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There are plenty of opportunities to learn more about the city’s history this summer. The St. Catharines Museum and Welland Canals Centre is once again hosting a series of community walks – and new bicycle tours - over the coming months.
The first – happening on Saturday, July 6 – will focus on Merritton. Participants will learn about the early days of the Welland Canal, the urban history of the community, its people, industry, and its architecture. The walk takes place from 10-11:30 a.m., and there is still time to register here.
The rest of the community walks scheduled are as follows:
Friday, July 12 – Victoria Lawn Cemetery: Arts and Culture
Participants will hear stories of the city’s rich history of art and culture with a guided walk around Victoria Lawn to visit some of the city’s most prolific artists, including Marion Nelson Hooker.
Saturday, July 13 – A Taste of History Walking Tour (Downtown East)
Co-presented with the St. Catharines Downtown Association, participants will hear the fascinating story of downtown St. Catharines while sampling tasty drinks and fare from local downtown businesses. Register here.
Saturday, July 20 – Welland Canal Trail (Bicycle Tour)
The museum’s first bike tour will head north to Port Weller, west to Walker’s Creek, then back to the Museum for a round trip tour of the city’s northeast end. Riders will hear fascinating stories of building the Welland Canal.
Friday, July 26 – Port Dalhousie
Explore the rich built heritage of Port Dalhousie. Trace the routes of the early Welland Canals through its northern terminus, and hear the stories of the people who worked and lived in this little town with a big personality.
Friday, Aug. 9 – Victoria Lawn Cemetery
Participants will hear the flavourful stories of our city at Victoria Lawn Cemetery, with a special walking tour focusing on the history of St. Catharines agriculture, food, and drink.
Saturday, Aug. 10 – A Taste of History Walking Tour (Downtown West)
Once again, the museum will co-present with the St. Catharines Downtown Association, this time showcasing stories of the west end of the downtown core, and sampling drinks and fare from the businesses in that area. Register here.
Saturday, Aug. 17 – 12 Mile Creek (Bicycle Tour)
Leaving from downtown and following the Participark Trail to the Decew Generating Station, this guided bike tour will explore 12 Mile Creek and its significance to the community, especially as a source for hydro-electric generation.
Friday, Aug. 23 – Downtown
The walk visits sites around downtown to hear stories of the city’s robust contributions to popular music, film, theatre, broadcasting, and sports.
You can register for any of the community walks on ActiveSTC.
The St. Catharines Museum and Welland Canals Centre is also offering weekly guided tours of the Welland Canal Fallen Workers Memorial. Participants will learn about the worksite of the canal through the lives of the 138 men who died during its construction. Tours begin on Tuesday, July 9. Click here for more details. Registration is not required.
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