The Best Winter Hikes in Niagara Region

Take a walk in the woods. The fire you have later will be so much nicer!

We can spend a lot of time sitting by the fire. A lot.

A tall coffee, a good book or a season of something new to watch on Netflix, a blanket and a roaring fire – what a perfect way to spend a cold, snowy Sunday.

But sometimes you have to get up and move. Breathe the fresh air and take in the sounds and scenery we’re so lucky to be surrounded by in Niagara Region. A chilly morning walk in the woods makes your afternoon by the fire even more comfortable.

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No matter where you live, whether you’re close to the border or closer to Beamsville, your home is close to great trails to get out and explore.

These are our favourite places to hike on the cold, sunny winter days.

Niagara Glen is a gorgeous location for a hike year round.

Get to the Glen

Niagara Glen is a unique and wonderful place to wander year round.

The trails are clearly marked and well-traveled, but never crowded. You can work your way down to the Niagara river and watch the river boats battle up current or you can stick to the main trails and wander, stopping to watch the groups of rock climbers scattered throughout the gorge.

Hikes in the Glen are the most physical on our list, with elevation changes of 200+ feet.

Ball’s Falls

Ball’s Falls conservation area is a large historical park and conservation area.

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The Bruce Trail, Twenty Valley Trail and smaller trail systems are marked through the conservation area and surrounding land. You can hike for hours and be treated to views of Twenty Mile Creek as it rolls over two sets of falls, upper and lower.

You can view the falls from above or below, and very close up. In spring the falls are at their most turbulent, or during a snow thaw like we experienced earlier in February.

Long Beach is beautiful any season.

Long Beach conservation area

Long Beach features…a long beach. Winter or summer, the beach is beautiful (although you will have to bundle up a lot more to take in the view of the water in February).

The 56 hectares of groomed hiking trails through open areas and forested lands are easy to traverse and include almost no elevation change.

This is a great option for a leisurely walk in the woods.

Short Hills Provincial Park (St. Catharines)

If you’re after something a little more expansive, Short Hills Provincial Park is the largest park in Niagara, featuring rolling hills, quiet valleys, and lovely views of Swayze Falls. The park offers a mix of easy boardwalks and moderate, snow-packed dirt trails that provide an immersive deep-woods winter escape, whether you’re looking for a gentle stroll or a more adventurous outing.

For an excellent, wind-sheltered winter loop, use the Pelham Road entrance to access the Black Walnut Trail.

The Bruce Trail. Just about anywhere

Jump on the Bruce Trail at any access point.

The main Bruce Trail and endless side trails area accessible all across the region.

Pick up the guide book online and find the nearest access point.

The book is full of detailed maps with topography and simple landmarks. Each stretch of trail is described in detail and you can clearly identify sections for advanced hikers and sections for a leisurely afternoon.

The trail is maintained by volunteers and runs through private property at times. It’s worth supporting by buying the guide book or donating.

There you have it!

Get out for a hike this long weekend and you’ll feel you earned that evening or afternoon relaxing by the fire.

And if you are tired of stacking wood, feeding your fire and shoveling out ashes, upgrade to a gas fireplace insert. You can maintain the beauty of your large masonry fireplace and upgrade to the convenience of a gas fireplace. It’s the best of both worlds.

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FAQs

What gear do I need for hiking the Niagara Glen gorge in winter?

• Waterproof hiking boots are necessary to handle slush and wet terrain.
• Slip-on microspikes provide critical traction on the icy rock formations.
• A windproof jacket protects against the freezing air off the Niagara River.
• A trekking pole offers extra stability on the steeper, snow-packed descents.
• A thermos of something hot and a fully charged phone are worth packing for comfort and safety along the way.

Are park facilities and parking lots open for winter hikes in Niagara Region?

Main parking lots remain plowed, though parking fees or seasonal permits may still apply depending on the location. Keep in mind that public washrooms at most conservation areas are closed or winterized, and while trails stay open from sunrise to sunset, they are not cleared of snow.

How do I check if trails or waterfall viewing areas are safely accessible?

Before you leave, check the Ontario Parks website for Short Hills, the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority (NPCA) website for Ball’s Falls and Long Beach, and the Niagara Parks website for Niagara Glen. It’s also worth looking up recent crowd-sourced trail condition logs on regional hiking apps like AllTrails. No matter how tempting the photo, avoid cliff edges and viewing platforms during or immediately following heavy freezing rain.