The Niagara Circle Route: Connecting Niagara

If you like to bike, hike, run or walk I have the perfect activity for you! Check out the unique Greater Niagara Circle RouteGreater Niagara Circle Route and experience Niagara in a new, exciting way.

The Circle Trail, Robin Hood Mill Port Colborne

The Greater Circle Route Trails System connects all of Niagara and is over 140 km of mostly off-road, paved trails suitable for walking, cycling or rollerblading. The paved trail is mostly three meters wide and passes through urban centres, downtowns, the Niagara Escarpment, waterfronts and agricultural areas.

The Circle Route consists of the following trails:
- Welland Canal Parkway Trail
- Fort Erie Friendship Trail
- Niagara River Recreation Trail 
- Waterfront Trail
- Trans Canada Trail

My favourite part of the trail (which I rediscovered when I moved home) is in Port Colborne near the old Robin Hood Mill. This part of the trail opens up into a beautiful wooded area with an old metal bridge that crosses the weir in the little town. This spot also offers a great view of the old Mill (which is a fantastic photo opportunity too!)

The Circle Route is one of the many aspects of Niagara that makes it so unique. It is rare to see a region that makes such an effort to join its communities together like this and because Niagara is so large I think it is an amazing feat. So if you want to explore a little more of Niagara, grab your friends and your camera and spend a day discovering the Niagara Circle Trail.


 

Get Ready for Tea Time.

Is there anything better than afternoon tea? How about afternoon tea with homemade biscuits and jam? If you answered no to both of these questions then you need to visit Arabella’s tea room. 

Arabella's Tea Room 280 King St. Port Colborne

Arabella’s tea room is located in a 1915 Edwardian cottage which is part of the Port Colborne Historical and Marine Museum Heritage Village. The Village includes the original 1869 Georgian-revival style Home and Carriage House of Arabella Williams which houses the main exhibit galleries, Humberstone's first log schoolhouse, the 1850 log home of John and Sally Sherk, the F.W. Woods and Sons 1880 Marine Blacksmith Shop, a Marine Exhibit Lighthouse and Arabella’s tearoom.

From June to September visitors can stop by the tea room between the hours of 2-4p.m. to enjoy some team and homemade biscuits and during the Christmas season the tea room offers its special holiday pudding. Arabella’s volunteers dress in period costume which helps create an authentic Edwardian atmosphere.

Arabella’s tea room is one of my favourite places to visit in Niagara. Whether I go with friends or I bring a book as my companion, nothing quite beats sitting in the summer sun with fine china, a good cup of tea and an outstanding view.

In preparation for your visit to a tea room here are some tips for proper tea room etiquette. Happy tea time!

The Morningstar Mill - A Visit Back in Time

With the worst of the winter weather behind us it's time to start thinking about spring and everything the Niagara region has to offer during this season. One of my favourite places to visit during the nice weather is the Morningstar Mill in St. Catharines.


The Morninstar Mill, St. Catharines

The Morningstar Mill Park, Interpretive Centre and Museum is located at 2714 Decew Rd. beside Decew Falls, a popular hiking trail in Niagara. The site is made up of a number of buildings: the gristmill (more commonly known as the Morningstar Mill) the turbine shed, the millers house, the icehouse, sawmill and the barn.

Visiting the Morningstar Mill and homstead is like stepping back in time to the ninteenth century. Originally named Mountain Mills, the mill was built of local stone in 1872 on the site of a former blacksmith and carpentry shop. Water was diverted from Beaverdams Creek to power the mill. In 1883 the mill was purchased by Wilson Morningstar and in 1895 it was destroyed by a fire however, it was rebuilt and operated until 1993.

Seeing a piece of history so well preserved in Niagara is truly something special. History and nature lovers alike will love the Morningstar Mill as it promised to fill your day with adventure and excitement.

The Morningstar Mill is something that Niagara natives, like myself, can easily take for granted. Until recently I didn't appreciate or realize how unique it is for a region to have so many preserved historical sites like this. So take a trip through time at the Morningstar Mill and finish off your day with a hike through Decew Falls or the famouse Bruce Trail!