Frequently Asked Questions
CONCERT QUESTIONS
How much does the concert cost?
Concerts are free! However, we do ask for a monetary donation at the gate to help keep the concerts free for future festivals.
Do I need a ticket to enter the concert?
There are no tickets for the concerts and you cannot reserve a place in the concert area in advance.
What time can I enter the concert grounds?
Gates open at 6 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.
Gates open at 12 p.m. for the Sunday afternoon show and 6 p.m. for the Sunday evening show.
What time do the bands come on?
All showtimes can be found on the Concert Series webpage.
Are the concerts all ages?
The concerts are all-ages. Those wishing to purchase alcohol must show valid government-issued photo ID to receive a wristband.
Where is the concert held?
All concerts are held at H.H. Knoll Lakeview Park.
Can I bring a lawn chair to the concert?
Lawn chairs are not permitted during Friday and Saturday concerts for safety reasons and due to the number of people expected. You may bring a lawn chair to shows on Sunday.
Where can I sit down at the concert?
Picnic tables will be available at the back and west side of the concert grounds for those who require seating. Personal chairs are not allowed on Friday or Saturday for safety reasons and due to the number of people expected.
Can I leave and re-enter the park to smoke?
Smoking is not permitted in any public parks, inside or outside of the gates. If you exit the gates, re-entry will not be allowed.
Are outside food and beverages allowed in the concert grounds?
Sealed food and beverages are allowed in the concert grounds. No coolers are permitted. Beverages must be fully sealed (reusable bottles must be empty if you want to bring them in).
Is there food available in the concert grounds?
Yes, a variety of food options will be available to purchase in the concert grounds.
What happens if it rains?
In the event of inclement weather, concerts could be postponed or rescheduled for safety reasons. Updates will be shared on our social media channels and website. If there is inclement weather but no safety risk, concerts will continue as planned.
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FESTIVAL QUESTIONS
Is there a cost to enter the festival grounds?
The festival is completely free to enter.
Where can I park when I visit the festival?
Parking is free for Port Colborne residents with a PORTicipate Pass displayed on their dashboard. Paid street parking is available for non-Port Colborne residents through the HONK Mobile app. More details are available on our Parking webpage.
Can I reserve parking in advance?
Parking cannot be reserved and is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
How can I find an event schedule?
A full schedule for Canal Days events is available on our Schedule webpage.
What are the rules in the festival grounds?
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Open alcohol is permitted within the festival grounds as marked. Wristbands are required for 19+.
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No outside alcohol
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Bag checks
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No bicycle riding, skateboarding, rollerblading, etc.
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No pets
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Where are the washrooms located?
Washrooms will be spread throughout the footprint of the festival and along the fencing in several locations in the concert grounds. Washrooms are indicated on our Interactive Map.
How many people attend each year?
Each year, approximately 60,000 unique visitors attend Canal Days over four days.
Can I bring my dog/pet?
Pets are not permitted. Service animals are welcome.
Where do I buy cruise tickets for the Empire Sandy?
Details about Empire Sandy sailings and tickets are available on our Empire Sandy page.
If you need additional support, please call 905-835-2900 or emailing customerservice@portcolborne.ca. During the Canal Days weekend, tickets can be purchased at City Hall or on West Street, in front of the Empire Sandy.
Do Empire Sandy cruises still run in the rain?
In the event of inclement weather, Empire Sandy cruises may be cancelled or rescheduled for safety reasons. If weather poses no risk, cruises will continue as scheduled. Information regarding rescheduled events will be shared on our social media channels.
If my cruise is cancelled due to weather, can I get a refund?
In the event of a cancellation, refunds will be issued.
Is there food available for purchase on the Empire Sandy?
There is a cash concessions bar where you can purchase snacks on-board.
Where do I park to go on an Empire Sandy cruise?
There is no designated parking location for Empire Sandy cruises. Find out more about parking at Canal Days on our Parking webpage.
How do I become a vendor?
Vendor applications are closed for 2024.
How do I become a volunteer?
Volunteer applications are available on our Volunteer webpage.
How do I find the festival once I arrive to Port Colborne?
Canal Days is situated along the Welland Canal and the shoreline of Lake Erie. Steele Street, Elm Street, King Street, Sugarloaf Street and Welland Avenue will all lead you to the festival. The core of the festival is on West Street. The concerts are held at H.H. Knoll Lakeview Park.
Is there a shuttle service?
Yes, there is a free air-conditioned shuttle service. Shuttles run approximately every 30 minutes from the Vale Health & Wellness Centre parking lot (550 Elizabeth Street) or the West Side Plaza parking lot (53 West Side Road). Shuttles do not cross the bridges.
When are the fireworks?
The fireworks are held on Sunday evening, generally around 10 p.m. along the Welland Canal. The Boat Parade of Lights is a pre-show to the fireworks and begins at roughly 9:15 p.m. The fireworks time is subject to change due to St. Lawrence Seaway traffic.
Are there ATM’s on site?
In addition to many financial institutions in the surrounding festival grounds, there are ATM’s along West Street, at the Vale Health & Wellness Centre, and at the Canal Days Concert Series.
What methods of payment are accepted at the festival?
We accept cash, debit, and credit.
Are drink tickets valid for the whole weekend or only on the date they are purchased?
Drink tickets are valid for the entire weekend. They cannot be used for future festivals.
Do you have a lost and found?
Lost items can be turned into the City of Port Colborne tent during the festival. Once the festival is over, items will be held at City Hall.