The Wainfleet Bog Conservation Area is part of the only bog wetland in the Niagara Peninsula, offering a ‘northern’ like experience. The underlying peat material has live sphagnum moss and other bog plants growing on top, like Labrador tea, cotton grass and leatherleaf, making it different from other wetland areas.
Being relatively young in geologic time, this domed bog was formed between 12,000 and 5,000 years ago as the glaciers from the last Ice Age melted and retreated. Water ponded in the low, flat land behind the adjacent Onondaga Escarpment, which prevented surface water from draining south to Lake Erie. Over time this open water area filled in as plants died and provided a habitat for unique flora and fauna able to withstand the acidic and low nutrient site conditions.
Trails and boardwalks wind you through this wet, wild and wonderful place. You will experience the history of this site, from the peat archives of plant pollen and debris dating back over 5,000 years, to a former peat extraction area and equipment remnants (from the late 1800’s to 1980’s). Bog plants, butterflies, migrating songbirds and animals make their homes in the restored habitat sections. Enjoy your day visit along hiking trails with interpretative signs and ample nature appreciation opportunities. The bog is also an excellent venue for nature photography.
We would also direct you to read our DISCLAIMER and our TRAIL USERS CODE.
Region(s): Niagara Region
Nearby towns and cities: Port Colborne
Trail feature tags: Boardwalk | Bog | Interpretive signage | nature trail
WAINFLEET BOG CONSERVATION AREA characteristics
Length: 2.1 kmDifficulty: Moderate (Trail classifications)
Trail surface: Boardwalks and Natural
Trail use: Hiking, Cross-country skiing, and Snowshoeing
Accessibility Notes: Accessibility not known.
Fees: None reported
Flora & Fauna:
The underlying peat material has live sphagnum moss and other bog plants growing on top, like Labrador tea, cotton grass and leatherleaf, making it different from other wetland areas.
Bog plants, butterflies, migrating songbirds and animals make their homes in the restored habitat sections.
Amenities: None
Attractions: Interpretive Signs, Boardwalk, Bog.
Contact:
info@npca.ca
Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority Welland, ON L3C 3W2 Phone: 905-788-3135
Find it: 20500 Erie Peat Rd, Wainfleet, ON
GPS Coordinates (main trailhead):
Latitude: 42.9097700
Longitude: -79.2955310