Thorold is the ideal destination for a well deserved getaway. Whether it's a fun-filled family vacation, or a couple's quiet weekend away, the City offers a host of attractions that will appeal to everyone! Visit the Flight Locks and the Lock 7 Viewing Complex for an entertaining and informative look at the Welland Canal System. Kiss for a 'lifetime of happiness and prosperity' at the legendary Kissing Rock. Listen to the roar of the engines and thrill to the sheer power of the machines at Merrittville Speedway. Enjoy the local flavours of the weekly Farmer's Market. Take in the area's largest collection of original local artwork at the Niagara Gallery. On crisp autumn days have a 'howling' good time at the Howell Family Pumpkin Farm, home to the giant pumpkin-eating dinosaur. Whatever your taste, Thorold has an attraction to suit young and old alike.

The Greater Niagara Circle Route 
 

The Greater Niagara Circle Route Trials System is over 140 km of mostly off road, paved trails suitable for walking, cycling or rollerblading. Motorized vehicles are not permitted. The paved trail is mostly 3 metres wide and passes through urban centres, downtowns, the Niagara escapement, waterfronts, and rural/agricultural areas. 

The system includes the Welland Canals Trail which passes alongside parts of the existing and previous canals from St. Catharines on Lake Ontario (north end) through Thorold and Welland to Port Colborne on Lake Erie (south end). The Friendship Trail goes between Port Colborne and Fort Erie (east end). From Fort Erie the Niagara River Recreation Trail follows the Niagara River, through the city of Niagara Falls, to Niagara-on-the-Lake (north end). The Waterfront Trail follows Lakeshore Road from Niagara-on-the-Lake to St. Catharines (west end). Trail mileage markers are on the trail around the circle starting at Old Fort Erie (km. “0”) and proceeding in a counter-clockwise direction. 

Around the circle or nearby are many accommodations, restaurants, and sights that include;  

• Fort Erie, a historic fort at the junction of the Niagara River and Lake Erie.
  

• Numerous Niagara Parks Commission attractions and the world famous Niagara Falls, the reason for the Welland Canal.
  

• Fort George in Niagara-on-the-Lake, the first Capital of Upper Canada and a historic community that is also home to the Snow Festival.
  

• Vineyards, wineries and orchards alongside Lakeshore Road between Niagara-on-the-Lake and St. Catharines.
  

• The South Niagara Rowing Club in Welland, an internationally famous rowing course.
  

• Parts of the previous historic canals at various places.
  

• The St. Catharines Museum/Lock III Observation Area where visitors may view a canals exhibit and perhaps see a ship pass through the lock.
  

• The Flight Locks in Thorold where “the ships climb the mountain”, and “Kissing Rock” beside the visitors Centre at Lock VII
  

• Murals in Thorold and downtown Welland.
  

• “Working in the Canal” –the Feeder Canal Comprehensive Centre in Welland.
  

• Mud Lake Conservation Area and Lock VIII, the longest lock in the system, in Port Colborne.