Lindsay’s Trans Canada Trail: Niagara Falls – A Constant in the Chaos
Written by Lindsay Davies
Growing up in the Niagara Region, I’ve seen Niagara Falls be taken for granted more times than I can count. I’d be remiss not to admit I was once one of those people in my younger years. I remember when, just a decade or so ago, I discovered the Niagara River Recreation Trail and its pathways that run parallel to the Niagara River.
The most iconic section of this route is without a doubt near Niagara Parks’ Table Rock complex. This is where you’ll find the magic — at the crest of the Horseshoe Falls. Whether it’s your first visit or your twentieth, you will always be in awe of the raw power of nature here. How could you not when 20 percent of the entire world’s freshwater flows at 65 kilometres per hour over the crest in front of you?
Magic around every corner
Photo credit: Lindsay Davies/I’ve Been Bit
The magic doesn’t stop there. It flows along the waterway through the Class-VI rapids, churning the turquoise-blue waters and past the iconic pathways of the Niagara Glen. You can get a taste of all of this by following the Niagara River Recreation Trail.
It’s not until you revisit the area that you notice the small details often overlooked by the eager visitor. For example, where the Niagara River suddenly bends below the iconic red Whirlpool Aero Car, leading the water into the Niagara Gorge’s narrowest channel, and how it flows in a counterclockwise direction; though the early birds will notice it moving in reverse as water is diverted to the open hydroelectric dams between midnight and 8:00 am.
Or that it’s all a part of Canada’s greatest route — the Trans Canada Trail. This fact surprised this local just recently. I’ve been exploring this path for over half of my life, and I had no clue! For me, it makes the trail that much more enchanting. It’s a source of pride to know that such a beautiful section of pathway is a piece of this larger iconic project.
Winter makes it wondrous
Photo credit: Lindsay Davies/I’ve Been Bit
In my opinion, the true charm comes once the snow falls — when the hustle and bustle of tourists has dissipated until the warmer weather appears. This is when the area’s unique beauty truly shines! It’s on the days where the sun makes the crystals glisten atop a fresh snowfall, or when you can hear the echo of the crunch under your feet, or when you can not only see but feel the crisp air as it enters your lungs. It becomes an entire experience — and one that is near and dear to my heart for a number of reasons.
Winters in Niagara have become more and more unpredictable over the years, but luckily this season has been a strong one. We were fortunate to get a fresh snowfall on the first day of winter, with the odd sprinkle continuing throughout the holidays. It was what many of us needed to get into the spirit of the season, because I don’t know how anyone could not leave with a smile on their face after seeing the snow give an extra twinkle to the Winter Festival of Lights. It’s one of the few traditions my mom and I have, and one that I will cherish forever.
A constant feeling of home
Photo credit: Lindsay Davies/I’ve Been Bit
Since that first snowfall, we’ve enjoyed one of the truest winters Niagara has had in years. Waves of snow have come in force, sometimes stopping us dead in our tracks. In all honesty, though, I’ve been hearing most of it from afar, as my travels have taken me elsewhere. They took me away from my beloved season, but I knew as I dodged the snow squall warnings en route home that a certain Trail would be waiting for me. Whether it’s an afternoon frolic or just a quick breath of fresh air from one of my favourite viewpoints, I know the Trail has it all.
This trail has been a constant in the chaos of my life. It has been there through numerous departures and returns to Niagara, both on certain and uncertain grounds. It’s been the support under my feet as I run through every option, pondering arduous life choices and wrestling with heartache. It’s a spot I know when everyday life gets so overwhelming that I don’t know what direction I’m heading, I’ll always leave feeling more at peace.
And that’s something I’ll never take for granted.
Lindsay Davies is a content creator and writer who has been bit by the travel bug. While her travels take her to many corners of the world, she has a deep love for her home province of Ontario and the outdoors. You may spot her by some funky coloured hair or wacky pair of tights she’s wearing! Follow her adventures on her blog I’ve Been Bit! and on Instagram @IBBtravel.
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