Sport Tourism
Welland is the city of choice to host elite games and competitions.
Sports in Welland by the Numbers
ON THE WATER
- 272 ACRES OF WATERWAY
- 70 USER GROUPS ANNUALLY
- 20+ ANNUAL COMPETITIONS
- 2 WATER COURSES (International Standard)
ON THE FIELD
- 2,500 SEAT BASEBALL STADIUM
- 1 INDOOR FIFA REGULATION SOCCER FIELD
- 15 BASEBALL DIAMONDS
- 8 OUTDOOR SOCCER FIELDS (2 Turf)
ON THE GROUND
- 4 BEACH VOLLEYBALL COURTS (Expert Grade)
- 4 INDOOR TENNIS COURTS
- 400 ACRES OF PARKLAND
- 24 KILOMETRES OF TRAIL
Welland International Flatwater Centre
The Welland International Flatwater Center (WIFC) is the host venue to approximately 25 events annually. The WIFC has been host to five international championships. More information on sport tourism in Welland and the complete 2022 events list is available at wifc.ca
The Welland International Flatwater Centre (WIFC) is a premier flat-water sports facility situated along the pristine Welland Recreation Corridor and is official facility for the 2022 Canada Summer Games
The WIFC boasts a gleaming modern design that fits seamlessly into its surroundings of clean water, fresh air, and unspoiled grasslands. This facility has made a mark on the International stage as a premier hosting location for major flatwater sporting events in the following disciplines: canoe sprint, canoe polo, sprint kayak, rowing, open water swim, dragon boat, and triathlon.
The City of Welland is dedicated to leveraging this tremendous asset for the benefit of local and global sports communities. This is accomplished by hosting elite-level events each summer; these events range from small community gatherings to National and World Championships.
The facility’s growing pool of volunteers has been a strong base of community support to ensure the WIFC venue maintains a stellar reputation with the international sporting community into the future.
Join us this summer to cheer on the athletes and become better acquainted with flatwater competition.
Just south of the WIFC North Course is the South Course – a 2,000-metre course located at 473 Forks Road.
More Facilities & Venues
The Empire Sportsplex is operated and managed by the City of Welland Parks and Community Services. The facility opened in 2022 and is located adjacent to the Welland International Flatwater Centre (WIFC). The Empire Sportsplex is a community hub, providing inclusive access to residents and visitors to high-quality outdoor sports and recreation facilities. This multi-court facility is another great asset for the City of Welland as a first-of-its-kind in Ontario.
The fully lit facility includes the following features:
- 6 dedicated pickleball courts
- 3 tennis courts
-with line overlay for 6 pickleball courts - 5 beach volleyball courts
- 1 basketball court — full size
- 2 half basketball courts (3 vs 3)
- Amenity Building:
- canteen
- washrooms
- office/equipment storage
Canadian Tire Jump Start gifted an Inclusive Multisport court enhancement as a sub-facility within the Empire Sportsplex to the City of Welland. Key features of the inclusive enhancement include:
- 1 pickleball/tennis Court
- 1 basketball court — full size
- 2 side Court basketball hoops
- play area
- high contrast Four Square and Hopscotch - sport/para sport court lines
- shaded double wide benches and bleachers
- 4 LED overhead lights
- 6 fixed height basketball nets
- 4 double wide entry points
The Sportsplex courts operate with a campus-like model, closely coordinating with the WIFC. The Sportsplex courts are available in combination between community access, league access and special events/tournaments.
This outstanding venue features a FIFA regulation sized soccer field, four indoor tennis courts, as-well-as a Sport Performance Centre and convenience food area. Surrounding the complex are five FIFA regulation soccer fields, two of which are artificial turf field. The facility offers numerous field-oriented sports and provides a venue for recreational/ competitive athletes to train all year round. The Sportsplex not only serves residents of Welland, it serves various sporting communities from Niagara. This facility is unique because of all of the opportunities it offers for various sports including soccer, tennis, ultimate Frisbee, indoor and outdoor field lacrosse, indoor and outdoor rugby, indoor adult slow-pitch, touch football, and indoor golf.
The Sports Complex is a state-of-the-art baseball stadium with seating for 2,500 spectators and is set to thrill fans with an exciting 2021 Intercounty Baseball line-up. Fans can welcome the Welland Jackfish to their second year in Welland by catching a game and cheering the team on. The stadium offers ample parking and two softball diamonds, available for professional or amateur play.
Visit wellandjackfish.com for tickets.
As Welland grows into a progressive sport tourism destination, the facilities also continue to grow and accommodate a variety of sport disciplines. Chippawa Park offers a multipurpose accessible Community Centre overlooking four competition quality sanded volleyball courts. The Community Centre has a large entertainment room with a warming kitchen and gas fireplace, while downstairs offers a small meeting room and gas fireplace. This facility is ideal for hosting competitive or recreational volleyball tournaments.
The Welland Main Arena and Jack Ballantyne Memorial Arena are home to great Canadian hockey. A long list of talented hockey players has grown from Welland; including talents such as Daniel Girardi, Daniel Paille, and Cal Clutterbuck. Should you visit Welland from October to mid-March, stop by the arenas for public skating or watch the Welland Jr. B Canadians while enjoying a beverage in the comfort of The Penalty Box (viewable sports bar).