Niagara

9:00 NOTL BLACK HISTORY SERIES - #3 of 4: Richard Pierpoint and The Coloured Corps

Hosting Club: Niagara
Category: Urban
Location (Google Maps):

Veteran’s Memorial Park. Park on King St. at Centre

Hike Leader(s): Karen Couch Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Medium
Terrain: Easy
Distance: 6 km

Description

Since 1995, the government in has Canada officially recognized February as Black History Month. Each year, Black History Month honours the experiences, achievements and enduring contributions of Black communities in Canada, while deepening our collective understanding of their history and impact on Canadian society. This year’s theme: “30 Years of Black History Month: Honouring Black Brilliance Across Generations — From Nation Builders to Tomorrow’s Visionaries.” This theme celebrates three decades of Black History Month in Canada and recognizes the enduring legacy of Black Canadians, whose leadership, creativity, innovation and resilience have shaped our past, continue to influence our present, and will inspire future generations.

During the hikes in this series, you will learn about Niagara-on-the-Lake’s Black history. You will find out about some of those who fought enslavement, and how they were pivotal in shaping our society to be as diverse as it is today. Richard Pierpoint is one such Canadian, who lived in the Niagara area. Watch a short video by Historica Canada about his life by opening the link below.

https://youtu.be/UQyPXOHvwEc?si=2ZPGIHDrybxv11f

*Hikers should be prepared for the season: layered clothing, boots, hydration, a snack, hiking poles and icers.  We will stop several times along the way. There is a washroom available at the end of the hike.

This counts as 1 of 3 required for the Black History badge. Check the Hike Schedule on Feb 2nd & 9th for additional hikes. There will be a short break between hikes on the same day.

PLEASE NOTE: Hikes are offered by volunteers who have committed to their own learning to be able to offer informative and contemplative hike experiences. These hikes are opened to all and offered in a spirit of mutual learning and inclusion.

11:00 NOTL BLACK HISTORY SERIES - #4 of 4: The Early Niagara Community

Hosting Club: Niagara
Category: Urban
Location (Google Maps):

Veteran’s Memorial Park. Park on King St. at Centre

Hike Leader(s): Karen Couch Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Medium
Terrain: Easy
Distance: 5-6 km

Description

Since 1995, the government in Canada officially recognized February as Black History Month.

This hike will give us an opportunity to celebrate the strength and perseverance of the early Black community here in Upper Canada.

The Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake (NOTL) has a significant and nation-shifting Black history. Voices from the past will tell stories, enriching hikers’ understanding of how they shaped this town and nation.

See link below for a brief overview of NOTL’s Black History.

https://artsandculture.google.com/story/niagara-on-the-lake-s-black-history-niagara-historical-society-museum/-QXR3nRTdnmqJw?hl=en

*Prepare for this urban adventure with hydration, snack, hiking poles, icers etc. The sidewalks and roads can be icy.

**This hike counts as 1 of the 3 required hikes towards the Black History badge. Check the February hike schedule for additional hikes. You can bring the $10 or make an e-transfer to receive your badge at the end of the hike.

Consider a visit the NOTL Museum after the hike; it opens at 1:00 pm. There you will see numerous artifacts on this subject.

PLEASE NOTE: Hikes are offered by volunteers who have committed to their own learning to be able to offer informative and contemplative hike experiences. These hikes are open to all and offered in a spirit of mutual leaning and inclusion.

9:00 Long Hike Wiley Road, Short Hills

Hosting Club: Niagara
Category: Loop
Location (Google Maps):

Short Hills parking lot C, Wiley Road

Hike Leader(s): Jacques Boilard Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Brisk
Terrain: Moderate
Distance: 10km

Description

Explore Short Hills and majestic side trail of Scarlett Tanager, Hemlock, Swayze Falls and Terrace. Register for each hike.

Bring poles, icers, snack and dress according to the weather

Niagara E2E Winter - 3 of 5 (Wednesdays)

Hosting Club: Niagara, Iroquoia
Category: General Hike
Location (Google Maps): Rockway Community Centre, enter off Pelham Rd just east of Wessel Dr (15), 43.111255,-79.321901. We will shuttle to Decew House Heritage Park, enter from Decew Rd (10), 43.107568,-79.249598

Hike Leader(s): Steven White Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Brisk – 4 to 5 km/hr, Medium – 3 to 4 km/hr
Terrain: Moderate – Some hills and/or some poor footing, Slippery and Steep Sections
Distance: 16.8 km

Description

The Niagara E2E Winter in 5 will be Wednesdays Jan 28, Feb 4, 11, 18, 25. Hikers must register for individual hikes. Hikes are 14-18 kms and expect an average pace of 4 km/hr with snack/lunch breaks.

Hikers should be prepared for the season – layered clothing, hiking boots, icers, snowshoes (if we get fresh snowfall), poles, water, snacks/lunch, first aid kit.

Hikers should be prepared to share their cars for shuttling – to be shared evenly.

If we encounter unsafe hiking or driving conditions, I will cancel/re-schedule the hike the day before. If you are unable to join us on the day of the hike, please text me at 289-242-9415

8:30 Niagara Winter End to End #6 Woodend Conservation Area to Queenston Southern BTC Terminus

Hosting Club: Niagara
Category: Car Pool
Location (Google Maps): Meet at Queenston Heights Park (washroom building street parking) and Car Pool to Woodend

Hike Leader(s): Sam Rutherford Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Medium
Terrain: Moderate
Distance: 14.5 kms

Description

We will be car pooling, Bring Icers and poles. No dogs. To earn your Niagara Winter End to End badge, it must be completed between December 21, 2025  to  March 21, 2026.
Because of the potential for bad winter trail conditions we have broken this e2e into 6 hikes rather than 5. Main parking lot will be closed for winter so park near the washroom building. Parking fees may be required.

If you have completed all 6 hikes bring $10 for the coveted Winter End to End Badge

9am Niagara-on-the-Lake Tour

Hosting Club: Niagara
Category: Urban
Location (Google Maps): Park on King St near Centre St, NOTL

Hike Leader(s): Margaret Northfield Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Medium
Terrain: Easy
Distance: 6-7km

Description

Each Friday we will explore different neighbourhoods, trails and parkland throughout Historic Niagara-on-the-Lake.

Moderate pace with some weeks entirely on sidewalks and roads while others may include a mix of trails and paved pathways. Great way to build up endurance for longer more strenuous hikes.

Prepare for cooler windy conditions on open parkland and along Lake Ontario and Niagara River trails.

Plan to stay for conversation and a warm cup of coffee or tea at Sweets & Swirls, Community Centre, Niagara Stone Road, NOTL

Vday Rainbow/Welcome Hike: Louth Conservation Area

Hosting Club: Niagara
Category: Loop
Location (Google Maps):

Louth Conservation Area: https://maps.app.goo.gl/LWWRPcRWMHEJwNbi8

Hike Leader(s): Angela Lytle Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Medium
Terrain: Moderate
Distance: 5 km

Description

Join the Niagara Bruce Trail Club, Bridges Niagara Immigrant and Refugee Services and PFLAG Niagara for a Rainbow-Welcome Hike at Louth Conservation Area!

Enjoy the sights and sounds of this beautiful conservation area, which has two waterfalls! What better way to spend Valentine’s Day than embracing love and nature in good company!

What is a Rainbow-Welcome Hike?

These hikes aim to bring 2S-LGBTQIA+ newcomers together with other newcomers and community members, friends and allies to enjoy nature and connect to the land. It is an intentionally affirming space for people of diverse backgrounds and identities.

Hike Details

Route:  This hike loops around Louth Conservation area side trails and the Bruce Trail for about 5 km, visiting both the main waterfall and the lower falls.

Terrain: The terrain has some ups and downs along the escarpment edge and into and out of the valley. At this time of year, it can be muddy, icy or both. We will adjust the pace to the group but be prepared for some rocky or icy, uneven footing and ups and downs. We recommend using hiking poles and wearing good hiking shoes is a must. If the weather conditions are snowy or icy, icers/microspikes will be needed. Carry water and dress for changeable weather.

Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/LWWRPcRWMHEJwNbi8

Note: There are no toilets on this route.

***Please arrive by 9:50 to check in with the hike leader for departure at 10.

There is a small parking lot at the entrance to the conservation area and additional parking along Sue Ann Staff Avenue.  We will meet at 9:50 at the parking lot to check in before heading out at 10.