Parks in Niagara-on-the-Lake and Nearby: How to Choose

Historic town-centre outings can include visits to Fort George National Historic Site and Fort Mississauga.

For a route that connects local sights, see this one-day Niagara-on-the-Lake itinerary.

Four Mile Creek State Park is about a 50-minute drive from The Old Bank House, making it a drive-out option rather than a quick town-centre walk.

For park-specific planning, see the Four Mile Creek State Park guide.

Fort Niagara State Park and Joseph Davis State Park are New York options, so include the international border crossing in your plans. Fort Niagara sits at the mouth of the Niagara River, next to Old Fort Niagara State Historic Site; Joseph Davis is at 4143 Lower River Road in Lewiston, New York.

Fort Niagara State Park

Its grounds include woodland hiking trails, picnic areas, playgrounds, a view of Lake Ontario, swimming pools and 18 soccer fields. The boat launch serves the Lower Niagara River and Lake Ontario from April through October, weather permitting.

The park is open year-round from sunrise to sunset. The vehicle entrance fee is $8 per vehicle and $35 for buses; the pool has an extra fee.

Pool admission is $3 for visitors aged 6 and older, while children aged 5 and under enter free. Pool hours are 11:15 a.m. to 6:45 p.m., with last entry at 5:45 p.m. Check the official site before you go, particularly for pool access and fees.

Up to two pets are allowed in day-use areas unless signs or directives prohibit them. Keep pets supervised and either crated or on a leash no longer than 6 feet. Next door, Old Fort Niagara was built in 1724 and offers tours, programs and reenactments.

Joseph Davis State Park

Its generally flat landscape includes fields, woodlands and ponds. You can fish for largemouth bass in a pond near the entrance or fish from a dock on the Lower Niagara River.

The park has three pavilions, each accommodating up to 50 people, and day-use prices vary. Its name was changed in 1970 to honour Joseph Davis, who served as president of the Niagara Frontier State Parks Commission for 21 years. For further planning, read what to know about Joseph Davis State Park.

Choose a town-centre walk for nearby historic stops, Fort Niagara for a mix of trails and facilities, or Joseph Davis for a flatter setting with fishing access.

• For a short outing: visit Fort George National Historic Site or Fort Mississauga.
• For varied park facilities: Fort Niagara has trails, picnic grounds, playgrounds, pools and sports fields.
• For fishing or a flatter landscape: Joseph Davis has ponds, fields and woodlands.
• For a separate drive-out visit: Four Mile Creek State Park; check its guide for visit details.

New York State Parks says vehicle-use fees vary by location and season, so check the individual park’s fee information. Ontario Parks says daily vehicle permits for most parks can be purchased up to five days before a visit and recommends reserving ahead to guarantee day-use entry.

Check the relevant park’s current hours, fees and access arrangements before making a drive. Seasonal services can differ from general park access: for example, Fort Niagara’s boat launch operates from April through October, weather permitting, and the pool has its own hours and fee.

For a New York park, allow for the international border crossing as part of the trip. Confirm the park’s current information and any permit requirements before departure rather than relying on an old schedule or fee.

Which parks are close to Niagara-on-the-Lake’s historic centre?

Fort George National Historic Site and Fort Mississauga are both historic sites in Niagara-on-the-Lake.

Can you fish at Joseph Davis State Park?

Yes. Fishing is available for largemouth bass in a pond near the entrance and from a dock on the Lower Niagara River.

Does Fort Niagara State Park charge admission?

The vehicle entrance fee is $8 per vehicle or $35 for buses. Pool admission is separate, and current fees should be checked before you go.