Residents of Port Colborne, Ontario, are preparing for a unique spring tradition as the Easter Bunny arrives by tugboat on Saturday, April 4, 2026. This waterfront arrival is part of the annual celebration that connects the city’s marine heritage with holiday festivities.
The Easter Bunny is expected to arrive at 9 a.m. near the Pilot House on West Street, though the exact timing remains subject to change based on weather conditions and vessel traffic on the Welland Canal. According to Environment Canada, the local forecast for the day calls for cloudy skies with a high of 10C. The event is hosted by the City of Port Colborne in partnership with the Downtown Port Colborne Business Improvement Area.
Following the waterfront welcome, the celebration moves to the Vale Health & Wellness Centre at 550 Elizabeth Street. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the facility will host the Vale Eggstravaganza, featuring egg hunts, crafts, community skating, and swimming. The centre, operated through a partnership between the city and the YMCA of Niagara, serves as a hub for local programming.
Greg Zwiep, the city’s manager of recreation and tourism, noted that the event remains a significant draw for the community. This year’s festivities are particularly notable as the city continues its commitment to year-round community programming.
Attendees are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items to the event to support Port Cares. The organization has been providing essential food and support services to the community since 1986, currently assisting one in every eight residents in Port Colborne and Wainfleet.
This event marks one of the first major community gatherings in the downtown core this spring, reflecting ongoing efforts by the city to prioritize local events and waterfront activity.
