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!

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

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.