The Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority (NPCA) and the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Foundation (NPCF) welcome the community to the Ball’s Falls Holiday Trail this winter season.
While regular indoor seasonal programming can no longer occur, the NPCA and NPCF are thrilled to launch a new holiday tradition at Ball’s Falls Conservation Area, with sparkling lights along its trails, decorations of various heritage buildings and illumination of the scenic lower waterfall.
“We are excited to start what we hope will become another wonderful family tradition at Ball’s Falls Conservation Area. Traditionally, we host seasonal programming on site every year, but since we are currently unable to welcome community members, schools, and groups into the original 1800s historical buildings, we are bringing the fun outdoors, with wondrous lights and the magic of the holiday season,” says Alicia Powell, Manager of Conservation Area Services at NPCA. “By welcoming folks to experience the trails and village illuminated at night, we hope to offer a new, safe and fun family activity in the great outdoors.”
The Ball’s Falls Holiday Trail-An Illuminated Experience is open daily, now until December 20, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Guests will begin their experience at the Ball’s Falls Centre for Conservation, where they will check in with staff and tour through the displays before embarking on to the Heritage Village of Glen Elgin to see the illuminated lower falls. After making their way down the Switchback Trail, they will cross over the Twenty Mile Creek on the illuminated bridge, to the decorated enchanted village. The Big Barn, Chapel, Cabin and Victorian Home will be magically lit for the first time ever. Holiday Trail visitors are encouraged to stop to take in the breathtaking lower waterfall, illuminated to showcase the great vista Ball’s Falls is known for. Guests will then journey along the festive trail back to the Centre for Conservation’s parking lot to complete their experience.
On ‘Giving Weekend’, from December 11 to 13, all proceeds from the Ball’s Falls Holiday Trail will go to the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Foundation in support of future conservation projects. The NPCF is launching this fundraising weekend on Friday, Dec. 11, with physically distanced jolly greetings from Santa from 5 to 6 p.m. On Saturday, Dec. 12, Small Scale Farms will offer cider by donation from 5 to 9 p.m. A limited number of one-gallon Alberta Spruce trees will be available for sale for $25 each throughout this weekend.
“In light of not being able to hold physical events this year, this is a great starting point for both the Authority and Foundation to begin a new tradition, one that will only improve in the coming years,” adds Tom Insinna, Board Chair at NPCF. “It’s been a tough year for all, so we are hoping to - quite literally - shed some light on everyone’s holiday season.”
The trail is 30 to 40 minutes long, with each group having an hour-long time slot to enjoy. Tickets must be booked in advance and are available online. Admission is free for children five years old and under, $8 for adults and $6 for seniors and students. The Conservation Area’s accessible trails are stroller-friendly, and dogs are permitted on leash.
“We have designed a safe evening activity for our community to celebrate the winter and holiday season,” adds Powell. “In accordance with local public health guidelines, we have developed a process to safely welcome visitors to the park to see our main trail, bridges, heritage village and stunning waterfall lit up like never before.”
All guests must complete a COVID-19 health screening before arrival, within 24 hours of their reservation time. Masks are always required within the Centre for Conservation and while indoors, and guests are encouraged to wear masks throughout the trail experience. Accessible washroom facilities are available at the beginning of the trail at the Centre.
To learn more about Ball’s Falls Holiday Trail and to make a reservation, please visit npca.ca/events. For questions, reservation assistance, or to reserve over the phone, please call 905-562-5235 ext. 330.
For more information about the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority, visit www.npca.ca. To learn about other ways you can support the work of the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Foundation, visit niagaraconservationfoundation.com.
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About NPCA:
The Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority (NPCA) is a community-based natural resource management agency that works to protect, enhance, and sustain healthy watersheds. With 60 years of experience, the NPCA offers watershed programs and services that focus on flood and hazard management, source water protection, species protection, ecosystem restoration, community stewardship, and land management.
The NPCA is one of 36 Conservation Authorities in the Province of Ontario and manages 41 Conservation Areas within the Niagara Peninsula watershed held in public trust for recreation, heritage preservation, conservation, and education. These natural and shared greenspaces marry nature, culture, and adventure to create limitless opportunities for discovery.
About NPCF:
Founded in 1969, the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Foundation (NPCF) is a registered charity, governed by a volunteer board of directors that are dedicated to raising funds that support projects of the NPCA including improved water quality, increased green spaces, wetland and habitat restoration, and environmental education.
Questions related to the above release should be directed to:
Erika Navarro, Communications Specialist
Mobile: 905-650-4027
enavarro@npca.ca