If you only have time for one canal stop, the Lock 3 Viewing Complex and Museum
is the place to go. The complex houses a tourist information and interpretive
centre complete with ship schedules, the St. Catharines Historical Museum, the
Ontario Lacrosse Hall of Fame, a restaurant, picnic areas, and free parking. Be
sure to climb the special viewing platform where you can look down onto the decks
of gigantic ships as they ponderously manoeuvre through the lock with only inches
to spare. You will hear languages from across the globe and watch as steel hawsers,
the thickness of your arm, are attached to stanchions beside the lock.
The Canal forms the main theme at the St. Catharines Historical Museum. An extensive
display of canal memorabilia is presented, which provides a fascinating insight
into the days of the early canals. The exhibits include photographs and models
illustrating the early canals, towpaths, three masted schooners, shipbuilding
yards, and stonemasons from Scotland who crafted large limestone blocks into locks
that stand, virtually indestructible, even a century later. Don't miss the computerized
working scale model of Lock 3.
Ship schedules for the day are posted at the interpretative centre, along with
information on the ship's nationalities, sizes, destinations, and cargoes.
For more information please call:
Lock 3 Viewing Complex and Museum:
1-905-688-5601 ext 1999
or
Toll Free: 1-800-305-5134.
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