Greater Niagara Circle Route

The Greater Niagara Circle Route Trails System is over 140 km of mostly off-road, paved trails suitable for walking, cycling or rollerblading. Motorized vehicles are not permitted. The paved trail is mostly 3 metres wide and passes through urban centres, downtown areas, the Niagara Escarpment, waterfronts, and rural/agricultural areas

The system includes the Welland Canals Trail which passes alongside parts of the existing and previous canals from St. Catharines on Lake Ontario (north end) through Thorold and Welland to Port Colborne on Lake Erie (south end). The Friendship Trail goes between Port Colborne and Fort Erie (east end). From Fort Erie the Niagara River Recreation Trail follows the Niagara River, through the city of Niagara Falls, to Niagara-on-the-Lake (north end). The Waterfront Trail follows Lakeshore Road from Niagara-on-the-Lake to St. Catharines (west end). Trail mileage markers are on the trail around the circle starting at Old Fort Erie and proceeding in a counter-clockwise direction.

Content from http://www.niagararegion.ca/ government/initiatives/gncr/default.aspx

Niagara River Recreation Trail

The Niagara River Recreation Trail meanders through some of the most beautiful countryside in the world. In August 1943, Sir Winston Churchill chose to rest here from the rigours of meetings with Prime Minister Mackenzie King, prior to the Quebec Conference with U.S. President Roosevelt. He visited the Falls then drove along the Niagara Parkway, describing it as "the prettiest Sunday afternoon drive in the world".

Constructed in 1986, the Niagara River Recreation Trail is a paved path for non-motorized traffic stretching some 53 kilometres (35 miles) along the Canadian side of the Niagara River. From Fort George in Niagara-on-the-Lake in the north it extends the full length of the peninsula, terminating at Anger Street in the north end of the Town of Fort Erie. Breaks occur where the Trail passes through the urban areas of the Village of Queens ton and the City of Niagara Falls, Ontario.

The Trail was built and is maintained by earnings from The Niagara Parks Commission, a self-funded agency of the Ontario Government. Niagara Parks is dedicated to preserving and enhancing the beauty of the lands adjacent to the Niagara River for the enjoyment of its visitors.

content from http://www.niagaraparks.com/nature/rectrailarea.php

Welland Canals Trail

Apart from Niagara Falls itself, one of the attractions of the area is the Niagara River Parkway. Located along the Niagara River and created by the Niagara Parks Commission, this scenic roadway and trail links the communities of Niagara-on-the-Lake (on Lake Ontario), Niagara Falls, and Fort Erie (on Lake Erie). The Parkway is well known nationally and internationally for conservation and interpretation of the scenic and historical resources that are abundant in the area. Nonetheless, after experiencing the Falls, the Parkway and some of the local attractions, visitors tend not to remain in the vicinity, preferring to move on to attractions elsewhere.

The concept behind the creation of the Welland Canals Parkway focuses on providing and promoting opportunities for these "doorstep" visitors to remain in the Region longer. By connecting the Niagara River Parkway to the proposed Welland Canals Parkway and Trails System, the "Greater Niagara Circle Route" has been created, providing exciting opportunities to build on the successes of the Niagara River Parkway by promoting all that the Welland Canals Corridor and the Niagara Peninsula have to offer. This route will be greater than 100 km's in length, providing truly unique conservation, recreation, education, heritage and economic development opportunities.

Bruce Trails

Starting with a proposal to the Federation of Ontario Naturalists by a true visionary named Raymond Lowes in 1960, to the reality we see today, the Bruce Trail is a remarkable achievement. Carving a continuous slice of wilderness from a highly populated area, which encompasses major urban centres is a phenomenal undertaking. The trail follows the Niagara Escarpment which is one of Ontario's most interesting and unique geological features.

The escarpment runs from the tumultuous falls of Niagara in the south, to the Bruce Peninsula, then to its underwater passage across Lake Huron to Manitoulin Island in the north. The trail follows the escarpment, revealing some of Ontario's best natural features and habitat, aptly demonstrating the power of vision and determination.

It is Ontario's longest trail, at almost 800km, providing endless outdoor opportunities. Backpackers can choose from easy overnight trips to a full fledged through-hike, which can take well over a month. Campsites are available along the trail's length. Many are located in provincial parks or conservation areas along the route. There are innumerable access points along the trail for day hikes and many of these provide parking.

Wine Route

Ontario's Wine Route is overseen by the Wine council of Ontario and encompasses wineries across the province. Regions included in the Wine Route are:

• Prince Edward County and area
• Niagara Escarpment
• Niagara-on-the-Lake
• Toronto and York Region
• Lake Erie North Shore and Pelee Island

Find information on these regions, winery tours and other travel information at www.winesofontario.ca