Whether you want to explore wine country, scenic shorelines and waterways, or other signature landscapes that can only be found in Niagara, taking in the view from the seat of a bike is a wonderful way to do it! Dozens of scenic routes winding throughout the region make it even easier to spin your wheels. Here are some of Niagara’s most popular ride routes.
Niagara River Parkway Recreational Trail
The Niagara River Parkway Recreational Trail is a 53-kilometre trail that runs parallel to the Niagara River and is a part of the Trans Canada Trail. The trail begins at Fort George in Niagara-on-the-Lake and ends at Anger Street in Fort Erie, on Niagara’s South Coast. Riders preferring not to cycle the trail in its entirety can choose one of four scenic sections: Niagara-on-the-Lake to Queenston, Queenston to the Whirlpool Aero Car, Chippawa to Black Creek, or Black Creek to Fort Erie.
Welland Canals Parkway
The Welland Canals Parkway Trail is a multi-use, asphalt trail that stretches 42 kilometres from Lakeshore Road in St. Catharines to Clarence Street in Port Colborne. Riders can watch large freighters floating down the Welland Canal, except for a 14-km section through Welland, where the path diverts to follow the old Canal system.
The Greater Niagara Circle Route
The Greater Niagara Circle Route, Niagara’s most prominent cycling attraction, spans over 140 kilometres and is made up mostly of paved trails that run through seven of Niagara’s 12 municipalities. Paved sections of the trail are three metres wide and pass through urban centres, the Niagara Escarpment, waterfronts and agricultural areas. While experienced riders can complete it in a day, turning it into a multi-day ride offers a more relaxed tour.
Ontario By Bike’s Niagara Falls and Circle Route North ride is a two-day loop that follows a part of the Niagara Circle Route from Port Dalhousie to Niagara-on-the-Lake and back with an overnight stay in Niagara Falls. Be sure to browse the Ontario By Bike website for even more fun ride ideas, like the Niagara Circle Route South.
Great Lakes Waterfront Trail
The Lake Ontario section of the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail winds its way along the Lake Ontario shoreline from Trenton to Niagara-on-the-Lake. Ontario By Bike’s Fruitland Ramble route showcases 35 kilometres of the Waterfront Trail through Grimsby and Beamsville. The Lake Erie section of the Trail in Niagara follows the Niagara River to Port Colborne.
Fort Erie Friendship Trail
The Fort Erie Friendship Trail is a 15-kilometre asphalt and paved multi-use trail that extends across Fort Erie. Beginning at the Port Colborne border, the trail leads to historic Old Fort Erie and the Niagara River Parkway Recreational Trail.
