Plan Your Visit

Plan a memorable visit to Lock 3 and the St. Catharines Museum and Welland Canals Centre.

Museum Exhibits

Visit fascinating and engaging exhibits currently on display at the Museum.

Museum Programs

Participate in award-winning programming.

Museum Collections

Discover our cultural mosaic.

St. Catharines Museum and Welland Canals Centre

What's Happening at the Museum

  • Guided Spirit Walks at Victoria Lawn Cemetery September 10, 2026 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM

    15th Annual Guided Spirit Walks at Victoria Lawn Cemetery marking the 150th Anniversary of the Incorporation of the City of St. Catharines

    Incorporation isn't the only thing on the minds of the people of St. Catharines in 1876. Hear stories about our city on the eve of its incorporation from the people who lived it. 

    This popular program includes a guided walk and theatrical scenes throughout the cemetery. Familiar names included on this year's tour include: 

    • John Charles Rykert
    • Thomas R. Brownlee
    • Cornelia Collier
    • Dency Copeland
    • Martha Ann St. John
    • Mary McCalla
    • Daniel Webster Bixby
    • John Latham Ranney
    • Robert Lawrie
    • Lily Wilson
    • Sidney Rose Badgely

    Tickets go on sale August 1. Tickets can be purchased over the phone (905-984-8880) or online at our ActiveNet page: Activity search | ActiveSTC (activecommunities.com).

    Further details regarding weather and parking will be sent closer to the event date.

  • Walking Tour - Merritt Trail: Hike the Canal October 03, 2026 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

    Walking Tour

    Merritt Trail: Hike the Canal
    Guides: Adrian and Sean

    Join Adrian and Sean for a guided hike along the Merritt Trail from Martindale through to Merritton (Lock 2 to Lock 21). Visit significant canal heritage sites throughout our city, explore the old Second Welland Canal, and enjoy a picnic lunch (included) along the way. This hike is expected to run 5-6 hours with rest breaks and lunch. Meet up and shuttle details will be provided at registration.

    $17.15/person (includes tasting). Registration Required: Activity detail | ActiveSTC

    Meet up details provided at registration.

  • PD Day October 09, 2026 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM

    Come to the museum on PD Days for seasonal selections of stories, songs, and an activity or craft. Each PD Day will feature one and a half hours of interactive and creative activities themed to the season. Activities are best suited for kids ages 5-9 and no registration is required. Watch our social media channels or call ahead for the program topic for each PD Day.

    Each PD Day the museum provides interactive programming for kids and their guardians. Programs run from 10:30 am until 12:00 pm. Each PD Day will include a storytime, interactive music session, and an exciting craft or activity themed to the season.

    Activities best suited for kids ages 5-9. No registration required. Participation is by donation. See below for this year's dates and themes:

    January 16: Winter Sports
    February 13: Music and St. Catharines History
    June 5: The Great Outdoors
    October 9: Harvest's Bounty
    November 27: Winter Clothing

  • Walking Tour - Yates Street: Heritage Architecture October 17, 2026 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM

    Walking Tour

    Yates Street Heritage Architecture
    Guide: Brian

    Take a guided stroll along the quiet streets of the Yates Street Heritage District, only steps from bustling downtown St. Catharines. This architectural heritage tour is led by Brian Narhi, chair of the City’s Heritage Advisory Committee.

    Registration Required: Activity detail | ActiveSTC

    Meet up details provided at registration.

Exhibitions

The St. Catharines Museum and Welland Canals Centre is home to extraordinary historical collections and exhibits that feature local St. Catharines perspectives, artifacts and stories of the area against the vital backdrop of the historic Welland Canals. Individual and group experiences are available.