People come from far and wide to enjoy some of Ontario’s most beautiful cycling routes and take advantage of the services offered by Voyager à vélo.
From the other side of the planet, in fact!
Two couples from New Zealand recently treated themselves to an unforgettable cycling vacation in Canada.
The group of four flew from their home country in the Pacific to Canada. After landing in British Columbia, the travellers boarded a train and crossed the Prairie provinces on their way to Ontario.
Their train journey brought them to Toronto. From there, the New Zealanders hopped on another train to St. Catharines. The Niagara region and its extensive cycling network were waiting for them.
Two couples from New Zealand. / Voyager à vélo
To make the most of their stay, the cyclists mainly used two Voyager à vélo services: luggage transportation to their accommodations and the rental of four bicycles. The perfect way to start a cycling adventure with complete peace of mind.
They had planned a journey of approximately 160 kilometres, much of it on dedicated cycling paths.
A variety of landscapes awaited them: the vast Great Lakes, deep rivers, inviting vineyards, fruit-growing farmland and much more.
The first leg of their adventure began in St. Catharines and headed south toward Port Colborne.
The two couples rode along the Welland Canals Parkway Trail, a 45-kilometre paved cycling path that follows the Welland Canal through the Niagara Peninsula. The canal connects Lake Ontario in the north to Lake Erie in the south. As part of the St. Lawrence Seaway, it allows ships to bypass Niagara Falls.
Welland Canals / Le Cycliste du dimanche
Passing through eight locks, ships travel remarkably close to the cycling path — an experience that is anything but ordinary.
In Port Colborne, visitors cannot miss the impressive marina located right at the mouth of the canal.
The Friendship Trail then allows cyclists to continue toward Fort Erie, located at the southern end of the Niagara River, where it begins at Lake Erie.
This historic town, located across the river from Buffalo, New York, played an important role in the War of 1812. A fascinating stop for anyone interested in history.
The cycling route then leads travellers toward Niagara Falls, the world-famous city known for its spectacular waterfalls. In addition to its many attractions, the regional tourism hub offers a wide selection of accommodations and restaurants.
Still riding on paved paths, the New Zealand cyclists enjoyed some of the most pleasant scenery of their entire trip. Heading toward Niagara-on-the-Lake, they passed through beautiful forests and numerous flower-filled parks.
Niagara-on-the-Lake / Le Cycliste du dimanche
In some places, the Niagara River offers breathtaking views, while its steep banks can make your head spin. On the other side of the road, it is impossible to miss the magnificent estates and beautifully maintained properties in this region, which is home to numerous vineyards.
This was the perfect part of the trip for the cyclists to stop and take plenty of pictures.
The Voyager à vélo clients certainly fell in love with charming Niagara-on-the-Lake. This peaceful town, decorated with colourful floral displays, has a way of winning over visitors looking for a change of scenery.
There are plenty of restaurants and bars to discover. Its downtown area is the perfect place to sample local products, including craft beers.
To return to St. Catharines, cyclists can follow paved country roads that showcase the agricultural landscapes of the Niagara region, particularly known for its abundant peach orchards.
Niagara area / Le Cycliste du dimanche
For these two couples from New Zealand, Voyager à vélo made it possible to discover one of Ontario’s most beautiful cycling regions without having to worry about the logistics. While their luggage was transported to their accommodations, they could simply enjoy their journey and the spectacular landscapes of Niagara.
A wonderful demonstration that cycling tourism can take you far… very far! Even from New Zealand all the way to Canada.
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