Trails

Fort Erie is home to various recreational trails. They range from paved paths 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. 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 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.

The Greater Niagara Circle Route

The Greater Niagara Circle Route Trails System is over 140 km of mostly off-road, paved trails. The Greater Niagara Circle Route is great 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
• rural/agricultural areas

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.

Stevensville Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority

Please note that no motorized vehicles are permitted on Nature or Recreational Trails.