Guided Niagara Glen hikes require sturdy shoes, but the gear is often included.

You need good hiking boots, but most guided tours provide helmets and walking poles.

The Niagara Glen has two main guided options. Niagara Parks runs interpretive hikes several times a week during peak season — these are led by naturalists and cover the geology and ecology. There are also private outfitters like Niagara Adventure Tours that offer more technical or longer routes. Both are fine; just check the focus (history vs. scrambling) before booking.

The terrain is rocky, slippery, and steep in places. No flip-flops. No sandals. You want something with ankle support and real tread. The guides usually hand out helmets because of rockfall risk (the cliffs are actively eroding). Walking poles are often available too. That’s it for special gear. If you own trekking poles, bring them, but you won’t look dumb without them.

The gorge doesn’t forgive bad footwear.