Niagara West’s Great Outdoors

Ten outdoor activities right under your nose

By Ben Baldasero

It’s no surprise that Niagara West is full of interesting and unique activities to do over the summer. However, you might be surprised to know that there are many things to do in the local area of which you might not be aware.

We’ve compiled 10 stops and activities - for all ages - set in our corner of

Niagara Region for you to enjoy.

1) Take a Trip out to Ball’s Falls

Conservation Area

Hours of Operation: 8 a.m.-8 p.m. daily, Centre for Conservation- 9 a.m.4p.m. daily Location: 3292 Sixth Avenue, Vineland

Ball’s Falls is a gem here in West Niagara, offering both a conservation area and a beautiful hiking trail. The Ball’s Falls trail is a great place to go for a hike.

There are numerous historical artefacts

Continued From Page 11 from the area along the way, including a blacksmith’s shop, a lime kiln, and the Ball’s Family Home.

The trail culminates at the titular Ball’s Falls, which provides a scenic view and a nice place to unwind. Make sure to visit the conservation area after the hike, which offers many interactive experiences and programs to teach you about the history of the Trail and the Area. For people who want a healthy dose of scenery, exercise, and education, Ball’s Falls is the place to go.

Spend the Day out at Charles Daley Park

Location: 1969 North Service Road, Jordan

Set on the Lake Ontario waterfront, Charles Daley Park offers a little bit of everything. Numerous trails scatter the area for those who want to take a walk around the park. The beachfront is available for those who’d like to wade in and cool off. A large playground is available for kids to enjoy, and there are numerous benches to take a step back and unwind. Make sure to bring a bite to eat, so as to take advantage of the shaded picnic areas and benches overlooking the lake. In the morning, afternoon, and evening, Charles Daley is always a nice place to be.

Visit the Historic Nelles Manor

Hours: Wednesday – Saturday: 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Sunday: 1–4:30 p.m.

Monday and Tuesday: Closed (except for August Civic Holiday and Labour Day special events)

Tours are daily with the last one beginning at 3:30 p.m.

For those interested in local history and architecture, taking a guided tour of Nelles Manor, is an enlightening way to spend an afternoon. The Manor, constructed in the 1780’s by Col. Robert Nelles, has now been converted to a museum available for all to come and enjoy.

The manor’s architecture is preserved, and viewers can experience what living in Grimsby was like over 100 years ago.

Take a Dip in the Pool ~ Grimsby, Beamsville and Jordan

Grimsby Lions Community Pool

Location: 1 Elm St.

(June 17-Labour Day Weekend) Family Swim: 12:15-2 p.m. Sat. & Sun.

For Gretsinger Pool in Beamsville and Jordan

Lions Pool, go to Lincoln.ca

Click on “Menu” and go to Parks, Forestry, Recreation & Culture for times.

Bust Out the Clubs at the Grimsby Golf Range!

Location: 239 Mountain Rd, Grimsby

(289) 808-9648

Take a swing for the first time, or blow the rust off your old swing...Grimsby Golf is the place to do it. Instructor Kirk Smith is also available for lessons seven days a week, by appointment. Enjoy a Hike up to Beamer Memorial Lookout Trail!

Quarry Rd, Grimsby

Bring some binoculars and immerse yourself in the spectacle of the Niagara Peninsula up on the Beamer Memorial Lookout Trail. Beamer Memorial is a beautiful trail that offers a breathtaking view of the escarpment, the city, and Lake Ontario, all in one 2.6 mile loop!

Go for a ride down one of West Niagara’s Many Biking Trails!

Time to break out the helmets and take a trip down one of West Niagara’s biking trails! One such trip is the West Lincoln and Wainfleet Route, beginning in Smithville and stretching 49 kms - all the way to the Lake Erie shore!

Try out a new hobby with Skate Parks around Niagara West

Rotary Park in Beamsville’s skatepark, the Smithville Skate Park at West Lincoln Arena & Community Centre, Jordan Lions Skatepark in Jordan and The Shayne Armstrong Skatepark in Grimsby on Clarke Street are all great spots to learn some new tricks.

Visit the Historic Grimsby Beach and The “Painted Ladies”

Explore a well-known Grimsby Gem in Historic Grimsby Beach! Visitors will notice the colourful cottages hand-painted by the residents to look like Gingerbread houses.

Take a lakeside walk in Grimsby on The Lake

The Town of Grimsby has been adding to its lakefront boardwalk for years and a new park will open there soon. The boardwalk is a great place to get some fresh air with an ice cream or full meal just steps away.

Regardless of what you do this summer, get outdoors and enjoy every second!

Ann Marie Chechalk prepares the Niagara 4-H travelling food booth for a summer of selling the clubs’ famous milkshakes and back bacon on a bun at many upcoming events.