Recreation Trail along the Niagara Parkway

Previously, on Great Places to Run in Niagara, I featured Port Dalhousie. This second post, in this series, features the section of the recreation trail that runs along Niagara Parkway in the beautiful town of Niagara-on-the-Lake.

The trail runs from Niagara-on-the-Lake all the way south to Fort Erie but I am featuring the section that runs from Fort George to Queenston because that is the section I am familiar with.

Niagara-on-the-Lake is a small town within the Region of Niagara.  It is, in my opinion, the prettiest town in the Region. Ontario, and possibly even Canada! 

It is full of history and charm as well as tender fruit orchards, vineyards and my favorite: wineries.

With Lake Ontario on its northern border, Niagara Falls to the South, St. Catharines on the east, Niagara-on-the-Lake’s western side shares the Niagara River with our American neighbors. Along this river, runs the Niagara Parkway and the Recreational Trail.

Running along the Parkway

The 53 kilometer long recreational trail along the Niagara Parkway is suitable for running, rollerblading and cycling. I have done all three along this trail.

The recreational trail links to Queenston Heights. On one side of the trail, you have the Niagara River, on the other, you can see the rich agriculture in Niagara-on-the-Lake.

Pictured above is an example of a vineyard along the Niagara Parkway.

I would rate the recreational trail along the parkway as easy to medium because there are a few hills.

Parking

There are a countless number of free parkettes along the Niagara Parkway that are there for the purpose of assessing the recreational trail. On busy summer weekends, you might have to travel to a few lots for a spot to park.

Historical Significance

According to the greenbelt website (referenced below), it was along the Niagara Parkway, 200 years ago that General Brock with his men traveled to Queenston Heights to meet his destiny during the War of 1812.

The famous Battle of Queenston Heights was the first battle of this war between the US and the British Colonies. Also, the lovely Niagara-on-the-Lake is the first Capital of what was then known as Upper Canada.

It is easy to see why I have listed the Recreational Trail along the Parkway as one of Niagara’s great places to run! Who wouldn’t want to be running along, the Niagara river, surrounded by vineyards and wineries and this beautiful view?

Check out these other great Niagara running trails:
Port Dalhousie
Queenston Heights
Welland Canal 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. 2004
“Niagara River Recreational Trail (Niagara Parkway)”, www.niagaragreenbelt.com, n.d., Web, September 2, 2014