Hike #9: Staff Avenue to 5th, Vineland (10.26 kms)

Staff Ave (Louth) to 5th Ave (Vineland)



We started our hike today on Staff Avenue. There are about 12 parking spots in the Staff Avenue Lot. We hiked to 5th Avenue/Victoria Ave, Vineland. There is no parking lot at this location; however, some people park by the water reservoir on 5th Ave. There are no washroom facilities at either location; however, there are washrooms and parking at Balls Falls (about 5 kms from Staff Avenue).  There are also a few wineries along this section of the Bruce Trail which offer tastings and would likely have washrooms.




Start of the trail at Staff Ave Parking Lot



This section of the trail is for hiking only. We heard quite a few loud cannon booms as well as high pitched ultra sonic bird deterrents. 


You will traverse a rocky path that winds through boulders blanketed in moss.


After a short hike (about 800 m) through the woods you will come out on Staff Ave not too far from the parking lot where you started.  You can actually look back and see the parking lot. 





View of the parking lot on Staff Ave from where the trail exited the woods



As you continue the Bruce Trail on Staff Avenue, you will pass two wineries,  Staff Estate Winer and Flat Rock Cellars. Both offer tastings after 11 am. Walk-ins are welcome subject to availability. 









View of Vineyards from Staff Ave

From Staff Ave you will turn onto 17th street (busy road). Here you will get a beautiful view of Lake Ontario. On a clear day you can see across to Toronto. We could see a complete outline of the city today with the naked eye; however, only the Skydome (Rogers Centre) shows up clearly in the photo.

View of the Lake from 17th Street


On the right you will pass Shangri-La Family Campground. This is the first time we have seen a place to stay for the night directly on the Bruce Trail. 


As you head North on 17th Street you will see the sign indicating hikers crossing. About a hundred metres North of the sign you re-enter the woods on the left hand side.








Tributary of 18 Mile Creek









Bridge in memory of Tys Murre for his contributions to Bruce Trail Conservation, 2012


Another Tributary of 18 Mile Creek 


When you come out onto 19th street there is a painted crosswalk and you re-enter the woods on the other side. 




You will also be crossing Glen Rd, where there is a small parking lot, as you head towards Balls Falls along 20 Mile Creek. Be extra careful as it is a blind corner. 


There are spots where you can descend to explore the limestone plateaus of 20 Mile Creek. Water levels are quite low late in the summer. You can follow on the river bed to the base of Balls Falls (not part of the Bruce Trail).



There is a very steep set of stairs (120 stairs and yes I counted them!) that will bring you up to the top of Balls Falls. The picture does not do it justice, it is much steeper than it looks!

lower level of stairs

Upper level of stairs

At the top of the stair case you will enter Balls Falls Conservation area and come upon a small man made pond and historic pioneer village. There is a Thanksgiving Festival each year with vendors, children activities, and craft beer. Click the link to purchase advanced tickets to attend:  Balls Falls Thanksgiving Festival  

Dugout Pond


You will need to take a slight detour from the Bruce Trail to view the falls from the top.  Click the link to learn more about Balls Falls: Balls Falls





Just to compare, here is a picture of Balls Falls taken on June 14th, 2020 to show how the water over the falls fluctuates from early to late summer. I plan on revisiting early spring to view it in all its glory.





The Gristmill was built by the Ball's brothers (namesake for the conservation area). 



Gristmill 

You will continue along 6th Ave over 20 Mile Creek, where you can view the upper falls, and then duck back into the woods along the other of side of 20 Mile Creek. 

6th Ave




Bridge over Upper Balls Falls

After a short walk down 5th Ave, past a small private farm, the trail will continue on the other side of Victoria Ave. 





View down 5th Ave












We finished this mornings hike where 5th Avenue meets Victoria Ave in a T junction. The trail continues on the other side of Victoria Ave. If at this time you are ready for another wine tasting you have the choice of Cloudsley Cellars (200 m North of the Bruce Trail) or Featherstone Winery (200 m South of the Bruce Trail) on Victoria Ave. 


 Bruce Trail Head on Victoria Ave

We chose to stop in at Cloudsley Cellars and enjoy a complimentary sample (with purchase) of Chardonnay while we waited for our chauffeur (my dad) to pick us up and drive us back to our car at Staff Ave. Click the link to check out their selection of Chardonnay and Pinot Noirs: Cloudsley Cellars





About the Area: If you walk or drive North down Victoria Ave towards the lake you will come the heart of the quaint town of Vineland where you can get a bite to eat. As you continue towards the lake there are several fruit stands and antique markets on both sides of Victoria Ave.




Hike #9

Date:                        September 3rd, 2021

Start:                        Staff Ave Parking Lot (Free Parking) : Staff Ave Parking

Finish:                      5th Avenue, Vineland  (No Parking) 5th Avenue

Distance:                10.25 kms

Time:                       2:46 hours 

Difficulty:               Easy

Trail Use:                 Hiking only

Total kms hiked:   60.6  kms

Kms remaining:    851.3 kms


Bruce Trail Website



































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