About the historic hike (part 1): This hike is part 1 of the series of 2 hikes. We will hike Laura Secord Legacy Trail, a modern day approximation of Laura’s actual route from her homestead in Queenston to DeCew House in Thorold where she delivered her fateful message to Lt. Fitzgibbon on June 22, 1813. Divided into five distinct stages and starts at the historic Laura Secord Homestead in picturesque Queenston, and travels along secluded Dee Road, across the Niagara Parkway, and through tranquil vineyards featuring wonderful views of the Escarpment and Brock’s Monument. Encompassing everything from ancient forested trails, open spaces of Firemen’s Park, Niagara Falls, to the edge of the Escarpment, a foot bridge, and the trail passes through the famed Screaming Tunnel, featured in Halloween ghost stories and at least one David Cronenberg horror film, to modern city sidewalks and urban parks.The 32km trail route was developed based on historical authenticity, safety, and natural ambiance.
After the hike you may want to visit: Laura Secord Homestead: 29 Queenston St. Queenston, ON. Hours 10-5pm. Admission: Adult -13+ $10.50, Children 3-7 $7.00
"Laura Secord – Walk Into History" - background on Laura to outline Laura’s remarkable effort to warn a British officer about an impending attack by the invading American forces. - the impact that this one person had on the War of 1812. - the effort to commemorate Laura’s 32 km "walk" 200 years later (2013) and my involvement in the Secord Walk commemoration and unveiling of the related First Nations memorial near the DeCew house. Bob will deliver the talk in a War of 1812 uniform similar to that of Lt James Ftitzgibbon (the officer Laura went to warn).
Hike leader: Jeanette Vincent
Contact: vincentjeanette1604@gmail.com | 519-588-5916
About the Hike Leader: A hike leader for over 20 years, locally and for the Bruce Trail Conservancy. In the year 2000 Jeanette participated in Greg Vincent's End-to-End of the Bruce Trail along with 200 other hikers and it was then that she was hooked.
About the guest: Bob Rennie UE is an amateur historian and historical living history reenactor. Bob has given many presentations on various aspects of Canada’s early history and spends much of his time at War of 1812 enactments and commemorations. He is a quest speaker at the GVTA (Grand Valley Trails Association) AGM, Tuesday May, 12, 6:30 to 8:30 pm at the Forest Heights branch of the Kitchener Public Library. Bob will speak from 7:30 to 8:30pm. Register for the AGM to hear the Laura Secord presentation about this remarkable hero from the War of 1812 period.
Where: Niagara-on-the-Lake
Length: 15 km
Category: Linear with car shuttle
Hike level and pace: 2 (moderate). approx 3 1/2 - 4 km/hr. Easy terrain, some small ascents and descents, sidewalks, some paved, & wooded trail areas.
Parking and departure: Meet at 9:30 am, parking at Niagara College - Daniel J. Patterson Campus, 135 Taylor road, Niagara-on-the-Lake, L0S 1J0. Parking is paid, day parking fee is $6.35. Parking Lot 1A coordinates 43.152026, -79.166394. We will car shuttle from there to the start of the hike.
From Kitchener allow 2 hours drive, add a little extra time if you are unfamiliar with the area.
Directions: Please use your favourite GPS app to obtain directions.
What to wear and bring: Bring water, snacks and lunch. Be prepared for weather conditions. Hiking shoes or boots recommended.
Sorry, no dogs on GVTA hikes with the exception of certified service dogs.
ALL ARE WELCOME ON OUR HIKES. Membership is encouraged as it helps to support our trails, $30 per household. To become a member please go to: https://www.gvta.on.ca/Membership_App.htm
