Trails

Trails in St. Catharines

Through a network of city trails, the Bruce Trail and Short Hills Provincial Park, there are more than 90 kilometres of pathways that crisscross the city. These include:

• 9/11 Memorial Walkway
• Bruce Trail
• Burgoyne Woods Trail
• George Nicholson Trail
• Greater Niagara Circle Route
• Green Ribbon Trail
• Merritt Trail 
  • Trail Closure: The Merritt Trail will be closed between Brewery St. and McGuire St. until Fall 2016 to accommodate the reconstruction of the Burgoyne Bridge; a detour route is signed. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
• Participark Trail
• Port Dalhousie Harbour Walk
  • Pier Closure: In the interest of public safety, The Department of Fisheries and Oceans has determined that sections of the East and West piers at the Port Dalhousie Harbour will be temporarily closed to vessel, vehicular and pedestrian traffic.
• Terry Fox Trail
• Walker's Creek Trail
• Welland Canals Parkway Trail 
  • Trail Closures: Sections of the trail will be closed for extended periods of time to accommodate maintenance work being done by the St. Lawrence Seaway. Visit the Welland Canals Parkway Trail page for details.

Download a map of the parks and trails in St. Catharines or visit the Region of Niagara's webpage for information on trails across Niagara.

If you're planning a cycling trip to St. Catharines and Niagara visit the Niagara Cycling Tourism Centre for more information.

Parks Policy Plan

The City's Parks Policy Plan charts a course for providing a balanced and integrated system of parks, open space, and trails for St. Catharines. It includes strategies for planning, maintaining, and managing the City's parks, open space, trails and associated facilities.

Customer Service

Call 905.688.5600 for general inquires or to report graffiti, long grass or other maintenance concerns along a trail.

Be alert while using trails

Regular maintenance of City parks and trails began in May and will continue until Thanksgiving weekend.

Residents are encouraged to explore and enjoy City parks and trails from dawn until dusk and are reminded to do so carefully by following posted rules and being mindful of others. While using trails, residents should be aware of their surroundings at all times, stick to established paths, remain alert and watch their footing.

Tick Safety

Ticks are very small, ranging in size from a poppy seed to a small grape (when engorged). Ticks are normally found in forested areas or areas with long grass, where they attach themselves to humans and animals passing by. The majority of ticks in Niagara are harmless to humans and pets; however, a small percentage of ticks can carry and transmit the bacteria that cause Lyme disease.

Visit the Niagara Region Public Health website for information on ticks, tick prevention and what to do if you are bitten by a tick.

Trail Rules and Courtesy

Wheels Yield to Heels

• Pedestrians always have the right of way on a trail, and cyclists must yield to both pedestrians and in-line skaters.
• In areas where the trail crosses a roadway, all trail traffic must yield to the vehicular traffic.
• When travelling along the roadway, cyclists must obey traffic laws and pedestrians are required to use the municipal sidewalk or travel on the shoulder of the road facing oncoming traffic.
• Under no circumstances should anyone traverse the Canadian National Railway mainline.

Trail Etiquette

• Always pass on the left when possible
• Cyclists yield to in-line skaters and walkers
• In-line skaters yield to walkers
• Cyclists and in-line skaters must pass other trail users with care and caution
• Do not litter
• Leave the trails cleaner than when you arrived
• Respect the privacy of those living along the trails
• No motorized vehicles
• Dogs must be leashed. Please clean up after your dog