Welland

Welland Civic Centre - The Welland Civic Plaza

Welland is a city of 52,000 people (2023) in the Niagara Region of Ontario Canada.

The city is centred on the Old Welland Canal which splits the city into a Northwestern section and a Southeastern section. The Eastern section is primarily older, having been the original settlement for the diggers of the Welland Canal. As the town grew it expanded Northwest and is now almost completely urbanized in this area. The largest shopping (including the Seaway Mall) and dining areas are along Niagara Street (Highway 58).

Welland Halal Travel Guide

History

The city was settled in 1788 by the United Empire Loyalists. On 19 October 1814, Canadian forces led by George Hay, 8th Marquess of Tweeddale, met an American raiding party, numbering roughly nine hundred, near the eastern edge of the present community during the Battle of Cook's Mills. After an intense skirmish and the Americans retreated to Buffalo, New York. Cook's Mills was the second to last engagement of the War of 1812 on Canadian soil.

The Welland Canal has been involved in the area's history since the First Welland Canal was extended to reach Lake Erie in 1833. A wooden aqueduct was built to carry the Welland Canal over the Welland River at what is now downtown Welland, and the area became known as simply Aqueduct. A lock to cross from the canal to the river and vice versa was also built. A small shantytown soon developed around the facility, providing crucial services in what was a convenient stop-over location.

The growing town was later named Merrittsville, after William Hamilton Merritt and the initiator of the Welland Canal project. This name is still reflected in the name of the Merrittville Highway (Niagara Road 50), which served as the primary north-south route in central Niagara before the construction of Highway 406. Welland gained its present name when it was incorporated on 25 July 1858. It became a city in 1917.

In addition to the presence of the canal, one of the few railway crossings across the canal was near Welland. The two factors contributed to the development of heavy industry in Welland. The Plymouth Cordage Company was the first major industrial company to open a plant in Welland in 1906. By the 1930s, Welland was an important industry location in the region and was developing rapidly.

In the 1960s and the city was starting to outgrow the canal passing through its core. The Welland By-Pass project, started in 1967 and finished in 1973, provided a new, shorter alignment for the Welland Canal by removing it from downtown Welland to the city's outskirts. With the completion of the bypass, Welland's east end (and the former town of Crowland) became a virtual human-made island between the new and old canal channels.

This was viewed with enthusiasm as the canal's constant traffic was interfering heavily with transportation within the city. The canal's old alignment was renamed the Welland Recreational Waterway with the purpose of developing several recreational facilities and tourist attractions along its shores. The plans called for fishing platforms, water slides, boat rental points, as well as marine and rail historical exhibits.

The effects of the canal relocation were compounded by the gradual, but steady move of industry out of Welland as a trend for global manufacturing was developing. As a result and there was much deterioration in downtown Welland in the years immediately after the project. Many businesses relocated to the city's north end, where a retail hub was being developed in and around the Seaway Mall.

Travel as a Muslim to Welland

From St. Catharines take Highway 406 south. The 406 passes through Thorold before ending in Welland. The North end of Welland can be visited from the Merritt Rd. exit. The Seaway Mall and other large stores and restaurants can be visited from the Woodlawn Rd. exit. The Southeastern part of Welland and the downtown core can be visited from Main St. where Highway 406 ends in a roundabout.

Get Around

Welland Transit buses run every half hour or so, depending on the area. Taxis are also available but it is recommended that you travel by car. Park lands neighbour the canals and river and contain a continuous trail that runs the length of the city. This makes biking a convenient method to travel North-South in the city.

What to See

Merritt Island is in the center of the town and is a 3 km long island that runs between the Old Welland Canal and the Welland River. Recreational trails and parks run the extent of it. The only vehicle entrance is from the southern edge behind the court house. Near the parking lot there is a playground for children, and in the summer you can rent paddle boats and canoes for use along the river. The Niagara Food Festival is held in this park in the fall.

Welland is known for its murals. Around town you can find varied sizes and genres of the wall paintings.

What to Do

• The village of Port Robinson is divided by the current Welland Canal. Either side is a good location to watch for ships traversing the canal. The canal is operational from late March to Christmas every year.

• Can View Drive-In - 1956 Regional Road #20, Fonthill GPS: - Admission varies, see web-site Movie Hotline +1 905-892-9929 or +1 905-892-1155. Opens mid-April every year subject to weather.
• Fonthill Bandshell - 20 Pelham Town Plaza, Fonthill GPS: Opening Hours: 7PM Monday - 9PM Admission by donation Summer Concert Series in Peace Park south of Fonthill City Hall. Thursday nights from mid-June to September. The organizers include a wide variety of musical styles. Bring your own lawn chair.
• Merrittville Speedway - 2371 Merrittville Highway, Thorold GPS: go west from Hwy 406 on Regional Road 20, and turn north ☎ +1 905-892-8266 | Opening Hours: Gate opens at 5:30PM, Showtime is 7PM Adults $12, Students (13-18) & Seniors $10, Kids (8-12) $5, Under 8 Free. Parking Free Canada's Longest running Dirt track features stock vehicle racing Saturdays from late April till Labour Day weekend. There are also special events on some other days, e.g. Labour Day Weekend.
• Niagara Regional Exhibition - Welland Fair - 1100 Niagara Street ☎ +1 905-735-6413 +1 888-935-6413 +1 905-735-2317 Opening Hours: Thursday 4PM Monday - 11PM; Friday 10AM Monday - 11PM; Sa 10AM Monday - 11PM; Sunday 10AM Monday - 6PM. Adult $8. Senior $6. Student (13-18) $5. Child (6-12) $4. 5 years & under free. Parking free Held every year in mid September.
• Pelham Summerfest - GPS: - Free

"Come Chill on the Hill". Four days of family fun occur on the 3rd weekend of July each year .

• Welland International Flatwater Centre - North Course: 16 Townline Tunnel Road, South Course: 473 Forks Road ☎ +1 905 788-9511 Disciplines include canoe, dragon boat, kayak, paddle board, rowing, swimming, scuba diving, and triathalon.
• Welland Recreational Waterway - ☎ +1 905-732-7673 The Old Welland Canal that runs though the town is now a recreational canal and supports many different water sports including fishing, jet skiing, water skiing, and rowing. Certain speed limits have been put in place in different areas. Swimming in the canal, although not advised, is sometimes partaken around one of the numerous boat ramps in the center of town.
• Welland Rose Festival - ☎ +1 905-732-7673 Mid-June.
• Youngs Sportsplex - 570 River Road ☎ +1 905-735-8106 ext 2000 +1 905-714-7782 A multi-sports complex serving Welland and the Niagara Region. Four indoor tennis courts, an indoor FIFA regulation sized soccer field, and five outdoor soccer fields. Also indoor golf driving range, ultimate frisbee, slo-pitch, flag football, field lacrosse, and corporate kickball.

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Welland

• Big Box Zone - Woodlawn and Hwy 406- There's not much in the way of big box stores in Welland. This area includes a Wal-Mart Supercentre, Canadian Tire, RONA, Dollar Tree, and Marks Work Wearhouse.
• Seaway Mall - 800 Niagara Street North GPS: at Niagara and Woodlawn ☎ +1 905 735-0694 +1 905 735-5422 Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 10AM Monday - 9PM; Sa 9:30AM Monday - 5:30PM; Sunday 11AM Monday - 5PM The largest shopping centre in Welland. The main stores are Hart, Shoppers Drug Mart, SportChek, Staples, Stitches, and Winners. There is a Cineplex on the south-east corner, and a branch of the Welland Public Library.
• Welland's Farmers Market - 50 Market Plaza GPS: 42.990377, -79.248766 Between Young and Division Streets ☎ +1 905-735-1700 ext 4000 | Opening Hours: Sa 6AM Monday - noon (year round) The largest, oldest, and most well-known Market in the Niagara Region.
• Pelham Farmer's Market - 20 Pelham Town Plaza, Fonthill GPS: Opening Hours: Every Thursday May to October, 4:30PM to dusk Some days have special events, eg Salsa Competition or Pumpkin Challenge. Now includes a Supper Market featuring foods from local restaurants.

Halal Restaurants in Welland

There are many chain restaurants around Welland, and Niagara Street is home to many of those chain restaurants including A&W, Boston Pizza, BurgerKing (Please do not support BurgerKing as BurgerKing supports Israel. Shun this restaurant group and go for altertative brands and if possible for a Muslim owned restaurant), Dairy Queen, Harveys, KFC, Little Caesar's Pizza, McDonalds, Mr. Sub, Pita Pit, Pizzas Hut, Popeye's, Subway, Swiss Chalet, and Tim Hortons (two locations).

• Beamsville Fish and Chips - 397 Thorold Road GPS: between South Pelham Road, and Prince Charles ☎ +1 905 732-9444 Take-out fish and chips, and some other items. Now has a seating area.
• Blue Star - 676 King Street GPS: south of downtown, north of Ontario Road ☎ +1 905 732-2459 +1 905 732-3302 A very popular Welland restaurant.
• Cool Licks - 642 King Street GPS: south of downtown, north of Ontario Road ☎ +1 905 734-7665 A family-run ice cream and small meal parlour with large portions and affordable prices. This place is packed in the summer.
• Mossimo's Pizzas & Subs - 164 Regional Road 20 West, Pelham ☎ +1 905-892-7777 | Opening Hours: Monday - Thursday 10:30AM Monday - 11PM, Friday Sa 10:30AM Monday - midnight, Sunday 10:30AM Monday - 10PM Mossimo's started in 1993 as a small mostly take-out pizza joint. In 2000 and they moved to a larger location. In March 2014 and they opened a new bigger restaurant. This growth is because it is Fonthill/Pelham's favourite pizza parlour.
• Mr Mikes Steakhouse Casual - 800 Niagara Street North GPS: Seaway Mall ☎ +1 289 820-8886 | Opening Hours: Sun-Wed 11am-Midnight, Thurs-Sat 11am-1am - This is the first location in Eastern Canada of this Western Canadian chain.
• M.T. Bellies Tap and Grillhouse - 871 Niagara Street ☎ +1 905 788-9474 Their slogan is "Big Food Big Fun" and definitely lives up to this. Definitely try the Buffalo Chicken Fingers or Chicken Parmesan. Make reservations if coming at a busy time. The bar is also popular with the local residents and is a good place to meet long time Wellanders.
• My Place Grill - 20 Regional Road 20, Fonthill ☎ +1 905 892-4949 Mediterranean cuisine. Serves a nice Sunday brunch buffet with omelet café.

• Iggy's Pub & Grub - 115 Regional Road #20 East, Fonthill ☎ +1 905 892-6667 | Opening Hours: 11AM Monday - 2AM Daily $10-30 Their Facebook page says "Home of Craft Beer and a Great Time". 24 soft drinks and ciders on tap.
• Kame and Kettle Beer Works - 25 Pelham Town Plaza, Fonthill ☎ +1 289 273-2550 | Opening Hours: Wed–Sun: 11:30 am – 9 pm

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Welland

Welland - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Welland, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Welland. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Welland and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Welland. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Welland. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations inWelland: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Welland.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Welland: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Welland, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Welland.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Welland, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Welland, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Welland and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Welland, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Welland, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Welland without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Welland is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Welland.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Welland is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Welland, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Welland Media: info@ehalal.io

Muslim Friendly Hotels

Small independent motels and chain hotels are around the city.

• Best Western Plus Rose City Suites Hotel - 300 Prince Charles Dr ☎ +1 905-732-0922 +1 800-387-8186 +1 905-732-0644 Check-in: 3PM / Check-out: 11AM Smoke free, all-suite hotel. Some suites have a full fridge and stove. Complimentary hot breakfast. Beside the Old Welland Canal.
• Canal Inn - 870 Niagara Street GPS: north of Seaway Mall ☎ +1 905-732-4811 Checkin - 3PM / Check-out: 11AM Pet friendly (ground floor only). 80 rooms. Free continental breakfast.
• Hipwell's Motel - 299 20 Hwy, Pelham GPS: one mile west of Fonthill ☎ +1 905-892-3588 +1 905-892-0068 Check-in: 2PM / Check-out: 10:30AM 26 rooms. Outdoor pool. Picnic area.
• Canada's Best Value Inn - 1030 Niagara Street GPS: north of Seaway Mall, at Quaker Road ☎ +1 905-735-6666 +1 877-484-2014 +1 905-735-6894 Check-in: 3PM / Check-out: 11AM A former Ramada, Days Inn, and Knights Inn. Three-story non-smoking hotel, indoor pool, renovated 2013. Looks like the attached restaurant is closed again (January 2022).

Explore more Halal friendly Destinations from Welland

• A drive into Niagara Falls is 30 minutes or less.
• Also a short drive away is Niagara-on-the-Lake - a quaint, historic town with great little shops, restaurants, Cafes, and (in the summer) the Shaw Theatre Festival.
• St. Catharines to the north, Hamilton (Ontario)|Hamilton to the west, Port Colborne to the south, and Fort Erie/Buffalo to the south-east.

Copyright 2015 - 2024. All Rights reserved by eHalal Group Co., Ltd.
To Advertise or sponsor this Travel Guide, please visit our Media Kit and Advertising Rates.