There is a much quieter side of Niagara that not a lot of people take the time to  enjoy when they are visiting The Falls. Sure, seeing the Falls is well worth braving the crowds, it is a magnificent site, but there is another side of Niagara for all those nature lovers who come to visit: Niagara’s hiking trails. Niagara has hundreds of miles of premier hiking trails spread all throughout the region, and if you enjoy hiking, it is highly recommended that you take some time during your vacation and explore a bit of Niagara’s nature. It should be noted that proper hiking shoes need to be worn, because although the paths are cleared and marked, there are many instances where you have to walk over trees, climb past boulders, etc, so it is best if you are dressed appropriately.

Niagara Glen

The entrance to the Niagara Glen nature trails is along the Niagara Parkway, halfway between Niagara Falls and Niagara on the Lake. There is a large sign indicating the entrance, and you will see a big parking lot, and a gift shop. This location also has a totem pole park, which is an interesting place to go if you have kids. The entrance to the Glen Hiking trails is across a field, and is accessed by way of a large, twisting metal staircase. It might be a good idea to grab a brochure form the gift shop which details all of the trails, and marks them by colour. Once you reach the bottom of the staircase, you are free to explore wherever you choose. Follow the path long enough, and you’ll soon end up beside the rushing rapids of the Niagara River. You could easily spend the better part of a day hiking down in the Glen, so it is often a good idea to bring snacks, drinks, and perhaps even lunch.  4kms of trails wind through this unique Carolinian Forest. Walking in the Niagara Glen is part history lesson too, as this is the spot where Niagara Falls used to be over 6000 years ago. Layers of rock tell a story millions of years in the making. If you are interested, books containing a geological history can be found in the gift shop.

The Bruce Trail

The Bruce Trail is an 800km marked trek that stretches from the Niagara Escarpment to Tobermory. Niagara actually boasts one of the most biologically diverse parts of the trail, as the Niagara Escarpment is a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. The Escarpment is a unique ecological system which is home to more than 300 bird species, 53 species of mammals, 35 species of reptile and amphibians, 90 species of fish, and 100 varieties of flora. All this diversity can make for a very interesting walk! As you walk along the trails you could come across hidden waterfalls, historic sites, museums, towering cliffs, and who knows what else! You could easily spend a day or two wandering different areas of the Niagara section of the Bruce Trail.  Access points to the Bruce Trail are spread throughout the region, and it is probably best to get a map from the internet before you go (http://brucetrail.org/places/9), although the trail is marked by white blazes on trees and various signs, there are still some parts of it that can get confusing if you do not have a map.  If a hiker were to trek the entire Bruce Trail non stop, it would likely take over a month, and many people do choose that option, as there are campgrounds spread throughout the 800km. However, the Niagara section of this trail is the perfect place to go for a day trip.

Short Hills

Short Hills is an Ontario Provincial Park that provides many different trails, some are specific to only hikers, and some are shared use trails, with bikers and horseback riders being allowed to use them as well. All the trails are marked with a different colour, and there is even a beginner hiking path which can be used for those who just want an easy walk. This path is wheelchair accessible, so it can also accommodate baby strollers (no bikes though).  The most popular entrance for visitors is the Pelham Road entrance, where a large parking lot can hold several cars. It should be noted that it is extremely easy to get lost in Short Hills if you veer off the marked path, which at times can be tempting because there are so many things to see, and there are always unmarked trails leading somewhere. Personal experience however, which involved having to hitchhike my way back to my car has taught me two things about Short Hills, stay on the path, and stay on the path.  Maps of the various trails can be downloaded and printed off at http://www.friendsofshorthillspark.ca/trailframe.htm. Going on a hike in Short Hills is a great way to pass a summer or spring day, and lets you see a part of Niagara that so few visitors get the chance to experience.  

By: Megan Pasche