Niagara River Recreational Trail
![Niagara River Recreational Trail](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/CAN-ON-Niagara-Niagara-River-Recreational-Trail-01-1709-633-Niagara-bridge.jpg)
Table of contents
Hiking the Niagara River Recreational Trail is a lengthy adventure in Niagara Falls that will take you through the city for some amazing views across the water. While out on the trail, you will head down to a viewpoint overlooking the iconic Horseshoe Falls before walking along the river’s edge to reach Queenston Heights Park. While long, this is a great trail for families looking to explore the beauty of Niagara Falls.
Route Description for Niagara River Recreational Trail
The main downside to the Niagara River Recreational Trail is its overall length and sections of slightly steep terrain, although anyone not looking to hike the entire trail can certainly turn back at any time due to its configuration as an out-and-back route. Families travelling with strollers or anyone with a wheelchair may need assistance in the steeper portions of the route. That aside, the entire route is paved, making for a pleasant adventure along the length of the Niagara River.
Setting out from the parking area, the trail will lead you towards the edge of the river to reach a viewpoint overlooking the stunning sight of both the Horseshoe Falls on the Canadian side of the border, as well as the American Falls on the United States side. From here, you will turn to the north and walk along the length of the Niagara River, cutting through the tourist-driven part of the city to skirt around the Whirlpool Golf Course and the Botanical Gardens. After reaching the terminus of the trail at Queenston Heights Park, take some time to explore the area and relax in the peaceful setting of the park. From here, you will turn back and retrace your steps along the trail to experience the breathtaking views of the Niagara River and both sets of waterfalls from the opposite perspective, eventually arriving back at the parking area having completed the lengthy Niagara River Recreational Trail.
Getting to the Niagara River Recreational Trail Trailhead
To reach the trailhead for the Niagara River Recreational Trail from Queen Victoria Park, head south on Niagara Parkway for 1.5 km and turn right onto Fraser Hill. In 130 m, you will find the entrance to the parking area on the right.
Route Information
When to do:
June-September
Backcountry Campsites:
No
Pets allowed:
Yes - On Leash
Family friendly:
Yes
Route Signage:
Average
Crowd Levels:
Moderate
Route Type:
Out and back
Niagara River Recreational Trail Elevation Graph
Weather Forecast
Check Area WeatherReviews
WE ARE HERE TO HELP
Let someone else do the hard work, book a custom tour in over 85 countries.
Chat with us on our contact page or fill out the form below!
Nearby Trails
![Woodend Conservation Area Loop Hike](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-2-2560x633-1.jpg)
![Black Walnut and Swayze Falls Loop](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Dummy-5-2560x633-1.jpg)
![Scarlet Tanager to Hemlock Valley Hike](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/CAN-ON-Niagara-Scarlet-Tanager-to-Hemlock-Valley-Hike-01-1709-633-forest-views.jpg)
![Queenston Heights via Bruce Trail](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/CAN-ON-Niagara-Queenston-Heights-via-Bruce-Trail-01-1709-633-Bruce-Trail-views.jpg)
![Decew Falls Loop](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/CAN-ON-Niagara-Decew-Falls-Loop-01-1709-633-Decew-Falls.jpg)
Decew Falls Loop
Niagara
![Ball’s Falls Loop](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/CA-ON-Niagara-Balls-Falls-Loop-08-1709-633-a-wonderful-view-of-the-Balls-Falls-in-the-winter.jpg)
Ball’s Falls Loop
Niagara
![Glen Stewart Park Trail](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/CAN-ON-Toronto-Glen-Stewart-Park-Trail-01-1709-633-Glen-Stewart-Park.jpg)
Glen Stewart Park Trail
Toronto
![Toronto Waterfront Trail](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/CAN-ON-Toronto-Toronto-Waterfront-Trail-01-1709-633-Toronto-skyline.jpg)
Toronto Waterfront Trail
Toronto
![Leslie Street Spit Trail](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/CAN-ON-Toronto-Leslie-Street-Spit-Trail-01-1709-633-view-of-Toronto-Skyline-from-Tommy-Thompson-Park.jpg)
Leslie Street Spit Trail
Toronto
![Lower Don Recreation Trail](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/CAN-ON-Toronto-Lower-Don-Recreation-Trail-01-1709-633-Lower-Don.jpg)
Lower Don Recreation Trail
Toronto
![Scarborough Bluffs Trail](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/CAN-ON-Toronto-Scarborough-Bluffs-Trail-01-1709-633-Scarborough-Bluffs.jpg)
Scarborough Bluffs Trail
Toronto
![Niagara Whirlpool Trail](https://d3owbckoeihl9o.cloudfront.net/images/10adv/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/CA-ON-Niagara-Niagara-Whirlpool-Trail-04-1709-633-Aerial-view-of-the-Niagara-River.jpg)
Niagara Whirlpool Trail
Niagara