Paddle & Hike Collective (Hamilton-Niagara Region)

Join us as we explore one of the most breathtaking hikes in the Niagara Region! The Niagara Glen Trail takes you deep into the Niagara Gorge, where you'll hike through Carolinian forest, navigate fascinating rock formations, and enjoy incredible views of the Niagara River and the famous Whirlpool. It's one of the area's most unique trails and a favourite among local hikers.

🥾 Trail Details

• Distance: Approximately 5.6 km
• Difficulty: Moderate
• We will meet and start the hike at the Niagara Glen Nature Centre
• Estimated Hiking Time: 1.5-2 hours
• Features rocky terrain, uneven footing, stairs, and spectacular gorge views. Good hiking shoes are strongly recommended!
• AllTrails Link: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/canada/ontario/niagara-glen-and-whirlpool-full-loop?p=-1&sh=wjt3nx&utm_medium=trail_share&utm_source=alltrails_virality

🌲 What to Expect

• Stunning views of the Niagara River and Whirlpool
• Forested trails winding through ancient rock formations
• Plenty of opportunities for photos and wildlife spotting
• A fun, social pace with time to enjoy the scenery

⚠️ Good to Know

• The trail includes steep staircases, rocks, roots, and uneven terrain, so it isn't suitable for strollers or anyone with mobility limitations.
• Some sections of the Niagara Glen trail system may be temporarily closed for maintenance, so we'll follow the safest available route on the day of the hike.

🍷 Optional Social Afterwards
After the hike, anyone who's interested is welcome to join us at Wayne Gretzky Estates afterwards to enjoy locally crafted beer, wine, and great conversation!
Wayne Gretzky Estates is located at 1219 Niagara Stone Rd, Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON L0S 1J0, Canada
🍽️ Menu: https://waynegretzkyestates.com/media/wysiwyg/WGE/Whisky_Bar_Patio_Menu_2026.pdf
📍 Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/D6yBQo5UWvMH72oL6

🎒 What to Bring

• Hiking shoes or trail runners
• Water
• Sunscreen and bug spray
• Snacks
• A camera—you'll definitely want photos!

Whether you're a regular hiker or looking to experience one of Niagara's most iconic trails for the first time, we'd love to have you join us! 🌿🥾🍻

Join us for a relaxing afternoon on the water as we explore the calm, scenic waters surrounding Henley Island and Martindale Pond in St. Catharines! This is a great paddle for both kayakers and stand-up paddle boarders looking to enjoy nature, meet new people, and spend a summer day outdoors.
The canoe launch at Henley Island provides easy access to Martindale Pond, a sheltered body of water known for its smooth paddling conditions, waterfront views, marshland, and abundant birdlife. This time, we will paddle from the canoe launch towards Henley bridge and back - a route that is beginner-friendly while still offering plenty to see and explore. Afterwards, feel free to join us at KaiserHaus Wine Bar and Bistro
for some food and drink!

📍 Meeting Location
Canoe Launch Parking Lot at Henley Island Dr, St. Catharines, ON L2N 7H8
This is located on the south side of Henley Island (NOT at the rowing club)

Post-Paddle Food & Drink
KaiserHaus Wine Bar and Bistro
38 Lakeport Rd, St. Catharines, ON L2N 4P5
https://www.kaiserhaus.ca/

🛶 Paddle Details

• Date: Sunday, August 23
• Meeting Time: Please have your kayak or paddle board ready near the canoe launch for 3:00 PM
• Duration: Approximately 2–3 hours on the water
• Difficulty: Beginner-friendly

What to Bring
✅ Kayak or paddleboard (inflated to 15 PSI)
✅ Life jacket
✅ Pealess whistle
✅ Water and snacks
✅ Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses)
✅ Dry bag (recommended)
✅ Waterproof phone pouch (recommended)

Important Notes

• This event is weather-dependent.
• The dam at the northwest corner has no barrier. Stay well away; this area is extremely dangerous.
• Twelve Mile Creek contains strong currents in places and fatalities have occurred there - so we will not be venturing here.
• Hydro barriers must never be crossed.
• This is a recreational, social paddle. We'll stay together as a group and paddle at a comfortable pace.

Whether you're looking to get some exercise, spot local wildlife, or simply unwind on the water, we'd love to have you join us. New members are always welcome!

See you on the water!

Join the Paddle & Hike Collective for an evening on the water followed by a downtown Hamilton social! We'll meet at Princess Point Water Access for a relaxed evening paddle through the beautiful waters surrounding Cootes Paradise before heading to The Mule. Princess Point is a popular access point the various bays and wetlands to explore in this area. Waterfowl and wildlife viewing is abundant on this paddle route.

## 🌅 Paddle Details

We'll be on the water for approximately three hours, giving us plenty of time to paddle and explore before making our way downtown. Please arrive with enough time to unload and get yourself ready so that we're able to start paddling at 4:30 PM. The loop we will be doing is approximately 4.5 kms. Bring your own kayak or paddleboard, along with a properly fitted PFD, pealess whistle, and anything else you need for a comfortable evening on the water.
As always, participation is at your own comfort and experience level, and plans may be adjusted depending on weather and water conditions.

## 🌮 Post-Paddle Social at The Mule

After our paddle, we'll head downtown to The Mule for tacos and a well-earned post-adventure social!
📍 41 King William St, Hamilton, ON L8R 1A2
🕗 Reservation: 8:00 PM

### ⚠️ RSVP Reminder

We only have a reservation for 12 people, so please make sure your RSVP accurately reflects whether you'll be attending.
If your plans change, please update your RSVP as soon as possible. We want to make sure our reservation numbers are accurate and that we don't leave anyone without a seat—or hold spots for people who aren't coming.

Come for the paddle, stay for the tacos and margs. It's the perfect way to spend a summer evening with good people, fresh air, and a little adventure!