What a joyful feeling to cross the border into Ontario after 2 years of the pandemic! Short lines at Customs, crossing at the Peace Bridge, were a nice surprise as well, although likely to change soon. We’ve never been to Port Colborne and for quite a while I thought it would be an interesting place to check out upon our first trip back across the border. Driving along Highway 3 en route to Port Colborne, we pulled into the historic site of the Battle of Ridgeway. There are monuments, cemeteries, forts and historical markers all over this section of Ontario, and all over Western New York. These for the most part serve as a reminder that in the War of 1812, fierce battles were fought between the U.S. and Canada, with lives lost, towns burnt to the ground, and hero’s and villains whose stories survive to this day. One can assume that the Battle of Ridgeway was one of many War of 1812 battles. It was a fierce battle with over 250 casualties. But this battle was actually fought in 1866 in what is known as the Fenian raids. This military action was carried out by the Fenian Brotherhood, a U.S. based Irish Republican organization, and was the last time the U.S. and Canadian citizens took each others’ lives opposed in battle.
Port Colborne is most famous as the southern terminus of the Welland Canal, on Lake Erie. It’s April and freighters are moving east as the ice disappears on the Great Lakes. The old buildings and quaint shops along the canal are reminiscent of a New England fishing village.
Parking along the canal we are given a friendly welcome by patrons at an outdoor table at The Pie Guys Bakery and Cafe. This would be our experience for the day. Everyone we encountered were friendly and welcoming. It was sticky bun day at Pie Guys, so a sticky bun and a good cup of coffee were in order. Molasses cookies and chocolate chip with toffee cookies were ordered to go. A couple of cappuccino’s from Green Apple Coffee House for the road were next. Then a walk through the Port Colborne Historical and Marine Museum provided an interesting diversion as we waited for the unique must-see Candy Safari to open. It opened, and after picking up a couple of must have items, we departed Port Colborne and headed north toward St. Catherines.
I think it’s worthwhile to plan a Southern Ontario day trip around Port Colborne. It’s rare to see large ocean going freighters close up, but here there is a steady stream moving through the canal, flying flags from around the world. The Port Promenade running along the canal and West Street is a nice walkway with clean benches along it. Across West Street are some really cool shops, including the aforementioned Pie Guys and Candy Safari. It’s great to be back in Canada!
