a scenic waterfall!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Brandon B. 4 years ago on Google
    Fun historical site for the whole family. Free tours of the mill and the original house built in 1895. Beautiful hiking trail right beside the mill also.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Oleksiy M. 3 years ago on Google
    Looks like a nice place. Walking trails are open. However, the parking lot is not. No place to park nearby as well..(
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ashley C. 5 years ago on Google
    Love this place especially on weekends when you can go inside the mill
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Rick H. 5 years ago on Google
    A very nice spot to stop and see an historic flour mill. I almost feel jealous of the Morningstar family being able to live in these beautiful surroundings.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Christine M. 2 years ago on Google
    A beautiful place enjoy the walk museum entrance is by a donation, very friendly the museum is so beautiful and lots of heritage
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ryan R. 1 year ago on Google
    We took our 3 year old son here and he loved it. We couldn't wait long enough for the arriving ship to view it from the observation deck but, we will be back for sure. There is a playground on site and a walking path along the canal as well.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jonathan P. 1 year ago on Google
    Awesome place to go for a nice walk, along the Welland canal trail. You may catch some ships making their way through, which is also pretty cool.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 R. O. 1 year ago on Google
    Lovely place with friendly staff. Easy to navigate with informational signage everywhere. Not too far is the famous Welland Canal. There's a timetable for ships and when the canal will be lowered. Fun to see it in operation! Please donate when you visit this place, no minimum amount.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Doug G. 9 months ago on Google
    Great experience. Nice staff. Touring the Museum took just long enough for us to go up onto the observation deck to watch a few smaller vessels pass through the lock. A nice afternoon in the sunshine.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Erin A. 5 months ago on Google
    It's a local museum at Lock 3 on the Welland Canal, and the fee is by donation. Please remember to donate as contributions keep these smaller museums going. The exhibits were good, but try to check the Lock timetables and try to schedule your visit around the ships going up or down in the Lock. They have a great viewing platform that is accessible by stairs outside museum hours but is mobility accessible during. They will also announce when a ship is coming. It's pretty cool watching the boats. Highly recommend.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Scott D. 4 months ago on Google
    The museum is sort of a multi purpose building. I could not see many of the displays as events were taking place when we visited. There was a nice market in the upstairs on the Saturday. My wife got some spices. On the main floor there is information regarding the canal and the history of the canal. There is also an electronic board that gives eta for ships in the locks. In my opinion, the best part is the observation deck where you can watch the ships.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 It’s Viola R. 7 months ago on Google
    A wonderful little museum packed with local history. Lots of interactive displays and engaging little games. The museum guide we met at the door was the kindest man I have ever met in my entire life. I truly enjoyed spending a few minutes with him. Fully accessible for people with disabilities and assistive devices…even the observation deck!!!! 10/10 would recommend to anyone passing through St Catharines. Great place, great people.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Nancy Lemon G. 3 years ago on Google
    Great little museum, lots of interesting info about the area. Viewing platform was a great place to watch how the canal works.

  • 4/5 Ritesh M. 4 years ago on Google
    Interesting piece of history. Cool to watch the boats rise and sink. Check the ship schedule online (or call)

  • 5/5 Ridge C. 4 years ago on Google
    Cool museum and visitors center. We checked this place out and lots of cool history on display. It's a free visit. Also a great viewing platform for the ships locking thru lock 3. Gift shop and bathrooms also inside. If you are a fan of the Christmas Story movie there is a display of memorabilia in the museum.

  • 5/5 yanesita m. 4 years ago on Google
    They have little bit of everything about amazing history in this place it was a very nice experience.

  • 5/5 Amitha Kozhikkal J. 4 years ago on Google
    I really really loved this place. If you are stressed after work you should definitely go to this museum as its really a relaxing environment as well as you get to know all the history of welland canal formation and various other knowledge too. Great place to refresh your mind .

  • 5/5 Mariano de A. 4 years ago on Google
    An amaizing experience to see the ships being lowered feom one level to a lower one!!!!

  • 5/5 Lindsay R. 4 years ago on Google
    Great experience. Check schedule ahead of time to plan to visit when the boats are going through.

  • 5/5 Julia S. 3 years ago on Google
    Though we didn't go inside, we had such a wonderful time watching the ships pass through - what a great activity to kill some time and see cool things!

  • 5/5 mouhannad a. 3 years ago on Google
    It is a good place to visit

  • 5/5 Bishruti S. 3 years ago on Google
    🤩 🤩

  • 4/5 Y S. 3 years ago on Google
    Museum

  • 5/5 David E. 3 years ago on Google
    Loved it especially the boat

  • 5/5 Debb W. 3 years ago on Google
    A favorite place for Nordic Pole Walking on Monday mornings! Building open by appointment only, Covid-19 precautions.

  • 4/5 Brian S. 3 years ago on Google
    The museum is next to Lock 3 of the Welland Canal. Free entry, donations accepted. The museum covers not only the history of the canal but of the people and the region. Very nicely done, easy to walk through. The visitor center was full of informative brochures for the region. The locks viewing deck; for those of us from US who got locked out after 9/11 (Army Corp of Engineers), was definitely nice to be able to watch the boats again. The viewing areas are handicapped accessible. Computer system advises estimated arrival time for the boats. One complaint: the fencing makes it impossible to shoot pictures, almost ruins the viewing. Nobody thought that through; unless they were a sadist. Other viewing is available along the canal double locks (4-6). Stay out of the way, and they let you park along the road. There is another visitor center at the top of the escarpment at Lock 7. Smaller, no history, well away from the canal. It does give access to the path along the canal.

  • 5/5 Alexander H. 3 years ago on Google
    A must see for anyone in the area. Hopefully you will see a ship or two go through. A very unique experience. Guess What ??? It is free. Cannot get better than that. The history of the canal and the area are very well explained in the museum and also the short movie. Just the right amount of info !!!!!

  • 5/5 Lamontagne R. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Nice museum, we went there while a boat was at the lock. To be redone in another possible list (to do list). I recommend this museum, the price is up to you. Be generous if you want to keep these very informative museums. (Original) Beau musée, nous y sommes allés alors qu'un bateau se trouvait à l'écluse. À refaire lors d'une autre éventuelle liste (to do list). Je recommande ce musée, le prix est à votre guise. Soyez généreux si vous voulez maintenir ces musées très instructifs.

  • 5/5 Stephen B. 3 years ago on Google
    I really nice place to park and access the canal-side path for your workout. Free parking too! Washrooms and food available. Interesting place to watch the ships go through the locks.

  • 5/5 Sophy V. 3 years ago on Google
    It's free. A good place

  • 4/5 Dave Van M. 3 years ago on Google
    Great place to watch the big ships go thru.

  • 5/5 Clean T. 3 years ago on Google
    wonderful facility full of excellent displays and information. admission is by donation. staff very helpful. great COVID-19 safety protocols in place. highly recommend a visit here.

  • 5/5 Gwendoline C. 3 years ago on Google
    A wonderful way to spend your time in Port Dalhousie! And still only a nickel! The parking is a bit difficult at the moment. It will be getting better when the construction ends.

  • 4/5 Pauline S. 3 years ago on Google
    The St. Catharines museum opened its doors to the public to get a glimpse of St. Catharines past. We were taken downstairs where so much memorabilia is stored in temperature controlled rooms. Very little was available to touch but that is completely understandable. The tour guides were pleasant and informative. I highly suggest a visit.

  • 4/5 Philip W. 3 years ago on Google
    Great museum and a good overview of the locks and history behind

  • 5/5 Rose K. 3 years ago on Google
    The museum was very detailed and educational. It was nice to learn about how the canals worked and its history in Ontario. Kids enjoyed....

  • 4/5 Jean-Sébastien B. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) The belvedere is a beautiful place to admire the ships in the locks (Original) Le belvédère est une belle place pour admirer les navires dans les écluses

  • 1/5 Nathalie T. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Closes before closing time. Very disappointing. (Original) Ferme avant l'heure de fermeture. Très décevant.

  • 5/5 Frank f. 3 years ago on Google
    Great place to watch large ships go thru the welland canal

  • 5/5 Adash B. 3 years ago on Google
    Closed due to covid but absolutely great place. Recommend a visit when things reopen

  • 5/5 David M. 4 years ago on Google
    I've been in the museum a couple of times... Lots of great exhibits and trinkets of St. Kitts gone by. The amount of time I've spent here in the parking lot just watching boats go by probably accounts for at least 85% of my spare time in past Summers. Try it some time.

  • 4/5 Behzad R. 4 years ago on Google
    Love it

  • 4/5 Ryan N. 4 years ago on Google
    very cool

  • 4/5 Martin H. 4 years ago on Google
    Great place to visit!

  • 5/5 Diane B. 4 years ago on Google
    Very interesting and informative. Check the schedule before going to find out times the ships are scheduled to come through the locks.

  • 5/5 tooichan 4 years ago on Google
    Nice place to spend time in if you have an extra hour to spare in the area. Surprisingly fun and informative local history, with a few interesting items on display.

  • 5/5 Linda 4 years ago on Google
    Great scenery and knowledgeable about the locks.

  • 5/5 Ganesh K. 4 years ago on Google
    Nice place for sightseeing

  • 4/5 jessica r. 4 years ago on Google
    Inexpensive, informative. Good gift shop

  • 5/5 Musterrolle O. 4 years ago on Google
    you should inquire beforehand when a ship is coming

  • 5/5 Claudia Helena D. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) If you like history and engineering this place is perfect! You can learn all about a lock and, in this case, it has a very interesting history. (Original) Se você gosta de história e engenharia este lugar é perfeito! Você pode conhecer tudo sobre uma eclusa e, neste caso, esta tem uma história muito interessante.

  • 5/5 Kelley E. 4 years ago on Google
    Everyone should visit this community treasure!

  • 4/5 chibi s. 4 years ago on Google
    Very interesting background to the town and the canal kids loved playing the lacrosse excellent for a 60 min trip

  • 3/5 Rawle G. 4 years ago on Google
    Cool spot to take the kids to see how cargo ships pass through the welland canal through lockes...its free too and has a small museum of some CDN history

  • 5/5 Richard B. 4 years ago on Google
    Love to visit this place when I visit Canada

  • 4/5 Dianne A. 4 years ago on Google
    I was surprised by how interesting it was

  • 5/5 gurmeet k. 4 years ago on Google
    Great destination with full of advance techniques

  • 5/5 IDONOTEXISTS 4 years ago on Google
    Just had my family reunion Christmas dinner there great hall great little museum a lot of history wheelchair accessible gift shop nice clean friendly people recommended for family parties family gatherings are just somebody that wants to just know what it's like to be around the locks and how it works from then and now sincerely yours Robert had an awesome time

  • 5/5 James M. 4 years ago on Google
    Absolutely love it here! Amazing hiking trails, beautiful views of the waterfalls. You can even go inside the mill! Love it!

  • 5/5 Felicia 4 years ago on Google
    We came here to see the waterfall and didn’t realize there was a whole historic museum experience. It was very informative and the grounds were beautiful

  • 5/5 Sheldon M. 4 years ago on Google
    Love this little hideaway. Beautiful place to take some awesome couple photos in St Catharines

  • 5/5 Justin H. 4 years ago on Google
    Friendly knowledgable staff volunteers, remarkable experience for children and adults alike. Seeing the mill in operation with being able to acquire the fresh made flour is living history made fun and accessible.

  • 4/5 Devon St. Denis - R. 4 years ago on Google
    Some decent hiking. Also, they mill flour form time to time; A neat fresh product to use.

  • 5/5 Javier S. 6 months ago on Google
    If you want see an important part of history and a major economic route, this is the place, like the Panama Canal, the Welland Canal is a very important trade and shipping route for the Canada and US economy.

  • 5/5 Zachary M. 4 years ago on Google
    Beautiful place. The hike behind the mill is amazing. Looks like a great venue.

  • 5/5 Luis P. 4 years ago on Google
    What a great spot for a fun afternoon. The water was warm and fun. The hike was beautiful.

  • 5/5 Otoniel F. 3 years ago on Google
    Loved it

  • 5/5 Vic M. 3 years ago on Google
    Been inside. Interesting history.

  • 5/5 Megan M. 3 years ago on Google
    GREAT HIKE BEAUTIFUL FALLS

  • 5/5 S T. 4 years ago on Google
    Natural beauty and history in one place.

  • 5/5 Liz A. 4 years ago on Google
    Gorgeous scenery, hiking, history! I did not get a chance to see the tour but I hope to make it back and do that. Even on a cold day this was a good spot to come see quickly on our adventure in NOTL.

  • 5/5 scott b. 4 years ago on Google
    Hiked Decew falls. Always lovely

  • 5/5 R M. 4 years ago on Google
    We did some family all pics here. Great background.

  • 5/5 Elaine H. 4 years ago on Google
    A little bit of local history.

  • 5/5 Jennifer N. 4 years ago on Google
    Watched the mill in action 😁

  • 5/5 Naz M. 4 years ago on Google
    Amazing people volunteer here!

  • 4/5 Shelly M. 4 years ago on Google
    The view of Decew falls from the museum is spectacular. If you are going to do the hike down to the falls, be prepared for some treacherous climbing down the cliffs.

  • 5/5 Gordon N. 4 years ago on Google
    If you visit Decew Falls you must visit this place. Take the free tour and learn something about local history and the volunteers that keep it operating. If you can leave a little donation.

  • 5/5 Dan F. 4 years ago on Google
    Fantastic place to spend the day, Awesome

  • 5/5 Patricia M. 4 years ago on Google
    It is really an unespected place in the bush. The place is very well preserved and interesting with many curious stories to be told. I loved it and I hope the place continue to amuse visitors for many more years to come

  • 5/5 Tanya H. 4 years ago on Google
    Stunning place 😊♥️😊

  • 5/5 robert V. 4 years ago on Google
    Don't misd

  • 5/5 Ashley S. 4 years ago on Google
    A must see piece of history!

  • 5/5 Xeniya S. 5 years ago on Google
    Thank you for gorgeous rye flour!

  • 5/5 Angel A. 5 years ago on Google
    Relaxing, harmonious peaceful

  • 5/5 Alvaro R G. 5 years ago on Google
    Awesome

  • 5/5 Ankush C. 5 years ago on Google
    A hidden gem. Very fascinating history.

  • 5/5 Zuzana D. 5 years ago on Google
    Love this place.

  • 5/5 Catherine X. 5 years ago on Google
    Great historical house. Free parking and tour. There's a walking trail behind the mill leading down to water.

  • 5/5 Lori W. 5 years ago on Google
    One of my favourite places!

  • 5/5 Kavita R. 2 years ago on Google
    Great experience. It was pretty cool to see the ships raising and lowering in the lock. There's free parking, a small museum and a park where you can have a picnic.

  • 3/5 Tracy 2 years ago on Google
    Interesting little local museum alongside the mechanics of transferring ships from one lake to another within the Great Lakes.

  • 5/5 brian s. 2 years ago on Google
    Excellent day or half day out. Very well organized and with up close views of the ships in the lock. The Volunteer guide Des was very well informed and helpful. Highly recommended.

  • 5/5 William N. 2 years ago on Google
    Pretty cool spot to stop and check out. There's an observation deck to view everything, but it has a limited capacity right now, due to covid. There is decent sized park for kids to play on, and a decent amount of parking.

  • 4/5 Alicia K. 2 years ago on Google
    Great experience, customer service representative was very pleasant, bathroom's well kept. It's under renovation, so lots of important things to see are covered.

  • 5/5 Muhamad S. 2 years ago on Google
    Nice, clean and friendly staff at the museum. Alot of information to learnt. Surely will visit again.

  • 4/5 Jim T. 3 years ago on Google
    Nice day, nice walk. Been nice to see some ships, but I am early.

  • 4/5 Sixpackmrt Tom S. 2 years ago on Google
    Very nice and good display busy time to

  • 3/5 Junie Luisa A. 2 years ago on Google
    This is not a good time to visit as a big part of the museum is under renovation and cannot be visited. The staff also couldn't advise when the renovations would be completed. Also since one of the main highlights of the museum is the viewing deck of lock 3, it would be nice if the schedule of the week is made available to the visitors. When we came the next schedule of ship passing was at 6 pm and museum closed at 5. We asked if they had the schedule for the following Tuesday but was told to just check it online.

  • 5/5 Dani M. 2 years ago on Google
    If you are hoping to understand better the city and it’s history, the museus will be a great starting point. The area is very well maintained, full of information, curious facts and original items. Definitely try to go in the time a ship is passing through the canal as it’s a super fun thing to watch and learn about the whole process.

  • 5/5 Gebo's G. 4 years ago on Google
    We arrived just in time to see a freighter pass through Lock#3. This is a neat place! The viewing platform let's you get a good look at the lock operations. The attached museum was a nice treat, too. Inside, you will find a daily schedule of what boats are due to arrive and when. Be sure to drop a little donation in the lock box to show your support of this unique activity/opportunity. The place is spotlessly clean, educational and fun all wrapped up into one experience.

  • 5/5 J. L. 4 years ago on Google
    What a great way to learn about the famous Welland Canal! And how marvelous to stand so close to the gigantic ships going through the lock #3 right next to the museum. Fascinating to learn how the locks work and the history of the canal in St. Catharines. The local history elements of the museum are very informative and well put together. Really enjoyed the air conditioning today too! Lots of parking. Saw two ships!

  • 4/5 Mike L. 1 year ago on Google
    Had an enjoyable visit on the weekend. It's not a very big museum and doesn't have very many displays so 30 minutes is enough time to see everything. Admission is a donation and the suggested amount is $5 per person. If you are lucky you can see a ship go by on the canal from the viewing platform

  • 1/5 callie m. 1 year ago on Google
    my friends and i went into the gift shop and wanted 3 rock candy’s. The tap didn’t work so i tried my debit card multiple times and it still didn’t work. the lady then gave us attitude and said “you probably don’t have money on your card”. I said i did and then i tried my card one more time and it still didn’t work. the lady then said “well no candy for you today” in a rude way giving us attitude for no reason. not happy at all.

  • 5/5 Terry P. 1 year ago on Google
    The museum here is great and free to see. The gift shop is nice. The boats going up/down the locks is a must see if you have never watched this before. There is a free movie about the history of the canal/lock system and a display about the history of the "Underground Railway" Good place to bring the kids!

  • 5/5 Daniel K. 1 year ago on Google
    Ana amazing spot on the canal bike trail. Gives you history, reprieve, play, restrooms, water, and a great viewing platform to watch the ships go through the locks. There is also a playground outside and an amazing food truck to boot! It’s an essential stop on the trail and is extremely well maintained.

  • 5/5 Kamal S. 1 year ago on Google
    Lots to learn about history and engineering. Watch vessels cross the Lock 3. Good place to picnic, walk along the canal, has a children's play ground. Overall great place to visit.

  • 5/5 Todd M. 1 year ago on Google
    Small but very interesting museum. Free entry and is ran through donations. Honestly enjoyed myself a lot more than I thought I would. What's on display is often changed so it's definitely worth multiple visits. They currently have a fire engine from the 1870s on display, along with a few other old cars. Sign said that there will be more to that exibit in the future. REALLY looking forward to that!

  • 4/5 R. C. 1 year ago on Google
    Rented the Burgoyne Room for a baby shower. It was a nice space for a smaller party, probably could have fit 50 or 60 people comfortably. Even though the walls are gray, there is enough decor in the room to add some pizzazz. The room has a private gender neutral bathroom attached for convenience. We had to bring everything as there was not a kitchen provided, though they took care of the garbage. We had a spill and the custodian was helpful and quick to respond. My friend who brought all the stuff came early and she was given a trolley to help but was not let in early. They were a bit hurried to get us out at the end, so make sure to respect your time slot. Lots of parking and you can pull up out front for unloading. Overall a good experience.

  • 5/5 Courtney D. 9 months ago on Google
    Museum was free entry and staff were so friendly as soon as we stepped in the door. They gave us directions to where everything was and let us know a boat was in the canal so we could go onto the bridge and watch the process. Great little museum full of st. Catherine’s history Gift shop was hands down the most reasonable priced gift shops I’ve ever been in. Wasn’t planing to purchase anything but I walked out with a bag.

  • 5/5 Steve L. 9 months ago on Google
    Great museum showing the development of the St Catharines area and the Welland Canal. If you're lucky, you can catch a ship going in or out of the lock directly behind the museum and gift shop. There's even a Lacrosse Hall Of Game and museum attached. All free. Donations accepted inside.

  • 5/5 Jade W (. 11 months ago on Google
    It was bigger than I thought. It was impressive to see some historical buildings on the map. I want to see them on the street after visiting here. No ticket required. Free parking.

  • 5/5 Pujing P. 11 months ago on Google
    it's a unique place in St. Catharines, where you can not only watch the gigantic boats passing Lock 3, but also quickly learn and review the local history including the not so local history of lacrosse.

  • 4/5 Chris N. 9 months ago on Google
    Waited a long time hoping to see a ship go through the locks, but none. Found out there's a good app to see where the boats are called Marine Traffic.

  • 5/5 MASATU F. 8 months ago on Google
    I enjoyed visiting the site and have a view of the Big Ship going through the Canal. The gate closing, filling water into the canal, and the later opening of the gate to allow the ship pass to the other side of the Canal. The lifting bridge was again another good memory of this trip. It is a nice place to visit. Thanks you.

  • 5/5 Bubbs p. 8 months ago on Google
    Excellent time and experience. Great for kids and to learn about local history. Great exhibits, well layed out.

  • 5/5 Derek W. 4 months ago on Google
    Absolutely amazing place to take your kids and teach them the history of the area. Lots of old cars and clothing from days past. History about the canal system and even a huge lacrosse exhibit with an interactive area for the kids to blow off some steam playing lacrosse.

  • 5/5 Elva H. 6 months ago on Google
    This is a great please to visit. See modern innovation at work. You may have to wait a little while for a ship to come to the lock, but this will give you time to check out the museum.

  • 3/5 Rock C. 6 months ago on Google
    I lived here for a long time so going back with my family after 27 years. I was surprised to see that all along the locks there are now fences and viewing platforms at certain ones. It's become very commercialized and that saddened me. You can't get anywhere near the lock anymore on any of them and there are no parking and restriction signs everywhere. Really ruined the experience for me to share with my family when before you could just sit on a bench and watch the ships come and go.


Call +1 905-984-8880 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible toilet
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible car park
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible entrance

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