The City of Welland is located on the Welland Ship Canal, about half way between Lakes Ontario and Erie. In 1824, William Hamilton Merritt formed the Welland Canal Company to bypass Niagara Falls and connect Lakes Erie and Ontario and provide a water supply for the local mills. The Canal officially opened in 1829 and helped transform Welland from a country town into a manufacturing city.

Vineyards, fruit orchards and vegetable gardens have given the title of Garden of Canada to the region while one of the finest Rose Gardens in Ontario earned Welland the title of Rose City in 1921.

Activities bring residents and visitors to parks, tennis courts, pools, ice arenas, a curling rink, an 18-hole golf course and seven motion picture theaters. Colourful murals painted on many buildings around the city depict the heritage, culture and history of the area.

Welland accommodations include Bed and Breakfasts, and major chain hotels.