A steam tug boat is docked in front a main street and buildings.
A view of Front Street (now Lakeport Road), with steam tug Augusta in the foreground, c. 1880. STCM 3253-N

Good hospitality has always been important in Port Dalhousie as shown in this picture of Front Street c. 1880.

Opened in 1877, the impressive and elegant Wood House hotel was one of many hotels serving passengers and crews transiting the Welland Canal. Unfortunately, Wood House was destroyed by fire in 1884. Its replacement, about half the size, has since served as a grocer, hotel, and several restaurants.

Fire Insurance Plan map showing Port Dalhousie.
Page 2 of the Fire Insurance Plan for Port Dalhousie shows Front Street (now Lakeport Road) in 1929. Courtesy Archives and Special Collections, Brock University Library.

History from Here: Lock Street

You can learn more about the history of the neighbourhood, Lock Street, and the long tradition of hospitality in Port Dalhousie with our History from Here video:

There’s More to the Story

Check out the entire History InSite installation across Merritton, downtown St. Catharines and in Port Dalhousie.

About History InSite

A permanent, site specific installation, History InSite juxtaposes historical photographs with modern streetscapes by presenting the photo in, or close to, the place which it was taken.

St. Catharines has a rich photographic history and when compared to the changing streetscapes around the City, that history becomes much more meaningful, poignant, and relevant to our modern eyes.

The Downtown series was installed in July 2021. The Port Dalhousie series was installed in May 2022. The Merritton series was installed in May 2023. Additions to each installation are made on an annual rotation.

History InSite is presented by the St. Catharines Museum & Welland Canals Centre.

Graffiti Report

If you spot any graffiti on our purple History InSite signs, please send us a message.