Exploring The Spectacular Niagara Glen Nature Centre With Kids

Amazing views of the Niagara Gorge

Niagara Glen Nature Centre, one of Niagara’s hidden treasures. Every year millions of tourists come from all around the world to check out Niagara Falls. One of the 7 wonders of the natural world and one of the most recognizable landmarks in Canada.

Celine in awe of the magnificent falls
Celine in awe of the magnificent falls

What many don’t realize is that all the volume of water that flows over the falls, continues down the Niagara River, eventually emptying into Lake Ontario. That is up to 6,400 cubic metres (230,000 cu ft) per second.

For another great place to get up and close with the Niagara Escarpment, check out Limehouse Conservation Area.

All this water has eroded the rock over time, creating the dramatic landscape of the Niagara Gorge, with its soaring stone walls and rushing white water below.

The awe-inspiring Niagara Gorge
The awe-inspiring Niagara Gorge

One of the best places to get an intimate experience with the awe-inspiring gorge and mighty river is the Niagara Glen Nature Centre. A quick 10-minute drive down the river from the falls, just past the whirlpool area, the Niagara Glen Nature Centre allows visitors to descend down the gorge and get up close and personal with the Niagara River.

What do I need to know when visiting Niagara Glen Nature Centre?

How much does it cost to visit Niagara Glen Nature Centre?

The park is free for use, but there is a fee to use the parking lot.

Beautiful rugged landscapes at Niagara Glen Nature Centre
Beautiful rugged landscapes

Where can I park when visiting Niagara Glen Nature Centre?

There is a full parking lot for about 150 cars. Rates are $1.25 an hour, or a maximum of $10 per day. The parking is paid by meter or app. If paying by meter, plan for at least 2-3 hours if you want to hike down to the river.

Is there cell phone reception at Niagara Glen Nature Centre?

The park has full cell reception as it is in the Niagara tourist area.

The Yaps between geological features
Unique geological features

Are there washrooms at Niagara Glen Nature Centre?

There is a full washroom located at the welcome centre, but none along any of the trails. So make sure to go, before you embark on your adventure.

How is visiting Niagara Glen Nature Centre with Children?

Large rocks provide great Bouldering opportunities
Large rocks provide great Bouldering opportunities

The trails in the park are quite rugged, especially as you descend into the river valley. Make sure to hold onto smaller children and keep them close. If your little one can’t walk yet, a baby carrier is a must, as you will need your hands free for parts of the hike.

Trails down to the Niagara river
Journey down to the river

Where to stay near Niagara Glen Nature Centre?

Overview

From the parking lot, the area looks like nothing more than a great place to get a great view of the Niagara Gorge and whirlpool in the distance. But walk further in and you will see a peculiar metal box at the edge of the gorge. This metal box is actually the top of a metal staircase that will take you 15m down into the Niagara Gorge, along the massive cliff walls. Here you will start to see where Niagara Glen really shines, its trails.

Metal stairs down the cliff side
Entrance to Niagara Glen’s trails

There are a total of 9 trails. Most of them are under 500 m, except for the River trail, that runs along the river and connects with many of the other trails at 1.6 km and the Whirlpool Trail that hikes 1.9km to the Whirlpool.

Soaring cliff walls of the Niagara Gorge
Soaring cliff walls

Although short, the trails are quite difficult. Some descend 50m down into the river gorge, down some pretty steep terrain. All of the trails are rated as moderate difficulty, except for the Whirlpool Trail which is rated as difficult.

Sitting by the banks of the Niagara River
Up close and personal with the Niagara River

There are tons of great geological features along the way, as massive pieces of the escarpment lay everywhere from years of erosion. Walking through the park is such a beautiful experience, especially as you reach the river and see the gushing white waters and massive stone cliffs.

You may even see a Whirlpool jetboat or two zoom by. Please do stay on designated trails and out of the water, as the river at this point is very dangerous.

Celine waves 'Hi!' to the jetboats
Celine waves ‘Hi!’ to the jetboats

The park is also known for its bouldering. As the massive rocks provide great climbing opportunities. At the top of the cliff, there is a large open picnic area, so you can take time to rest, refuel and enjoy the view after an arduous trek back up from the river.

2 Replies to “Exploring The Spectacular Niagara Glen Nature Centre With Kids”

  1. OMG it’s been too long since I have been there actually. I miss that and just look at how much gorgeous hiking and walking there is to do. I have so much going on my must do in 2021 list. This is high on the list plus it is totally accessible to get to!

  2. Appreciating the persistence you put into your website and detailed information you provide. Mechelle Delmer Ehrsam

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