In this third post in my series called Great Places To Run In Niagara, I am featuring Queenston Heights.
This place holds a special place in my heart because this is where my husband and I chose to get married. We got married outside, with the Brock Monument as my backdrop is a really nice restaurant at Queenston Heights, built-in the 1940’s. This is where we held the reception for our wedding! Queenston Height also holds lots of history!
Running in Queenston Heights
In my last post in this series, I wrote about the recreational trail along the Niagara River. This same trail eventually takes you to Queenston Heights.
This course is not for the faint of heart. I would have to rate this course as very difficult since there is a very steep and long incline along the recreational trail that goes up the escarpment to the top of Queenston Heights.
If you want to challenge yourself, or just work hard, Queenston Heights is the place to go! This trail is suitable for walking, running, or cycling.
Parking & Amenities
There is plenty of free parking at Queenston Heights. You will also find washrooms, playgrounds, picnic areas, snack bars and a restaurant in this area. It is a touristic destination.
Historical Significance
I touched a bit about the war of 1812 in my post Great Places to Run In Niagara: Recreation Trail along the Niagara Parkway. However, Queenston Heights is the location of the first skirmish and one very famous battle of the war of 1812.
Admittedly, I am not a big history buff, however, the war of 1812 in one war that has fascinated me. It’s the only war between the US and Canada (then a British Colony).
Perhaps it intrigues me because its close to home, but also because there are lots of stories of heroes such as Laura Secord, Tecumseh, and General Brock. The monument in the top photo is of stands in honor of General Brock.
Geological/Environmental Significance
Queenston Heights is part of the Niagara Escarpment. The Escarpment is designated as a World Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO. In Canada, the Niagara Escarpment goes from Niagara all the way to Manitoulin Island. The escarpment at the south and Lake Ontario to the North creates a unique microclimate in Niagara which allows for the growth of tender fruit and grapes.
Although I don’t run in Queenston Heights too often (because of the steep hill), it holds a special place in my heart because it is beautiful, it’s where I got married and because it has an interesting history
Check out these other great running trails in Niagara:
Port Dalhousie
Welland Canal Parkway
Recreation Trail Along The Parkway
Please note: I did some fact checking and I consulted the following sources:
Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia. Wikipedia Foundation, Inc. 22 July 2004. Web. 10 Aug. 2004https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Queenston_Heights
This looks like a beautiful place to run. I love that it has personal significance to you. Thank you for including that in the post.
Thank you Myra!
I guess our history doesn’t date back too far compared to the UK but it does have some interesting stories. I might share them at some point!