8 Best Parks and Trails in Niagara for Hiking & Cycling

A Lifestyle Like No Other

When you live in the Niagara Region, outdoor adventure is never far away. From cycling along the Niagara Parkway to hiking through the gorge, Niagara is home to some of Ontario’s most scenic trails and parks. These routes are beautiful in every season — lush and green in the summer, crisp and colourful in the fall, and peaceful in winter.

With cooler weather rolling in, now is the perfect time to explore the best trails in Niagara, whether you’re a casual walker, an avid cyclist, or simply someone who loves being surrounded by nature. For homeowners and buyers alike, having access to these outdoor escapes is part of what makes Niagara real estate so appealing.

1. Niagara Glen Nature Reserve (Niagara Falls)

Located in Niagara Falls, just a few minutes north of the Whirlpool Aero Car on the Niagara Parkway, the Niagara Glen offers over 4 km of rugged trails that descend into the gorge. With breathtaking views of the Whirlpool Rapids and towering rock formations dating back thousands of years, it’s one of the most unique hiking destinations in Ontario. Living nearby means enjoying city convenience while having one of Niagara’s most dramatic landscapes right at your doorstep.

2. Niagara Parkway Recreational Trail (Fort Erie to Niagara-on-the-Lake)

Running the full 56 kilometres along the Niagara River, from Fort Erie to Niagara-on-the-Lake, the Niagara Parkway Trail is perfect for cycling, jogging, or leisurely walks. Along the way, you’ll pass through Niagara Falls, Chippawa, Queenston, and several historic sites. Imagine living in a riverfront community where this world-class trail is part of your everyday routine.

3. Short Hills Provincial Park (St. Catharines & Pelham)

Tucked into the southwest corner of St. Catharines, bordering Pelham, Short Hills Provincial Park offers more than 600 hectares of forest, meadows, and waterfalls. Its rugged trails make it a favourite for hikers, trail runners, and mountain bikers. For St. Catharines and Pelham homeowners, it’s a natural escape that feels worlds away while being only minutes from home.

4. Balls Falls Conservation Area (Lincoln)

Located in Lincoln, Ontario, just off Regional Road 24 near Vineland, Balls Falls Conservation Area combines nature and history in one destination. With two waterfalls, a reconstructed 19th-century hamlet, and a conservation centre, it’s a popular spot for families year-round. In the fall, the colours make it one of the most scenic places in Niagara. For homebuyers in Lincoln, Beamsville, or Grimsby, living near Balls Falls means easy access to this gem.

5. Bruce Trail – Niagara Section (Queenston to Grimsby)

Beginning at Queenston Heights Park near the Lewiston-Queenston Bridge, the Niagara section of the Bruce Trail winds west along the Niagara Escarpment through St. Catharines and Lincoln before reaching Grimsby. Canada’s oldest and longest marked footpath, it offers vineyard views, escarpment ridges, and peaceful forests. Owning a home in Queenston, Vineland, or Grimsby puts this iconic trail within easy reach.

6. Welland Canal Parkway Trail (St. Catharines to Port Colborne)

The Welland Canal Parkway Trail runs nearly the full length of the canal, connecting St. Catharines to Port Colborne, with popular entry points in Thorold and Welland. It’s a top pick for cyclists thanks to its flat, paved stretches and unique ship-viewing opportunities. Living in Welland or Thorold means having this one-of-a-kind route right in your community.

7. Rockway Conservation Area (Lincoln)

8. Dufferin Islands (Niagara Falls)

Just off the Niagara Parkway, about 1 km south of the Horseshoe Falls, Dufferin Islands is a collection of small islands connected by footbridges. Families love it for birdwatching, gentle walks, and seasonal events like the Festival of Lights. Owning a home nearby means you’re steps from one of Niagara Falls’ most beloved green spaces, with city attractions just around the corner.

From rugged gorge hikes to long cycling routes along the canal, Niagara’s parks and trails aren’t just places to explore — they’re part of the lifestyle that makes the Niagara Region real estate market so attractive. Whether it’s a fall afternoon surrounded by changing leaves, a spring hike through wildflowers, or a summer bike ride along the river, living in Niagara means year-round access to incredible outdoor spaces right outside your front door.

👉 Explore homes for sale near Niagara’s best trails and parks (IDX link here)
👉 Watch our Niagara community video series (Community videos link here)

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