for Hiking, Cycling or Rollerblading through scenic and historic Niagara (accessible for wheelchairs and motorized scooters)

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The Greater Niagara Circle Route Trails System is over 140 km of mostly off-road, paved trails suitable for walking, cycling or rollerblading. Motorized vehicles are not permitted. The paved trail is mostly 3 metres wide and passes through urban centres, downtowns, the Niagara Escarpment, waterfronts, and rural/agricultural areas.

The system includes the Welland Canals Trail which passes alongside parts of the existing and previous canals from St. Catharines on Lake Ontario (north end) through Thorold and Welland to Port Colborne on Lake Erie (south end). The Friendship Trail goes between Port Colborne and Fort Erie (east end). From Fort Erie the Niagara River Recreation Trail follows the Niagara River, through the city of Niagara Falls, to Niagara-on-the-Lake (north end). The Waterfront Trail follows Lakeshore Road from Niagara-on-the-Lake to St. Catharines (west end). Trail mileage markers are on the trail around the circle starting at Old Fort Erie (km. “0”) and proceeding in a counter-clockwise direction.

Around the circle or nearby are many accommodations, restaurants, and sights that include:

• Fort Erie, a historic fort at the junction of the Niagara River and Lake Erie,
• Numerous Niagara Parks Commission attractions and the world famous Niagara Falls, the reason for the Welland Canal,
• Fort George in Niagara-on-the-Lake, the first Capital of Upper Canada and a historic community that is also home to the Shaw Festival,
• Vineyards, wineries and orchards alongside Lakeshore Road between Niagara-on-the-Lake and St. Catharines,
• The South Niagara Rowing Club in Welland, an internationally famous rowing course,
• Parts of the previous historic canals at various places,
• The St. Catharines Museum/Lock III Observation Area where visitors may view a canals exhibit and perhaps see a ship pass through the lock,
• The Flight Locks in Thorold where “the ships climb the mountain”, and “Kissing Rock” beside the Visitors Centre at Lock VII,
• Murals in Thorold and downtown Welland,
• “Working on the Canal” - the Feeder Canal Comprehensive Centre in Welland and,
• Mud Lake Conservation Area and Lock VIII, the longest lock in the system, in Port Colborne.

The Greater Niagara circle route consists of these trails:

The Friendship Trail; This 13.6 kilometer scenic pathway is paved and safe for cycling and ideal for walking, jogging, and rollerblading. The trail begins at Port Colborne Seaway Park and ends at Historic Fort Erie where it meets up with the Niagara Parks Commission Recreation Trail. All along its length this trail coincides with the Trans-Canada Trail. Visit the site

Visit the Site The Niagara River Recreational Trail (56 km) parallels the Niagara River on the Canadian Side. It extends from Fort George in Niagara-on-the-Lake, through Chippawa, to Historic Fort Erie. This trail also coincides with the Trans-Canada Trail.

Visit the site   The Waterfront Trail coincides with the Greater Niagara Circle Route along the south shore of Lake Ontario between Niagara-on-the-Lake and St. Catharines. Here it follows Lakeshore Road as a bicycle-pedestrian lane. From St. Catharines this trail continues along through Beamsville, Grimsby and Stoney Creek to Burlington and Toronto. The Trans Canada Trail is the worlds longest recreational trail. We are fortunate to have a significant part of this trail coincide with local trails (the Friendship Trail and the Niagara River Recreational Trail) in our region. A joint pavilion between the Greater Niagara Circle Route and the Trans Canada Trail has been erected in Bowen Park in Fort Erie. Visit the site