The best walks and hikes around St. Catharines

Brock University sits on the Niagara Escarpment and is the only university in Canada that is set within a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The campus has broad pedestrian routes, green spaces, and clear signage, so it’s simple to navigate whether you’re crossing the grounds or stopping for a short break while passing by on the Bruce Trail.

The Niagara Section is the southernmost section of the Bruce Trail, stretching just over 80 kilometres from Queenston to Grimsby. Managed by the Niagara Bruce Trail Club, this section follows the Niagara Escarpment through a mix of forests, viewpoints, and historic landscapes. It’s the official starting point of the entire Bruce Trail system, making it a popular place for hikers to kick off (or complete) the full end-to-end journey.

The Participark Trail is a packed gravel trail that traces the western bank of Twelve Mile Creek. For 2 kilometres this trail is wide and flat, and drains well after rain and snow, making it the dryer choice for muddy winter, spring, and fall seasons. Along the trail, there are eight exercise stations for the public to do body weight workouts.

The Twelve Trail East spans 5.5 kilometres along the eastern bank of Twelve Mile Creek. It's popular with hikers, runners, and bikers for good reason, with constant river views, well-maintained packed gravel trail and easy access from multiple entry points. The trail has pretty minimal elevation gain and a decent amount of sun exposure, with occasional trees to take shelter under. At its northern tip, it connects to the Merritt Trail, joins the Bruce Trail near Brock University, and also can be linked with Participark Trail to create a loop.

This scenic pedestrian bridge provides a safe place for runners, bikers and hikers to cross Twelve Mile Creek, totally separated from the busy Glendale Avenue that parallels this bridge. The bridge has an arc shape, and has great views of the turquoise blue river flowing below.

The Bridge at Laura's Crossing, also known as the Laura Secord Heritage Trail Suspension Bridge, spans 20 metres across Twelve Mile Creek, and is part of the Laura Secord Legacy Trail. This bridge marks the supposed location where Laura Secord is believed to have waded across the creek in 1813 during her trek to warn British troops of an American invasion. The bridge's design was modeled after eco-friendly New Zealand bridges, where the "Zero Instream Footprint" does not disrupt river habitats below.

Twelve Mile Creek has headwaters with cold and clear water, important for the habitat of native Brook Trout. Local conservationists work hard to prevent sediment erosion and protect these sensitive spawning grounds. With a valid Ontario Fishing License, fishing is allowed in Twelve Mile Creek. This river was historically used during the War of 1812 and built the First and Second Welland Canals. Today the river is best explored via the many trails that follow its borders in St. Catharines, like the Twelve Trail, Participark Trail and the Merritt Trail.

The First Nations Peace Monument and DeCou House Monument are located in DeCew House Heritage Park, on the Laura Secord Trail. The First Nations Peace Monument sits a few meters east, while the DeCou House Monument sits a few meters to the west. The First Nations Peace Monument was created by celebrated Indigenous architect Douglas Cardinal, and is a curved limestone structure with a bronze sunflame centrepiece. The monument honours the First Nations role in Canada's history and is a reminder of peace, reconciliation, and truth. The DeCou House Monument is what remains of a Georgian style house built by Captain John DeCou early when in 1813. There was a meeting between Laura Secord and Mohawk warriors who brought her to warn British Lieutenant FitzGibbon during the War of 1812.