Trails

Fort Erie is home to various recreational trails. They range from paved paths to walking trails through wooded and natural areas.

Share the Trail

• Be courteous to other trail users at all times.
• Keep to the right and pass on the left, announcing yourself when approaching.
• Cyclists must yield to pedestrians unless otherwise posted.
• Travel at a safe and controlled speed.

Stay on Designated Trails

• Use only marked and maintained trails.
• Avoid creating new paths or shortcuts, as this damages natural areas.
• Respect posted signage and trail closures.

Keep Pets Safely By Your Side

• Dogs must be kept on a leash at all times unless otherwise designated.
• Clean up after your pet and dispose of waste properly.
• Ensure pets do not disturb wildlife or other users.

Protect the Natural Environment

• Do not litter and ensure you carry out what you bring in.
• Do not pick plants, disturb wildlife, or remove natural materials.
• Stay on trails to prevent erosion and habitat damage.

Respect Trail Etiquette

• Move off the trail when stopping to allow others to pass.
• Use headphones at a low volume so you remain aware of your surroundings.
• Yield to maintenance vehicles and emergency personnel.

Bicycle Use

• Follow all posted regulations.
• Ride at speeds appropriate for trail conditions and user density.
• Use a bell or voice to alert others when passing.

Safety First

• Be aware of weather conditions and trail surfaces.
• Wear appropriate safety gear 
• Carry water and essentials, especially on longer routes.

Accessibility (AODA) - Motorized Mobility Devices

Motorized mobility devices, including wheelchairs and mobility scooters used by persons with disabilities, are permitted under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). 

• Respect individuals of all abilities using the trails.
• Keep accessible pathways clear and unobstructed.

No Motorized Vehicles

• Four-Wheeled OHVs: ATVs, Utility Task Vehicles (UTVs/Side-by-sides), and dune buggies.
• Two-Wheeled OHVs: Dirt bikes, trail bikes, mini-bikes, and off-road motorcycles.
• Winter Vehicles: Snowmobiles (though they often have exclusive seasonal trail permits).
• Gas-Powered Bicycles: Standard bicycles modified with aftermarket gas engines. 
• e-Bikes: Electronically (battery-powered) motorized bikes

Report Issues

• Report hazards, damage, or unsafe conditions to the Town of Fort Erie.
• In emergencies, call 911.

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. This relaxing trail takes visitors through farmland, villages, watersheds, and quiet residential areas. It leads to historic Old Fort Erie, Lake Erie and the Niagara River Recreation Trail.

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

The Friendship Recreation Trail is the southerly link of the Greater Niagara Circle Route. The Greater Niagara Circle Route is a 140 km network of paved, off-road trails for walking, cycling, and rollerblading that connects urban centres, waterfronts, the Niagara Escarpment, and rural areas. The Friendship Trail also connects to the Lake Ontario Waterfront Trail. The Lake Ontario Waterfront trail connects to Trenton, Ontario, and Trans-Canada Trail.

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

Dogs are welcome if on a leash (maximum 6' length). The Town's stoop and scoop by-law is enforced.

Shagbark Nature Trail

The Shagbark Nature Trail is located in Shagbark Nature Park on Burleigh Road. Over 4 kilometres of nature trails lead through this 64-acre wooded and meadowed park. Interpretive signage throughout the park highlights its:

• diverse character
• geology
• the woodland birds
• butterflies
• other natural life
• chimney swift tower

Please note that the terrain is hilly in some locations.

The Town of Fort Erie and the Bert Miller Nature Club maintains Shagbark Nature Park.

Other Nature and Recreation Trails

More nature and recreation trails are found throughout Fort Erie, including:

• A Nature Trail is located in United Empire Loyalist Park. This unimproved trail winds through wooded areas.
• Trails are available in the Stevensville Conservation Area at the end of West Main Street in Stevensville. The Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority manages the park.