The Niagara Escarpment begins south of Rochester, New York and extends westward parallel to and south of the shores of Lake Ontario. It crosses into Canada, at Queenston, Ontario in the Niagara Peninsula where it is breached by the Niagara River.

The Niagara River began eroding out the 11 kilometre Gorge between the edge of the Escarpment and Niagara Falls about 12,000 years ago, thus exposing the bedrock. These rocks are about four hundred million years old.

The Niagara Escarpment is a cuesta; in Ontario it winds its way northward through farmland and urban areas. In this long-settled part of the province, where intensive agriculture and burgeoning urban development leave little room for nature, the Escarpment’s protected forests, talus slopes and cliff faces are particularly important, both as a nearby retreat for residents and as wildlife habitat.

The forests in the Niagara region are some of the most beautiful anywhere along the
Escarpment’s length. This is the Carolinian vegetation zone, where tulip trees, sassafras, black cherry, paw paw and shagbark hickory are scattered throughout the forests. Black Cherry dominates, rising tall and straight to a lush canopy high overhead. Some are more than a metre in diameter.

Crops do well in these southern environs too. The Niagara Region is one of Canada’s prime agricultural areas. Rich mineral soils and the moderating effects of Lakes Erie and Ontario are two factors contributing to the excellent growing conditions. The Escarpment also creates a microclimate that allows the growing of tender fruit such as apricots, peaches and premium wine grapes. Lake Ontario and the Escarpment work together to create an air flow “heat pump” that optimizes growing conditions throughout the spring, summer and fall.

As the Niagara Region develops its tourism potential, there are more and more things to do: world-class theatre, the casino, the Butterfly Conservatory, and wine-touring, not to mention the Falls.

But if you want to add a good hike and some quality nature experiences to that package, visit the "Parks in Niagara Region" and "Attractions in Niagara Region" for some nature-based highlights.

Chardonnay (left) and Merlot Grapes - photos courtesy of the Grape Growers of Ontario