The Welland Canal is a significant waterway in Ontario, Canada, connecting Lake Ontario to Lake Erie. It allows ships to bypass the Niagara Falls and facilitates the movement of goods between the Great Lakes and the Atlantic Ocean. The canal is approximately 43 kilometers (27 miles) long and features a series of locks that raise and lower vessels to navigate the varying water levels. Constructed in several phases, the canal was first opened in 1829 and has undergone multiple expansions and improvements since then. It plays a crucial role in the regional economy by supporting maritime trade and transportation, making it one of the busiest inland waterways in North America.