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WALKING TRAILS
With Spring in the air and the days growing longer thoughts have a tendency to wander to the great outdoors, and here in the Niagara Region there are plenty of beautiful places to wander away the days. Walking has been identified as the favourite physical activity of Canadians and the Niagara Region provides access to many walking and hiking facilities that offer unique features in natural settings. The interested walker/hiker has no shortage of trails to choose from here are some of Niagara's greatest hits.
Ball's Falls, Vineland
Located on Sixth Avenue, just east of Victoria Avenue (Hwy 24), is this 567 hectare historical park and conservation area. The Bruce Trail, Twenty Valley Trail and other trail systems are marked throughout the natural areas of Ball’s Falls.
Beamer Memorial, Grimsby
Beamer Memorial is located on Quarry Road just north of Ridge Road. This area features picturesque views of the Forty Mile Creek Valley, the Lake Ontario shoreline and the escarpment ridge. Marked nature trails provide access to three observation platforms, one of which is wheelchair accessible.
Long Beach Conservation Area, Wainfleet
Located west of Hwy 3 on Long Beach Road (Regional Road 3) is Long Beach Conservation Area. This area features 915 metres of sandy beach and 56 hectares of groomed hiking trails through open areas and natural forest lands.
Morgan's Point Conservation Area, Wainfleet
This area is located on Morgan’s Point Road, just south of Lakeshore Road. Hike along the lakefront bedrock shoal outcrop, sand dunes, tall grass meadow, woodlot and open areas to appreciate nature.
Rockway Conservation Area, Vineland
Rockway Conservation Area is located alongside Fifteen Mile Creek. To access this area enter from Ninth Street, just south of Highway 81 (King Street). This 126-hectare area provides access to the Bruce Trail and an ideal spot for hiking, bird watching and appreciating nature.
St. John's Conservation Area, Pelham
St. John’s Conservation Area is located on Hollow Road, just north of Baron Road. Walkers will find nature trails that feature the unique Carolinian zone and a small cold water trout pond.
Woodend Conservation Area, Niagara-on-the-Lake
Woodend Conservation Area spans 45 hectares atop of the Niagara Escarpment and encompasses hiking trails marked throughout the Carolinian forest. Entrance to this area is off Taylor Road. Travel south from the Q.E.W. exit 38, Glendale Avenue/York Road, to access Taylor Road.
Niagara Parkway - Niagara Glen to the Floral Clock
This 6-kilometre route starts at the Niagara Gorge (located on Niagara Parkway), continues along the Parkway to the Botanical Gardens and ends at the Floral Clock. Take a walk down the Gorge to extend your walk and increase your walk’s physical demand.
Niagara River Parkway Recreation Trail
This 56-kilometre trail runs parallel to the Niagara River and is a part of Trans Canada Trail Link. The trail begins at Fort George in Niagara-on-the-Lake and ends at Anger Street in Fort Erie. Begin your walk anywhere along this multi-use, paved trail to enjoy the natural features of Fort Erie.
Bruce Trail
The Bruce Trail is a continuous footpath that follows the Niagara Escarpment from Queenston to Tobermory. A 20-kilometre section with associated side trails winds through St. Catharines. Points of interest along the route include Short Hills Provincial Park, Morningstar Mill, Brock University and all of the historical Welland Canals.
Green Ribbon Trail
Located on Old Martindale Road, this 529-metre path is bounded by Martindale Road and Third Street Louth. Stations found along the path indicate particular aspects of the wetland. Stations include information about plants, fish, birds, reptiles, amphibians and mammals. This trail is a class one wetland and is dedicated to missing children.
Harbour Walkway
Found in Port Dalhousie, this 3-kilometre trail is comprised of a combination of stone dust, concrete, and boardwalk. This trail extends from the base of the pier at Lakeside Park through the park to the commercial core area. The walkway passes through Lockhart Point and ends at the Locktender's Shanty.
Friendship Trail
This is a 13.6-kilometre asphalt and paved multi-use trail that extends from Gorham Road in Ridgeway to Historic Fort Erie on Lakeshore Road at Niagara Boulevard. This includes travelling along Edgemere Road and Lakeshore Road. Eventually, this trail will be connected to the Niagara River Parkway Recreation Trail and to Port Colborne. The Friendship Trail is part of the Trans Canada Trail Link.
Merritt Island
This 4.2-kilometre multi-use trail begins at a parking lot just north of the Welland Water Treatment Plant and runs north between the old canal and the Welland River. A paved path, with a small section of stone chip trail, runs beside the Welland River.
Welland Canals Trail
This is a multi-use, asphalt trail that will stretch from Lakeshore Road, St. Catharines to Clarence Street, Port Colborne. To date, a 10-kilometre section from Lakeshore Road to the flight locks in Thorold is complete. As well, a rougher East Side Trail along a portion of the canal is planned.
Short Hills Provincial Park
This 688-hectare natural environment features six established trails designated as either shared use hiking/cycling/horseback riding or as hiking only. Three different access points to the park can be found on Roland Road in Pelham, Wiley Road in Thorold or Pelham Road in St. Catharines.
