The museum offers a variety of guided group experiences for all ages. Curriculum-based school programs focused on local history allow students from Kindergarten to Grade 12 to learn about the community around them while fulfilling educational requirements in an engaging environment. Group experiences are also available for tourist bus groups, local organizations and service clubs, Scouting and Guiding troupes, and members of the public.
Experiences for school groups
Download 2022-2023 Education Brochure
Museum staff are ready to help you make the most of any tour or program. Experiences include:
Museum programs and experiences
On-site, traditional-style interpretive tours and programs that are still fun and engaging for all ages and make for a memorable field trip to the museum. Topics include early Black History in St. Catharines, the Welland Canals, Junior Engineers, and informative and engaging walks alongside the Welland Canal. Most experiences include a visit to the Welland Ship Canal Fallen Workers Memorial. All programs are available in-person and virtually.
Adventure-style programs and experiences
Through our adventure-style programs, students are transported to the past through immersive games, role play, and mystery solving, which exercise critical thinking and inferencing. Activities include Hiking Through History, "Where's the Pig?", a downtown walking tour of important Black History sites, and "History Hunters: the Case of the Stolen Violin", which is available virtually.
Outreach programs
Students unable to travel to the museum can enjoy a visit from museum staff in one of our outreach programs. The Jr. Travelling Museum (ELKP-Grade 3) and the Travelling Museum (Grades 4-6) introduce students to the important work museums do in preserving identity in our community. Both outreach programs are available in-person and virtually.
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Experiences for Scouting and Guiding troupes
Museum staff are very happy to host your next Scout or Guide troupe meeting, and include a fun tour or program to enhance the visit. Experiences range from 30-45 minutes and include an I-Spy tour, a Top-Ten Artifacts tour, or seasonally, a canal walk and visit to the Welland Ship Canal Fallen Workers Memorial. School group fees apply.
Experiences for adult groups
Adult groups are welcome to book a group experience which includes a traditional tour of the museum galleries, the canal orientation video, guided interpretation on the viewing platform, and a visit to the Welland Ship Canal Fallen Workers Memorial. Additional group experiences including a Canal Walk and interpretive tours focusing on Black History and the Underground Railroad are available.
Book a group experience
Please call us at 905.984.8880 or email us at museum@stcatharines.ca to book an in-person or virtual group experience with the St. Catharines Museum and Welland Canals Centre. Our staff will work to ensure your expectations are met and your students have a safe, fulfilling and fun museum experience that is tailored to their classroom needs.
Rates and fees - students and children
Our rates and fees allow for one complimentary adult pass for every 10 elementary students, or one complimentary adult pass for every 12 secondary students.
- Elementary school group: $4.70 per student
- Secondary school group: $4.70 per student
Rates and fees - adults
- Tour fee per adult: $5.50
Educator and curriculum resources packages
Educator resource packages and curriculum link resources are available for all group experiences. Make sure to inquire about pre-and post-lesson plans ahead of your visit to prepare your group for their experience with us.
Free lesson plans, resources, and activities are also available on our blog. Plans and activities range from early Black History, early European settlement, the construction of the Welland Canal, and much more. Feel free to use these resources in your classroom and share them with fellow educators!