For an up-to-date look at the canal, the Welland Canals Centre at Lock 3, just outside St Catharines, has a viewing platform close enough to almost touch the building-sized ships as they wait for water levels to rise or fall. You can check the ships’ schedules on the website and plan your visit accordingly. Also here is the St Catharines Museum (adult/child/concession $4.20/2.50/4), with displays on town history and canal construction, plus a lacrosse hall of fame.