
Imagine sitting on your motel balcony with a coffee while a massive Great Lakes freighter slowly passes through Lock 7. That’s the unusual experience just waiting for you at The Inn at Lock Seven in Thorold, Ontario.
Did you know: The Welland Canal is a remarkable piece of engineering. This man-made canal provides an important shipping route that connects Lake Ontario with Lake Erie. Every year, millions of tonnes of cargo pass through its locks aboard freighters, tankers and other commercial vessels.
And for all you landlubbers, ship photographers or boat nerds. These big floating islands travel right past your doorstep at “The Inn at Lock Seven Motel” in Thorold.
** Check out this travel blog. “Small towns Canada.”
This is where I will start my Daytrippen adventure and review: “at Lock 7.”
This next Daytrippen adventure at “The Inn at Lock Seven Motel” is just as exciting as the last. However, as I gave you a brief history of the locks, this theme and Motel is geared for boat watchers, photographers, or the young at heart who just like the thrill of seeing big ships up-front-and-personal. “The featured photo is self-explanatory.”
Well folks, just like the title suggests, look no further than this Motel in Thorold. Clean accommodations, reasonably priced and good reviews from people that’ve stayed.
And … that works for me.
“This 24-room, three-floor motel is family-friendly, with every room and balcony with a view of the locks. The Motel is such a place most people search for and most never find.
It is located in the heart of the Niagara Peninsula.

Lock Seven Motel AD READS
Lock Seven Motel ad reads: The Inn offers a fantastic location, putting you just a 5-minute walk from the viewing center and Welland Canal Lock 7.
Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, complimentary on-site parking, soundproofed rooms, refrigerators, and coffee makers.
Extra perks: Guests looking to stay active can check out the nearby hiking/biking trails. Also, St. Catharine’s Museum and Outlet Collection at Niagara are within a short drive.
Lock Seven Motel AD READS
Lock Seven Motel ad reads: The Inn offers a fantastic location, putting you just a 5-minute walk from the viewing center and Welland Canal Lock 7.
Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, complimentary on-site parking, soundproofed rooms, refrigerators, and coffee makers.
Extra perks: Guests looking to stay active can check out the nearby hiking/biking trails.
Also, St. Catharine’s Museum and Outlet Collection at Niagara are within a short drive.
Travel Time:
How many miles from the Peace Bridge to The Inn at Lock Seven
From Peace Bridge, Buffalo, NY 2,2 hours drive
From Toronto 1.5 hours
From Kitchener 1.5 hours
From London 2 hours
From Niagara Falls, Ontario 40 minutes
Restaurants
Donnelly’s Pub – Thorold
Pho 18, Thorold
Early Bird Restaurant, Thorold
The Keg, St. Catharines
Johnny Rocco’s Italian Grill, St. Catharines
Cosmos Diner, Thorold
Final takeaway of this Daytrippen Adventure at Thorold
Although, my stories are geared for short travels and, “still be home for supper.” This adventure of watching big ships couldn’t been a day destination, because of the short travel distance.
However, it would be fun in breaking the rule just once and stay a night or two and experience all the sites the area has to offer, because there are many.
**** The Inn at Lock Seven Motel itself offers a clean, comfortable, and picturesque experience with stunning views of Lock 7 and for watching all these ships go by 24/7. That’s what it’s all about: watching big ships go by.
Guests love the personal balconies, cozy and clean accommodations, and friendly staff. Like mentioned, the motel’s proximity to the bike trail and Welland Canal adds to its charm. All town amenities are within walking distance.
Landlobbers Comments.
- Very warm welcome ..we arrived a bit early that was no problem
- The view of the locks was incredible…perfect for watching the freighters go by.
- Always a great motel to spend some quiet time watching to ships transit the Welland Canal. The staff is wonderful, the rooms clean. We enjoy coming here every year.
*** The room is basic but spotlessly clean. The hallway was clean but worn-looking – needs updating. The big draw to this hotel for me is the balcony overlooking the Welland Canal, where lake freighters come and go!
*** Somewhat expensive, considering that breakfast was not on offer.
Author’s last comment. I’m an adventurer and I really don’t mind roughing it a bit and I don’t need any extra perks to drive up the cost of the room. “But clean rooms are a must!”
Dave’s Daytripping bits of wisdom
You don’t need to book a flight to take a vacation. Explore the small towns in your own backyard. Get lost in the local lore, take in the sights, walk the main street, & find your new favourite getaway close to home. “And BONUS, still be home for supper.”
This central destination has so much to offer a day-tripper or an overnight stay traveller. Did I mention Niagara Falls is a short distance away?
“”” Check “The Inn at Lock Seven Motel” for seasonal pricing.”””
- With all the positive comments, location and reviews, I have no choice but to give “The Inn at Lock Seven Motel” 5 Happy faces. It’s on my bucket list.

FIVE HAPPY FACES
**** Thank you reading my Daytrippen travel destinations and review. If you would like to sponsor me and my travel website, I would be grateful … PayPal. ****
Web address worth checking.
The Inn at Lock Seven Motel 🔗
https://innatlock7.com/
“Small Towns in Canada. 🔗
https://www.smalltowncanada.ca/
Photo of Sault Ste. Marie, ON Locks, Complements of Attractions 🔗
https://saultstemarie.com/attractions/soo-locks/
Explore Ontario 🔗
https://www.destinationontario.com/en-ca
Paytrippen: Could Museum Visits Stimulate a Career Choice. 🔗
https://daytrippen.ca/daytrip-museum-career-goals/
Daytrippen: Pop Star Justin Bieber Museum in Stratford, Ont. 🔗
https://daytrippen.ca/daytrippen-justin-bieber-exhibit/
What is the meaning “landlubbers?” 🔗
https://www.portlandproof.com/words/2017/03/landlubber
Tracking ships around the world … live. LINK
https://www.marinetraffic.com/en/ais/home/centerx:-12.0/centery:25.0/zoom:4