Lock 8 Gateway Park
Lock 8 Gateway Park
4.5
What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Top ways to experience nearby attractions
The area
Address
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
53 within 5 kms
Attractions
49 within 10 kms
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
40 reviews
Excellent
21
Very good
17
Average
2
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Kerry W
Toronto, Canada1 contribution
Jul 2024 • Family
I've been going to this lock since I was a child and I love it. There is an anchor dedicated to my great grandfather which I love to visit. Such a lovely little walking place. The kids always loved to see the lock in motion.
Written August 26, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Robby G C
Toronto, Canada81,647 contributions
Jul 2020
Lock 8 Gateway Park is still beautiful. It has a lot of flowers.
There is a playground.
An Anchor.
We can see the Lock Gateway Park.
P.S. It is not beautiful because of COVIT
It is still attractive!
This is Lock 8
There is a playground.
An Anchor.
We can see the Lock Gateway Park.
P.S. It is not beautiful because of COVIT
It is still attractive!
This is Lock 8
Written April 4, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Judd_12
Port Colborne83 contributions
Aug 2018 • Family
Spacious park with a covered eating area picnic tables and clean washrooms.There is a bicycle trail that passes through the park which makes for a pleasant ride.Trail heads south to the downtown area. Posted in the park is a brass historical plague explaining the history of the canal along with a massive ships anchor. In the height of the warmer months the park is well maintained and the gardens are breathtaking. Not only are the flowers blooming along the pathways but up the various levels to the fountain. Certainly a unique display of colours for the flowers. Once at the top of the fountain there is a viewing spot where you can see the ships travel through Lock 8 giving a great view of the canal and surrounding area. I have see on a few occasions brides and grooms having wedding pictures in front of the beautiful gardens. Certainly worth a stop or to have a picnic lunch. Very close to this area is the Tourist Information Office as well. And another perk parking is free.
Written April 3, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Carolyn M
Hamilton, Canada11 contributions
Jul 2020
Lots of beautiful flower beds. Paths are good for walking, wheelchairs, walkers. Places to have a picnic under a roofed structure. Good parking. Good for the whole family. Leash your pet.
Written September 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rick G
Welland, Canada19 contributions
Aug 2018 • Family
The locks here raise and lower the ships on average 6 feet depending on the lake levels. The viewing stand gives you a perfect vantage point to pick a spot on the side of a ship and watch it go up or down. The pavilion has picnic tables, there are running water washrooms that are clean and there is a small parket for the little ones to burn off some energy. The oldest DQ in Ontario is on Main Street,hwy3 two blocks east of the bridge. Fast food restaurants for quick food pickup are nearby and a no frills grocery store is also on hwy 3 west of the park.
Written August 21, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Maureen P
Port Colborne, Canada10 contributions
Nov 2015 • Family
This park is wonderfully situated next to the canal, providing visitors with a perfect view of the canal and any boats or sailing ships that come through the locks. There are also beautiful gazebos to just sit and rest as well. The park features a covered picnic area and then at one end a highlight for our teens is a large skateboard park that with the exception of cold and snowy days always has someone honing their skateboard craft.
For the warmer months the city takes pride in the foliage and this is evident in the many flower gardens scattered about. The main focus could be said to be the water fountain at the top of a pyramid of large stone blocks and greenery. It all works together to form a pleasing view for everyone and is accessible by steps up the front or by the walkways on either side.
The park also includes fun playground equipment for the smaller visitors and park benches scattered around for those who feel the need to just sit and relax while watching the ships go by. A large ship anchor is also featured for those historian buffs. With the beautiful flowers and foliage being the perfect backdrop for pictures many wedding and family photographs have been taken in this picturesque park. The resulting work is that both brides and babies look spectacular against its beautiful natural backdrops.
A lighthouse shaped visitor's information centre is also there to provide you with information about local attractions, etc. With so many different things going on in this little park, it is no wonder it is a great place to visit.
For the warmer months the city takes pride in the foliage and this is evident in the many flower gardens scattered about. The main focus could be said to be the water fountain at the top of a pyramid of large stone blocks and greenery. It all works together to form a pleasing view for everyone and is accessible by steps up the front or by the walkways on either side.
The park also includes fun playground equipment for the smaller visitors and park benches scattered around for those who feel the need to just sit and relax while watching the ships go by. A large ship anchor is also featured for those historian buffs. With the beautiful flowers and foliage being the perfect backdrop for pictures many wedding and family photographs have been taken in this picturesque park. The resulting work is that both brides and babies look spectacular against its beautiful natural backdrops.
A lighthouse shaped visitor's information centre is also there to provide you with information about local attractions, etc. With so many different things going on in this little park, it is no wonder it is a great place to visit.
Written May 20, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tom7787
Selkirk, Canada2,738 contributions
Apr 2016 • Couples
I grew up a couple of blocks away from this Park. I could see the ships pass by from my bedroom. On a summer night we were kept awake with the bridge siren and the lock master talking the boat through the locks.
Most of us learned to swim in the canal. There used to be cribbing on the other side of the bridge (North) with openings that made nice pools. We used to jump off the high wall and the bridge. Some were more daring and jumped off the building beside the bridge. That meant clearing a one foot lip on the roof and about twelve feet of concrete. I never felt the need to try that.
There wasn't a park there at that time and there was no fencing to keep you away from the ships. We used to stand on the high wall and touch the boats as they went by. Some of the sailors would throw down foreign coins.
There were crews there putting up fencing on the East side while we were home. They were up to Killaly Street East. I couldn't even access our old fishing spots along the weir.
The viewing stand was built by the Parks and Recreation Department employees that I used to work with. It used to have an operating fountain which was quite nice but the last two times I have been home it was not working. There is now a ship shaped ornament in the fountain.
The area has expanded now include picnic areas, a play structure, and a skateboard park that is built to resemble a ship. The name on the skateboard Park is Algoport.
It is a great place to see ships go through Lock 8 as the viewing stand is elevated. The big Algoma self-unloader ships like the Algoport barely fit in the locks. There was very little room on the sides and sometimes you could hear them scraping. If memory serves me correct the locks were 731 or 732 feet long and the ships like the Algoport were 730 feet long so not much room to spare to close the locks.
A third bridge has been built since I left home in 1982.
We had some great times around the canal growing up. It is a shame that it is all fenced now. I am sure it is all about liability.
There is a Dairy Queen a block away. It was always a great day to get an ice cream and watch the ships.
Most of us learned to swim in the canal. There used to be cribbing on the other side of the bridge (North) with openings that made nice pools. We used to jump off the high wall and the bridge. Some were more daring and jumped off the building beside the bridge. That meant clearing a one foot lip on the roof and about twelve feet of concrete. I never felt the need to try that.
There wasn't a park there at that time and there was no fencing to keep you away from the ships. We used to stand on the high wall and touch the boats as they went by. Some of the sailors would throw down foreign coins.
There were crews there putting up fencing on the East side while we were home. They were up to Killaly Street East. I couldn't even access our old fishing spots along the weir.
The viewing stand was built by the Parks and Recreation Department employees that I used to work with. It used to have an operating fountain which was quite nice but the last two times I have been home it was not working. There is now a ship shaped ornament in the fountain.
The area has expanded now include picnic areas, a play structure, and a skateboard park that is built to resemble a ship. The name on the skateboard Park is Algoport.
It is a great place to see ships go through Lock 8 as the viewing stand is elevated. The big Algoma self-unloader ships like the Algoport barely fit in the locks. There was very little room on the sides and sometimes you could hear them scraping. If memory serves me correct the locks were 731 or 732 feet long and the ships like the Algoport were 730 feet long so not much room to spare to close the locks.
A third bridge has been built since I left home in 1982.
We had some great times around the canal growing up. It is a shame that it is all fenced now. I am sure it is all about liability.
There is a Dairy Queen a block away. It was always a great day to get an ice cream and watch the ships.
Written May 13, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Carwells
Port Colborne42 contributions
Aug 2015 • Family
Lock 8 in port Colborne is the last lock in the Welland canal series. It take about 10 hours in total to the Great Lake ships to travel the locks from lock 1 in St.cathrines to lock 8 in port Colborne. There is a beautiful water fountain a skate park for skaters and a playground for the kiddos. So there is lots to do for all ages. And an enjoyable afternoon with the family where you sure to be able to watch the ships go through.
Written August 20, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
FearlessNinja
Toronto, Canada102 contributions
Was driving around this area for the May long weekend.
Pros: perfect place to picnic. Has plenty of trees if you want to set up your own - sit on the ground picnic. It also has a large gazebo if you want to eat on a table. Very clean, maintained. Has views of ships coming in. Has a children's play ground, skateboard park and washrooms.
Cons: nothing. Buy take out from the main town and bring it here and enjoy the day. Go back to the pub at night.
Pros: perfect place to picnic. Has plenty of trees if you want to set up your own - sit on the ground picnic. It also has a large gazebo if you want to eat on a table. Very clean, maintained. Has views of ships coming in. Has a children's play ground, skateboard park and washrooms.
Cons: nothing. Buy take out from the main town and bring it here and enjoy the day. Go back to the pub at night.
Written May 18, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Janice M
Port Colborne, Canada8 contributions
May 2015 • Solo
Oh boy, I'm gonna get blasted, but I am not a fan of Port Colborne. Never have been, never will. We're just a bedroom community. I like that this park was created and is a nice place for tourists. I often walk there as I live close by, but I only go to watch the ships. The fountain is hideous and is in desperate need of cleaning.
Written May 8, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Showing results 1-2 of 2
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing