Top 6 Hikes in the Niagara Region Of Ontario

Dec 6, 20216 min read

I will let you in on my top secret hikes around Niagara, Ontario !

Since September 2020, I've been able to experience some of the hikes in the Niagara Region. My list may change over time but for now, these are the MUST TRY trails.

The places I have been able to try have included: Port Colborne, Fort Erie, Welland, Niagara Falls, Thorold, Niagara-On-The-Lake, St. Catharines, Grimsby, Lincoln, West Lincoln and Pelham.

1. Cave Springs

Located : Lincoln, Ontario.

Technically this trail is considered to be very near Beamsville, Ontario but it's also considered to be on the border of Lincoln. Therefore, I consider it to be in the Niagara Region. This trail is located at the Cave Springs Winery, off King Street, you will find a bay on Cave Springs Road. If you see a red barn, you are at the right place.

You can also park at Ball's Fall's and hike to Cave Springs but that is a much longer stretch.

Difficulty level: Moderate.

There are rocks, and some leaps in between them. with a few ups and downs. There is a bit of challenge in this hike, but very doable and worth the trip. You can also turn back whenever you feel tired.

Best time to hike: any time of the year.

It can get busy on weekends and parking is minimal, but it's worth checking to see if it's busy. There are a few ways to hike on this trail. Once you hike up to the top of the rocks, you have the choice to go left or right When the leaves have fallen off the trees the view is incredible, you are able to see the wineries in the distance and Lake Ontario.

Length: can vary.

There's possibly a loop in this trail but I haven't done it myself. I hike until I want to turn back and then head back to the parking lot. Therefore the length of time can be different depending when you decide to turn back or if you decide to take a different path. If you are feeling adventurous, you are able to hike from Cave Springs to Ball's Falls.

2. Niagara Glen

Located : Niagara Falls, Ontario.

This trail is in Niagara Falls on Niagara Pkwy. There is a parking lot at both entrances, but you need to pay for parking. There is an information center that has been closed since I've been here, but there are restrooms attached, that have been open. The hike is open from morning to dusk. Therefore I can imagine the restrooms are also open from those times.

The one entrance is in front of the golf course and the other one is at the information center. I start at the information center one (closest to the butterfly conservatory) and make my way back to the other entrance.

Difficulty level: Moderate

There are multiple ups and downs. To begin the trail, from one side you walk down a metal staircase and if you start from the other side you walk down a wooden stair case. I've seen families do this trail. A lot of people also bring their dogs with them.

Best time to hike: Fall and summer.

The metal staircase can get slippery and the trails can get muddy or icy. Therefore, I'd recommend going during the summer or fall. The colors of the leaves are gorgeous September to November, depending when the leaves change.

Length: can vary

This trail can be considered a loop or multiple loops. There are various trails within this hike. Personally, I wouldn't consider it a looped hike. There's a map at the beginning of the trail at the information center, and when you're on the trails, there are specific symbols for each trail. This makes the length different for each.

There's a few good spots by the water where it would be nice to sit and have a little something to eat.

3. Rockway Conservation

Located : Lincoln, Ontario

This trail has a parking lot off 9th Avenue. There's a decent amount of space and weekends can get busy enough. The hike brings you down to the creek and then you can turn back and go back to the parking lot.

Difficulty level: moderate.

The trail is flat enough, there are areas that can be steep but otherwise a good hike.

Best time to hike: any time of the year.

It does get muddy and snowy, keep that in mind if it rains the day before or the snow has just melted. I would recommend some footwear that is ready to get dirty. There are some areas that can be harder to get up (steep) if it's muddy.

Length: an hour or so.

For this trail, you hike to the creek (if there's enough water) and then you hike back to the parking lot. The falls are so nice. You are able to hike to the falls if the water levels aren't too high

4. Beamer Trail

Located : Grimsby, Ontario.

There's two ways to access the trail, one is at the bottom of the mountain and the other is at the top. The bottom one is off Main Street West, on Gibson Street. Normally there's limited parking because it's in a neighborhood.

The other access is on Quarry Road, the parking lot is normally full and there's a long street full of parking spots on both sides of the street. Although I've only gone on weekends, therefore I haven't seen the amount of cars there are during the week.

Difficulty level: Moderate.

There's a set of wooden stairs that is a little steep, but once you're at the top of the mountain, the trail is pretty flat. There are also, roots and rocks in the trail.

Best time to hike: any time of the year.

It can get slippery during the winter, when there's snow. But I've done the hike during all seasons. It is so pretty and gives different vibes. You are able to hike by the creek, towards the top of the mountain, which brings you to an amazing view and Beamers Falls.

Length: can vary.

This is a trail that goes from one point to another, therefore it can be as long as you want it to. You can hike from the bottom to the top, until you get to the falls, or from the parking lot at the top until you get to the bottom. Remember you have to hike all the way back unless you park one car at the top and one at the bottom.

5. Short Hills

Located : St. Catharines, Ontario.

There are multiple entrances and parking lots for this hike. There's a parking lot off Pelham Road, one off Roland Road, another off Wiley Road. Often times the parking lots are full, but there is some street parking on one side.

Difficulty level: Beginner.

This hike is mostly a flat trail, it is good for families and dogs. There are a few of the trails that are moderate.

Best time to hike: any time of the year.

Any time of the year, it's fairly flat and you can pick shorter trails. Just remember it's can get icy or muddy.

Length: can vary depending on the trail you pick.

This trail can be a loop but careful you don't get lost. If it's your first time it's possible you don't end up where you want to end up. There's a picture of a map, and you can take a picture of it.

6. Decew Falls

Located : Near Thorold, Ontario.

The trail is off Decew Road, and you are able to easily access it from the parking lot. You can also find it by putting " Morningstar Mill" in your GPS.

Difficulty level: Beginner.

This hike is mostly a flat trail, it is good for families and dogs. There's some roots and rocks in the trail.

Best time to hike: any time of the year.

This trail can get muddy or slippery, just as any other trail would but as long as you are equipped this trail is good to hike any time of the year. You well get a different view each season.

Length: thirty minutes to an hour.

You are able to see the falls from a distance. The picture you see of me, are at the bottom of the hill. I don't recommend going down, it is very steep and there isn't very much to grip onto. This trail is a loop, it will bring you back to the parking lot.