The Merritt Trail is right below the Burgoyne Bridge, beside the Highway 406, located along the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Welland Canals. Remnants of former canal locks, mills, and other industry are located throughout. The trail was named in honor of William Hamilton Merritt, he was the person who originally conceived the idea of the Welland Canal. The Merritt Trail is not as quiet as the Participark Trail because it is right beside the highway.
The Merritt Trail begins at Bradley Street in south St. Catharines and continues through to Martindale Road in West St.Catharines, and connects with the Green Ribbon Trail, it is also connect to the Participark Trail on the other end. The total length of the trail is 11-kilometers, but for this tour only the part that leads up to the Burgoyne Bridge will be visited.
Just like the Participark Trail, Merritt Trail is another walking trail, so recreational activities such as walking/hiking and biking or motorbiking often occurs at the Merritt Trail.
Merritt Trail was constructed by the Welland Canal Society, the construction began in 1980 and it was completed in 1986. Merritt Trail was built along the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Welland Canals. The trail was named in honour of William Hamilton Merritt.
There are various wildlife around the Merritt Trail, for example Geese and ducks, and birds such as woodpeckers, chickadees and cardinals. People have found evidence of Beavers as well.
There are also many different types of plants beside the trail, for example maple, Ironwood, Burr Oak, Red Oak, Pin Oak, American Beech and etc.
Merritt Trail is owned and managed by the City of St. Catharines.
| Phone: | 905.688.5601 x1927 |
| Email: | eplay@stcatharines.ca |
| Website: | https://www.stcatharines.ca/en/playin/MerrittTrail.asp |
| Open at all times: | Year-round |
Merritt Trail is fully wheelchair accessible.
Accessible
TripClips
Call before visiting