Niagara River Recreation Trail (Niagara Falls)

If you are looking for a casual stroll on a sunny Sunday, or a place to roller blade, bike or run, the Niagara River Recreation Trail is the perfect area to do so. This is a 53km path that starts in Fort George in Niagara-on-the-Lake and runs along the Niagara River and up to the Queenston/Lewiston border crossing. The trail passes through forest areas, parks, back roads and urban areas along the Niagara Parkway.

Some of the best features are the amazing lookout points, where you will find many tourists with the cameras (which shows the beauty and popularity of the area). My favorite resting point is at the Sir Isaac Brock Monument. This is a massive statue of the historical figure of the War of 1812. The statue is located in a beautiful area with lookouts, a restaurant, fields and picnic areas. Learn about the War of 1812 and historical significance to the area. Below, in the river, you may also see the Whirlpool Jet Tours racing by in the summer time.


While you are exploring this side of Niagara, I suggest that you check out some popular local wineries such as Reif Estate Winery, Lailey Vinyard, Peller Estates Winery and Inniskillin Wines.

Woodend Conservation Area (Niagara-on-the-Lake)

Woodend Conservation Area is located on top of the escarpment, just a few steps away from the Niagara-on-the-Lake campus of Niagara College. It is an important historical site for the Niagara Region; after the United Empire Loyalist family of Peter Lampman fleld New York State in 1779, they received a grant for the 650-hector piece of land. It was also considered an observation point during the War of 1812, as the Queenston Heights battle, Beaver Dams battle and Lundy's Lane battle took place just miles away.

Currently, there is a small village area owned by the Niagara District School Board, which will soon be revitalized into an innovated environmental centre called the Woodend Living Campus. 

There are several hiking loops to choose from, which all take you through forest trails that wander the top of the escarpment. You will also enjoy a nice view of the Niagara College vineyards and orchards on the flat plain below and perhaps some interesting surprises on the way - I ran into several wooden tipi forts throughout the trail. This area seems abandoned in the winter season, but once spring and summer arrive and the environmental centre opens, I imagines it will soon be a popular place for student field trips, family picnics and hiking adventures!

Ball's Falls Conservation Area (Jordan)

Lower Falls (in the Fall)

Ball's Falls is a part of the UNESCO bio reserve that offers visitors a range of experiences, including trails, waterfalls, a historic village, wedding venues and an innovative Centre for Conservation. This historical cite is one of the Niagara Region's earliest settlements dating back to the early 19th century and has evidence of being a rich source of resources that dates back 2000 years.

The historic village will take you back to life in the early 19th century, with a blacksmith shop, display barn, church and more. As the map outlines, take a 20 minute hike to the Upper Falls (the smaller of the two) via the Cataract Trail or a shorter walk through the historic Village to view the Lower Falls.

The gorge that runs along Twenty Mile Creek is a site to see with colourful shale and sandstone layers. Like many provincial parks and conservation areas in Ontario, Ball's Falls connects to the Bruce Trail. Entrance to the park is $4 per person and is necessary if you drive there.

Upper Falls running through Twenty Mile Creek

I visited Ball's Falls for the first time on a winter day and the flow of the waterfall was massive. It appears it is quite different in the summer and fall, so be sure to explore in a variety of seasons.

While in the area, explore the many things the Niagara Region has to offer. Check out Rediscover Niagara for more ideas, including the Comfort Maple Tree, just 15 minutes away from Ball's Falls.

The Benefits of Hiking (Top 10)

Why walk? The simple step-taking activity that we do on a daily basis can prove to be highly beneficial for your mental and physical health! Yes, I'm sure this is common knowledge to us, however many people take for granted how effective walking can be for your health. I compiled a top 10 list of the benefits of hiking based on Doctor Oz, Doctor Roizen and HikeOntario.com

John Muir - the founder of the Sierra Club says, "Walking yields a greater closeness to the earth, an independence. The solid thud of boots on the path means freedom to stop and admire a flower, to move at one's own speed, to rejoice in crossing a stream on risky stepping-stones to explore the off the trail, to get a close-up of the du jeweling the grass."

Top 10 Benefits of Walking 
1. Improve fitness
2. Refresh the mind
3. Reduce fatigue
4. Increase energy and happiness
5. Natural movement that is virtually injury free (good for any age and physical capability)
6. Provides an enjoyable time for socializing with friends and family
7. It's cheap (if not free!)
8. Reduces blood pressure and improves digestion
9. A closeness and appreciation to nature
10. It's fun!

A healthy lifestyle is a happy lifestyle, check out these blogs to further your quality of life!
http://befithealthyhappy.blogspot.ca/ - Fitness Blog
http://alanatoner.blogspot.ca/ - Yoga Blog

Urban Hiking

For most people the concept of hiking consists of remote areas, dirt paths and forests.  However, modern forms of hiking are also available for those who live in suburban or metropolitan areas. Most city centres have areas designated for walkers, runners, hikers and bikers.

One of the more common urban walking trails in Southern Ontario is the Waterfront Trail. This runs 620 km along Lake Ontario and will now be extending to Lake Erie. Some popular areas of the trail are in Oshawa, Toronto, Oakville, Burlington, Hamilton, St. Catharines and Niagara-on-the-lake. The trail is generally paved and easy to walk with many scenic parks and views along to enjoy throughout.


An urban hike does more than offer physical benefits, it gives us the chance to explore the terrain we live in and interact the space we call  home. Get out and explore your neighbourhood!


See your city website for walking areas and options. For example: http://www.toronto.ca/parks/trails/discover.htm

Decew Falls (Thorold)

I have recently come to appreciate how nature can transform among seasons in Southern Ontario. And although many people would never consider hiking in -15 degree weather, many of the trails are worth exploring in the winter.

Decew falls is a 22m waterfall with an old mill and heritage site at the top. It consists of small trails around it, which are an easy level of hiking. For those adventure seekers, I highly recommend to take the steep trek down the gorge. Here you can explore an "off the beaten path" experience with a more challenging walk to an even more beautiful destination. This shouldn't take you more than 30 minutes to walk but you will find yourself spending more time taking pictures and enjoying the scenery!

Summer: At the bottom of the falls you may swim in the small poolof water.

 

 Behind the falls

Winter: Enjoy the beauty of the falls being frozen over like one big icicle. Walk behind the falls which will appear like an ice cave.

WARNING: Be careful! The gorge is extremely steep and often slippery. Great caution must be taken to avoid any injuries. Make sure you find the safest pathway down and whenever going off the path always go with someone. - sorry for the typical disclaimer.. but it's true! 

Dufferin Quarry Bridge Trail (Milton)

If you are driving along highway 401 through Milton, between Guelph and Mississauga, you may notice a bridge up in the escarpment. It took me years to discover that there is a trail that leads to it! This is known as the Dufferin Quarry Bridge Trail.

The Bridge

This hike is quite long and will require more attention to the routes and paths that you take. Make sure to enter at the Hilton Falls Side Trail and stay along the Bruce Trail, marked with white trail blazes. This walk features a forest path with rocky cave areas to explore (as does many of the trails in this area). Once you reach the bridge you will have a scenic view of the active Dufferin Quarry, town of Milton and some of the near by golf courses. The only flaw of this trail is that you will have to walk 2 km on the side of the road, however this might be an easy stroll as it is a flat walk!

View of Dufferin Quarry

Note: There will be a small fee for parking at the Hilton Falls Side Trail parking lot. 

Glenridge Quarry Naturalization Site (St. Catharines)

 For my first post I would like to offer something close to home. As a recent Brock University grad and a current Niagara College student, the Glenridge Quarry (located directly across the street from Brock University) is a perfect example of something often ignored by local Brock students. If you are looking for a great place to jog, take the dog for a walk, or simply take a brief study break to get some fresh air, visit the Glenridge Quarry.

Environmental Initiative:

The Glenridge Quarry Naturalization site was one of Ontario’s first comprehensive “Green Sites”. It was once a municipal landfill site that has been covered up and turned into a wildlife habitat and environmental education and recreation site. 

About the Trails:

Large Clay Borrow Pit Pond

There are 7 loops up to 2 km long. If you are looking for something with more terrain, walk to the Summit Overlook to get a nice view of St. Catharines. The Large Clay Borrow Pit Pond includes a beautiful boardwalk. There is also a Children’s Science and Nature Area with games and a small playground and a picnic area with picnic tables. 

Leaving Footprints: Lets get hiking

I currently live in Niagara Falls Ont., Canada, and when I meet people from other places or speak to old friends in British Columbia, they are fascinated that I live so close to the world renowned Niagara Falls. However, I find that many people who live here don't really appreciate the beauty of their own backyard. This blog will feature hiking trails and walking paths in Southern Ontario. For my fellow GTA and Niagara residents, I hope to inspire you to get out and explore some of these beauties that are probably closer to you than you think!

It is a passion of mine to get out and explore the great outdoors. This past summer I was fortunate to hike in Bavaria Germany and parts of the Swiss Alps. Upon returning to Ontario, I made an effort to continue leaving footprints on nearby trails and discover what my backyard has to offer. 

 Bavaria Germany

Grindelwald Switzerland