DUFFERIN ISLANDS IN NIAGARA FALLS CANADA
After an invigorating and exciting walking tour of Niagara Falls, recharge your batteries and discover the natural beauty and secret trails of Dufferin Islands. With ten acres of treed paths and wooden walkways linking small waterways, you’ll never run out of things to discover!
Located just 2 kilometers, south of the Falls, this man made wonder has everything you need to enjoy this hidden gem:
- Free to visit
- Year round destination
- Picnic areas and rest stops
- Self-guided paths
- Beautiful photo opportunities
- Abundant wildlife
- Paid parking
HOW TO GET TO DUFFERIN ISLANDS
Dufferin Islands is located at 6345 Dufferin Isle Rd, Niagara Falls Ontario.
Directions from Toronto, Canada:
Get on Gardiner Expy W from Bay St.
Take ON-403 W and Queen Elizabeth Wy to ON-420 E in Niagara Falls. Take the ON-420 exit from Queen Elizabeth Way
Continue on ON-420 E. Take Stanley Ave/Regional Rd 102 and Niagara River Pkwy to Dufferin Isle Dr.
Directions from Buffalo, USA:
Get on I-190 N from Church St.
Take Queen Elizabeth Wy to Lyons Creek Rd/Regional Rd 47 in Niagara Falls, Canada. Take exit 21 from Queen Elizabeth Wy.
Continue on Lyons Creek Rd/Regional Rd 47. Take Stanley Ave/Regional Rd 102 to Niagara River Pkwy.
THINGS TO DO AT DUFFERIN ISLANDS
There are lots of things to enjoy about Dufferin Islands all year round.
THINGS TO DO AT DUFFERIN ISLANDS DURING SPRING SUMMER AND FALL:
Abundant in photo opportunities, wildlife exploration and beautiful strolls, Dufferin Islands provides visitors with self-guided walks through woodlands and along waterways, perfect for updating your Instagram and social media feed.
Your friends will be green with envy when they see your shots of a gourmet lunch you picked up at Table Rock, perfect for a picnic for two or family event. While swimming is no longer available, the century old islands have become home to several different species of wildlife, all available for your viewing and photo capture.
- Picnic tables available
- Strolls through wooden footpaths and trails
- Perfect for families, friends and couples
- Amazing photo opportunities
THINGS TO DO AT DUFFERIN ISLANDS DURING WINTER:
Not to be outdone by the warm seasons of Mother Nature, Dufferin Islands flickers with light in the winter!
Known as the Winter Festival of Lights, this acclaimed light show enhances the route of the Niagara Parkway through Dufferin Islands and out to Fallsview Boulevard and Lundy’s Lane.
From November through January, explore the nature inspired light displays all around the Dufferin Islands.
Walk or drive through the glittering magic of the season amid the splendor of snowcapped trees and icy waters shimmering with fairy lights. This is a true delight for all ages and sure to bring sparkle to your season. These life sized displays (ranging from 4-11 feet tall) are all made possible by the generous donations of its patrons. For a suggested nominal donation of $5-$10 per car (at the exit) visitors can ensure that this show goes on from year to year.
- Life sized light displays
- Spectacular holiday photo ops
- Fun for all ages
- Nominal donation of $5-$10 per car to assist with future enhancements.
Click here to view the festival map.
THE HISTORY OF DUFFERIN ISLANDS
Dufferin Islands are a group of man-made islands constructed in the early 1900’s when the Ontario Power Generating Station, known as OPG, used its fill from the construction of the plant to create a series of forebays and tunnels when, filled with water, and resulted in a series of small woodland islands.
The islands were named in honour of Canadian Governor General, Lord Dufferin who had been key in creating parkland along the river; a previously rowdy tourist area. Today, this tourist destination remains a beautiful reminder of the wonder of nature, maintained by the Niagara Parks Foundation.
OTHER QUESTIONS ABOUT DUFFERIN ISLANDS
1. Is swimming allowed?
No. Swimming is no longer allowed at Dufferin Islands due to safety concerns.
2. Is it free to visit?
Yes. Dufferin Islands is free to visit; however, during the Winter Festival of Lights, donations are accepted at the exit.
3. Can you walk to Dufferin Islands
Yes! It’s only about 2 kilometers south of the Falls from Table Rock Centre.
4. Are there rest stops along the trails?
Yes. Picnic tables are available for use.
5. Is parking free at Dufferin Islands?
Paid parking is available.
6. Can you fish at Dufferin Islands?
While respect for the natural environment is expected, catch and release is allowed; however check with fishing authorities in advance.
The rule of thumb for all nature trails in Niagara Falls is ‘leave no trace.’ Please be respectful of the environment and place all garbage/recyclables in the available receptacles.
Walk Niagara Tours offers all-inclusive walking tours of Niagara Falls. Our tour guides lead groups 7 days a week between April and November.