Niagara Glen Nature Reserve
Niagara Glen
A free hiking area where you can descend from the top of the gorge to the riverbank, with giant boulders, ancient potholes and the rushing Niagara River right in front of you.
The Niagara Glen Nature Area lies north of the Whirlpool Aero Car. About 7,000 years ago, Niagara Falls was located here, and as the falls receded they left behind boulder fields, potholes and terraces. A stone staircase descends about 60 meters from the gorge's edge to the valley floor. A network of trails covering about 4 km passes through Carolinian forest (a southern tree community rare in Canada), mossy boulders and potholes, and finally reaches the banks of the fast-flowing Niagara River, where you can see the gorge walls on the American side. The boulder area is also a famous bouldering site (permit required). The trails are free, but parking is paid. The trails are rugged, so wear non-slip shoes. A round trip takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. Swimming is not allowed. Take the WEGO Green Line bus to get there. It's often combined in one day with the botanical gardens and the Whirlpool Aero Car.
Opening hours
About Apr–Nov, sunrise to sunset
Nearby sights
- Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens & Butterfly Conservatory
- Whirlpool Aero Car
- Clifton Hill
- Niagara City Cruises (Voyage to the Falls)
- Niagara Falls State Park & Cave of the Winds
- Skylon Tower
- Niagara Falls
- Journey Behind the Falls