The Great Portage of 1829 | North Coast Chronicles

On the fifth episode of North Coast Chronicles: Tales from the Great Lakes, entitled, "The Great Portage of 1829," historian Bel Bachmann and trade and compliance specialist with the Canadian St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation, Benoit Nolet, join host Helen Brohl to share the origins, construction, and operation of the Welland Canal. Providing portage around Niagara falls for ships now carrying 40 million tons of cargo per year, the first canal was built at a time in history when ships operated under sail and the original 40 individual locks were built by hand to raise ships 326 feet from Lake Ontario to Lake Erie. What veteran of the War of 1812 had the vision to build the Canal and why? What group of people wielded the axes, picks, and shovels to dig the first canal?  How does a modern day vessel get into and out of a lock with only one foot of air on either side?  And, what is a vacuum mooring? St. Catherine's, Ontario and Lock 3 at the Welland Canal is your next stop on the Great Lakes Circle Tour!