Explore city’s past with St. Catharines Museum’s spring series of community walks

Join the St. Catharines Museum and Welland Canals Centre’s staff-guided walks this spring and learn more about the history hidden around the city’s historic neighbourhoods, parks, trails, and Victoria Lawn Cemetery.

During the Museum Walking Tours – Spring Session, museum staff provide participants with historic knowledge and insights about a different site in the city’s urban landscape each Saturday for approximately 90 minutes from April 26 through May 31. Note: no walk is scheduled on Saturday, May 17 during the Victoria Day long weekend.

Registration opened today, April 1, for the spring session of five walking tours. Register at stcatharines.ca/activestc.ca or by calling the museum at 905-984-8880. Further information is sent to participants upon registration.

“Our community walks are a unique and interesting way to experience our local history,” said Kathleen Powell, Supervisor of Historical Services / Curator. “Our engaging community walks enable you to explore our city’s past firsthand and connect with its significant built history.”

Here is the full roster of the Museum Walking Tours – Spring Session.

• Saturday, April 26

Merritt Trail: Mountain Locks Park and the Early Canals

Discover the rich history of the Welland Canals in Merritton with a guided hike through the locks of Mountain Locks Park. Merritton was Niagara’s industrial hub for more than 50 years, from canal transportation to local industrial development and manufacturing of cotton, paper, and even rubber. Walk is 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

• Saturday, May 3

Victoria Lawn Cemetery: Stones and Symbols

Learn about the mysterious and religious symbolism represented on intricate and artistic headstones and monuments at Victoria Lawn Cemetery and capture a glimpse of the history of mourning and burial traditions in the city. Walk is 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

• Saturday, May 10

Merritt Trail: Welland Vale and the Early Welland Canals

Explore the early history of the Welland Canal with a guided walk from Welland Vale to Downtown, which reveals the foundations of milling, industrial growth, hydro-electric generation, and the urban character of the city. Walk is 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

• Saturday, May 24

Port Dalhousie: Port and a Pint, with Lock Street Brewing Company

Enjoy a historical walk around the village of Port Dalhousie to explore its rich history as a port village, its industrial history, and its built heritage. The tour ends at the popular Lock Street Brewing Company with a sample tasting and chat about the history of the building and brewing in the region. Walk is 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

• Saturday, May 31

Merritt Trail: Canal Valley and the Early Welland Canals

Explore the history of the Second Welland Canal along the Merritt Trail. See lock remnants and hear the stories of the people who built them and our city. Walk is 10 a.m. to noon.

Participants are encouraged to wear good walking or hiking shoes. Children accompanied by an adult are welcome, but tours are best suited to those aged 12 and older. Leashed dogs are also welcome. Walks run rain or shine.