Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
escarpment. It is truly amazing to see ships 740 feet by 77 feet glide through the locks with
justafewfeettospareoneitherside.WhenavesselcompletesitsjourneythroughtheWel-
land Canal, it has been raised or lowered more than 30 stories.
When the indoor viewing area is open, enjoy a complimentary maple syrup cookie and
a copy of
Tommy Trent of the Welland Canal,
an informative guide to the basics of the
Welland Canal. The staff at the complex can answer questions about the canal and the re-
gion's attractions. They may tell you about the legend of the Kissing Rock, which is along
the canal near the viewing complex. Lore has it that a handsome sailor known as Charles
Snelgrovewouldbringhisladyfriendstotherockforonelastkissbeforesettingsail.Other
mariners heard of this ritual and soon began bringing their partners to the rock for a proper
send-off. Sailors are a superstitious lot so the Kissing Rock became a tradition, and is said
to bring good luck to those who use it wisely.
The Welland Canals Centre has viewing platforms so you can watch boats traverse the canal.
Plan on spending an hour at the viewing complex, depending on how many boats are in
the locks and how long you'd like to embrace at the Kissing Rock.
