2023 celebrates the 45th Annual Canal Days Marine Heritage Festival, offering activities and attractions for the whole family. Join us every Civic Holiday weekend for a four-day celebration of the history and heritage along the Welland Canal.

Canal Days Marine Heritage Festival encompasses the entire community. The Vale Health & Wellness Centre hosts Ontario’s largest outdoor Classic Car Show and an indoor Craft Show. Seaway Park hosts our kids’ zone with plenty of games, entertainment, and activities. At the Port Colborne Historical & Marine Museum the history of the Welland Canal is on display, and heritage artisans can be seen working their trade. Historic West Street is home to many of our local businesses, festival food and shopping kiosks, our Patio on West, the Empire Sandy Tall Ship, other vessels, and our recreation zone. The Canal Days Concert series is located at H.H. Knoll Lakeview Park and features top-notch entertainment nightly. Canal Days offers a free shuttle service to ensure you can enjoy what each location has to offer!

Nestled at the junction of the Welland Canal and Lake Erie north shore, Port Colborne is a working marine community, with a rich nautical history and welcoming hospitality. At the height of summer, the entire city takes time to celebrate the reasons why this picturesque town has grown and prospered. Each year more than 300,000 people visit the festival over the four days.

Check out the excitement from past Canal Days!

 

Please note: Canal Days Marine Heritage Festival reminds you to leave your pets at home. Festival grounds only allow service animals.

 Frequently Asked Questions
 
 How much does the concert cost? Is it all ages? Where is the concert held? 

Concerts are free for all ages. However, at the gate we do ask for a donation in order to help us keep the concerts free moving forward. In order to purchase alcohol, you will be required to obtain a wristband at one of the main entrances. Government-issued photo ID is required to obtain a wristband.

All concerts are held at H.H. Knoll Lakeview Park. 

 

 When will the concert line-ups be announced? 
Concert line-ups will be announced when all contracts have been signed and as per artist management agreements. Dates for announcements are subject to change, but generally are released two months prior Canal Days. 
 Can I bring my dog/pet?
For the health and safety of all pets and patrons of the festival, Canal Days only allows service animals on the festival ground.
Where do I buy cruise tickets for the Empire Sandy?

Cruise tickets are available for sale by calling 905-835-2900 or emailing customerservice@portcolborne.ca. During the Canal Days weekend, tickets can be purchased at City Hall or on West Street, in front of the Empire Sandy.

 How do I become a vendor?
 Vendor applications are available on our webpage.
 How do I become a volunteer? 
Volunteer applications are available on our webpage.
 How do I find the festival once I arrive to Port Colborne?
Canal Days is situated along the Welland Canal and the shoreline of Lake Erie. Steele Street, Elm Street, King Street, Sugarloaf Street and Welland Avenue will all lead you to the festival. The core of the festival is on West Street. Visit our 'Getting Here' webpage
 Is there a shuttle service?
Yes, there is a free air-conditioned shuttle service. Visit our webpage to learn more.
 When are the fireworks?
The fireworks are held on Sunday evening, generally around 10 p.m. along the Welland Canal. The Boat Parade of Lights is a pre-show to the fireworks and begins at roughly 9:15 p.m. The fireworks time is subject to change due to St. Lawrence Seaway traffic. Visit our webpage to learn more.
 Is there a Patio?
The Patio on West offers you the opportunity to sit along the Welland Canal to enjoy alcoholic beverages and live entertainment. Visit our webpage for more information about the Patio on West, including the entertainment schedule.  
 Are there ATM’s on site?
In addition to many financial institutions in the surrounding festival grounds, there are ATM’s along West Street, at the Vale Health & Wellness Centre, and at the Canal Days Concert Series.
 Store 

Canal Days T-Shirts $30 each 

 

People posing on the Museum grounds wearing green and yellow Canal Days t-shirts

 

On sale at the Port Colborne Historical & Marine Museum
280 King Street
Port Colborne, ON L3K 5X8

 Photo Gallery 
Photo gallery showing ships, fireworks, concert attendees, people with drinks and funnel cakes, kids on a carnival ride, and vendors on West Street