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Duration
7 days
Activities
  • 5 days self guided cycling
Accommodation
  • 6 nights B&B's
Meals
  • 6 Breakfasts

Price

$1290USD

* All prices subject to applicable taxes

THIS TRIP IS
100% CARBON OFFSET
Read More

Trip Code: NWT

Overview

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.

Activities:
Grading:
3

Introductory

More info about grading system

Rating: 

Itinerary

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Make your way to your accommodation in busy Niagara Falls. The falls themselves are composed of three falls; Horseshoe Falls, the American Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls. The Niagara Falls are recognized as a natural wonder and, while they are not the tallest in Canada, it is the combination of both the volume and height that makes them so impressive. The falls have attracted daredevils from all over the world and many stunts have been tried over Niagara Falls including descending the falls in a barrel and tightrope walking across the falls. Enjoy a good night's rest in your quiet Bed & Breakfast a short distance from the city centre.

Meals:  Nil

Your fully-equipped rental bikes will be delivered to you after breakfast this morning. After adjustments and a quick briefing, you're off on the fantastic trail system around the Niagara Peninsula. This first morning of cycling takes you 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

A short day of cycling today with plenty of time to explore the Welland Canal, which forms a key section of the St. Lawrence Seaway by connecting Lake Ontario to Lake Erie. A series of locks lines the way, 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! Arrive at your accommodation near the canal, on the quiet outskirts of St Catharines.

Meals:  B

This morning after a hearty breakfast, you will be heading north along an old canal system until you reach Lake Ontario. From here, you will mostly follow The Waterfront Trail, a system which connects 68 communities and more than 405 parks over 1400km. The route is a mixture of residential and rural roads and on cycle paths with surfaces of hard-packed crushed stone dust, and passes 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 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

Services end after breakfast.

Meals:  B

Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.
On self guided trips, actual route information provided before departure will be more detailed.

Inclusions

What's included

  • 6 breakfasts
  • 6 nights in B&Bs, generally with private facilities in double occupancy
  • Navigation APP inclusive of detailed route notes and points of interest (available offline while cycling)
  • 21-speed hybrid bicycle rental, including 2 panniers, bike lock, basic repair kit, and bicycle insurance
  • Luggage transfers (1 piece per person)
  • Emergency hotline
  • C$50 per person donation to the Trans Canada Trail

  • Wine tasting fees
  • Meals other than breakfast
  • 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 panniers, helmet, lock, bell, and basic tool kit.

E-bike

E-bike upgrades are possible upon request, subject to availability. They are provided with panniers, helmet, lock, bell, 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.

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Total Priceper person from

$1290USD

* All prices subject to applicable taxes

Options & Supplements*
  • Discount for bringing own bikeUSD$-116
  • Electric Bike Supplement (on request, limited availability)USD$60
  • Single SupplementUSD$680
  • Solo Traveller SupplementUSD$880
* 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 travelling. Our entire network is highly-specialised in active travel.

Great Value

Quality services at the best price make our adventures great value for money. Having essential items included like National Park fees, charming 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 Canada, and constantly seek different ways, routes and alternatives to exceed our clients’ dreams.

ECO Friendly

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.