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.

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.