8 Hikes to Experience the Magic of Autumn Colours in Niagara!
Fall in Niagara is truly magical, with the Niagara Escarpment transforming into vibrant colours. It’s the perfect time to lace up your hiking boots and explore some of the most breathtaking spots to see the stunning fall foliage in September and October!
As the leaves start to change, you’ll want to know the best places to soak in the beauty of autumn. Whether you’re up for a longer hike or prefer a leisurely stroll to a lookout point, there’s a perfect spot for you!
Here’s a list of my top picks for witnessing the transformation from lush green to gorgeous shades of yellow, orange, and red.
What’s the best time to see the fall colours in Niagara?
The best time for leaf peeping in Ontario is from late September to late October, depending on the weather. For the exact timing of peak leaf changes, check out Ontario Parks’ Fall Colour Report. This interactive map keeps you updated all season long, so you can catch those gorgeous colours at their best!
1. Niagara Glen
Discover the gem of Niagara Falls for fall colours at Niagara Glen, also known as the Niagara Gorge! With 8 well-marked hiking trails, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of the Niagara River. The views of the vibrant autumn hues paired with the sparkling blue water are unmatched and it’s one of my favourite places to hike.
The scenic trails through the Carolinian forest are definitely worth the climb. As you wander, you’ll pass by ancient boulders, remnants from when the Falls carved out this beautiful area thousands of years ago.
There is a lot to discover down here, including a few beaches. Be mindful of your step, bring water, and wear sturdy shoes!
Cost: Free to access, but parking is paid at a rate of $8/hour. If you’re a frequent visitor to Niagara Falls you can snag the annual parking pass for $45 (expires at the end of every calendar year), or $30 for an annual Niagara Glen parking pass.
Address: 3050 Niagara Pkwy, Niagara Falls, ON
2. Beamer Memorial Conservation Area
Beamer Memorial Conservation Area is undoubtedly the best place to enjoy the stunning fall colours! With sweeping views of the Escarpment and Lake Ontario, it’s the perfect spot for a peaceful walk to the lookout points or a scenic hike along the Bruce Trail and 40 Mile Creek.
Don’t miss climbing the lookout platform for the best views! There are also a few clearings along the escarpment that are perfect for capturing beautiful photos.
Navigating Niagara Tip: If you’re up for a day hike, I recommend catching the Bruce Trail and heading east towards Niagara Falls. The section between Beamer Memorial and Mountainview Conservation Area (8.1 km) or through to Ball’s Falls (13 km) are my favourite hikes because of its dense forest.
Cost: Free
Address: 28 Quarry Rd, Grimsby, ON L3M 4E7
3. Ball’s Falls Conservation Area
Ball’s Falls is a must-visit spot, especially in the fall! While it’s beautiful year-round, the autumn colours make it truly magical. You can wander through the charming heritage village and check out two stunning waterfalls, ruins, and scenic hiking trails.
The area has been carefully restored, and you can feel the history that dates back to the early 1800s. Discover an operating flour mill, lime kiln, church, blacksmith shed, carriage shed, and the original Ball family home.
Ball’s Falls is a perfect family-friendly hiking spot ideal for checking out the stunning fall colours. The trail to the upper falls is a 1.7 km round trip hike from the parking lot, and don’t skip out on walking through the village to the lower falls!
Cost: $14.50 for the driver of the vehicle ($11/senior or student) plus $5 for each additional passenger ($4 for senior/student). Maximum charge is $29.75/car.
Address: 3292 Sixth Ave, Lincoln
Navigating Niagara Tip: If you’re a Lincoln Pelham Public Library member, you can borrow a NPCA NaturePlus Pass for up to a week, and save on admission!
P.S. If you visit over Thanksgiving weekend in October, you’ll be able to take part in the Thanksgiving Festival! Take part in discovering 150+ unique craft and artisan vendors, delicious foods, craft beverages and wines, a farmers’ market, live music and children’s entertainment, historical demonstrations, heritage tours and guided nature hikes.
4. Rockway Conservation Area
Rockway Conservation Area is a must-visit spot during the fall! With stunning views of Rockway Falls plunging 60 feet over the escarpment and surrounded by vibrant fall foliage, it’s a perfect place to soak in the autumn colours in Niagara!
You’ll also find several other waterfalls along the creeks here, adding to the scenic beauty. The trail loop is about 4 km long, taking you through the picturesque Fifteen Mile Creek valley. This is one of my favourite waterfall hikes in Niagara!
Rockway has a rich history, with a salt spring dating back to the late 1700s. It’s known for having some of the best quality and quantity of salt in Ontario.
Cost: $9/vehicle – or free if you borrow an NPCA NaturePlus Pass from Lincoln Public Library!
Address: 1742 St Paul St W, St. Catharines
5. St John’s Conservation Area
Nestled in an old-growth forest in Fonthill, you’ll find the peaceful St. Johns Conservation Area. This serene spot offers four trails of different lengths that weave through 150-year-old trees and circle a trout pond. I managed to complete all the trails in less than an hour, so it’s perfect for a quick hike to enjoy the changing seasons!
The conservation area also has a paved path around the pond with two viewing platforms, making it accessible for strollers and wheelchairs. With plenty of parking available, it’s an excellent spot for a family outing to see some fall colours in Niagara!
Cost: Free
Address: 3101 Barron Rd, Fonthill
6. Short Hills Provincial Park
With over nine trails to explore at Short Hills Provincial Park, you’re in for a treat of stunning fall views, including two lovely waterfalls!
The park is full of unique plants and fungi (look out for those cool mushrooms in the fall!), and if you’re lucky, you might spot deer, wild turkeys, or various birds.
The park’s name “Short Hills” comes from glacial erosion that happened over 12,000 years ago. With 1600 acres of trails to wander through, you could easily spend hours here. Just a heads-up: three of the trails are multi-use, so you might come across bikers and horseback riders enjoying the park too!
Cost: Free
Address: Parking Lot A (Pelham Rd), Parking Lot B (Roland Rd) or Parking Lot C (Wiley Rd)
7. Louth Conservation Area
If you’re looking for a serene spot to soak in those stunning fall colours, you’ve found it! Louth Conservation Area, nestled right next to Sue Ann Staff Winery, is like a little slice of paradise.
Imagine a charming waterfall gently flowing down 15 Mile Creek and whimsical stepping-stone trails that seem straight out of a fairy tale. The trails are easy to follow—just look for the white blazes for the main Bruce Trail or the blue blazes for the side trail loop, which takes about 30-45 minutes to explore.
It’s one of the quietest spots around, making it a perfect choice for a peaceful fall getaway.
Cost: Free
Address: 3193 Staff Ave, Jordan Station, ON L0R 1S0
8. Kinsmen Park
Tucked away in the heart of Beamsville on the beautiful escarpment, Kinsmen Park is a gem with a bunch of trails that connect to the Bruce Trail and other nearby conservation areas.
Wander through the lush forest and catch stunning displays of red, orange, and yellow during peak leaf season! The park’s network of paths is so diverse that you could visit again and again without retracing your steps, making it one of my top local spots.
You’ll also get to admire unique rock formations, vineyards, and gorgeous views of Lake Ontario—all in one place!
Plus, there’s a leash-free dog park and a perfect spot for a peaceful picnic on a sunny fall day.
Cost: Free
Address: 3820 Kinsmen Rd, Beamsville
Pin it for later!
