Discover the Niagara Escarpment

Hamilton/Niagara Peninsula

The Niagara Escarpment is a powerful presence as it wends its way through the Region of Hamilton-Wentworth. Come along and explore the Niagara Escarpment Parks of Hamilton-Wentworth within easy reach of a modern urban centre. Discover the Dundas Valley Conservation Area with over 35 km of trail through 1000 hectares of scenic beauty. Hike the trail to Websters Falls at the Spencer Gorge Wilderness Area, where Spencer Creek tumbles over the Escarpment. Explore the Devil's Punch Bowl where a ribbon waterfall plunges 10 storeys into a deep gorge, exposing layer upon layer of sedimentary Escarpment rock. Or visit the world famous Royal Botanical Gardens (RBG) in Hamilton.

Visit

  • Hamilton Region Conservation Authority
  • Royal Botanical Gardens
  • Tourism Hamilton
  • Bruce Trail Association

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    The Niagara Region is one of Canada's prime agricultural areas. Rich mineral soils and the moderating effects of Lakes Erie and Ontario are two factors contributing to the excellent growing conditions. The Escarpment also creates a microclimate that allows the growing of tender fruits such as apricots, peaches and premium wine grapes. As the Niagara Region develops its tourism potential, there are more and more things to do: world-class theatre, the casino, the Butterfly Conservatory, and wine-touring, not to mention the Falls. But if you want to add good hike and some quality nature experiences to that package, let us guide you along the Escarpment, to some of the natural highlights of the Niagara Region.

    Climb the steps to Queenston Heights, one of Canada's most historically significant sites. An important battle of the War of 1812 took place here. Queenston Heights is also significant because the Bruce Trail starts here. Descend to the bottom of the Niagara River Gorge at the Niagara Glen, for one of the most interesting hikes along the Escarpment. With the falls just a kilometre upstream, this is truly an enchanting place to hike. Visit the Ball's Falls Heritage Conservation Area in Vineland where visitors can hike to the falls or view the lime kiln, blacksmith shop and several other heritage buildings. Located at the edge of the Escarpment above the town of Grimsby is the Beamer Memorial Conservation Area, which is an excellent site for viewing the annual spring raptor migration over the Niagara Peninsula.

    Visit:

  • Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority
  • Niagara Economic & Tourism
  • Bruce Trail Association

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  • Webster's Falls Photo by Niagara Escarpment Commission

    Royal Botanical Gardens, Hamilton Photo by Richard Armstrong

    Niagara Gorge Photo by Niagara Escarpment Commission

    Grapes of Niagara Photo by Niagara Escarpment Commission

    Bald Eagle, Beamer Point  Conservation Area Photo by Niagara Escarpment Commission