The Niagara Escarpment and Bruce Trail

Undeniable Importance

Along the 725 kilometres of the Niagara Escarpment it is possible to find plunging cliff faces, pebbled beaches, waterfalls and wetlands co-existing with villages, towns and cities. In 1990 the Escarpment was proclaimed a World Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO due to its unique ecosystem, making it one of only 12 such sites in all of Canada. The Niagara Escarpment Plan, which ensures the land’s environmental survival, is “Canada’s first, large scale environmental land use plan. It balances protection, conservation and sustainable development to ensure that the Escarpment will remain substantially as a natural environment for future generations.” (from the official Niagara Escarpment Plan document).  Along with its fragile environmental atmosphere, the Escarpment also exists as an important agricultural area. The land’s location between the moderating influence of the Niagara Escarpment and Lake Ontario and Lake Erie forms a unique microclimate that allows for agricultural production that is not possible in other parts of the country.

The Formation of the Escarpment

Until about 450 million years ago this area lay under a tropical sea. Over the next few million years, rock was formed from layers of compressed sediments that became the limestone and shale visible today in the cliff faces of the Escarpment. This rock was then carved by the retreat of glaciers during the last ice age (70,000-10,000 BC), leaving behind caves, deep valleys, rolling hills and the characteristic cliffs, some of which are up to 1,675 feet high.

Flora and Fauna

Within the stunning topography of the Escarpment lives an incredible diversity of species, including:

• Over 350 species of birds
• 53 types of mammals
• 36 species of reptiles and amphibians
• 90 types of fish

Among these species 109 are on the threatened and endangered species lists, further emphasizing the importance of the Escarpment’s environmental integrity. Among these are the Jefferson Salamander, Acadian Flycatcher, Hooded Warbler and Spotted Turtle, all of which are classified as endangered or threatened by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC). There are also many unusual plants to be found, such as the Walking Fern, an odd plant that spreads by sending out runners, making it appear to be striding across the ground. Gnarled trees can be found clinging to the rock on cliffs, and although these trees appear to be little more than saplings, many are over 1,000 years old. The harsh conditions they have grown in have dwarfed them, making them tiny but ancient wonders. 

The Bruce Trail

Running for 800 km along the Escarpment, from Tobermory to Queenston, the Bruce Trail is Canada’s longest footpath. It gives the public access to the inimitable magnificence of the Escarpment and attracts 400,000 visitors yearly. The idea to create the Bruce Trail was suggested by Raymond Lowes in 1960 and the Bruce Trail Committee was formed in the same year. Only seven years later the Bruce Trail officially opened, starting on its path towards the creation of a vital ecological preserve.

The Trail is managed by the Bruce Trail Association, a charitable organization that is working to secure further land to create essential conservation buffers that will ensure that the Bruce Trail retains the integrity of its ecosystem. There are currently 1,650 hectares of Escarpment land being managed by volunteers, making 47% of the trail secure and safe from development. Another 53%, however, is still vulnerable.

Walking the Trail

The trail is divided into nine sections, all maintained by different clubs. Each club organizes guided hikes and ensures that their sections are clean and well-managed. For more information, each club has a website for news and organized hikes.

The Clubs

Peninsula Bruce Trail Club Syndenham Bruce Trail Club Beaver Valley Bruce Trail Club Blue Mountains Bruce Trail Club Dufferin Highland Bruce Trail Club Caledon Hills Bruce Trail Club Toronto Bruce Trail Club Iroquoia Bruce Trail Club Niagara Bruce Trail Club

Ball’s Falls Conservation Area

The Ball's Falls conservation area lies nestled in the Niagara Escarpment and a key stop on the Bruce Trail. Falling from two-thirds the height of the Horseshoe Falls, Ball’s Falls is surrounded by both natural and historical beauty. Once a 19th century hamlet, Ball’s Falls has retained a number of period buildings, such as the splendid Georgian-style Ball home, built in 1850.

Rattlesnake Point Conservation Area

The Rattlesnake Point conservation area is a 264 hectare park near Milton, established in 1961. Considered both a Regional Environmentally Sensitive Area and a Provincial Area of Natural and Scientific Interest, this conservation area features the Escarpment’s characteristic cliffs and streams that feed into Bronte Creek. Hiking the Rattlesnake Point trails leads to gorgeous views of the surrounding countryside, and campsites are available for those who want to spend even more time enjoying the scenery. The conservation area is also known for its rock climbing opportunities. Those who wish to participate in this exciting, demanding and dangerous sport must attain permits and sign waivers, and for beginners, training from a certified professional is recommended.

Mount Nemo Conservation Area

The Mount Nemo conservation area also offers spectacular vistas, providing a sense of one of the best cliff ecosystems on the Niagara Escarpment. Old growth forests shelter birds and a rich range of wildlife, while emerald green ferns blanket limestone boulders lying scattered on the forest floor. Exploration of the cliff edge trail yields crevice caves and thousand year old cedars that have been stunted by their harsh life on the cliff face. This 169 hectare park was established in 1959 and also provides a chance for those interested in rock climbing to try out this thrilling sport. For more information about conservation areas on the Niagara Escarpment visit these sites: Conservation Halton Info Niagara