Left: Overhead view in Autumn, 2008; Top Right Image: Inroad behind Brock University;  Bottom Right:Ordovician rock strata

General Information

The Niagara Escarpment played a pivotal role in shaping the southern landscape of the peninsula. It stretches a total of 725 kilometers from Watertown located in northern New York all the way to the tip of the Bruce Peninsula. The stretch between Hamilton, Ontario and Watertown, New York is where the escarpment reaches the greatest heights above sea level. Within that distance, the height ranges from 183 to 189 metres above sea level. The escarpment is so significant from an ecological stand point that it was recognized by UNESCO as a World Biosphere Reserve in 1990.

The Bruce Trail winds its way throughout the Niagara Escarpment, providing breathtaking views and a great way to see all the Escarpment has to offer.

Hours of Operation

Open Year-Round

Directions

ecological

The escarpment is one of the reasons that Niagara Falls and Niagara River Gorge, several of the region's natural wonders, exist. Old Earth Philosophers theorize that the escarpment was formed prior to the North American glaciations and has stood above sea level for approximately 245 million years, the so called Paleozoic Era. Some of the oldest rocks found along the Niagara Escarpment range date back approximately 430 million years. Over time the sediments were compressed into rock, mainly magnesium-rich limestone and shale. The progressive action of glaciers, water flows and the elements caused the more resilient dolostone to weather at different rates than the shale, resulting in the very dramatic land forms that we see today including the sea stacks, karst formation caves, deep valleys, scenic waterfalls, rugged hills, and perhaps most remarkable, the spectacular cliffs along the Niagara Escarpment itself. Contrary to what many may think, the escarpment is not a fault line, but in fact a cuesta, a large ridge formed by tilted sediment.

The diverse natural landscape contains an incredible ecosystem located in the heart of Canada's most densely populated region. In fact, biologists have stated that the Escarpment is the most diverse region in the province. It is home to a wide assortment of flora and fauna including 36 species of reptiles and amphibians, 53 species of mammals, 90 species of fish, and more than 350 species of birds. Unusual plants are also found including the walking fern. Despite the UNESCO designation and the Niagara Escarpment Plan, currently 109 species found in the Niagara Escarpment are on the threatened o endangered list.

Recreational

Hiking, Walking

Note: There is no biking permitted along the Bruce Trail