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Parks & Natural Habitats in Niagara

Parks & Natural Habitats in Niagara
The diversity of Niagara's natural and sustainable areas sets it apart from other vacation destinations. There are hundreds of outdoor experiences waiting for you. Niagara parks, gardens and conservation areas are sure to inspire and delight. Whether you are looking for a beachfront park, a picnic area or somewhere that allows you to experience the escarpment, we have it all. Niagara's natural habitats offer rock cliffs, waterfalls (not just the Niagara Falls), wildlife and species rarely seen in Canada thanks to our temperate climate. No matter if you are a first-time explorer or a seasoned nature lover, you'll be invigorated by Niagara's vibrant nature.

Centennial Gardens

Officially opened in 1967 in celebration of Canada's 100th birthday, the garden is part of the Merritt Trail system. The Centennial Garden features a stonedust path bordered by large willow trees as the trail follows the historic Second Welland Canal, which converge with Dick's and Carter's Creeks within the park.

In warm weather the park is popular for picnics and sunbathing on the large lawns.The first half of the park is open to cars and and allows users to drive down the trail and park in the shade of the trees. Year round walking and on-leash dog-walking are popular activities.
In the summer of 2009 a community vegetable garden was sponsored by Climate Action Now in the South-end of the park and is worth investigating during the growing season.
The park also displays a pair of historic plaques. the first highlights the life of Richard Pierpont. One of the first Black settlers of the region - he fought for the British in the American Revolution, and in the War of 1812 before making his home in St. Catharines. The second plaque describes the construction and development of the original Welland Canal from 1824-1833 and its impact on the region.

Bal Harbour Park

Bal Harbour is a community park located along the Waterfront Trail in the peaceful town of Grimsby. This park provides access to the beachfront on Lake Ontario for swimming. If you are looking for a relaxing place to enjoy the waterfront, Bal Harbour is a very good choice.


Malcolmson Eco-Park

Malcolmson Park is located on the north side of Lakeshore Road at Niagara Street. It is adjacent to the Welland Canal at Lock One. This unique park offers residents with an opportunity to explore and learn about our native flora and fauna. It contains the Malcolmson Eco Park and nature trails. The Welland Canal Parkway Trail and the Waterfront Trail both travel through this park. The park is located in the Grantham Ward. This park is 14.4 hectares.

Montebello Park-

Montebello Park is the main park in the Downtown St. Catharines. The park is located along Ontario Street at the south end of Lake Street in St. Patrick's Ward It was designed in 1887, by Frederick Law Olmstead, the founding father of landscape architecture in the United States, and one of the designers of Central Park in New York City. This park is the home of numerous events and festivals throughout the year. Visitors to the park will enjoy the playground and open space, viewing the 1,300 rose bushes or listening to concerts throughout the summer months. The pavilion and band shell are available to rent for special occasions. Band shell plays host to concerts every Sunday, June to September. This park is 2.49 hectares.

Burgoyne Woods Park

Burgoyne Woods is a city-wide park located in St. Andrew's Ward. Visitors from within St. Catharines and the Niagara Region enjoy the variety of active and passive recreation facilities throughout the year.
The natural areas contain streams and a variety of topography to challenge the most skilled hiker or provide pleasant walking or hiking opportunities.
Residents with dogs come to this park to enjoy the leash free dog park. Picnic areas and shelters are also available.
Active recreation is possible either in the swimming or wading pools, on the tennis courts or by using the softball area. The entrance to Burgoyne Woods park is located at the east end of Edgedale Road. This park is 46 hectares.

Jordan Hollow Park

Jordan Hollow Park is a good rest stop or staging area for those using the Twenty Valley Trail.With picnic tables and an open field, visitors are welcome to bring games or picnic items to this stopover on King Street/Regional Road 81.

Queenston Heights Park

At the entrance to this historic Park you will be greeted by carpet bedding displays, along with formalized annual bedding schemes that surround both the Brock and Laura Secord Monuments.
Nestled high atop the Niagara Escarpment, this is the birthplace of Niagara Falls - garden and nature lovers, hikers and picnickers have used this park for generations.

Garden

Officially opened in 1967 in celebration of Canada's 100th birthday, the garden is part of the Merritt Trail system. The Centennial Garden features a stonedust path bordered by large willow trees as the trail follows the historic Second Welland Canal, which converge with Dick's and Carter's Creeks within the park.
In warm weather the park is popular for picnics and sunbathing on the large lawns. The first half of the park is open to cars and and allows users to drive down the trail and park in the shade of the trees. Year round walking and on-leash dog-walking are popular activities.
In the summer of 2009 a community vegetable garden was sponsored by Climate Action Now in the Southend of the park and is worth investigating during the growing season.
The park also displays a pair of historic plaques, the first highlights the life of Richard Pierpont. One of the first Black settlers of the region-he fought for the British in the American Revolution, and in the War of 1812 before making his home in St, Catharines. The second plaque describes the construction and development of the original Welland Canal from 1824-1833 and its impact on the region.

Stevensville Conservation Area

The Stevensville Conservation Area is a passive recreational area located in the Town of Fort Erie. On this 49 hectare (122 acre) site, visitors are greeted by a forest, meandering Black Creek, wetland, as well as a fishing pond and open picnic area to make an enjoyable day. Conservation efforts continue at this site with the help of the Fort Erie Conservation Club (FECC). The FECC clubhouse is also located on this site

Long Beach Conservation Area

Spend the whole summer or the weekend at the Long Beach Conservation Area on Lake Erie. Features include a sandy beach and 225 serviced and unserviced campsites. Launch your boat, fish, play bocce ball, horseshoes, baseball, or just enjoy your picnic while the children swim or play on the playground. The abundant beach shoreline is Long Beach’s main attraction. The sand and pebble beach is a natural playground for those who swim, sunbathe, boat, sail, fish, sailboard, jet-ski, etc. the list is only limited by the imagination. Visitors can stroll the shoreline or open a lawn chair in the shade to enjoy nature's air-conditioner-the great Lake Erie breeze.

Mountainview Conservation Area-

The Mountainview Conservation Area is a passive natural area located in the Town of Lincoln. Comprised of Carolinian forest, this 25 hectare(61 acres)conserves natural features of the Carolinian plants, animals and a portion of the Niagara Escarpment. The Bruce Trail traverses this property which is thought to be an ideal area for hiking purposes. Throughout the trail, there are various lookout points which provide a unique view of the Iroquois plain and Lake Ontario.


Port Davidson Conservation Area

This Conservation Area is located along the Welland River in the Township of West Lincoln. A vegetative buffer with mature trees help to provide wildlife cover and shades the river for fish and other species. Shoreline fishing and river access await you at this site of less than 0.2 hectares (0.5 acres)



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