One of the least interesting places to paddle in Niagara but also one of the most accessible is the Welland Recreation Canal. The "rec" canal is a retired section of the old Welland Ship Canal (Part of the St. Lawrence Seaway) that goes right through the heart of the city of Welland. The reason I feel that this isn't that interesting of place to paddle is simply that it's a narrow concrete lined channel through a small city. So if you like exploring nature while paddling, this really isn't the place to do it. But if you want nice calm and mostly quiet water to paddle, this is the place to be.
There are a number of advantages to the canal, first of which is the fact that motorized boats are no longer allowed on it. This means that traffic is minimal and consists of like minded paddlers and occasional scuba divers. The second advantage is the accessibility of launches. There are several along the length of the rec canal, and all have parking which is free, and are nice and close to the water. Another big advantage is the fact you can actually rent Kayaks and Canoes (along with paddleboats) to use on the waterway, at a very low cost. (more info here http://canalcorp.ca/wrccaug2010_003.htm)
As always there are a few downsides, first off is the lack of scenery as mentioned above. The other is that because it is in the middle of the city there are usually a few people along the sides of the canal, and every now and again they are the unpleasant type of people who shout things at you, or have loud dogs and refuse to control them. But I should say most will ignore you, or inquire about your boat. One other thing to warn you about is the occasional "bridge jumper". Kids tend to use the bridges for jumping into the water, so keep an eye out for this, I had a kid miss me by inches a few years ago, scared him more than me. The biggest issue though is wind. Because the Canal is a narrow channel, it tends to funnel the wind, which isn't bad if it's at your back, but it can be a real pain if your paddling into it. But I would say that these issues are mostly minor.
One of the biggest advantages of the Canal however is Luminaqua. This is the city of Welland's summer concert series. The city has built an amphitheater with a floating stage. You can buy tickets to sit in the amphitheater seating (and they are fairly reasonably priced) or you can paddle up for free and enjoy the show from your boat. They've had some great acts over the last few years including the Niagara Symphony Orchestra, Ron Sexsmith, and Steven Page (formally of Barenaked Ladies). Plus it involves floating baskets of fire.. and lets be honest, who doesn't enjoy floating baskets of fire. Check it out at ( http://www.illuminaqua.com )
All and all it's a great place for a short paddle, to practice rescue skills, to see a concert, or just enjoy floating baskets of fire.
As always, thanks for reading.
See you on the water.
Ryan.
