 Explore the rich history and charm of Port Dalhousie lying on the shore of Lake Ontario by taking a stroll around the Harbour Walkway. Pathways follow the shoreline, winding past historical sites and modern features, connecting Lakeside Park and the East and West Piers. Through this connection the walkway also makes up a small but vital section of the larger provincial Lake Ontario Waterfront Trail. Enjoy dining and shopping in the quaint downtown, watch the sunset from the pier, or ride the antique carousel. Experience the vitality of this small port-side village and the medley of sights and sounds along the harbourfront.
Where To Start: The official entry point to the Harbour Walkway can be found near Main Street, where Dalhousie and Lock Streets join. Here, a stairway leads down to Lakeside Park. From the more popular entrance point at Lakeside Park, or from the downtown core of Port Dalhousie, the walkway can be accessed by heading towards the beach or harbour. The walkway, from the stairway to the terminus at the East Pier, is approximately two kilometres.
Parking: Ample parking is located on the west side of the harbour beside Lakeside Park, and can be accessed from Lakeport Road. Additional parking is available throughout the downtown core and along the harbour. Along the eastwalkway, parking is available at the Port Dalhousie Pier Marina, and can be accessed from Lighthouse Road, off Lakeshore Road.
Lakeside Park: From 1901 until the 1950s, Lakeside Park was a popular tourist attraction known for its beach, waterslide, carousel, dance pavilion and midway rides. The beach at Lakeside Park is now a favourite summer fun spot for residents and visitors alike, and during the warm months, snack bar and restroom facilities are open to the public. A covered picnic pavilion lies close to the harbour, providing shade from the sun and protection from the elements.
The Lakeside Park Carousel: This colourful musical delight is a thrill for children of all ages. The sound of carnival music, laughing children and brightly coloured horses remind us of a more innocent age. You can still enjoy the Carousel for only 5 cents a ride. The unique wooden merry-go-round was built in 1898, and restored in the 1970s. View more information and hours of operation of the Lakeside Park Carousel.
The Playground: Situated between the Carousel and the walkway, the newly constructed playground facility offers more entertainment for children. The wind mitigation rocks lining the walkway in this area, along with the vegetation planted behind them, are used to stop the sand from blowing off the beach. It was in this area of Port Dalhousie that the first Welland Canal made its route, using what was once the mouth of Twelve Mile Creek. However, the direction of wind and waves off the lake madeit difficult for ships to maneuver, andthe second Welland Canal followed a different route.
The Piers and Lighthouses: The piers are a perfect place for an evening stroll. Watch the sun set against the backdrop of the Toronto skyline some 40 kilometres away, and enjoy the sight of people fishing as birds glide overhead. Both piers were built in 1838 to enclose the entrance to the second Welland Canal. The lighthouses on the East Pier were built in the mid-1800s and are a unique eight-sided design. The inner lighthouse was destroyed by lightning and reconstructed circa 1898.
Port Dalhousie Harbour: The walkway continues along the harbour, the former entrance point to the first, second and third Welland Canals, and winds its way towards the downtown core of Port Dalhousie. Day-docking is made available in this section of the harbour by the City of St. Catharines. The Dalhousie Yacht Club marina can be seen further ahead filled with boats from ports all over the great lakes. Take a rest on one of the benches and watch the activity, or watch the ducks and geese that make the harbour their home.
Old Jail House: Although former residents may find it ironic, you can now sit and have a coffee at the site of the old Port Dalhousie Jail. Built in the 1840s, the 12’ x 20’ stone structure carries a historical designation as one of the smallest and oldest buildings of its kind in Canada.
Downtown Core: To the east of the Jail House, Hogan’s Alley transverses the downtown core of Port Dalhousie from Lock Street to the Lakeside Park parking area. Once a tobogganing hill, the alley now features cafés, restaurants and boutiques. Port Dalhousie offers an exciting variety of dining and entertainment venues.
Lock One Park: While the locks of the first Welland Canal were constructed of wood, the locks of the second and third canals featured cut-stone locks. Here, in this small landscaped alcove nestled at the site of the first lock of the second Welland Canal, you can see the cut-stone construction and lock gate hinges built around 1842.
Pedestrian Bridge: This feature bridges the gap between Lockhart Point and the Heywood Generating Station, and offers passage to the east side of the harbour. Passing by Snug Harbour Marina, the cascading water from the hydro plant’s weir creates excellent conditions for fishing. At the end of the bridge is the tiny historically designated Locktenders’ Shanty, built in 1887 and restored in 1992.
Heywood Generating Station: Built in 1988, this hydro plant produces about 40 million kilowatt hours per year, powering an area of about 2,000 homes.
Martindale Pond: The tradition of rowing has been a part of Port Dalhousie history since 1903. The pond, site of the 1999 World Rowing Championships, the annual Royal Canadian Henley Regatta and the Canadian Secondary School rowing Association Championships, is in nearly continual use from early spring to late fall. Take in the action from the grass at Rennie Park or make your way around to the Henley Grandstands (accessed from Main Street).
The East Walkway: The Harbour Walkway continues on the east side of the harbour, winding past the Game and Fish Association Club House which hosts an annual Fishing Derby on Lake Ontario, to the East Pier, a popular spot for local and visiting anglers, to the Port Dalhousie Pier Marina. At the end of the walkway, the Inner Lighthouse offers a view of the lake in a unique setting.
Port Dalhousie hosts special events throughout the year including Summer Solstice in June, Canada Day Carnival and fireworks, Royal Canadian Henley Regatta in August, Niagara Grape & Wine Festival events in September, Hallowe’en Scarecrow Village, and the Candlelight Walk, December 1st.
Information on our other trails and a complete map of the
St. Catharines Trail System are available by contacting:
St. Catharines Recreation and Community Services
320 Geneva Street, P.O. Box 3012
St. Catharines, Ontario, L2R 7C2.
Tel 905-937-7210 Fax 905-646-9262
24 Hour Info Line 905-688-5686
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