Thames Valley Trail

Our 110 km trail links the Elgin Trail which starts in Port Stanley on Lake Erie with the Avon Trail in St. Mary’s. It follows the Thames River for most of its route and provides a wonderful opportunity to pass through the Carolinian Zone. This area is unique in Canada and has trees, flowers and animals found only in Southwestern Ontario.

The southern portion passes through farmland before joining the Thames River south of Delaware. Through London, the trail follows a multi-use pathway much of the way and continues along the North Thames River. North of London the trail traverses the Fanshawe Conservation Area operated by the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority. North of the Conservation Area the river cuts a deeper valley, and the trail offers excellent views of this valley at several elevated locations.

The main trail is marked at regular intervals by white rectangular blazes, 15 cm high x 5 cm wide which are painted on trees, fence posts, utility poles and other suitable objects. A double blaze (two marks in parallel, one lower than the other) indicates a turn. If the upper mark is slightly offset to the left, the turn is to the left and if it is offset to the right, the trail makes a turn to the right.

Normally the next blaze can be seen from the current one, but on a straight forward path or where there are no suitable objects on which to put blazes, this may not be the case. Blue blazes are used to mark the side trails. As well, plaques with the Thames Valley Trail symbol are posted every 1 to 2 km along the trail.

You move through forests, meadows, farmland, parks and the city of London, past historic sites with the Thames River close by. As an association we keep the trail usable and as safe as possible in a natural setting. We offer guided hikes and other activities for our members and the public.

 

This 109 km valley trail can be accessed at numerous road crossings from Delaware to St. Marys. The Thames Valley Trail Guide is available at local book stores.

Gps points to the Southern Terminus of the Thames Valley Trail, where it joins with the Elgin Trail. 

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