Tourism highlights

The Niagara Escarpment is one of Ontario’s premier tourism destinations. Every year, more than 400,000 visits are made to the Escarpment by day hikers, long distance hikers, cross-country skiers, canoeists, kayakers, wildlife enthusiasts, photographers and those who simply want to admire the glorious scenery of the Escarpment.

The varied scenic landscapes of the Escarpment  include exposed dolostone cliffs, rivers and streams, as well as gently rolling hills, forested valleys and deep caves.  

The Niagara Escarpment’s proximity to the urban centres of Hamilton, St. Catharines, Oakville, Burlington, Owen Sound and Toronto make it an accessible and attractive tourism destination for outdoor recreation.

The Bruce Trail, Canada’s oldest and longest footpath, follows the 725 length of the Escarpment, and offers outstanding hiking routes on main and side trails. The Bruce Trail is maintained by volunteers, with nine regional clubs supporting the Bruce Trail Conservancy in managing the public footpath.  

Niagara Region’s internationally-acclaimed wine region is another of the Escarpment’s tourism highlights, with exceptional culinary and wine tours for every taste. This rich agricultural area, ideal for viticulture and other tender fruit, exists because of the moderating microclimate effect of the Niagara Escarpment over Lake Ontario.   

Ecotourism in the Niagara Escarpment

Waterfalls of the Niagara Escarpment

Wineries of the Niagara Escarpment