Niagara River Recreational Trail & Queenston

The Niagara River Recreational Trail is the best longer distance off-road path in the Niagara-on-the-Lake region. The paved multi-use path follows the Niagara River for 20 km between Niagara-on-the-Lake and Niagara Falls. The pleasantly green trail runs alongside the Niagara Parkway, featuring intermittent water views. It’s popular with runners, walkers, and cyclists. Note: Not maintained in winter.

Niagara-On-the-Lake Start. Start in Queen’s Royal Park. The first 3.5 km is very nice, following the Niagara River away from the road. At the ~3.5 km mark, the path is alongside the Niagara Parkway for ~5 km to Queenston. At the RiverBrink Art Museum, there’s a 1.2 km gap, where you’ll run on Queenston St. (pretty, residential area), until the trail picks up again through Queenston Park, passing Brock’s Monument and the Floral Clock. Then there’s a nice 2 km passing the Botanical Gardens and then Niagara Glen, skirting the Whirlpool Golf Course, before the Niagara Falls terminus at Whirlpool Aero Car (cable car that carries visitors above the falls) at the end of Victoria St.

Add-Ons:  Can connect with the Laura Secord Heritage Trail in Queenston Heights Park. Can also run some additional paths in the Niagara Botanical Gardens. Also, Queenston is a cute town with a nice residential area that makes for a nice detour.