The best MTB trails around Niagara-On-The-Lake

The Living Water Wayside Chapel is a very tiny church, built in 1964 by the Niagara Falls Christian Reformed Church. The church is so small, only 6 guests can fit inside at a time. The church welcomes visitors of all faiths. Right next door is a produce stand, a great spot to get some fresh fruit on an outing.

McFarland House sits in McFarland Park, which is popular for picnicking, walking, and cycling, with public bathrooms at the north end of the park. The house itself is the oldest property owned by Niagara Parks, dating back to 1812, when it was a military hospital. The house can be visited between 10 am and 5 pm every day except for Saturday. All tickets are under $10.

The Niagara Township War Memorial is a tall stone monument remembering those who died in major wars of the last century. On Veterans Day, it is decorated with wreaths of red poppies.

Mountain Locks Park preserves part of the old Second Welland Canal, where massive stone lock walls, industrial ruins and fast moving canal water still sit beside the Merritt Trail. The park is one of the most historic sections along the trail network, with remnants of Locks 14 and 15 visible beside the path and interpretive signs explaining how the canal shaped the region’s industrial growth. Forested sections and flowing water soften the industrial landscape, creating an unusual mix of nature and canal history along the creek corridor.

Merritt Trail follows Twelve Mile Creek through a long green corridor of forest, wetlands and old industrial infrastructure linking several parks and neighbourhoods. Much of the route runs beside the water on paved and gravel paths, passing wooden bridges, historic remnants of the old Welland Canals and sections shaded by dense tree canopy. Despite running through an urban area, the creek corridor creates a surprisingly peaceful atmosphere, especially around the quieter marsh and riverside sections further from the roads.

The Upper Canada Heritage Trail cuts through lush vineyards and patches of green forests, best visited during snow-free times of the year. The flat, gravel path is open to biking, running, and leashed dog walking. The large old trees provide shade, and patches of vineyards provide some warm sunshine, a nice mix of shade and sun.

This is a point in the Upper Canada Heritage Trail where the trail ends for a short time, and a suburban sidewalk must be used for just a few meters. There are maps, trash cans, signage, and stones blocking motor vehicles from entering the trail on both access points.

The Vineyard Villa is part of the Two Sisters Vineyards and the southern end of the Upper Canada Heritage Trail. The vineyards here stretch all the way to East & West Line Road, and there are also a few large trees that provide some shade.