RESPONSIBLE TRAVELLER Discover the Hidden Gems of Fort Erie

Located at the point where Lake Erie enters the Niagara River, this busy border town is the second busiest border crossing between the United States and Canada. Fort Erie is a community of communities that includes the small villages of Bridgeburg, Crystal Beach, Garrison Road Corridor, Ridgeway, and Stevensville. When the summer is in its prime, visitors flock to lakefront cottages to soak up every moment of the blissful solitude.

Whatever you are looking for, whatever your lifestyle craves, we have it for you in Fort Erie: sightseeing, fishing at world-class locations, cycling, boating, golfing, a day at the beach, visiting historic sites, shopping, or just relaxing at one of the many restaurants in town that cater to all tastes and styles of dining.

We have it all in Fort Erie—just waiting for you to explore!

BEACHES

Fort Erie boasts some of the most splendid beaches in North America and is by 46 kilometres of shoreline along Lake Erie and the Niagara River. The freshwater beaches vary in character from sandy to rocky to naturalized and grassy. Plan your next beach day at one of Fort Erie’s many beaches; Bernard Beach, Crescent Beach, Waverly Beach, and the infamous Bay Beach in Crystal Beach. Bay Beach has a vast sandy area with clear water where locals and visitors can enjoy a relaxing day at the beach. Bay Beach has undergone extensive renovations to provide an accessible and modern beach facility for locals and visitors alike. These new features include; a stateof-the-art washroom facility, a new playground, pavilion, festival square for community events, an accessible ramp to the beach, accessible beach mats providing access to the waterfront, and a viewing deck that extends over the beach—making it the perfect destination for your next beach day!

BOATING AND FISHING

Lake Erie and the Niagara River offer extensive boating and fishing opportunities. With eight boat launches and 11 public lake access points, there is no shortage of water activities and entertainment in Fort Erie.

GOLF There are a variety of golf experiences in Fort Erie. From executive Par 3 and practice courses to beautifully manicured resort-style courses, Fort Erie’s local clubs offer beginners and enthusiasts alike challenging courses to enjoy and improve their game.

RECREATIONAL TRAILS

Fort Erie’s recreational trails connect scenic nature, lush farmland, quaint villages, waterfront views and Niagara’s diverse regions. Along the way, there is no shortage of attractions and places to stop. Walk, jog, bicycle, in-line skate, snowshoe or cross-country ski; the outdoors can be enjoyed yearround with Fort Erie’s recreational trails! This network of multi-purpose trails includes the Friendship Recreation Trail (16 km), the Niagara River Recreational Trail (56 km), and the Trans-Canada Trail (24,000 km).

HISTORY

From ancient artifacts dating back 11,000 years to the War of 1812, Fort Erie’s deep roots and unique rich heritage are featured at Fort Erie’s many museums:

• Old Fort Erie

• Mewinzha Archaeology Gallery

Railway Museum

• Ridgeway Battlefield Site

• LaFrance Firefighters Museum

• Heritage Arts Sports Gallery

Fort Erie Historical Museum

SHOPPING & DINING

Whether you’ve had a relaxing day at the beach or a day sightseeing, finish off an afternoon with a cool drink at one of the many restaurant patios nearby. The streets of Fort Erie’s communities are lined with a wide selection of unique boutiques and specialty shops that feature trendy fashion, thrifty finds, home décor, gifts and more! Shop at a wide array of specialty retailers and make time for a quick bite or sit-down dinner along the way. Choose from fine dining, quaint cafes, family dining, outdoor patios or a craft brewery— you will surely find tempting fare in Fort Erie!

Plan your trip today at forterie.ca

Puerto Nariño: An Amazonian Jewel for Eco-Tourism Enthusiasts

Nestled deep in the heart of the Colombian Amazon, Puerto Nariño is a hidden gem that has remained largely untouched by the trappings of modern civilization. With no motorized vehicles allowed in the town, it is a tranquil and peaceful haven for those looking to connect with nature and experience the region’s unique culture.

Puerto Nariño is located approximately 85 kilometres upriver from the bustling city of Leticia and is accessible only by boat. Once there, visitors can immerse themselves in the vibrant and colourful culture of the Indigenous people who call this place home. The town specializes in eco-tourism, offering a variety of activities that allow visitors to explore the Amazon rainforest while supporting sustainable tourism practices.

One of the highlights of a trip to Puerto Nariño is a visit to nearby Lake Tarapoto. This is one of the best places in the world to spot pink dolphins, a rare and majestic species that is a beloved icon of the region. Visitors can take bushwalking tours or boat trips to explore the lake and see other amazing wildlife such as caiman, monkeys, parrots, and toucans.

For those interested in learning more about the culture and history of the region, a visit to the Interpretation Centre is a must. The Centre is dedicated to protecting underwater life and animals and provides valuable insight into the region’s unique ecology. The Omachu Foundation and Natütama Foundation are other essential stops for visitors interested in conservation and animal protection. The Natütama Foundation is a nonprofit organization that works with the local community to promote sustainable management of resources and biodiversity based on cultural and scientific knowledge.

Puerto Nariño is also home to several Indigenous Malocas, which are traditional longhouses where local people gather to share stories and wisdom. Visitors can learn about the ancient traditions and practices of the Indigenous people and even participate in storytelling sessions.

Jungle walking day and night is another activity that visitors can enjoy in Puerto Nariño. The sights and sounds of the Amazon are entirely different at night, making this a unique and unforgettable experience.

When it comes to food, Puerto Nariño has a unique culinary culture that is heavily influenced by the Amazon rainforest.

Visitors can try delicacies such as white cocoa, a fruit with sweet white skin that is sucked for its seeds. Another must-try dish is patarashca, a method of cooking fish from the Amazon that is wrapped in a bijao leaf and grilled to perfection. The local market is also a great place to sample the flavours of the region while mingling with the locals. Visitors can buy food, crafts, and other goods while sharing stories and learning about life in Puerto Nariño. Whether you’re interested in conservation, culture, or simply soaking up the natural beauty of the Amazon, Puerto Nariño is a must-visit destination for eco-tourism enthusiasts. With its stunning wildlife, vibrant culture, and welcoming locals, this little town is truly a jewel of the Colombian Amazon.