For those who prefer their fall hikes served with something delicious to sip and a thought-provoking story or two on the side, Niagara delivers colourful autumn options in spades. Here are six very different fall day itineraries that each reveal very different sides of Niagara.
HIKING TRAIL: THE NIAGARA GLEN
Deep within the Niagara Gorge, the Niagara Glen offers hikers four kilometers of rugged hiking trails winding through lush Carolinian forest past fascinating rock formations to incredible Niagara River views.
THE LORE: Rekindling All Our Relations is a free, self-guided Indigenous audio tour of the Niagara Glen that allows hikers to listen as they walk to discover the Indigenous connections to the nature surrounding them. Download the podcast to your mobile device, or visit the Niagara Glen Nature Centre to receive a handheld audio device with the tour pre-loaded on it.
Hikers who prefer to follow a guide will want to get on the guest list for Niagara Parks’ Twilight Tales: Autumn Nature Hike in the Niagara Glen, which will take place just before dusk on October 25 & 26. Hikers will learn about the dark history of the Niagara Gorge and the fascinating seasonal changes that occur here.
NEARBY LATTÉS & LAGERS: Those seeking a pre-hike caffeine kick will be happy to discover Hummingbird Coffee Co. From smooth espressos to refreshing iced lattes, each cup is crafted to perfection to capture the heart of Peru’s rainforests in a cup. If a post-hike lager is in order, make your way to Niagara Brewing Company. Choose from the original brewery, which is just 200 metres from the Falls, or the brewery’s taproom located within The Fallsview Casino’s Galleria.
HIKING TRAIL: THE BRUCE TRAIL; Southern Terminus at Queenston Heights Park
Feel the history underfoot as you explore the southernmost end of Canada’s oldest and longest marked footpath. The Bruce Trail winds its way hundreds of kilometers along the Niagara Escarpment, a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, all the way to Tobermory.
THE LORE: While at Queenston Heights Park, take some time to explore the various components that make up the Landscape of Nations Memorial, which include The Memory Circle, The Longhouse, and a walkway commemorating the Two-Row Wampum Belt. The Memorial is dedicated to the Haudenosaunee (Six Nations) Confederacy and Indigenous allies that played a vital role in the War of 1812.
NEARBY LATTÉS & LAGERS: Take in a stunning view of Fort Niagara while sipping an Iced Canadiano at Balzacs’ Niagara-on-the-Lake location. The Exchange Brewery pours a wide range of American styles along with sour and funky Belgian-style beers and ales.
HIKING TRAIL: MERRITT TRAIL
Named after William Hamilton Merritt, the person who originally conceived the idea for the Welland Canal, the Merritt Trail is an 11-km stone dust pathway that takes hikers past remnants of former canal locks from the region’s first, second, and third sets of historic lift locks.
THE LORE: Pair your stroll with some storied cinema at The Film House, located within the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre, which is just a short walk from the Merritt Trail. This fall, catch Retro Reel matinee screenings of Halloween favourites like Hocus Pocus, The Addams Family, and The Rocky Horror Picture Show.
NEARBY LATTÉS & LAGERS: Grab a buzzed-about Matcha from Bright Pours Café to sip while you stroll this scenic path that runs along the Twelve Mile Creek. This cute little coffee shop is just steps from the Martindale Road entry point to the trail. When you reach downtown St. Catharines, stop for a thirst-quenching pint at Merchant Ale House.
HIKING TRAIL: TWENTY VALLEY TRAIL, Jordan
Tucked away behind the Lincoln County Museum and Cultural Centre, hikers will find a steep staircase that they can follow down into the woods to access the scenic Ellis Property section of the Twenty Valley Trail.
THE LORE: Lincoln County Museum and Cultural Centre’s permanent Fraktur exhibition offers a glimpse into the culture and everyday lives of the area’s early German-speaking settlers through this exquisite folk-art tradition.
NEARBY LATTÉS & LAGERS: When visiting Jordan Village, a stop at RPM Bakehouse is a must! All coffee beans are sourced from Canadian roasters who work with small producers, and flours for the bakery’s delicious pastries are sourced responsibly through strong relationships with local farmers and millers. The friendly Jordan House Tavern is another can’t-miss sip stop, where local craft brews are always available.
HIKING TRAIL: SONS AND DAUGHTERS WINERY, Fonthill
A visit to Sons and Daughters Winery, the first winery located on the Fonthill Kame Delta, offers so much more than wine. The Fonthill Kame Delta is a unique geological feature formed by retreating glaciers after the last ice age. The winery, perched atop the highest point of land in the Niagara area, invites guests to explore its rolling hiking trails as part of their visit.
THE LORE: Catch Canada’s oldest Sugar Maple during its gorgeous fall glow-up! The Comfort Maple is a symbol of Canadian strength and tradition, towering about 24.4 metres at its crown with a trunk circumference of 6 metres!
NEARBY LATTÉS & LAGERS: In addition to serving up tasty wines, Sons and Daughters boasts an incredible on-site coffee bar, where Fieldnote Coffee is used to create delicious espresso, lattés, and other coffee-based drinks. After your hike, keep the geology lesson going at Fonthill’s Kame & Kettle Beer Works, where an ever-rotating tap list of flavours has something for everyone.
HIKING TRAIL: BEAMER MEMORIAL CONSERVATION AREA
Follow the hiking trails to the viewing platform for one of Niagara’s most breathtaking and panoramic views of the Niagara Escarpment and Lake Ontario.
THE LORE: Visit the Grimsby Museum to explore the story of Lake Lawn, a distinctive heritage home in Grimsby, through original photographs, clothing, toys, and personal belongings from the house and its descendants.
NEARBY LATTÉS & LAGERS: 416 Coffee Co.’s Grimsby location is the perfect place for a pre- or post-hike pick-me-up. In addition to lovely Belgian- and German-influenced brews, Newark Brewing’s warm pretzels and hand-breaded Schnitzel sandwiches deliver delicious notes of Oktoberfest!
Curate an amazing outdoor adventure in Niagara this fall by blending the region’s many nature-based attractions, cycling routes, outdoor sports options and campgrounds. Be sure to check out @visit_niagara on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube for additional trip inspiration and to learn about upcoming events. Then, scroll through local accommodations and restaurant suggestions to find delightful options to add to your itinerary.
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