With summer in full swing it’s time to hit the hiking trails and show some gratitude for our incredible surroundings. Living in Niagara presents great opportunities to get outside and breathe in some fresh air. Check out our must-hit list of Niagara’s top hiking trails and get inspired to make some energetic plans this weekend!

Niagara River Parkway Recreation Trail

Niagara River Panoramic

This trail is 56 kilometers of friendly walking and spans from Fort Erie all the way to Fort George in Niagara-on-the-Lake. While we are talking hiking, you’ll be happy to learn that this trail is paved and bike friendly. Running next to the Niagara River means a picturesque view with each step and plenty of shady spots for a midday picnic lunch. 

The Bruce Trail

The most famous of them all, the Bruce Trail runs right through Niagara and touches several of the conservation areas in the region. While this walk spans from Queenston to Tobermory, you can find plenty of challenging hikes to take you through beautiful expanses of Niagara woods along the escarpment. Fun tip: on Saturday and Sunday mornings, many of the regular trail walkers cruise through the Vineland piece of the trail and breathe in the smell of grape vines just after sunrise. If you haven’t experienced this, it is a must.

Waterfront Trail

The Waterfront trail includes 325 kilometers of walking space that stretches along the Lake Ontario shoreline creating a winding trail from Trenton to Niagara-on-the-Lake. There are plenty of great locations to pick up the trail in the Niagara Region and it will show you some breathtaking views of our Great Lake. One popular trek starts at Third St. in St. Catharines and heads towards Read Rd.

Greater Niagara Circle Route

This route encompasses a few Niagara favourites, and is more than 140m of mostly off-road, paved trails that allow for walking, cycling and rollerblading. You will pass through some of Niagara’s prettiest towns, the downtown streets of our urban centres, the Niagara Escarpment, waterfronts and even experience the serene beauty of our rural and agricultural areas. The trails encompassed in the Circle Route include the Welland Canals Trail, Friendship Trail, the Niagara River Parkway Trail and the Waterfront Trail.