Where to Walk Your Dog in Niagara

I'm hoping our loyal readers can elaborate; I'm most familiar with these areas; since I live in Port Colborne and these are the places where many pleasurable walks have occurred!

If you know of an address where you can take your dog and he can have a bit of a run (within reason) shoot me the approximate address and I'll see if I can post it up.

REMEMBER -- all cities in the region have leash laws; and the First Dog would never suggest you disobey the leash laws; in fact linked along the sides are the Off-Leash Park areas that are available; however we all know of dogs that would prefer to have long walks, off-lead and in many cases; you won't cause yourself or anyone else any harm.

Please keep in mind; the following suggestions;

1. Garbage in, garbage out -- we all love our Timmie's; however Mother Nature has no interest in rolling the rim; so if you bring it in; bring it out. Same goes for cigarettes, food wrappers, glass bottles, etc.
2. It is VERY against the law for your dog to harass wild life; but the wild life has no such restrictions -- if your dog doesn't know the life or death recall; please keep them long-lined. There is a plethora of coyote in the Niagara Region + raccoons, skunks, mink, muskrat and other fauna; that might object to your dog harassing them. A single coyote will lead a dog to the coyote pack; a scenario that few dogs are going to make it out of alive or in one piece. Coyote have also become very bold; and will take a smaller unleashed dog unawares; often the owner too. Dusk and dawn are typical times for coyote to be out; but it is not unheard of for them to be roaming around at other times. Be alert, be aware; again; keep your dog under control.
3. If you like to walk your dog and not deal with other people; choose areas that few people frequent; or choose times that few people are out. Bright sunny Saturday and Sunday afternoons; will find even the quietest spots; rife with nature "lovers". My dogs don't mind a run in the rain; and we are guaranteed to encounter few; if any other people and dogs.
4. If your dog doesn't like other dogs; be alert and be prepared to leash up; to get past another dog and its owner.

Here are some Port Colborne/Wainfleet options; and of course; feel free to pass on any information on other areas to walk your dog.

Barrick Road -- if you head East on Barrick Road; to where it ends at Robin Hood Quarry; you will find plenty of areas to walk your dog. You can hook up with the Welland Canals bike and recreational trail that takes you to Dain City; and then on to Welland; but there are plenty of walking/running/sniffing opportunities throughout the Quarry. You will recognize the recreational trail; it is paved. Please leash your dog while on the trail; you will find many bicyclists using the route. There is an in-use railway line owned by Trillium Railway Co., so if you are letting your dog exit the vehicle; keep them away from the rail-line. I have not been able to discover who owns Robin Hood Quarry lands; perhaps it's the City of Port Colborne; perhaps a private company. I haven't been kicked off yet and I've been going there for about 20 years. Please; keep it clean.


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Just down the road from Barrick Road is Mud Lake. Mud Lake; located just north of the Off-Leash Dog Park, in Port Colborne.
Mud Lake is a Niagara Peninsula Conservation area; dedicated to the preservation of vegetation and wildlife. Encompassing over 60 hectares of wetland and 54 hectare of field and woodland, Mud Lake offers nature trails, limited hunting, superb bird watching and fishing. Noted as an important resting and feeding stop for migratory birds, Mud Lake claims numerous rare bird sightings and provides a unique setting for both novice and expert bird watchers. The conservation land is on-leash only. Try to stay to the established paths; they are graded to prevent deep erosion. There is a plethora of wildlife on the conservation property. Check your dog carefully after your walk, ticks are in abundance.

Heading out to Wainfleet, another popular conservation area is the Quarry Road conservation area. The Wainfleet Wetlands is located off of Quarry Rd. in the community of Wainfleet, Ontario. The 450 acre site was purchased by the Niagara Conservation Area Authority in 1976 to preserve the unique rock formations and coral fossils found here. The area was quarried for aggregate in the early part of the twentieth century creating the two lakes we see today. These lakes have actually enriched the area, providing a habitat for over 50 varieties of birds, and an oasis for hikers and birdwatchers. A path leads around the western lake allowing visitors a chance to view and touch hundreds of fossils in a natural environment.

Admission and parking are free. Watch for signs off Quarry Road.

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As I find other areas for dog walking; I'll post them here; if you have any areas; please send me a message and I'll look them up. Photographs of your pets on their walk; are always welcome.