Take a Hike

Erika Navarro, Communications Specialist for the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority, has always known the benefits of engaging in outdoor recreation. “People have been impacted by the pandemic and now see the importance of being outdoors,” states Navarro. The NPCA consists of 41 conservation areas across the Niagara Region, including some parts of Hamilton and Haldimand County. The beauty that stretches across this area is filled with waterfalls, caves, and rare species of birds, plants, and trees. They are what Navarro calls Niagara’s “ hidden gems.”

The NPCA has four flagship properties: Ball’s Falls, Long Beach, Chippawa Creek, and Binbrook. “These properties have recreation activities, not just hiking,” says Navarro. “Our more passive properties have natural spaces for hiking, dog walking, and bird watching. These properties tend to be less busy,” says Navarro.

“Louth Conservation Area is located along the 16 Mile Creek in Lincoln County, Jordan Station,” says Navarro. “It is 36 hectares of land along the Niagara Escarpment and provides access to the Bruce Trail. Louth is home to two very beautiful waterfalls and rock formations, and is perfect for anyone who wants to hike,” says Navarro, adding that Louth has a parking lot, but no washroom facilities.

Rockway Conservation Area along the Niagara Escarpment is geared towards hiking and bird watching enthusiasts. “Rockway offers rich history and beauty,” says Navarro. “While you hike you can experience species like basswood, sugar maple, black walnut, and sycamore trees. There are two spectacular

waterfalls flowing over rapids: this is an exciting feature. These waterfalls are to be admired and are not safe for swimming,” says Navarro who stresses the importance of safety and the no swimming policy while visiting all of the NPCA properties.

Beamer Memorial Conservation Area in Grimsby boasts as one of the most breath-taking views of Lake Ontario and the Niagara Escarpment. “It has a look out where you can walk out and see all of Grimsby: it’s very beautiful,” says Navarro. Unique to Beamer Memorial is their yearly live bird demonstrations. “Every spring you can observe the spring hawk migration,” says Navarro. “Every April, we host the Niagara Peninsula Hawkwatch and we bring birds of prey.” A wheelchair accessible lookout and access to the Bruce Trail can be found at Beamer Memorial. “There is a public washroom, but it is currently closed due to Covid 19,” explains Navarro.

“One of our most popular locations is St. John’s Conservation Area: it is considered a hidden gem.” St. John’s is located within the Niagara Escarpment and the 12 Mile Creek Valley. “It is a hotspot for seasonal trout fishing,” says Navarro, adding that a fishing license is required. “St. John’s has four different hiking trails and they all vary in length and difficulty. Some of the trails are wheelchair and stroller accessible. It is important for me to stress that St. John’s has a very sensitive ecosystem. We ask that you remain on the trails and don’t remove minnows, tadpoles, frogs, or turtles,” says Navarro. “People will see a lot of ducks and geese and we ask that no one feed the wildlife because they become dependent on humans for food and lose their natural fear of humans.”