Cycle along the shores of Lake Ontario and Lake Erie with Great Canadian Trails.
The Niagra Peninsula traces two of the Great Lakes, offering cyclists superlative views. Experience the renowned Waterfront Trail and Friendship Trail, and visit historical Fort George and Fort Erie. There are award-winning wineries to experience along the way and, of course, the most famous waterfall in North America: Niagara Falls.
BEFORE YOU GO
Please consult the latest updates from the Government of Canada, as well as your province/territory, your municipality and the organization that manages your chosen section of the Trail.We strongly encourage everyone using trails in our network to abide by all public health guidelines.
Overview | Inclusions
Duration: 7 days
Activities: 5 days self-guided cycling
Accommodation: 6 nights B&B
Meals: 6 breakfasts
What’s included
- 6-night accommodation, generally with private facilities in double occupancy
- 6 breakfasts
- 21-speed hybrid bicycle rental, including 2 panniers, bike lock, basic repair kit and bicycle insurance
- Daily luggage transfer
- Information pack including route notes and maps
- GPX tracks and voice navigation technology for GPS devices or smartphones
- Emergency hotline
- $50 donation to Trans Canada Trail
What’s not included
- Travel to/from Niagara Falls
- Guide (this is a self-guided tour)
- Personal expenses like wine-tasting fees and any expense not mentioned in the itinerary
- Optional activities and/or entrance fees
- Airfare, visas, applicable taxes, travel insurance (required)
Itinerary
Photo: Destination Ontario
Day 1: Arrive Niagara Falls
Make your way to your accommodation in Niagara Falls and revel in the beauty of the falls.
Day 2: Niagara Falls area to Port Colborne (60 km)
Your bikes will be delivered to you after breakfast. After some gear adjustments and a quick briefing, you’ll be off on your cycling adventure. 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 3: Port Colborne to Thorold (30 km)
After a short ride, take time to explore the Welland Canal and its series of locks where cargo and passenger ships are raised and lowered.
Day 4: Thorold to Niagara-on-the-Lake (40 km)
Head north towards Lake Ontario and stop at Port Dalhousie, before arriving in Niagara-on-the-Lake, which will be your home for the next two nights.
Day 5: Niagara-on-the-Lake Winery Loop (40 km)
Explore the area – our route will take you to the best wineries and restaurants on the Niagara Peninsula.
Day 6: Niagara-on-the-Lake to Niagara Falls area (29 km)
Enjoy a short climb on the Niagara Escarpment before arriving back in the falls area.
Day 7: Depart Niagara Falls
After breakfast, it’s time to say goodbye.
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.