Niagara Parks administers and maintains over 1,720 hectares (4,250 acres) of parkland along the Niagara River Corridor. These parklands include parks and picnic areas, historical and archaeological sites, golf courses, restaurants, gift shops, attractions, a horticultural school and kilometers of recreational trails along the scenic Niagara Parkway.
Many services and facilities are provided for a minimal fee. Among these are picnic areas complete with covered pavilions, tables, electrical outlets and washrooms. Several conditions apply to the use of picnic areas and pavilions under the jurisdiction of The Niagara Parks Commission (NPC). We ask that these conditions are read carefully and respectfully adhered to when visiting Niagara Parks properties:
1. NEW - Bus and/or Commercial Vehicles Permit
All Buses or Commercial Vehicles are required to obtain a permit while traveling throughout NPC property. Daily or Annual permits are available at bus management locations (e.g. Table Rock Center, Maid of the Mist, Rapidsview Parking Lot, Whirlpool Aero Car, the Butterfly Conservatory, or Floral Clock), or on-line at https://licence.niagaraparks.com
2. Litter and Clean Up
It is the responsibility of each picnic group to appoint its own clean up committee and to ensure that the grounds and pavilions are left clean. Remember, other groups may be coming in after yours and we ask for your cooperation in helping to keep the parklands clean.
3. Vehicles carrying persons with a disability
At McFarland Park, Queenston Heights Park and Niagara Glen Park, there is no provision for parking vehicles adjacent to the pavilions. Vehicles will be admitted to the pavilion area for the purpose of dropping off persons with a disability only. Please keep this to a 5 minute maximum. Buses will not be permitted. Please coordinate vehicle entry into pavilion area with the attendant and/or police officer on duty. Please drive slowly and with caution to ensure the safety of others in the picnic areas. These access roads and pathways are heavily congested with walking traffic. Access Roads and Pathways are not to be used for vehicles to drop off picnic supplies.
4. Dogs
Dogs are not allowed at Queenston Heights Park, Kingsbridge Park or Old Fort Erie. Dogs at McFarland House, Niagara Glen and all other areas must be on a leash and kept under direct control at all times. Please “stoop and scoop” - you are responsible to clean up after your pet.
5. Public Address Systems
In consideration of the many groups and individuals using the Pavilions and the Park on the same day as your picnic, the operation of a P.A. system is prohibited. Permission may be obtained to use a public address system at Queenston Heights Bandshell or Old Fort Erie Bandshell for public events such as church services, band concerts, etc. Please note: church services must be completed by 11 a.m.
6. Alcoholic Beverages
Alcoholic beverages are prohibited on NPC property under Section 31, sub-section 2, of the Liquor Licence Act of Ontario which reads as follows: “No person shall consume liquor (alcohol) in any place other than a residence, or a premises in respect of which a licence or permit is issued”.
7. Security
Unfortunately, our extensive grounds and large number of visitors are sometimes attractive to thieves and vandals. We strongly urge guests to lock all valuables in car trunks - do not tempt crime by leaving possessions in view. If a security issue does arise, please contact the Niagara Parks Police at (905) 356-1338.
8. NPC Picnic Food Services - NO SALE OF ANY FOOD, BEVERAGE OR PRODUCT IS PERMITTED ON NPC PROPERTY WITHOUT WRITTEN APPROVAL
Commercial catering firms are not permitted at any Niagara Parks location. In Queenston Heights Park, NPC can supply a complete range of food items for your group picnic. Arrangements can be made with Queenston Heights Restaurant in coordination with your pavilion booking.
9. Confirmation of Reservation
Please remember to carry your Pavilion Reservation Confirmation to the pavilion the day of your picnic. Pavilion space for picnics will be held for one hour after time of booked reservation.
10. Reservations for Pavilion Bookings
NPC reserves the ability to move functions within the Park. The NPC commits to ensuring that groups are provided with an alternate location or an alternate date at the same location, should this action be required.
In order to provide a pleasant experience for all of the users of our parklands, we ask that simple courtesy be the guideline. Enjoy your picnic in the Park!
Click here to learn How to Book a Picnic Pavilion.
Any enquiries regarding our picnic facilities should be directed to picnics@niagaraparks.com
The Niagara Parks Commission - Community Services
5881 Dunn Street
Niagara Falls, Ontario L2G 2N9
