Greater Niagara Circle Route: While there are many recreational and sport events, organizations and venues in Niagara, one natural asset will be mentioned here that has an impact on the region for recreational use by residents and for tourists and visitors to Niagara. The Greater Niagara Circle Route trails system is over 140 km of mostly off-road, paved trails suitable for walking, cycling or rollerblading. Motorized vehicles are not permitted. The paved trail is mostly 3 metres wide and passes through urban centres, downtowns, the Niagara Escarpment, waterfronts, and rural/agricultural areas. The system includes the Welland Canals Trail, which passes alongside parts of the existing and previous canals from St. Catharines on Lake Ontario (north end) through Thorold and Welland to Port Colborne on Lake Erie (south end). From Fort Erie, the Niagara River Recreation Trail follows the Niagara River, through the city of Niagara Falls, to Niagara-on-the-Lake (north end). The Waterfront Trail follows Lakeshore Road from Niagara-on-the-Lake to St Catharines (west end). The Trail mileage markers are on the trail around the circle, starting in Old Fort Erie (km. “0”) and proceeding in a counter-clockwise direction.
