Cycle along the shores of Lake Ontario and Lake Erie with Great Canadian Trails.
Head out on a cycling adventure along the Waterfront and Friendship trails, explore the historic Welland Canal, enjoy Ontario’s prime fruit-growing and wine-making region, and experience the awe-inspiring Niagara Falls on this self-guided cycling tour.
Overview | Inclusions
Duration: 8 days
Activities: 6 days self-guided cycling
Accommodation: 7 nights B&Bs/guesthouses
Meals: 7 breakfasts
What’s included
- 7-night accommodation, generally with private facilities in double occupancy
- 7 breakfasts
- Hybrid bike rental, including bike bag, bike lock, rear rack and basic repair kit
- Daily luggage transfer (1 piece per person)
- Navigation app including detailed route notes and points of interest (one per group)
- Use of Garmin emergency communications device (one per group)
- $50 donation to Trans Canada Trail
What’s not included
- Travel to/from departure and conclusion point
- Airfare, visas, travel insurance (required)
- Guide (this is a self-guided tour)
- Optional e-bike upgrade
- Personal expenses
- Meals not listed in the itinerary
- Entrance fees and optional activities
- Wine-tasting fees
- All applicable taxes
Itinerary
Photo: Destination Ontario
Day 1: Arrive Burlington
Make your way to your accommodation in Burlington and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure.
Day 2: Burlington to Jordan Station (approx. 54 km)
Kick off your journey with a lovely trip along the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail to Grimsby, where you’ll reach the Niagara Escarpment, Ontario’s prime fruit-growing region. Jordan Station, your home for the night, offers award-winning vineyards and wine tastings.
Day 3: Jordan Station to Niagara-on-the-Lake (approx. 38 km)
After breakfast, head to Lake Ontario, where you’ll follow the Waterfront Trail through Port Dalhousie – take a break and ride the Park Carousel for a nickel! – and along the pathway to Niagara-on-the-Lake, your home base for the next two nights. If you like, head out for wine, olive oil or balsamic vinegar tastings.
Day 4: Niagara-on-the-Lake: Winery loop (approx. 40 km)
Today, cycle along a relaxed route that takes you to the best wineries and restaurants on the Niagara Peninsula. Enjoy!
Day 5: Niagara-on-the-Lake to Niagara Falls area (approx. 29 km)
After breakfast, head towards Niagara Falls. If you like, stop for tastings at two renowned wineries: Inniskillin and Icellars Estate Winery. Continue on the Niagara River Recreational Trail to Niagara Falls, where you can explore the varied attractions in town.
Day 6: Niagara Falls area to Port Colborne (approx. 60 km)
Ride along the shores of Lake Erie. Stop at Old Fort Erie, and see history come alive. In the afternoon, follow the Friendship Trail all the way to Port Colborne.
Day 7: Port Colborne to St. Catharines (approx. 34 km)
Today, cycle along the Welland Canal, where you can view a series of locks en route. Travel through Thorold to Saint Catharines.
Day 8: Depart St. Catharines
Services end after breakfast.
Getting there
- By car: Niagara Falls is approximately 90 minutes from Toronto via the QEW.
- By bus: The GO Bus services the Niagara region when the GO Train does not (off-peak season).
- By train: Niagara Falls is accessible by VIA Rail from Toronto and by Greater Toronto Area’s GO Transit system (the train takes approximately 2 hours).
- By air: The nearest international airport is Toronto Pearson (YYZ). The Toronto UP Express train links Pearson to downtown Toronto/Union Station where you can connect to VIA Rail or GO Transit
Great Canadian Trails: A note on self-guided adventures
Self-guided walking requires individuals to use problem-solving skills, to be adaptable and to have a keen eye. It’s recommended that individuals are comfortable reading a map and referring to route notes, while having a good sense of direction (or are willing to work on improving this!)
Sometimes route finding, losing your way, and asking the locals for help are all part of the adventure. If you’ve never been on a self-guided trip, you’ll get the hang of it after the first couple of days, as the vast majority of first-time travellers with Great Canadian Trails attest.
Written route-finding materials issued by Great Canadian Trails are updated regularly. Great Canadian Trails provides a seven-day service hotline to help solve problems and answer questions.
