Port Dalhousie in St. Catharines in Niagara Region, Ontario — Central Canada (North America)
The Royal Canadian Henley Regatta
Photographed by Kevin Westell, May 15, 2025
1. The Royal Canadian Henley Regatta Marker
The nearby waterway, a part of the first Welland Canal constructed in 1824-29, is the course used for the annual Royal Canadian Henley Regatta. Competitive rowing became popular in Canada during the 1860's and 1870's, and in 1880 the Canadian Association of Amateur Oarsmen was formed in Toronto. This body held an annual regatta for International oarsmen in various Canadian centres until, in 1903, Port Dalhousie was selected as the permanent site. This rowing event, inspired by the famous regatta held yearly at Henley-on-Thames in England, has become one of the largest in the world.
Erected by Archaeological and Historic Sites Board of Ontario.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Sports. In addition, it is included in the Canada, Ontario Heritage Trust, and the The Welland Canals series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1903.
Location. 43° 12.012′ N, 79° 16.223′ W. Marker is in St. Catharines, Ontario, in Niagara Region. It is in Port Dalhousie. It is on Main Street, on the left when traveling west. The plaque is on the left side of the gateway to The
this page online
Regionally, this marker is on Ontario’s Golden Horseshoe and in Niagara Canada. It is also in Central Canada. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once a British colony, the Viceroyalty of New France, the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy, and Ruperts Land.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Craig Swayze Memorial Grandstand (here, next to this marker); Port Dalhousie Cenotaph (within shouting distance of this marker); Main Street at Ann Street (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); Port Dalhousie Town Hall (about 90 meters away); St John's Anglican Church 1868 (about 120 meters away); The Captain Neelon House, 1875 (about 120 meters away); Former Home - Sid Brookson 1919 (approx. 0.3 kilometers away); Restoring the Henley Rowing Course at Martindale Pond (approx. 0.3 kilometers
Photographed by Kevin Westell, May 15, 2025
2. Context for The Royal Canadian Henley Regatta Marker
Viewing from Main Street, the plaque is just left (north-east) of the gateway.
Regarding The Royal Canadian Henley Regatta. The grandstand seats 2,500. It looks out over the north end of Martindale Pond, and the finish-line of the Royal Canadian Henley Rowing Course. The rowing course has 8 rowing lanes, length 2,200 metres (7,200 ft). Original built in 1903, upgraded in 1999.
Credits. This page was last revised on May 20, 2025. It was originally submitted on May 15, 2025, by Kevin Westell of St. Catharines, Ontario. This page has been viewed 117 times since then and 16 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 15, 2025, by Kevin Westell of St. Catharines, Ontario. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
