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.

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.