Trans Canada Trail | Great Canadian Trails: Niagara Wines and Waterfront Trails

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

Book your self-guided journey now!

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: 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 7: 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

Book your self-guided journey now!

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.