Niagara River Recreation Trail
Niagara River Recreation Trail
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5.0
520 reviews
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92
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6
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2
SimonOnVacation
Toronto, Canada355 contributions
Aug 2021
We've been riding our bikes on this trail for quite some time now and we love it. The path is never the same - rolls down, slight inclines, nice turns, scenic views and nature all around. You can even do your own winery tours, vegetable and fruit stand shops abound on the weekends as well.
Written 26 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stacy G
Jacksonville, FL298 contributions
Jun 2024 • Solo
This place can be kind of confusing...lots of trails criss-cross...lots of walking trails in the area. You can walk for miles! It was a gorgeous day but I had another destination to get to....I HIGHLY recommend this area!
Written 3 June 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bre P
Orillia, Canada3 contributions
Oct 2020 • Couples
First time we visited and explored the Niagara River Trail!! We had no idea this was here and were so thrilled to have stumbled upon it. As avid hikers, finding places to explore on foot is amazing. These trails go on and on with many places to explore on your own while still being able to find a path easily.
Written 12 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
🥳 🎉 🥳 Keep Life Simple 🥳🎉🥳
Pittsburgh, PA126,765 contributions
May 2024 • Couples
A great walk at Niagara on the lake. The trails are very beautiful and a great Riverview. The area is very well maintained and clean.
Written 2 June 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
EagleEyeBoston
Boston, MA890 contributions
Dec 2013 • Couples
Unlike most reviewers, we did not bike -- it was winter, and we had dogs! But the path is in a great spot, scenic, quiet, the river on one side (look across to the USA) and a residential neighborhood or wineries or Ft. George on the other side. Good for walking, not just biking.
Written 1 January 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
cbrankley
Pittsburgh, PA3 contributions
Jun 2013 • Couples
My husband and I biked this trail from Niagara-on-the-lake to the falls and had a fabulous ride.The trail is paved and mostly flat except for the climb up the escarpment which was a bit of a challenge. Be aware that you must ride on the road for the last mile or two which can be a little nerve racking with all the falls traffic. The trail also ends for awhile in Queenston as you ride through the streets of the town, and we did become a little confused as to exactly where to pick up the trail again. Fortunately, a very friendly and helpful local guided us back to the trail. The trail is quite scenic with many wineries and local orchards along the way. We stopped at the floral clock and the butterfly conservatory on our way to the falls. The whole trip including our stops took us less than 5 hours. It was a great way to spend a day while visiting the lovely NOTL.
Written 27 June 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Michael P
Annapolis, MD282 contributions
Aug 2013 • Family
It's hard to write anything different than what has been written already. Everything is true. However, we like to bike but are not hard core. Our suggestion is to park at the Queenston restaurant (at the round-about) and pick up the trail from there. It took a good hour to ride into the Falls giving you all the exercise you need without killing yourself. When close to the Falls cross the street and ride on the sidewalk for safety. Fewer pedestrians are on that side.
Written 12 August 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
HotelierJohn
Ontario, Canada265 contributions
Sept 2017 • Couples
Yes, the Falls are spectacular, as well as the Gorge and Whirlpool, but the truly best part of this region is the continuous park system that runs the entire length of the Canadian side of the Niagara River, from Fort Erie to Niagara-on-the-Lake. Stop almost anywhere (with free parking outside of the Falls zone) for walking, biking, roller-blading, and, of course, picnics. The best views can be found in the Locust Grove opposite Queenston Heights.
Written 19 September 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ted S
Calgary159 contributions
Nov 2013 • Solo
I was stuck at a conference in Niagara Falls and needed to get out and see something real and natural, so I rented a bike and rode to NOTL and back on a very pleasant Saturday in mid-November. It was a wonderful break from the tourist hell that Niagara Falls is.
It is about 25 km each way (I didn't go north towards Fort Erie) and fairly easy riding if you are a regular rider - pretty flat except for the one big ride down the escarpment and then back up at Queenston Heights. There are lots of places to stop along the way for scenic views, but frankly most of time there are trees and forest beside you and you don't have views very much of the time.
The most unusual and unexpected stop was at a Buddhist Monastery just as you leave NF, that was very pleasant and serene and quite beautiful. I also had a very nice stop at Queenston Hieghts at the Brock Monument - about half way between NF and NOTL. You can also stop at the Butterfly Garden and other gardens, as well as wineries when you get closer to NOTL.
Another good idea is that you can leave NF early and spend time on the tourist walk before the crowds start to come and enjoy it before heading out.
There is a separate bike path almost the whole way though you have to cross the highway a couple of times. I did not see the path leaving Queenston Heights and took the road down, which really wasn't a problem, but coming back up I managed to find the path up so I didn't have to use the road, which would not have been fun. It really wasn't that big a deal to ride back up either, even after a sample of ice wine from a winery near the bottom.
I rented a hybrid bike from ZOOM Leisure bikes - they delivered and picked it up at my Hotel - it was a good enough bike, but it is never the same as riding your own.
There are a few places to use washrooms if you need, like at Queenston Heights or the wineries. There was very little car traffic, and they are respectful of my bike when I was on the road, but it was mid November and there would probably be much more traffic at other times of the year, both on the trail and on the roads.
There are a couple of nice parks along the river and lake in NOTL and they have very good gelato there for a snack.
So it is a great way to see the country side and get some fresh air and get out of NF for a day. However, it is not a stunning nature ride in the wilderness. But if a pleasant day of riding is your thing, it is a great way to send the day and tour around.
It is about 25 km each way (I didn't go north towards Fort Erie) and fairly easy riding if you are a regular rider - pretty flat except for the one big ride down the escarpment and then back up at Queenston Heights. There are lots of places to stop along the way for scenic views, but frankly most of time there are trees and forest beside you and you don't have views very much of the time.
The most unusual and unexpected stop was at a Buddhist Monastery just as you leave NF, that was very pleasant and serene and quite beautiful. I also had a very nice stop at Queenston Hieghts at the Brock Monument - about half way between NF and NOTL. You can also stop at the Butterfly Garden and other gardens, as well as wineries when you get closer to NOTL.
Another good idea is that you can leave NF early and spend time on the tourist walk before the crowds start to come and enjoy it before heading out.
There is a separate bike path almost the whole way though you have to cross the highway a couple of times. I did not see the path leaving Queenston Heights and took the road down, which really wasn't a problem, but coming back up I managed to find the path up so I didn't have to use the road, which would not have been fun. It really wasn't that big a deal to ride back up either, even after a sample of ice wine from a winery near the bottom.
I rented a hybrid bike from ZOOM Leisure bikes - they delivered and picked it up at my Hotel - it was a good enough bike, but it is never the same as riding your own.
There are a few places to use washrooms if you need, like at Queenston Heights or the wineries. There was very little car traffic, and they are respectful of my bike when I was on the road, but it was mid November and there would probably be much more traffic at other times of the year, both on the trail and on the roads.
There are a couple of nice parks along the river and lake in NOTL and they have very good gelato there for a snack.
So it is a great way to see the country side and get some fresh air and get out of NF for a day. However, it is not a stunning nature ride in the wilderness. But if a pleasant day of riding is your thing, it is a great way to send the day and tour around.
Written 20 November 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mombd
Niagara-on-the-Lake, Canada29 contributions
Apr 2013 • Friends
When you come down to NOTL for a walk-about don't forget to bring your dog!
NOTL is very dog friendly-out door patios, paths and park land with forested areas to explore. Many outdoor patios put out water bowls for thirsty pooches to indulge. The trials, park lands, forests areas and lake front beach are perfect to share with your dogs (leashes and poop-and- scoop required).
NOTL does have a 'Leash Free' area to let your 4-legged friend run about at "The Commons". (four free parking areas around the site, bring your own poop-and-scoop bags)
HOW TO FIND... King Street -look for the large field just past the playground and outdoor pool across from The Pillar and Post Inn and Spa by the "Butler's Barracks" (A Canadian Heritage Site). This is also part of the Bruce Trail paths - This field, surrounding paths, and forests are open to the public with leash free walking allowing playtime for dogs and owners. Don't forget to poop-and-scoop and sticks are plentiful for a game of fetch. Enjoy!
NOTL is very dog friendly-out door patios, paths and park land with forested areas to explore. Many outdoor patios put out water bowls for thirsty pooches to indulge. The trials, park lands, forests areas and lake front beach are perfect to share with your dogs (leashes and poop-and- scoop required).
NOTL does have a 'Leash Free' area to let your 4-legged friend run about at "The Commons". (four free parking areas around the site, bring your own poop-and-scoop bags)
HOW TO FIND... King Street -look for the large field just past the playground and outdoor pool across from The Pillar and Post Inn and Spa by the "Butler's Barracks" (A Canadian Heritage Site). This is also part of the Bruce Trail paths - This field, surrounding paths, and forests are open to the public with leash free walking allowing playtime for dogs and owners. Don't forget to poop-and-scoop and sticks are plentiful for a game of fetch. Enjoy!
Written 1 April 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Garden Angel, could you please give me more details of your walk from NOTL to NF as, we are hoping to do this in summer of 2021 if all is well and Covid-19 pandemic is over.
Our plan are to take Go train or Go bus to NOTL and stay for 2-3 days. Then, break the 54 km walk into 2 stages, staying somewhere halfway to Niagara Falls.
It would be great to hear from you. Your recommendations and suggestions will be much appreciated.
Thank you.
Written 18 January 2021
My kids are good bikers for a distance of 8 miles. Their bikes have no gears. Do you have suggestions for the best 4 mile (out & back) stretch of this trail for scenery, minimal hills, bathroom. Thank you.
Written 20 January 2020
Hi, if you park in Chippawa and bike north as far as the falls, you will see the most interesting parts of the upper river. Then, you can drive to the Aero Car (where you can park for free) and bike further north, you will see the best parts of the Niagara Gorge.
Written 28 January 2020
chai
Oshawa, Canada
Regarding a review of the greenhouse on the Niagara Recreation Trail "was stunning with a full house of white, pink and rose cyclamens. The succulent plants indoors are a wonder to see. But best of all was the outdoor trail which featured several models and a most interesting display of birdhouses, all constructed from bark, twigs and stones. Even on a winter's day, this is a spectacle. The miniature lake and operating small size train completed the sights" Where exactly is this and how can I find out hours of operation? We are coordinating a trip for widows and would love to include this. Can anyone help us? Ours is a volunteer group so any leads are most appreciated.
Written 1 July 2019
You can walk on the Niagara Parks Trail from Niagara-on-the-Lake to Niagara Falls area. Its a long trail, but beautiful view of the Niagara river, Brock Monument, Laura Secord's home, etc.
Written 2 August 2018
Maryhiker
East London, South Africa
Hi!
Can we walk from Niagara Falls to Niagara-on-the-Lake on a trail the whole way, or is part of it on roads?
Also, what's the best way from NOTL to Toronto? I'm having difficulty researching this. Is there a bus / Greyhound / train and would it go from NF or NOTL?
We don't like hiring cars or flying. We like feet or public transport if possible. Advice welcome. Thanks.
Written 22 May 2018
There is a bike path and adequate sidewalks from Niagara Falls to Niagara-on-the-Lake. It would be a long but scenic walk, approximately 10-15 miles. Biking would be easier than walking and I’m sure that public transportation is available. Check with your hotel concierge. If you like to hike, there are some awesome paths that take you right down to the river. I highly recommend that, too!
Written 9 July 2019
Hi - I am planning a trip for early October 2017. I would like to walk (as opposed to bike) the trail one day. Would be looking for 4-5 miles. Any suggestions for trail head parking? Routes? We will be coming from the NF Hilton on the Canadian side.
thanks!
Written 16 August 2017
Hi! In addition to biking the trail I've also walked it from Niagara on the lake (NOTL) to Niagara Falls. In my opinion, the best part of the walk is the section between NOTL and Queenston (about the halfway mark so about 12K. There are lots of gorgeous homes and properties along the river to admire as you walk, in addition to many wineries you can stop in at and sample their stock. We ate a good lunch at a nice spot right along the trail, maybe about 4 or 5 K from where we started in Fort George in NOTL but I can't remember the name of it :-(
It looked like there was lots of parking at Fort George so I'd recommend starting there and just walk for however long you feel like along the trail. You can get your 4-5 miles in no problem. Not sure if the parking there is free or not, we bussed it there from Niagara Falls.
There were also plenty of little picnic areas with parking along the trail between Queenston and NOTL so you could also start your walk at any of them if you find an area you'd like to explore.
Have fun and enjoy the scenery!
Written 17 August 2017
Hi, I am planning to visit Niagara falls and also see the Tulips in Niagara Parks Garden Trail. Can anyone suggest me when is the right time. I am planning for sometime by end of May.
Thanks,
Prathibha
Written 20 February 2017
The end of May would be a lovely time to visit the area.
Written 26 February 2017
Where is the trailhead for those staying in NOTL? Is there free parking there?
Written 7 October 2016
Also, yes the parking is free at the parks.
Written 18 October 2016
It's along the river/Niagara Parkway.
Written 5 August 2016
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