Weekend Backpacker: Buffalo

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Stretch your legs and your U.S. dollars by hiking in nearby Canada. The Bruce Trail runs an amazing 430 miles from the U.S. border at Queenston, north to Tobermory on Bruce Peninsula (between Georgian Bay and Lake Huron). The southern section, near Buffalo, slices through an area famous for its dry, warm micro-climate (between Lakes Erie and Ontario), favorable to vineyards and fruit farms and blessed with ridge walks and lovely views along the Niagara Escarpment overlooking the fertile plains. No steep or very high hills hereabouts, but miles of lovely walking in forest and pastoral countryside. Spelunkers have many options here, and culture vultures will love the world-class theater at the nearby Shaw festival (Niagara-on-the-Lake).

Recommended Trips

On the Bruce Trail you can carve out countless day hikes that leave time for visits to the area's historic and cultural sites, or try backpacking to any of several lean-tos and campsites for overnight stays. Numerous road intersections make trips of various lengths easy to set up.

Getting There

From Buffalo take I-190 north through Niagara Falls to Lewiston; cross the river and enter Canada at Queenston; the trailhead is 0.25 mile from the bridge at Brock Monument. About 30 miles from Buffalo.

Permit Information

Hiking permits are not required, and campsites cannot be reserved. Passports are not needed for U.S. citizens, but a photo ID is a good idea.

Map and Guidebook

Contact the Bruce Trail Association for their detailed guidebook.