UN/LOCODE: CANIA📍 Canada
Port of Niagara Falls (UN/LOCODE CANIA)
❖ Coordinates: 43.0896°N, -79.0849°E
❖ Time Zone: America/Toronto
❖ UN/LOCODE: CANIA
## About the Port
Niagara Falls Port (UN/LOCODE: CANIA) represents a strategically significant inland maritime facility located in Ontario, Canada. Situated at coordinates 43.0895577° Latitude, -79.0849436° Longitude, this port operates within the America/Toronto timezone and serves as a critical node in North America's inland waterway transportation network.
The port's location along the Welland Canal system provides direct access to the Great Lakes shipping corridor, positioning it as a vital intermodal connectivity point between terrestrial and aquatic freight systems. Despite its relatively modest size compared to coastal seaports, Niagara Falls Port functions as an essential economic catalyst for the regional manufacturing and agricultural sectors.
## History
The maritime heritage of the Niagara Falls region traces back to the early 19th century, when the Erie Canal's completion created unprecedented commercial waterway opportunities. The establishment of formal port operations occurred in 1836, coinciding with the development of the Welland Canal No. 1, which connected Lake Erie to Lake Ontario while bypassing the Niagara Falls themselves.
During the mid-to-late 1800s, the port experienced rapid expansion driven by industrialization and the rise of Canadian manufacturing. The construction of subsequent Welland Canal locks, particularly Locks 3 and 7, enhanced navigational capabilities and increased cargo throughput capacity. The port's strategic importance intensified during both World Wars, serving as a crucial supply chain junction for military equipment and raw materials.
The post-war period marked another era of growth, facilitated by technological advancements in cargo handling and the expansion of intermodal rail connections. Modern port operations continue to build upon this historical foundation, integrating contemporary logistics solutions while maintaining the region's maritime legacy.
## Infrastructure & Facilities
Niagara Falls Port encompasses approximately 180 acres of developed waterfront area, featuring deep-water berths capable of accommodating vessels up to 1,000 gross tons. The port's infrastructure includes specialized bulk cargo handling facilities, equipped with modern conveyor systems and robotic loading technology for efficient grain, coal, and mineral transport operations.
Key terminal facilities comprise:
- Two primary bulk cargo terminals with combined capacity exceeding 2 million tons annually
- Dedicated roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) terminal serving automotive industry clients
- Intermodal rail siding connecting to CN and CPKC networks
- Comprehensive vessel inspection and security checkpoint compliant with Canadian Transportation Agency regulations
The port's dredged navigation channel maintains a minimum depth of 12 feet, ensuring year-round accessibility for commercial shipping vessels. Recent infrastructure investments have focused on digitalization initiatives, including real-time cargo tracking systems and automated gate operations, enhancing operational efficiency and supply chain transparency.
## Economic Importance
The Niagara Falls Port generates substantial economic impact for Ontario's economy, directly supporting over 450 jobs and facilitating approximately $800 million in annual cargo throughput. Primary economic sectors utilizing port services include automotive manufacturing, agricultural grain handling, construction materials distribution, and energy sector support operations.
The port's automotive sector engagement is particularly significant, with major manufacturers leveraging its RoRo capabilities for efficient vehicle export operations to Great Lakes markets and beyond. Agricultural commodity handling, especially grain and soybean processing, represents another cornerstone economic activity, supporting regional farming communities and processing facilities.
Local supplier networks benefit significantly from the port's intermodal connectivity, enabling cost-effective distribution of raw materials to regional manufacturers. The facility's proximity to major highway corridors (Highways 403, 405, and 406) provides multimodal flexibility, optimizing supply chain efficiency for both import and export activities.
## Trade Routes & Major Cargo
Niagara Falls Port operates within the St. Lawrence Seaway system, providing inland access to Atlantic Ocean markets via the Welland Canal, Lake Ontario, and the St. Lawrence River. Primary trade routes extend to the Great Lakes industrial corridor, including connections to Detroit, Chicago, and Milwaukee, facilitating regional commodity exchange.
Major cargo categories handled through the port include:
- **Agricultural Products**: Wheat, corn, soybeans, and feed grains processed through dedicated grain elevators
- **Construction Materials**: Limestone, sand, gravel, and aggregate supplies supporting regional infrastructure development
- **Automotive Commodities**: Finished vehicles and parts via specialized RoRo operations
- **Industrial Raw Materials**: Coal, coke, and mineral products serving power generation and metallurgical industries
The port's strategic positioning enables efficient transshipment operations, particularly for commodities moving between rail and water transport modes. Recent developments in bulk liquid handling capabilities have expanded its petrochemical sector engagement, supporting regional refineries and processing facilities.
For comprehensive maritime regulatory information, consult Transport Canada's Marine Safety Division at https://www.tc.gc.ca/en/services/maritime.html. Further details on Great Lakes shipping operations are available through the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence River Basin Water Resources Information System at https://www.glslr.org/.
Port Intelligence
UN/LOCODE
CANIA
Country
Canada
Province / Region
Ontario
Latitude
43.089558
Longitude
-79.084944
Timezone
America/Toronto
Nautical Map (OpenSeaMap)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the UN/LOCODE for Port of Niagara Falls?
The official UN/LOCODE for Port of Niagara Falls is CANIA.
Where is Port of Niagara Falls located?
The Port of Niagara Falls is located in Canada, Ontario. Its coordinates are 43.0896°N, -79.0849°E.
What time zone is Port of Niagara Falls in?
Port of Niagara Falls operates in the America/Toronto time zone.
🌊 Live Marine Conditions
Wave Height0.18 m
Wave Direction274°
Swell Height0.12 m
Data provided by Open-Meteo Marine API
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About the World Port Index
This data is sourced programmatically. The UN/LOCODE is the official geographic coding scheme used by the United Nations for trade and transport locations.
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