Chasing Winter Magic: Scenic Winter Hiking Trails in Niagara

Winter in the Niagara Region turns the landscape into a frosted wonderland, offering a serene escape into nature’s icy beauty. From snow-draped forests to frozen waterfalls, the region is home to trails that will take your breath away—literally and figuratively!

Winter is one of my favourite times to hike – there’s no crowds, it’s easy to find parking, and it’s just so beautiful and peaceful. All you need to do is dress for the weather and it really is an enjoyable experience!

So bundle up, grab your thermos, and get ready to explore these stunning winter hiking trails in Niagara.

1. Beamer Memorial Conservation Area

Perched atop the Niagara Escarpment, Beamer Memorial Conservation Area offers the best views (in my opinion) of any other vantage point along the escarpment. You’ll find numerous vantage points and lookout spots with views of snow-covered trees, Lake Ontario, and Toronto. It’s the perfect place for a peaceful stroll after snowfall.

If you’re up for an adventure, you can take the stairs down to Forty Mile Creek – but watch your footing! The stairs don’t have a railing and they’re narrow – proving to be tricky after snowy and icy conditions. 

If it’s been a lot of snow and ice and if it’s started to thaw, you can hear the creek roaring from the top of the escarpment. From below, you can follow the worn Bruce Trail path, but there are a lot of little side trails that will lead you to the creek.

Your other option to see the Forty Mile Creek ravine is to access Beamer from the Bruce Trail access at the bottom of Grimsby Mountain Road. Park at the Food Basics plaza, cross the street and take a left to follow the sidewalk down Elm to Mountain Street (slightly shorter) or turn right until you get to Gibson St and continue until you reach the Bruce Trail access.

Distance: 4.2 km
Location: 28 Quarry Rd, Grimsby

2. Kinsmen Park

This hidden gem is a winter wonderland, with wooded trails winding through snow-blanketed trees. It’s a quiet spot and one of my favourite places to go. Kinsmen Park offers one of those choose-your-own-adventure hikes that’s ideal for a short, refreshing jaunt – or a longer one, depending on the mood you’re in.

Winter is beautiful here because you may stumble across tiny frozen creeks, snow-covered vineyards, viewpoints of Lake Ontario and Toronto, and bridges that look like they’ve popped out of a winter fairytale.

The Bruce Trail runs through Kinsmen Park but there are a lot of little side trails to take as well. No two hikes are alike. Head east towards Cave Springs Conservation Area or head West towards Mountainview Conservation Area and head past wineries. If there’s been a lot of snowfall, just be mindful of your footing if you decide to take the trail right along the edge of the escarpment. There are a lot of boulders with gaps between them and you can’t see them after heavy snow.

There is an ample-sized parking lot from Frost Rd, and there is a smaller parking area at the base of the escarpment down Hixon St. You’ll also find an off-leash dog park here, too. 

Distance: varying as it’s not a loop trail
Location: 3820 Frost Rd., Beamsville

3. Balls Falls Conservation Area

Ball’s Falls Conservation Area is my favourite place to hike during the winter and it’s one of my favourite waterfall hikes! It’s magical with a layer of snow, and when the two waterfalls are flowing!

The trail to the Upper Falls from the conservation centre is a peaceful, forested path. You’ll hear the creek rushing below as you go, and the viewpoints for the Upper Falls are amazing. 

Once you’re back in the historic village of Glen Elgin, you can check out the Lower Falls from a picture-perfect viewing spot. The amount of water pouring over the edge is seriously impressive. If our winter is really cold, it freezes and makes for a beautiful photo. 

Parking is located at the conservation centre up top. Parking is $9/vehicle during the off-season, or if you’re a local library member at participating libraries, you can rent a NaturePlus Pass for 7 days!

You can also park on the shoulder of Glen Rd (there is enough parking for 8-10 cars) and hike in the back way to Ball’s Falls via the Twenty Valley Trail. The trail is a bit steep and rocky and can be tricky after heavy snow, so if you do choose to use this trail, use extra caution and the appropriate gear!

Ball’s Falls Historical Loop distance: 2.1 km
Twenty Valley Trail distance: 4 km roundtrip
Location: 3292 Sixth Ave, Lincoln

4. Louth Conservation Area

Louth Conservation Area is a little piece of magic tucked just down the road from Sue-Ann Staff Winery. I still remember my first visit—wandering up the Sixteen Mile Creek bed and catching my breath when I saw the hidden falls. In the winter, the whole place transforms into something straight out of a storybook.

The Bruce Trail also weaves through Louth, so don’t miss the chance to explore beyond the main path and take in this gorgeous waterfall from different angles.

Heads up, though—Louth’s parking lot is tiny (room for about 6-8 cars), and plenty of folks end up parking along the shoulder of the road. The main side trail is about a 45-minute loop, but if you’re anything like me, stopping to take it all in might make it a longer adventure!

Distance: 1.8 km
Location: 3193 Staff Ave, Jordan Station

5. Rockway Conservation Area

Rockway Conservation Area offers a magical mix of escarpment views and frozen waterfalls during the winter. The hiking trails are surrounded by towering trees which are almost ethereal with a dusting of snow! There is a bit of elevation change and some tricky footing spots, but it is easily one of the prettiest winter hiking trails in Niagara. 

Just 5 minutes down the street from Louth Conservation Area, this used to be one of the more heavily trafficked areas in the area until parking was implemented – but it’s still absolutely worth visiting. 

The star of the show at Rockway Conservation Area is definitely Rockway Falls, tumbling an impressive 60 feet over the edge. But that’s not all—there are plenty of other waterfalls to spot, all connected by a series of scenic rapids.

This place isn’t just about the views, though! Rockway has a cool bit of history too. Back in the late 1700s, a salt spring here was discovered, known for having the best quality and quantity of salt in Ontario. 

If you’re feeling up for an adventure and a longer hike, you can link up with the Bruce Trail and head east towards Louth (the elevation changes are steep, so if it’s icy, be cautious!) or west towards Short Hills Provincial Park.

Parking is $9/vehicle or free with a NaturePlus Pass (check with your local Niagara library!). 

Distance: 2.2 km
Location: 1742 St Paul St W, St. Catharines

6. Short Hills Provincial Park

Short Hills Provincial Park is a gem for hiking, especially in the winter! With 8 awesome trails to explore, plus a special 9th trail designed for accessibility, there’s something for everyone. It’s the largest park in the area, covering over 1,600 acres, with 3 different access points—and the best part? It’s totally free to visit! 

The trails are well-marked, making them perfect for a snowy adventure. They range from 4.5 km to 11.5 km, with varying levels of difficulty. It’s also a haven for wildlife, so you might spot deer and birds of prey along the way.

Navigating Niagara Fact: Short Hills got its name from the glacial erosion that happened over 12,000 years ago! Those glaciers carved out the escarpment, leaving behind the park’s signature “short hills.” 

If you’re wondering where to start, check out my favourite winter trails:

🌲 Terrace Creek Trail

A scenic classic. Don’t miss Terrace Creek Falls, especially in the winter when it freezes over! It’s the perfect spot for a peaceful moment and some stunning photos.

From the parking lot, head south until you hit the Bruce Trail, then go east. Keep an eye out for Terrace Creek Trail, marked as #6. Heads up—the main trail leading there can get super icy, so crampons are definitely a good idea.

Distance: 4.5 km
Location: Parking Lot C for the Short Hills Provincial Park – Wiley Road, Thorold, On.

🌿 Paleozoic Trail

Looking for an easy trail that’s perfect for kids and comes with a waterfall? The Paleozoic Trail is a great pick. It’s designed with beginner hikers and those with mobility challenges in mind. The trail has a smooth, hard-packed gravel surface, making it wheelchair and stroller-friendly (on clear days without snow or ice). Plus, there are barrier-free benches where you can relax and soak in the views.

Don’t miss the viewing platform for Swayze Falls—it’s especially stunning in the winter!

Distance: 0.8 km
Location: Parking Lot B for the Short Hills Provincial Park – 193 Roland Rd, Ridgeville

💦 Swayze Falls Trail 

If you’re up for a longer, more challenging adventure, the Swayze Falls Loop is a great choice. This trail takes you through stunning wooded areas and leads you to views of Swayze Falls.

Distance: 6.6 km
Location: Parking Lot B for the Short Hills Provincial Park – 193 Roland Rd, Ridgeville

7. St. John’s Conservation Area

St. John’s Conservation Area is perfect for a quick hike and absolutely gorgeous! With four trails winding through a stunning old-growth forest (some trees are over 150 years old!), it’s a favourite spot for families. Even the drive to the parking lot is so scenic.

You’ll find boardwalks crossing marshes, a peaceful trout pond, and a paved, accessible path around it—ideal for strollers and wheelchairs.

While most of the trails are nice and easy, there are a couple of steeper spots to keep things interesting. It’s the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation and is great for families.

Distance: 2.1 km
Location: 3101 Barron Rd, Fonthill

Note: There is a parking paystation upon entry but a spokesperson for the NPCA has stated it’s to restrict access to the park between 8:00 pm – 6:00 am due to vandalism. Entry here is free.

Winter Hiking Tips

• Stay Warm: Dress in layers and don’t forget your hat, gloves, and scarf.
• Safety First: Wear sturdy boots with good traction or bring microspikes/crampons for icy sections (and hiking poles for added stability)
• Pack Snacks: A thermos of hot tea/warm water and some trail mix are easy to carry.
• Plan Ahead: Check trail conditions and weather forecasts before heading out.

Winter Hikes You’ll Remember

Niagara’s hiking trails offer a unique way to embrace the colder months while experiencing some of the region’s most breathtaking scenery. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just looking to enjoy the beauty of a snow-covered landscape, there’s something for every hiker to enjoy.

Lace up those boots, grab your mittens, and hit the trails – winter magic awaits! ❄️