Saint Johns Conservation Area — Attraction in Thorold

My absolute favourite place to go!! This place has such a peaceful, magical feel. I go there almost everyday, or at least almost every week.

They have different levels of difficulty in trails. The white trail is longest if you connect it to the blue trail. Yellow is just a short thing that lasts about 5 minutes or less. Red is the next easiest, best for if you have difficulty with knees for going up and down hills as the white and blue are continuously going up and down with some being a little steep. There is a beautiful small spring fed pond and a larger pond with gravel trail around it that is home to fish, geese, ducks and turtles. There is a mini island out in the center that the birds live on and a log that turtles sunbathe on. The geese and ducks are all super friendly and love birdseed. Ive never seen any get aggressive or territorial since they usually nest on the island where no one can make them feel threatened. This place is so beautiful in fall!!

It unfortunaly has a large algae bloom problem from runoff of surrounding farms and an infestation of woolly aphid on the beautiful Beech trees. I hope Npca has the resources to help control this or can organize a volunteer cleanup of some sort to help preserve the...

Saint John’s Conservation Area is a hidden gem nestled in the heart of the Niagara Region. Whether you’re an avid hiker, a casual nature lover, or just looking for a peaceful place to unwind, this spot offers something for everyone. The trails are well-maintained and clearly marked, winding through beautiful Carolinian forest, gentle hills, and around a picturesque pond.

What makes this conservation area special is its tranquility. It’s rarely overcrowded, which allows for a more intimate experience with nature. You’ll often hear birdsong, see squirrels darting across the path, and spot turtles sunning on logs near the water. Interpretive signs along the trails provide insight into local flora and fauna, making it a great educational stop for families or school groups.

The area is clean and features picnic tables and benches for resting, though there are no washroom facilities on site, so plan accordingly. Parking is free, and access is easy for all ages.

Whether you’re going for a brisk walk, a leisurely picnic, or some quiet reflection in nature, Saint John’s Conservation Area is a peaceful and refreshing escape from urban life. Highly recommended for a short day trip or a weekend...

This is such a beautiful place to go for a hike! It's basically right in Fonthill. There's a large pond that is stocked with trout and you are allowed to fish. The trail goes all the way around the pond and there are tertiary trails going off in various directions. As with most conservation area trails there is a cash donation box to help them maintain the trail for all of us to enjoy. Please be generous. We are so lucky to have these trails to enjoy. Today was a crisp sunny day and there were many families hiking. The trail is dog friendly. And we met a lot of...