3
Introductory

Traveler Rating

 

Activities
  • 6 days self guided cycling
Accommodation
  • 7 nights B&B's or hotels

Price

8 daysfrom

$1620USD

View Inclusions

Overview

Trip code: NWT

Trip highlights

  • Cycle along the shore of Lake Ontario and Lake Erie
  • Taste world-class wines of Niagara-on-the-lake
  • Visit Historical Fort Erie and Fort George
  • Watch large ships navigate historic Welland Canal and the old lock system
  • Explore the most scenic sections of the Waterfront Trail and the Friendship Trail
  • Get up close to thundering Niagara Falls

The Niagara Peninsula is nestled between two of the Great Lakes and the Niagara River and offers unique cycling opportunities along their shores. The renowned Waterfront Trail and the Friendship Trail are two of the off road trails you will experience, including an exploration of the historic Welland Canals which connect the Great Lakes to the St. Lawrence Seaway. But our ride also takes you along picturesque country roads with fruit plantations and vineyards. With its distinct microclimate and fertile soils, it's not surprising that the Niagara Peninsula is the largest area of viticulture in Canada. On your cycling adventure, you will have the opportunity to visit award-winning wineries and taste a variety of icewines. In addition to the lovely scenery and gastronomic delights, you will cycle through history with opportunities to visit Fort George and Fort Erie which is the location of Canada's bloodiest battle. A visit to this region would not be complete without visiting the most famous waterfall in North America; Niagara Falls.

Itinerary

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Make your way to your hotel in Burlington. You can reach Burlington by train or bus from Toronto.

Meals:  Nil

Our first day of cycling will be a fantastic introduction to the diversity that awaits you on this cycling adventure. Encounter scenic lake shore paths and the Niagara escarpment before ending your day with wine estate tasting tours. We start our day by cycling along the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail, a system which connects 155 communities and more than 500 parks over 3600km. You will ride past numerous beaches that make perfect spots to rest. Shortly after Grimsby you will reach the Niagara Escarpment, a steep but short climb. The Niagara escarpment has a unique microclimate. This, combined with the area’s fertile soils, forms Ontario’s prime fruit growing area. You will pass wineries and fields with a wide variety of fruit trees. Award-winning estates that host tours and tastings await you near the end of the day’s ride in Jordan’s wine country. You will also pass the Ball’s Falls Conservation Area, a beautiful UNESCO World Biosphere Park with a rich heritage and extensive hiking trails. After settling into your room consider visiting the Cave Spring Wine Cellar and touring some of Jordan Station’s charming boutiques.

Meals:  B

After breakfast this morning, you will be head north-east until you reach Lake Ontario. Today, you will mostly follow The Waterfront Trail, cycling on a mixture of residential and rural roads and on cycle paths with surfaces of hard-packed crushed stone dust. Our route will pass through Port Dalhousie’s harbour where you can take a ride on the famous Lakeside original Park Carousel. The carousel was carved between 1898 and 1905 and is proudly operated and maintained by the Friends of the Carousel, it is one of nine antique hand carved carousel left in Canada and you can still ride it for a nickel! After passing through the harbour, you will join the pathway, which offers breathtaking views overlooking the harbour. A few kilometers before you get into Niagara-on-the-lake which will be home for the next two nights, you will come across a few wineries including the Palatine Hills Estate, Konzelmann Estate, Hinterbrook Estate Winery and Strewn Winery. Hinterbrook Estate also has Oliv Tapas Bar where you can sample olive oils and balsamic vinegars.

Meals:  B

Today will surely be a memorable culinary experience! Our route will take you to the best estates and to some of the best restaurants on the Niagara Peninsula.

Meals:  B

As you exit Niagara-on-the-lake you will have the opportunity to visit four wineries including internationally-known Inniskillin and the unique House of Ice wines, where the winemakers will share secret recipes and make you taste her exclusive slushies. You then continue on the Niagara River Recreation Trail following the Niagara River which acts as the connecting channel between Lake Ontario and Lake Erie. On your ride today, enjoy a short climb on the Niagara Escarpment, through a lovely paved path in the lush forest. The Niagara escarpment enjoys a unique micro climate which, combined with fertile soils, forms Ontario’s prime fruit growing area. The ride is short today, allowing some extra time to enjoy the numerous activities and tourist attractions of Niagara Falls.

Meals:  B

Ride along the shores of Lake Erie, the shallowest of the Great Lakes. If your trip takes place early in the season, you may still see some ice cover on the lake. We invite you to take a break at Old Fort Erie where Canada's bloodiest Battlefield took place in 1812. Depending on the time of year, you may experience the sights and sounds of the fort under siege or witness musket demonstrations. This afternoon, continue on the Friendship Trail for 16 kilometres, all the way to Port Colborne. Much of the trail is located on an abandoned rail line and if time permits you will be able to take a swim at Crystal Beach.

Meals:  B

The day’s ride is a foray alongside the Welland Canal, a key section of the St. Lawrence Seaway that connects Lake Ontario to Lake Erie. A series of locks lines the route, where you can watch both cargo and passenger ships be raised and lowered. When the ships are "climbing the escarpment" in the "Flight Locks" (Locks 4, 5, 6 in Thorold), they are being raised 42.5 metres! Upon reaching St. Catharines, winding down and enjoy a restful evening after your tour.

Meals:  B

Services end after breakfast.

Meals:  B

Inclusions

What's included

  • 7 breakfasts
  • 7 nights in B&Bs or hotels, generally with private facilities in double occupancy
  • Luggage transfers (1 piece per person)
  • Hybrid bicycle rental, including helmet, 1 or 2 bike bags, bike lock, rear rack and basic repair kit
  • C$50 per person donation to the Trans Canada Trail
  • Navigation APP inclusive of detailed route notes and points of interest (available offline while cycling)
  • Emergency hotline

  • Wine tasting fees
  • Meals not listed in the itinerary
  • Items of a personal nature
  • Entrance fees and optional activities
  • International Flight
  • Travel Insurance
  • Applicable taxes

Accommodation

Charming B&B's

Accommodation on this trip is a combination of 3-star hotels and B&B's. Each has been chosen for its convenient location, local character, and quality. The trip price is based on 2 people per room. Please indicate if you prefer to share a bed, or have separate beds. A single supplement is available for those wishing to secure their own rooms, subject to availability.

Charming B&B's

Accommodation on this trip is a combination of 3-star hotels and B&B's. Each has been chosen for its convenient location, local character, and quality. The trip price is based on 2 people per room. Please indicate if you prefer to share a bed, or have separate beds. A single supplement is available for those wishing to secure their own rooms, subject to availability.

Bike information

Hybrid Bike

Modern hybrids suitable for road and mild off-road use with eighteen to twenty-four gears. They are provided with bike bag, helmet, lock, and basic tool kit.

E-bike

E-bike upgrades are possible upon request, subject to availability. They are provided with bike bag, helmet, lock, and basic tool kit. Great option for a boost and extra pedal-power!

Suitability

Introductory

3

The route is primarily smooth, paved, and mostly flat with a few steep (but very short) hills near the escarpment. Some sections of trail are on rolled stone dust and dirt and, in wet weather, parts of the trail may be muddy. Most cyclists of average ability should be able to complete the route easily especially as the cycling days do not exceed 60 kilometers in distance (with other days between 30-40km). Self guided walking or cycling requires individuals to use problem solving skills, be adaptable and have a keen eye. It is recommended that you are comfortable map reading, referring to route notes and that you have a good sense of direction (or are willing to work on improving this!). Cyclists will be expected to know how to fix a flat tire and make basic adjustments to their bicycles using the included repair kit. Sometimes route finding, losing your way, finding it again and asking the locals for help is all part of the adventure. If you’ve never been on a self guided trip, after the first couple of days you will get the hang of if as the vast majority of our first time travellers attest. Please be assured that our written material issued to you for route finding is updated regularly and we provide a 7-day service hotline in the event of any problems.

Departure dates

Sundays from late May through early October

Notes

Note:
Some accommodations may not have twin rooms. If you do not wish to share a bed with your travel companion you will have to pay a single supplement on those nights. Rooms with two beds may require an additional fee.
1
Shoulder season departure – All inclusions remain the same, but please note that the experience may vary as some attractions and tourist services may be limited during this time.

Want to organise a customised tour?

School groups, friends, family trips, corporate events or just tailoring a trip to suit your own needs - learn how you can tailor your own Customised Tour.

Priceper person from

$1620USD

* All prices subject to applicable taxes

Options & Supplements*
  • Discount for bringing own bikeUSD$-107
  • Electric Bike Supplement (on request, limited availability)USD$80
  • Single SupplementUSD$800
* Prices listed are per person. All prices subject to applicable taxes.

Trip reviews

Why travel with us

Our Expertise

Everyone who works with us, from our office staff, ground staff and guides is the ‘’real deal’’. Our team is comprised of actual hikers and cyclists who have explored or live in the region in which you will be traveling. Our entire network is highly-specialised in active travel.

Great Value

Quality services at the best price make our active trips great value for money. Having essential items included like National Park fees, accommodations, most meals, bikes for cycling trips, maps and support for peace of mind. Our inclusions allow you to better budget for your big adventure.

Innovative Itineraries

We look beyond the horizon to find new and exciting adventures. We’re passionate about shaping the next generation of outdoor travel in North America, and constantly seek different ways, routes and alternatives to exceed our clients’ dreams.

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We are committed to responsible travel and true sustainability, formed when the company was established, and in the face of a multitude of threats to the environment, our commitment is stronger than ever. We aim to "leave no trace" in both an environmental and cultural sense.