Spring hikes in Niagara are not for the faint of heart, even if they only last an hour or two. While the region is certainly beautiful any time of the year, the wild and wooly weather that sometimes strikes during March and April can make for some wet, chilly, and surprising outdoor experiences.
Whether you’re planning a trip into the Niagara Glen or you’re headed out along the Bruce Trail, don’t get caught in a storm without a snack or two to energize you. Here are some of the best snacks to take along with you when you’re traveling to the Niagara region and hoping to take in a hike this spring.
Hot Chocolate
Few people would say hot chocolate qualifies as a “snack,” but that’s just because they’re aren’t exercising their imaginations properly. Full of easy-to-consume calories and bursting with just the right amount of caffeine, a thermos full of hot chocolate is a great and delicious snack. Especially on those spring days when winter’s chill is still very present or when a cold rain is likely to fall on you, a thermos of hot chocolate totally hit the spot.
Stop by a Tim Horton’s or Niagara Falls’ Paris Crepes Cafe to fill up your thermos before you hit the trail.
Pizza Strips
Many Canadians and Americans agree that there’s no such thing as a bad time to eat pizza. Hot, cold, homemade, or gourmet, pizza tastes great whenever you’re lucky enough to eat it no matter what you’re doing. When you’re vacationing in Niagara, there are plenty of places to get a delicious-tasting pie, whether you get wood-fired pizza from Antica or a perfectly tasty and unassuming pizza from Frank’s. So, plan accordingly.
The day before you head out on a hike, order up some pizza and be sure to get more than you need. Then, before you pack it up, cut the leftover slices into easy to carry strips. That way, when you’re out on your hike the next day, no matter what type of bad weather or muddy conditions greet you, you’ll have a pizza snack to look forward to that will vastly improve your hunger pangs and your spirits.
The Perfect Sandwich
The perfect sandwich is a great snack companion on any hike, regardless of the season or the location. In fact, the only downside to the perfect sandwich when you’re hiking is having been able to find it before you set out. Lucky for you, when you’re hiking in Niagara, numerous perfect sandwich opportunities are available. Here are a handful to choose from that will make any spring hike — no matter how cold, wet, or crummy — absolutely perfect:
- The Prime Rib Sandwich at Canyon Creek.
- The Fig and Prosciutto at Easy Street Sandwiches and Treats.
- The Ham and Cheese from The Famous.
So, don’t let the conditions in and around Niagara discourage you from heading out for a spring hike or two. Especially if you load up on snacks like these, you’ll always have plenty of delicious calories to lift your spirits and your energy level.