News from the City of Port Colborne in Niagara, Ontario
(One of the Greater Niagara Area’s most popular summer events, Canal Days, will take place along the canal and lakeside waters of Port Colborne, Ontario from August 2 through August 5. NAL is pleased to post this on the event and find out more about other activities that will be featured through the four days by clicking on the link at the end of this post.)
Canal Days in Port Colborne. File photo by Doug Draper
Port Colborne, Ontario, July 11, 2013 – Sailing into Port Colborne for the 35th annual Canal Days Marine Heritage Festival is the Empire Sandy. At 200 feet in length, with 11,000 square feet of sail, the Empire Sandy offers passengers the unique experience of sailing aboard an authentic Tall Ship. Wide expansive decks and spacious wood paneled lounges set the tone for a comfortable yet exhilarating experience.
Festival attendees will have a number of opportunities to sail on the Sandy. On Friday, August 2 enjoy a sunset cruise on Lake Erie. Throughout the weekend, morning and afternoon cruises are available, along with a dinner cruise on Saturday evening and a fireworks cruise on Sunday evening.
Making its first journey to Port Colborne is the tall ship Schooner Liana’s Ransom, a Class B tall ship replica of an 18th century privateer schooner. Originally from Halifax, Nova Scotia, Liana’s Ransom moved on to warmer waters in the British Virgin Islands. This gaff-rigged, square topsail schooner is typical of the types of ships that commonly sailed in the 1700’s and early 1800’s and carries 70 passengers.
The tail ship Empire Sandy will be sailing to Canal Days.
The vessel boasts a one-of-a-kind experience for any passenger as it is fully outfitted with authentic feat that was used 300 years ago. A sail aboard Liana’s Ransom is guaranteed to be a memorable one as the schooner is armed with four black powder cannons and guests can experience activities such as steering the ship, hoisting the sails and firing the cannons as part of their Canal Days cruise. Throughout the weekend, morning and afternoon and evening cruises are available for $20.
Advance tickets for both the Empire Sandy and Schooner Liana’s Ransom are available through the Roselawn Box Office at 905-834-7572. Tickets for the morning and afternoon cruises may be purchased daily at the ticket tent on West Street. Tickets for the evening cruises are also available during the festival but must be purchased at City Hall. Tickets available during the festival are on a first-come, first-served basis.
Returning to the festival is the historic fireboat, the E.M. Cotter from the City of Buffalo, and the Canadian Coast Guard Research Vessel Limnos. Both vessels will be available for deck tours.
For more information visit http://portcolborne.ca/page/canal_days .
About City of Port Colborne
Located on the south coast of the scenic Niagara region, Niagara’s Port of Call has found the perfect balance – successful industrial and commercial sectors, comfortable and scenic residential areas, and an energized festival and entertainment scene that includes live theatre, white sand beaches, culinary favourites, the community’s world class Sugarloaf Marina, fishing, golfing, trails, recreation and unique shopping districts along the historic Welland Canal – truly a community that adds to the overall Niagara Experience.
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