labrahams1989
This is a secluded beauty. It is set in a beautiful landscape in an original colonial town. The walks are great, not too strenuous and very enjoyable. Luckily, nobody was there when I visited so I had the whole place to myself. It is a short hike for all amongst a beautiful landscape of waterfalls, trees and meadows. Great opportunity for photos, especially in the fall.
workinggirl21
Very beautiful park away from the hustle and bustle of Niagara Falls. Went here for the Thanksgiving Festival, very fun. Also took engaement photos here by the waterfall. Pictures turned out beautifully with the changing leaves. Nice family or romantic outing.
GaryZ80
I've passed the signs on the QEW for Balls Falls for years. Having exhausted most of the hiking areas in my Western NY area, I decided to cross the border into Ontario for a visit. After an easy ride of less than 1 hour, I arrived at Balls Falls Conservancy. The parking lot was near empty as I arrived on the Tuesday following Canada's Thanksgiving holiday. The reception building is beautiful and the young lady working that day was friendly & helpful. I started my hike to the Upper Falls first, following the trail along the river. The leaves were a beautiful bright yellow and nearing their fall splendor. Along the way I satisfied my photography hobby with lots of pictures. The Upper Falls were very pretty. Returning along the same route I headed to the Lower Falls. Although these falls are taller, the access for photos is a bit restricted due to a wall and bushes in my way. There is opportunity to explore a few old buildings on the premises as well. The hike itself was very easy with little elevation changes, a well laid out trail, and a short distance between the two falls. It was a nice way to spend a few hours in a peaceful, nature setting. Balls Falls is a great place for a family, even young children, to enjoy the great outdoors. Well worth the ride and bridge traffic at the border.
mama21h
We loved visiting and taking a walk through the conservation area. It is so beautiful. We happened to be visiting for the Thanksgiving Fair and we had so much fun!
Dave-Cathy-T
Balls Falls has great buildings that have been preserved and wonderful paths to hike. The hikes are not too strenuous and worth the walk. This is part of the Bruce Trail, so you can tell everyone that you hiked part of the Bruce Trail!
JanysH_12
Ball's Falls, originally known as Ball's Mills, is now a conservation area on the Niagara Escarpment in Jordan/Lincoln, Ontario. It has been designated a World Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO. Full of hiking trails, wildlife, flora and fauna, breath taking views, and the second largest cut in the Escarpment, Twenty Mile Creek, which is sometimes called Niagara's Other Falls. There are also several historical buildings such as the original home (1846) of the Ball family, a grist mill, a church, barns etc. all available for tours. And, there is a fabulous Centre for Conservation complete with interesting interactive exhibits. Ideal for all ages. Because the area is heavily forested, do take appropriate hiking footwear, can be a bit muddy at certain times of the year. Even though Ball's Falls is a conservation site, the facilities are available for rent. You can rent the barn, church, picnic pavillion, open fields and the Centre for Conservation. The rental fee is dependant on type of use, e.g. wedding, licenced or not, other group functions etc. The NPC facility also does arranged group tours for a fee. There is an admittance fee and you can buy membership passes. Check their website before you go as the Falls do have special public events such as their Thanksgiving Festival.
SHANAH993
Worth the detour if touring the bench wine area. Super easy hike to Upper Falls and the Lower Falls/historic village is great for those who aren't nature lovers (ahem - my husband) and lots of nice areas for a picnic if you have spoils from your food and wine touring. The Conservation Centre has good clean bathrooms and a small museum/gallery area. There is a more challenging hike option if that's your thing and you can connect from the Bruce Trail to the 20 Valley Trail which is just over 2kms one way and will take you to the village of Jordan. Lots of families with smaller kids (I think because of the ease of the Upper/Lower Falls walks) and overall the park is well signed and very clean - garbage pails along the paths and people are very respectful of this. Would be gorgeous in the fall when the leaves are changing - we will come back then for sure! Some other reviews mentioned that the falls were unimpressive - sigh. It's the end of the summer and the creek is almost dry - darn that nature! The waterfalls and gorges are still beautiful.
roxanneo2013
We enjoyed the little hike to the upper and lower falls. The falls themselves were unimpressive, with just a trickle of water. . .I guess in the spring it would be more interesting! The historic village was very well-kept and pretty. . .would be perfect for outdoor wedding photos! There was a wedding happening in the little white church while we were there.
Peytonsage
This is a little gem of a conservation area. The grounds are nicely kept and offer lots of picnic space. Combining open green space or wooded paths and a historic village thrown in there is lots to explore. Then of course there are the Falls themselves which are lovely.
gotthetravelbug2012
Stopped here on a Sunday afternoon. It's a beautiful spot & the walk to the falls is an easy hike. Would be great for a family picnic.
TimRNYC
This is about 30 minutes from the Canadian side of Niagara Falls. We appreciated the welcome center and staff, the well-marked trails, the information signs along the trails, and the views at the upper and lower falls, and along the way. The historical buildings and their information signs were great for context, as well. We were able to take in all of the above in about 90 minutes. We would like to come back and have more time for a more lengthy hike along the difficult trails (we only walked the easy trails). Incidentally, there is a great local cheese store along the way.
832nickt
Ball's Falls Conservation Area is a great place for a day trip.The "Historic Village" is interesting.The trails are well maintained and well signposted.The two falls are both really impressive, the upper falls more so (IMO) as you can get much nearer to it.The visitors center has all the amenities you'd expect.There are several picnic areas, all well maintained.Well worth the admission fee.
ItsMrsG
This venue was just perfect. Surrounded by trees, lots of parking (in a gated lot), beautiful barn. It was just great!! Unfortunately, they book up very quickly!
BellaBaggins
Wanted to see more of the area around Niagara-on-the-Lake and get in some walking, so drove to this lovely conservation area that turned out to have much more than we expected. Historic site as well as an environmental education center. Wonderful interactive exhibits in the museum section; well-marked trails to the lower and upper falls. Well worth a visit, with or without children.
douglash604
For those who like to visit old buildings this has to be one of the best!Historical buildings ranging from a log cabin to barns, drying shed and the original big house. The main house was not open when we visited or the log cabin but the barn was open for viewing .The river and falls are impressive. Good walks up to the higher falls. We saw an abundance of birds including blue jays and cardinals.