Paddle & Hike Collective (Hamilton-Niagara Region)

Join us for a relaxing afternoon on the water as we explore the calm, scenic waters surrounding Henley Island and Martindale Pond in St. Catharines! This is a great paddle for both kayakers and stand-up paddle boarders looking to enjoy nature, meet new people, and spend a summer day outdoors.
The canoe launch at Henley Island provides easy access to Martindale Pond, a sheltered body of water known for its smooth paddling conditions, waterfront views, marshland, and abundant birdlife. This time, we will paddle from the canoe launch towards Henley bridge and back - a route that is beginner-friendly while still offering plenty to see and explore. Afterwards, feel free to join us at KaiserHaus Wine Bar and Bistro
for some food and drink!

📍 Meeting Location
Canoe Launch Parking Lot at Henley Island Dr, St. Catharines, ON L2N 7H8
This is located on the south side of Henley Island (NOT at the rowing club)

Post-Paddle Food & Drink
KaiserHaus Wine Bar and Bistro
38 Lakeport Rd, St. Catharines, ON L2N 4P5
https://www.kaiserhaus.ca/

🛶 Paddle Details

• Date: Sunday, August 23
• Meeting Time: Please have your kayak or paddle board ready near the canoe launch for 3:00 PM
• Duration: Approximately 2–3 hours on the water
• Difficulty: Beginner-friendly

What to Bring
✅ Kayak or paddleboard (inflated to 15 PSI)
✅ Life jacket
✅ Pealess whistle
✅ Water and snacks
✅ Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses)
✅ Dry bag (recommended)
✅ Waterproof phone pouch (recommended)

Important Notes

• This event is weather-dependent.
• The dam at the northwest corner has no barrier. Stay well away; this area is extremely dangerous.
• Twelve Mile Creek contains strong currents in places and fatalities have occurred there - so we will not be venturing here.
• Hydro barriers must never be crossed.
• This is a recreational, social paddle. We'll stay together as a group and paddle at a comfortable pace.

Whether you're looking to get some exercise, spot local wildlife, or simply unwind on the water, we'd love to have you join us. New members are always welcome!

See you on the water!

Join us for the perfect summer afternoon with a short hike followed by a relaxing paddle at beautiful Valens Lake Conservation Area! We'll start by exploring one of the park's scenic forest trails before heading out onto the calm waters for an easy-going kayak or paddleboard adventure.

🚶 The Plan

• Meet at 12:00 PM at the Boat House parking area.
• Enjoy a leisurely 45–60 minute hike on one of Valens Lake's beautiful trails.
• After the hike, around 1:00 PM, we'll launch our kayaks and paddleboards for a relaxing paddle around the lake, including under the bridge and around the island.

🚣 Bring Your Own or Rent One!
No gear? No problem! The Boat House offers kayaks, canoes, stand-up paddleboards, and rowboat rentals (weather permitting). Rentals are available for 2-hour, 4-hour, or full-day periods, and lifejackets are included.

🌲 Why You'll Love It

• Beginner-friendly hiking and paddling
• Peaceful, motor-free lake perfect for SUPs and kayaks
• Beautiful forest scenery and opportunities to spot local wildlife
• A fun way to meet other outdoor enthusiasts in the Hamilton/Niagara area

ℹ️ Good to Know

• There is an admission fee to enter Valens Lake Conservation Area.
• Meet at the Boat House near the boat launch.
• Rentals are first-come, first-served, so arriving a few minutes early is recommended if you need to rent equipment.
• Admission: Day-use admission is $16.50 per vehicle (including the driver). Each additional passenger over 5 years old is $5.50.

🎒 What to Bring

• Comfortable hiking shoes
• Water and snacks
• Sunscreen and a hat
• Clothes you don't mind getting a little wet
• Your own kayak or paddleboard if you have one (or rent one when you arrive!)

Whether you're joining us for the hike, the paddle, or both, come enjoy an afternoon of fresh air, great company, and beautiful scenery.

We can't wait to see you there! 🌿🛶

Join us as we explore one of the most breathtaking hikes in the Niagara Region! The Niagara Glen Trail takes you deep into the Niagara Gorge, where you'll hike through Carolinian forest, navigate fascinating rock formations, and enjoy incredible views of the Niagara River and the famous Whirlpool. It's one of the area's most unique trails and a favourite among local hikers.

🥾 Trail Details

• Distance: Approximately 2.4 km (1.5 miles)
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Estimated Hiking Time: 45–60 minutes
• Features rocky terrain, uneven footing, stairs, and spectacular gorge views. Good hiking shoes are strongly recommended!

🌲 What to Expect

• Stunning views of the Niagara River and Whirlpool
• Forested trails winding through ancient rock formations
• Plenty of opportunities for photos and wildlife spotting
• A fun, social pace with time to enjoy the scenery

⚠️ Good to Know

• The trail includes steep staircases, rocks, roots, and uneven terrain, so it isn't suitable for strollers or anyone with mobility limitations.
• Some sections of the Niagara Glen trail system may be temporarily closed for maintenance, so we'll follow the safest available route on the day of the hike.

🍺 Optional Social Afterwards
After the hike, anyone who's interested is welcome to join us at The Grist around 2:00 PM to enjoy locally crafted beer, wood-fired pizza, and great conversation!
The Grist is located at 78 Four Mile Creek Rd, Niagara-on-the-Lake.

🎒 What to Bring

• Hiking shoes or trail runners
• Water
• Sunscreen and bug spray
• Snacks
• A camera—you'll definitely want photos!

Whether you're a regular hiker or looking to experience one of Niagara's most iconic trails for the first time, we'd love to have you join us! 🌿🥾🍻