Cycling is one of the best ways to experience the Niagara Region.
Several trails along different routes in the Region offer a chance to see:
- varied flora
- historical sites
- natural beauty
- wine country
- …and so much more
Here are some of the major routes that you can navigate through cycling.
So push those pedals and explore the Region!
Welland Canals Parkway Trail
Cycle your way through the trail in Welland Canal. It runs between St. Catharines and Port Colborne for a distance of 45 km.
This interesting trail enables you to take a closer look at the shipping activities in the historic Welland Canal. You can view massive ships moving through the water to transport goods. A major attraction are the locks that lift these ships and lower them again enabling a smooth passage through the canal. Lock 7 at Thorold involves the highest climb for ships in the canal. Lock 8 at Port Colborne is one of the world’s longest locks.
There are viewing platforms at St. Catharines, Thorold and Port Colborne so you can stop by to take a look at these engineering marvels. The trail offers a comfortable ride for cyclists along with scenic views.
Niagara River Recreation Trail
This 56 km route offers some of the most picturesque views along the way. Pedal through the Fort Erie area where you can halt at historic sites as well as beaches. There are several natural & historical attractions throughout the trail, including the scenic Niagara Parkway.
Stop in Niagara Falls and walk along the sidewalk with your bicycle to admire the lovely views of the Niagara River and the Falls.
There are several other attractions including
Along the route, the charming town of Niagara-on-the-Lake offers wonderful views, historic sites and several lovely wineries. The recreation trail is a bicycle friendly route. There are many restaurants on the route that have bicycle racks and well-maintained washrooms.
Pelham Route
Explore the wonderful farmlands, orchards and community life along the Pelham route. Pelham also hosts a farmers’ market and supper market. The town offers a wonderful glimpse into its natural beauty & agricultural bounty along the 34 km route. You can enjoy soothing views of the Welland River and make a halt to enjoy some good food.
Visit North Pelham to see an ancient church founded in 1828, or stop by the Lookout Point Country Club, for a panoramic view of Niagara as well as the Toronto skyline.
West Lincoln and Wainfleet Route
If you wish to see the coastal areas of Niagara, this is a great trail to go cycling. Rivers, wetlands, beaches and some amazing flora & fauna are the rewarding sights on this 49 km route. You can see small animals and birds along a part of a sub-trail known as Gord Harry Trail. If the weather’s sunny you can also stop at the Long Beach Conservation Area and Campground to relax at the beach. Scenic vistas welcome you in West Lincoln and several other places on this trail.
Grimsby and Lincoln Route
Cycle your way through the towns of Grimsby and Lincoln stopping to take in the views.
The 40 km route includes
- parks
- vineyards
- charming cottages
- museums
You will also pass through a section of the Niagara Escarpment on this route. There are several places where you can enjoy a meal and enough restrooms to freshen up at various places along the route.
Niagara Wine Route
Exploring Niagara’s wine country through cycling allows you to truly enjoy the spectacular scenery and the charming wineries.
If you wish to understand Niagara’s contribution to the wine industry, and the winemaking process that goes into making award-winning wines, this route will help you do that.
Feel the wind on your face as you ride past vineyards, farmlands and wineries. The town of Niagara-on-the-Lake has several wonderful wineries where you can stop and take a tour. Jackson-Triggs Estate Winery and Inniskillin Winery are two such fantastic wineries that offer a varied range of red and white wines as well as icewines, dessert wines & more. Buy a bottle or two of your favourite drink as a keepsake of your cycling tour along the route!
Niagara Greenbelt
The Greenbelt consists of 1.8 million acres of protected land, stretching across various territories in Ontario. It also includes the 48 km Niagara section. Farmlands, forests, wetlands and the Niagara Escarpment are a part of the Niagara Greenbelt.
It offers an opportunity to understand the beauty of the region as you cycle through St. Catharines, Niagara-on-the-Lake and other areas. The area is rich in agricultural produce and you can see plenty of fruits and vegetables grown in the farmlands here. Navigate country roads and rustic settings as you discover, vineyards, wineries and fruit farms. There are plenty of places to relax and you can also halt at one of the restaurants along the way to grab a bite.
