St. Catharines Museum & Welland Canals Centre at Lock 3

The St. Catharines Museum sits directly at Lock 3 of the Welland Canal, offering one of the best free vantage points anywhere to watch ocean-going ships squeeze through the locks that connect Lake Ontario and Lake Erie. An elevated viewing platform brings you remarkably close to the passing vessels, while indoor galleries trace the city's story, the building of the canal, and the region's lacrosse heritage. Ships typically transit during the spring-to-late-fall shipping season, and an outdoor Discovery Park and gift shop round out a stop that appeals to engineering buffs, families, and history lovers alike.