The ideal sport for the Niagara Falls area is hiking because of the Niagara River Recreational Trail. Discover the natural beauty of the area at a slower pace along any part of the scenic trail as it winds through such major parks as Queen Victoria, Queenston Heights and the Niagara Glen. The 53-kilometre (33 mi.) paved trail meanders parallel to the Niagara River between Niagara-on-the-Lake to the north and Fort Erie to the south.
Across from The Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens, visitors can descend stairs at the Niagara Glen to trails in a “dry gorge,” enjoying views of the whirlpool and rapids along the way. One of Ontario's longest trails, the Bruce Trail, intersects the Niagara River Recreational Trail at Queenston Heights Park.
Opportunities for bird-watching abound in the Niagara Glen, but visitors should note that some trails are steep and climbing is necessary. Less strenuous nature trails are found at Dufferin Islands, 2 kilometres (1.2 mi.) south of the falls, where bird-watching is a popular pastime.
Those who love the outdoors can go camping in eight designated campgrounds within a reasonable distance from the falls.
A popular activity on certain sections of the Niagara River and in several parks along the river is fishing. Trout, salmon and bass are prized catches, and fishing contests are held periodically in the summer.
iStockphoto.com/gilaxia
In summer, boating and water skiing enthusiasts head for the upper Niagara River, a safe distance away from the rapids and the falls. Several launching ramps are along the river just off the Niagara Parkway, and the Miller's Creek Marina is south of Miller's Creek Park.
Golf season in Ontario runs from April through October, and Niagara Falls, with several public courses, provides ample opportunity for golfers to indulge themselves. There are nine-hole courses at the Queenston Golf Club, 269 Progressive Ave., and at St. David's Golf Club, 22 Paxton Ln. Golfers have their choice of either nine- or 18-hole courses at Niagara Falls Golf Club, 6169 Garner Rd.
The Niagara Parks Commission offers golfers the Niagara Parks Golf Trail, featuring the seven top courses along 15 kilometres (9 mi.) of the scenic Niagara Parkway beginning in the north near Queenston Heights and running south to the village of Chippawa. The largest of the sites, and also the southernmost, is Legends on the Niagara, which has two 18-hole courses. The 18-hole Whirlpool Golf Course is south of Queenston Heights. Other courses are Beechwood Golf & Country Club at 4680 Thorold Townline; Grand Niagara Golf Club at 8547 Grassy Brook Road; Royal Niagara Golf Club, in Niagara-on-the-Lake; John Daly’s Thundering Waters Golf Club at 6000 Marineland Parkway; and Seneca Hickory Stick Golf in Lewiston, NY. For additional information or for reservations phone (866) 752-9648.
iStockphoto.com / Charles Mann
The Niagara Parks System offers plenty of fun places to go for a picnic. Popular picnicking spots include Kings Bridge Park, 4 kilometres (2.5 mi.) south of the falls, and Queenston Heights Park, 11 kilometres (7 mi.) north of the falls. Both have picnic tables, covered pavilions, playgrounds and children's splash pads. Queenston Heights also has tennis courts and offers a view of Niagara's vineyards, while the upper river can be seen from Kings Bridge. Horse racing is conducted at the Fort Erie Race Track on the QEW near the Peace Bridge from May through September; phone (905) 871-3200 or (800) 295-3770.
Note: Policies concerning admittance of children to pari-mutuel betting facilities vary. Phone for information.