Recreational Trails

Fort Erie offers kilometers of recreational trails, ranging from multi-use paved trails to walking trails through wooded and natural areas.

Fort Erie Friendship Recreation Trail

The Friendship Recreation Trail extends 16 kms across the Town of Fort Erie, running parallel to the north shore of Lake Erie. Beginning at the Port Colborne border in the west, this relaxing and picturesque trail takes visitors through lush farmland, quaint villages, pristine watersheds, and quiet residential areas as it leads to historic Old Fort Erie, Lake Erie and the Niagara River Recreation Trail.

The Friendship Recreation Trail forms the southerly link of the Greater Niagara Circle Route, a 150 kilometer multi-use trail system in various stages of completion at the east end of the Niagara Peninsula. The Friendship Trail is also part of the Lake Ontario Waterfront Trail - connecting to Trenton, Ontario, and the 17,000 kilometer Trans-Canada Trail - connecting to Victoria, British Columbia, St. John, Newfoundland and Tuktyuktuk.

Much of the trail is located upon abandoned rail line, meaning it is relatively level and smooth - an easy ride for children and adults alike. The trail is used by walkers, hikers, cyclists and rollerbladers in the summer, and hikers and cross-country skiers in the winter. Of course, the trail is also wheelchair accessible.

Free parking is available in parking lots on Ridge Road, Crescent Road and Lakeshore Road.

 

 

Dog are welcome, if on leash (maximum 6' length). The Town's stoop and scoop by-law will be enforced.

 

**NOTE: Motorized vehicles e.g. snowmobiles and motorbikes are prohibited on the Friendship Trail.
 

The Greater Niagara Circle Route


The Greater Niagara Circle Route Trails System is over 140 km of mostly off-road, paved trails suitable for walking, cycling or rollerblading. Motorized vehicles are not permitted. The paved trail is mostly 3 metres wide and passes through urban centres, downtowns, the Niagara Escarpment, waterfronts, and rural/agricultural areas.

For more information on the Greater Niagara Circle Route Click Here


Shagbark Nature Trail

The Shagbark Nature Trail is located in Shagbark Nature Park on Burleigh Road. Over 4 kilometers of nature trails lead through this 64 acre wooded and meadowed park that is popular among outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. Interpretive signage throughout the park highlights its diverse character, including its geology, the woodland, birds, butterflies and other natural life, as well as a chimney swift tower.  Please note terrain is hilly in some locations.