The Niagara Region
Summary
Date: You can choose from mid-May to mid-October
Formula: self guided or fully autonomus
Trip length: 4 days
Distance: 210 km
Surfaces: 100% paved
Level of difficulty : 1
Day 1 | St. Catharines to Port Colborne | 50 km
Day 2 | Port Colborne to Niagara Falls | 60 km
Day 3 | Loop to Niagara-on-the-Lake | 65 km
Day 4 | Niagara Falls to St. Catharines | 35 km
How to Get to the Starting Point:
➤ By car: Over 650 km from Montreal. Take Highway 20, the 401, and the Queen Elizabeth Way (QEW).
➤ By train: Montreal -> Toronto via Via Rail* + Toronto -> St. Catharines via Go Transit.
➤ By bus: Montreal -> Toronto via Megabus* + Toronto -> St. Catharines via Megabus.
Note: Via Rail trains or Megabus do not accept bicycles on their trains or buses, but we will be happy to accommodate you with one of our rental bikes.
The Niagara Region
Imagine yourself cycling along the Welland Canal, a segment of the St. Lawrence Seaway, pedalling along and seeing the gigantic ships sail by. Ride along the astonishing Niagara River and marvel at the majestic falls—a natural spectacle not to be missed! Be charmed by the Niagara Escarpment and the country roads winding through endless orchards and vineyards. The Niagara Region promises you an unforgettable experience. Hop on your bike and let yourself be captivated by the beauty and richness of this superb region.
Detailed Overview
🛏️ Overnight in St. Catharines
Day 1 : St. Catharines to Port Colborne (50 km)
🚴 Begin your journey in St. Catharines and head towards Port Dalhousie, a hidden gem with rich maritime heritage and a picturesque waterfront. On a clear day, you can easily see downtown Toronto! Enjoy the beach, the restaurants, and head to the lighthouse to admire the vast expanse of Lake Ontario. Next, follow the Waterfront Trail along Lake Ontario to the mouth of the Welland Canal and take the Welland Canal bike path to Port Colborne, making sure to stop for a break in Thorold and Welland along the way.
🌟 Possible attractions/stops: Beaches (Lakeside Park Beach, Sunset Beach), St. Catharines Museum & Welland Canals Centre, Thorold, Welland, Port Colborne Historical and Marine Museum
🛏️ Overnight in Port Colborne
Day 2 : Port Colborne to Niagara Falls (60 km)
🚴Leave Port Colborne and head towards Fort Erie via the ‘Friendship Trails.’ This bike path takes you through farmland, villages, and quiet residential areas where bird fields are abundant. You’ll pass beaches and parks with splendid views of Lake Erie. Stop in Ridgeway to satisfy your sweet tooth at the chocolate shop, and consider heading to Crystal Beach to cool off before arriving in Fort Erie. There, you can explore the history of the 1812 War with guides dressed up in era costumes, reenactments, and interactive exhibits. Next, admire Buffalo and the Peace Bridge before taking the bike path along the Niagara River to Niagara Falls. This path offers spectacular views of the river, culminating in breathtaking views of the impressive falls.
🌟 Possible attractions/stops: Superb beaches, including Crystal Beach; Old Fort Erie; Niagara Falls
🛏️ Overnight in Niagara Falls
Day 3 : Loop to Niagara-on-the-Lake (65 km)
🚴Head towards Niagara-on-the-Lake via the bike path that runs along the Niagara River and the Niagara Parkway. This path offers spectacular views of the Niagara River. Take a break to admire the natural whirlpool. Along the way, you’ll pass near the Niagara Botanical Gardens, the Butterfly Conservatory, and the Floral Clock. Cross the escarpment by following the bike path through the lush forest. Next, take the country road lined with orchards (peaches, pears) and endless vineyards. Feel free to stop at a winery to taste local wines, especially the famous ice wine. You’ll also find fresh fruit stands before arriving in the charming town of Niagara-on-the-Lake. Admire the picturesque architecture and flower-filled streets of the town, and have a snack. Visit the historic site of Fort George to learn more about Canadian military history. For the return, take the recreational trail that runs along the Niagara River back to Niagara Falls.
🌟 Possible attractions/stops: Whirlpool, Botanical Gardens, Butterfly Conservatory, Wineries, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Fort George, Niagara Falls
🛏️ Overnight in Niagara Falls
Day 4 : Niagara Falls to St. Catharines (35 km)
🚴On the last day, the route is short to allow you to return home! Today, you’ll mainly follow The Greenbelt Route from Queenston to St. Catharines. This route offers stunning views of the escarpment, which has a unique microclimate and is the best place in Ontario to grow fruits. The road features varied landscapes, including farmland, urban environments, forests, and abundant orchards.
