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Exploring Niagara

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Welcome to the Niagara Circle Route where it's about the journey and the destination. 

Spanning over 140 km in length, the Niagara Circle Route is made up of mostly paved trails through the scenic Niagara region. These trails are great for walking, running, cycling or rollerblading. The paved sections of the trail are three metres wide and pass through urban centres, downtowns, the Niagara Escarpment, waterfronts and agricultural areas. Whether you’re a Niagara native looking to improve your overall health and wellbeing or on vacation looking for a free attraction, we look forward to seeing you out on the trails. Get outside, get active and find yourself exploring Niagara.

Download Navigation Route
Download Navigation Route GPX
Welland Canal Parkway Trail (42 Km)

The second longest segment of the Niagara Circle Route. This section of the trail stretches from Port Colborne through St. Catharines. Along this path you will have breathtaking views of enormous cargo ships within the Welland Canal. While passing though multiple locks and bridges and traversing the escarpment visitors will be able to experience the views of the Niagara escarpment and many rives and waterways within Niagara’s Greenbelt territory.

Port Colborne to Virgil Navigation Route
Port Colborne to Virgil Navigation Route GPX
Virgil to Port Colborne Navigation Route
Virgil to Port Colborne Navigation Route GPX
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Waterfront Trail (18 km)

The waterfront trail extends far beyond the Niagara Circle Route. On this route, The Waterfront Trail acts as a connection between the Welland Canal Parkway Trail and the Niagara River Recreation Trail. This will allow explorers to experience famous agricultural lands and vineyards, as well as views of Toronto over one of southern Ontario’s pristine Great Lakes via the trails many waterfront paths.

Niagara-on-the-Lake to Virgil Navigation Route
Niagara-on-the-Lake to Virgil Navigation Route GPX
Virgil to Niagara-on-the-Lake Navigation Route
Virgil to Niagara-on-the-Lake Navigation Route GPX
Niagara River Recreation Trail (56 Km)

The Niagara River Recreation Trail is the longest independent trail on the Niagara Circle Route. It spans from Niagara on the Lake to Fort Erie. On this segment of the Niagara circle route you will continue to be greeted with wineries while being accompanied with vies of the powerful Niagara River. Your journey will take you though the hustling and upbeat city of Niagara Falls. Once in the historic location of Fort Erie, visitors will get to experience views over the Niagara River to our neighbours in Buffalo New York.

Niagara-on-the-Lake to Fort Erie Navigation Route
Niagara-on-the-Lake to Fort Erie Navigation Route GPX
Fort Erie to Niagara-on-the-Lake Navigation Route
Fort Erie to Niagara-on-the-Lake Navigation Route GPX
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Play Video
Friendship Trail (24 Km)

The friendship trail Spans across the base of Fort Erie, giving opportunities for visitors to enjoy time on sandy beaches across the length of Fort Erie. Those traveling on foot or by bike will be able to experience their adventuring in a leisurely way as this segment is mostly paved with virtually no changes in elevation.

Fort Erie to Port Colborne Navigation Route
Fort Erie to Port Colborne Navigation Route GPX
Port Colborne to Fort Erie Navigation Route
Port Colborne to Fort Erie Navigation Route GPX

Trail Highlights

Arial view of Fort Erie

History

On the Greater Niagara Circle Route, you will get the chance to experience Niagara in all its beauty. Not only is The Greater Niagara Circle Route a safe way to explore the community, you will enjoy Niagara’s many historical, agricultural, natural and technologic features. Traverse through Niagara’s vast landscape nestled between Lake Ontario and Lake Erie.

Photo of two people standing at the gates

Amenities

Explorers will pass through friendly cities and quiet towns with award winning businesses that cater to those who chose to explore our region. With many destinations such as hotels, wineries and restaurants, you will never be without a place to stay. Support areas such as bike tuning areas and water fountains will ensure you have a place to rest and hydrate during your journey.

Queen Vctoria park with falls in the background

Attractions

The Greater Niagara Circle Route is close in proximity to many significant sites and attractions! Check out our interactive map to learn more about these featured attractions.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Niagara Circle is free for all to use.

Nature is for everyone. The Greater Niagara Circle Route has many easy and accessible access entry points and routes. We encourage you to plan ahead and check if the route is accessible for your desired activity.

Plan before you go. There are many parking options available near all routes however there is no designated parking for the Greater Niagara Circle Route. Check local signs and look for safe parking locations.

There are locations with restrooms located around the trail. Visitors should consider where washrooms are located prior to their trip

There are areas to refill water bottles at specific points around the trail. Visitors should plan their route to account for these locations prior to their trip.

There are designated air pump and bike tuning locations at specific points around the trail. Visitors should consider where these locations are prior to their cycling trip.

The Niagara Region is responsible for all maintenance of the Niagara Circle Route.

If you have any questions or concerns about the Niagara Circle Route, please call 905-980-6000. or fill out the Contact Form linked below. 

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