PELHAM NATURAL DESTINATIONS

The Comfort Maple Tree 

Located in the community of North Pelham, the Comfort Maple, is estimated to be Canada's largest Sugar Maple tree (approximately 500 years old). The tree is 24.5 metres (80 ft) tall and 6 metres (20 ft) in circumference at the base.

It is named in memory of the Comfort family, who acquired the land on which it sits in 1816. The tree and the land around it was donated to the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority on April 30, 1961 by Mrs. Edna Eleanor Comfort. The .25 acre conservation area is located at the end of a narrow lane off of Metler Rd. near North Pelham. It is surrounded by farm land and has a small parking area and some benches.   (Photo courtesy of Lauren Garbutt)

Fonthill Kame:

The Fonthill Kame is the highest point of land in the Niagara area. The kame is 6 km (4 mi) east to west and 3 km (2 mi) north to south. It slopes gradually on the west side, more steeply on the south and east and merges with the Short Hills Provincial Park area of the Niagara Escarpment on the north. The hydrogeological features of the Fonthill Kame are unique to the Niagara Peninsula and significantly impact the overall groundwater flow system to the upper water shed of theTwelve Mile Creek.

Thousands of tonnes of aggregate material are removed each year from a large quarry at the top of the Fonthill Kame operated by Lafarge Canada Inc. In July 2009, Lafarge was recognized with an Award of Excellence from the Ontario Stone, Sand & Gravel Association in recognition of its rehabilitation practice of replacing used up sections of the pits with pear, peach, plum and sour cherry orchards. The renowned Peninsula Lakes golf course is also located on a rehabilitated quarry site.

Lafarge Canada provides guided tours of quarry operations on a reservation basis by contacting: 905-892-2686

Fonthill Sandhill Valley

Anyone visiting the Niagara Region should not miss taking the picturesque drive though the Short Hills of Pelham. The approach to or from Fonthill via Effingham St offers spectacular scenary and be sure to take the time to take a side trip along the Kilman Road and catch a glimpse of the many natural streams and brooks that highlight the landscape.

The rolling hills of Effingham are part of the Fonthill Sandhill Valley, a non-escarpment geological feature that extends through the Fonthill Kame and into Short Hills Provincial Park.

Short Hills Provincial Park

Explore one of Niagara's great jewels, Short Hills Provincial Park, comprised of diverse glacially-formed hills and numerous stream valleys. Since its official creation in 1985, Short Hills Provincial Park has been recognized as an important natural environmental attraction and now forms part of the core area of the Niagara Escarpment Biosphere Reserve and is an established nodal park in the eastern Niagara portion of the Carolinian Forest zone of Ontario.

The volunteer organization, Friends of Short Hills Park, manages an extensive system of seven trails offers recreational and tourism opportunities for walking, birding, mountain biking, horse back riding, sport fishing, cross country skiing and many other recreation activities.  Further information: Friends of Short Hills Park

 St. John’s Conservation Area

Enjoy a hike through St. John's Conservation Area natural park and experience the natural beauty of the wooded walking trails. The twelve mile tributary, which runs through the conservation area, is part of the only provincially significant cold water stream fishery in the region. The park features a stocked trout pond for public fishing.  Further Information: Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority

Marlene Stewart Streit Park:

John Nemy Nature Trail and Lathrop Nature Preserve

Named in honour of local golf legend Marlene Stewart Streit, the park consists of a baseball diamond, a large outdoor pool, and the John Nemy Nature Trail, established in 2006. 

John Nemy a long time resident and former owner of Fonthill Lumber lived on the hill overlooking the trail for over 20 years.  An avid hiker and outdoor enthusiast he was very honoured that the trail was named for him.  Wildflowers have been planted along the trail and the wooden foot bridges over the marshy sections were courtesy of Fonthill Lumber.

John Nemy Nature Trail connects with the Lathrop Nature Preserve. In 1998 the richly wooded property was generously donated to the Nature Conservancy of Canada by Dr. D. Whiting and Margaret Lathrop.

For More information: CLICK HERE

The Steve Bauer Trail

Named in honour of cyclist, Steve Bauer, one of Pelham's great internationally-renowned athletes, this 6-kilometre multi-use trail stretches from Fonthill to Welland. Begin your walk in Fonthill at Quaker Road and Line Avenue. Follow the stone chip rail bed, roads and stone chip path through several developments and end at the Welland River. (Photo Courtesy of David T. Brown)

Harold Bradshaw Park:

This fifty acre passive mature park, originally a family farm, was bequeathed by Mr. Bradshaw (1900-1982 to the Town of Pelham. For about 25 years the property has been allowed to naturally regenerate. It offers wetlands and a tributary of the Coyle Creek, mature bush and orchard, a variety of young trees and plants including an area of prairie grass, Pin Oak trees, and other sensitive vegetation

Featured is a 1 km stone dust Main Trail (about 25 minutes walking time) which winds through a variety of vegetation and past the monument commemorating Mr. Bradshaw. This trail provides easy walking for everyone and has benches for relaxation and quiet reflection. There are picnic tables in an open meadow at the centre of the Park.

For More information: CLICK HERE

LOCAL CAMPING:

Bissell’s Hideway: Family campground that is rated one of Ontario’s most popular camping resorts and water parks featuring large, quiet campsites, mini log cabins, enormous one acre swimming pool, giant water slide, kiddie's splash pool, daily activities, and a host of sports and leisure facilities.

Address: 205 Metler Road, R.R. #1 Ridgeville, ON, L0S 1M0 Telephone:905-892-5706, 1-888-236-0619

NET Camping Resort: Known for its picturesque lake and large beautiful sites this campground borders Pelham and is a popular destination for out-of-town and out-of-country groups. In 2007, NET Camping Resort has created a new recreation area with two large pools and a new splash pad for the kiddies, surrounded by a beautiful interlocking stone deck. NET also offers a recreation and banquet centre for large or small group functions.  

Address: 2325 Regional Road 24, Box 541 Vineland, Ontario L0R 2C0; Telephone: 905-892-3737 Toll Free: 866-490-4745