Niagara Geopark Trail Network Summit 2026

Thursday, November 5, 2026 | 9:00 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
NPCA Ball’s Falls Centre for Conservation
Doors open at 8:30 a.m. | Coffee, muffins & lunch provided

Niagara Geopark is bringing together businesses, tourism leaders, trail organizations, municipalities, Indigenous partners, conservation organizations, community groups and government representatives for the 2026 Niagara Geopark Trail Network Summit.

Join us to learn about the ancient Network of Indigenous trails, many still part of the landscape today, that remind us that this region has long been a place of movement, exchange, diplomacy, and connection to the land.

Listen in as a panel of experts discuss how hiking, cycling, geo-tourism and cultural heritage can be leveraged for the benefit of residents and the tourism industry.

And, for the first time, get a sneak peek at the Geopark Digital Ranger, a cutting-edge AI interface that will deepen our connection to our natural world and transform how residents and visitors discover and experience Niagara.

This is an opportunity to see the technology demonstrated live, understand where it is heading and discover how your business or organization can be part of it.

What is the Niagara Geopark Trail Network?

The Niagara Geopark Trail Network will connect Niagara’s trails, Geosites, Indigenous knowledge and stories, cultural heritage, communities, tourism experiences and local businesses through one accessible digital platform.

At the heart of the Network is the Geopark Digital Ranger — an AI-powered visitor tool designed to help people discover Niagara based on their interests.

Whether someone is looking for a hike, cycling route, geological site, cultural experience, winery, local restaurant or a new community to explore, the Digital Ranger will help connect us with relevant places and experiences across the region.

Why Does Niagara Need It?

Niagara is a treasure trove of extraordinary trails, natural landscapes, cultural destinations, tourism experiences and inspired local businesses. What we lack is a cohesive means to explore everything the region has to offer. 

That’s where the Trail Network comes in.

Rather than simply directing someone to a natural feature or other destination, the platform will allow them to go deeper and discover more.  It will create a richer Niagara experience by connecting our natural landscapes with often overlooked gems like museums, a family winery, a local sandwich shop, an art gallery, craft shop, … you name it. 

The goal is to encourage visitors to discover more of Niagara, explore responsibly, stay longer and support communities and businesses throughout the region.

How Can You Be Part of It?

The Trail Network is being built as a collaborative regional initiative — and we want you to help shape it.

The Summit is your opportunity to see the Geopark Digital Ranger demonstrated live, ask questions and learn how your organization could participate.

For businesses and organizations, that could mean becoming part of the experiences and information visitors discover through the platform, contributing local knowledge and content, identifying opportunities and helping us build stronger connections between trails, communities and destinations.

What’s in it for you? Greater connection to Niagara’s visitor economy, new opportunities to be discovered by residents and visitors, and a chance to help shape a regional tourism platform while it is still being developed.

What You’ll Gain

At the Summit, you will:

• See the Geopark Digital Ranger AI chatbot demonstrated live.
• Discover how your business or organization could be featured and connected with visitors through the platform.
• Explore emerging opportunities in hiking, cycling, geotourism, cultural heritage, wine and culinary tourism.
• Hear from sector experts about the future of geo-tourism in Niagara.
• Connect with businesses, tourism leaders, community organizations and government representatives.
• Ask questions and learn what participation could mean for you and your organization.