My Epic (Almost Lost!) Hiking Adventure at Niagara Glen Trail! ⛰️😱

📍 Location: Niagara Glen Trail With my last free day before returning to the daily grind, I decided to tackle one of my bucket-list hikes—and nearly ended up starring in my own survival documentary! 🙈 Basic Tips: · Drive Time: ~2.5 hours from Scarborough on a busy Sunday (weekdays take ~1.5 hours without traffic). · Parking: $8/hour—budget extra time if you plan to hike AND take photos! My round-trip hike + photo stops took ~2.5 hours (faster if you don’t pause). · Facilities: Public washrooms available (decently clean even when crowded!). Still open when I left around 9 PM, but closing times unclear. · Trail Map: STUDY IT! Blue = main path. Take a photo of the map—multiple groups asked me for directions mid-hike! · The Stairs: A brutal metal staircase greets you at the start. Save energy—you’ll need it for the return climb! · Terrain: Knee-killer alert! Steep, rocky ups/downs. Wear grippy hiking/running shoes—slips = guaranteed. · Bugs: Swarms of them. Bug spray = mandatory. Whirlpool Trail (Purple Route): 【Must-Haves: Hiking poles, bug spray, proper shoes, hydration pack】 · For Experienced Hikers Only! Constant uneven terrain—loose rocks, steep inclines. My knees wept. Poles saved me from crawling back! · Hidden Oasis: A peaceful, crystal-clear "river beach" at the blue/purple trail junction (perfect for a quiet break). · Photo Spot: Halfway in, a giant rocky platform offers epic views of the river + passing cable cars 🚡. Extroverts, yell greetings to riders! 😆 · NEVER DO WHAT I DID: Started back at sunset. Big mistake. Fumbled in near-darkness, circled aimlessly (thanks, spotty signal!), and relied on trail markers to escape. Legs = jelly. Almost activated Bear Grylls mode. 🐻🔥 Verdict: Thrilling, leg-destroying, 10/10 would suffer again! Next rest day = trying another route! #HikingAdventures #TorontoDayTrips #NiagaraHikes#WhoGaveMeThisConfidence