Black Creek, Fort Erie

Trip Rating: 4.25 / 5

Black Creek sits on the eastern edge of the Niagara Peninsula in Fort Erie, directly across the Niagara River from Buffalo, New York. Originally settled by Loyalist forces in the late 1700s, this area played a meaningful role in the early defense and development of Canada. The surrounding forests, waterways, and proximity to the Niagara River supported a strong timber and milling economy, traces of which still shape the landscape today.

As a paddling destination, Black Creek consistently surprises. The route moves through open grasslands, conservation areas, forested corridors, and residential edges, offering a sense of progression rather than a single focal feature. From the upper reaches near the International Country Club of Niagara, through the United Empire Loyalist Conservation Area, and toward Stevensville Conservation Area, it is a trip that rewards repeat exploration.

You could paddle Black Creek ten times and still discover something new.

Route Overview

The defining feature of this trip is contrast. The approach begins on the Niagara River, a section that demands attention and correct decision-making. Once inside Black Creek, the environment changes immediately. The water becomes calm and sheltered, the banks narrow, and the paddle settles into a quiet, almost private experience.

The creek winds gently through flat terrain with minimal current under normal conditions. Manicured fairways transition into protected wetlands and forest corridors, with frequent wildlife sightings and a strong feeling of separation from nearby development.

Launch Site

The launch is located on the Niagara River with a small parking area and a dock accessed by a short walk of approximately 30 metres.

Location: 13313 Niagara Pkwy, Niagara Falls, ON L2E 6S6

The parking area near the launch.

The dock on the Niagara River.

Navigation Notes

After launching into the Niagara River, paddlers must head south. A large weeping willow near the dock serves as a useful visual reference: if you see it to your left, you are facing south.

A large weeping willow beside the dock, a useful reference point. After a short paddle south, a distinctive bridge marks the entrance to Black Creek.

The bridge marking the entrance to Black Creek.

On the Creek

Inside the creek, the character changes completely. The water is flat and sheltered, with striking blue-green tones in places. Houses line the north bank near the entrance before giving way to open land, golf course fairways, and protected conservation areas.

The creek just beyond the river entrance.

Footbridges wind through the conservation area, where wildlife sightings are common. On this trip, a large heron lifted off directly from the creek bank, a moment that perfectly captured the quiet, intimate nature of this route.

A heron taking off from the creek bank. Beyond the houses, the creek continues through open land and conservation corridors. On this particular outing, weather moved in quickly, prompting an early turnaround. Reaching further downstream remains an open invitation for another day.

Cost

$0

Difficulty

This route requires extra caution at the Niagara River entry. While the river stretch is short, paddlers must be confident in their navigation and situational awareness. Identifying the correct direction of travel is critical. The Niagara can be busy with boat traffic, so be careful.

Once inside Black Creek, conditions are calm and approachable. Seasonal factors matter. Spring runoff or heavy rainfall may increase water levels and current, particularly near the entrance.

Appropriate safety gear and conservative decision-making are recommended on every trip.

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