The
Canal Days is an annual marine heritage festival in
Port Colborne, Ontario, Canada.
It is a not-for-profit event, traditionally held during the
Canadian civic holiday weekend at the start of August (aka
Simcoe Day)
and with over 250,000 visitors, it is one of the largest free
festivals of its kind.
Port Colborne is located on the
north-east shore of Lake Erie, on the southern portion of the
Niagara Peninsula,
and is about 15 minutes drive from the US border at Buffalo, New
York.
The city is also the southern terminus of the Welland Canal,
where ocean vessels pass through the downtown area on their way
into the inner Great Lakes, or out to sea.
During Canal Days the downtown streets and lift-bridge
are closed to traffic, giving way to vendors, buskers, food
merchants, and many attractions. The festival provides a fully
supervised Children's area featuring live entertainment, a
carnival midway, and a live bird of prey and reptile exhibit. Tall
Ships moored along the canal wall are open for exploration, and
special cruises are available on these historic ships as well,
including a day long journey from Lake Ontario, through the canal
locks.
At the Lock 8 viewing complex, the Hidden Treasures
vending area features local crafters and artists, and the Port
Colborne Historical and Marine Museum offers a glimpse into
the city's rich past. West Street, which features many
historic buildings dating back to the 19th century, plays host to
the largest open-air vending area and outdoor food court, while
Ontario's largest outdoor vintage car show and kite display can be
observed throughout the festival at H.H. Knoll park.
Fans of big band music can enjoy Jazz on the Lawn at the
Roselawn Centre for the Living Arts.
Nightly concerts in the fully licensed Market Square are
also a big part of the festival: Classic rock headliners, tribute
bands,
and local favourites provide something for every musical taste in
this great outdoor venue.
The festival culminates with a boat parade along the Port
Colborne canal corridor and a massive fireworks display over the
water.