Pioneer cabins were used as family homes for some of Canada's first settlers, which in contrast to its small size, could accommodate up to as many as eight family members. It was also used for homesteading purposes of harvesting fruits, vegetables and herbs. Today, the pioneer cabin at Balls Falls is used as a great photography site, learning opportunity and tourist attraction within the conservation area, as its permanent structure carries decades of historical heritage significance of early settlers into Canada.

Within Canadian history, pioneer cabins were commonly used as a first home for typical families settling into a new or developing area. Within the dense virgin forests that surround the Ball's Falls conservation area, wooden building materials would've been then and are still now easy to find.

The Ball's Falls Pioneer Cabin is fully furnished with eighteenth century artifacts that help to resemble life during this time period. Some artifacts that are shared for public visitors include a spinning wheel, wool winder and equipment for making bread and butter. Large open fireplaces helped to keep families warm during the harsh winter months in Ontario. Blacksmiths aided in the completion and quality of the pioneer cabin with the supply and creation of iron nails, hinges, latches and more.

Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority