The rectangle of land between Lake Erie, Lake Ontario and the Niagara River is Canada’s Niagara Region, a fertile farm and orchard district with good wine and a thriving tourism industry. A well-designed and very popular parkland bike path runs the length of the river between Niagara-On-The-Lake and Niagara Falls, next to the motorway. The surrounding countryside is mainly flat, and provides many opportunities for bike explorations; inexpensive bike rental is available in many places. (To find out more about the area, its attractions and how to get there, contact Niagara Tourism, 1-800-56-FALLS or 905-356-6061.)
For Experts
A very seasoned cyclist can make it from Toronto to Niagara Falls and back within a single day of riding (a distance of some 260 kilometres/162 miles). The land is mainly flat until a substantial climb up the Niagara escarpment into Niagara Falls itself, and much of it can be accomplished on well maintained secondary roads where motorists are used to seeing cyclists. A less strenuous option, of course, is to do the run out on one day and return the next, which is a good alternatve for a fit and experienced rider who wants a challenge.
For Casual Riders
This 35 kilometre/20 mile-circuit would suit cyclists of modest skills. With stopoffs, it will nicely fill up an afternoon of adult riding. Note that Step 1 is suitable even for very small children. From Step 2, riders are sharing the road with cars and large trucks, and sometimes the shoulder is minimal and rough.
- Beginning at Niagara-On-The-Lake, ride south along the riverside bike path. Consider stopping at Fort George, a winery or two, or the Mackenzie Museum along the way.
- After about 30 minutes of gentle riding, follow the bike path as it joins the main road and then turn west along York Road. (There is one very short sharp climb just before the turnoff point.) Follow York Road for a visit to Chateau des Charmes winery, a fancy establishment with air conditioning and superior bathrooms.
- Very slightly retrace your route and head north up Four Mile Creek Road all the way back into Niagara-On-The-Lake. As you reach town again, consider a visit to Sunnybrook Farms winery, which specializes in fruit and berry wines that are not available through retail outlets.
Getting There from Toronto
- By Train: A new option launched in the summer of 2007: the Toronto-Niagara Bike Train, which leaves Toronto at 10 a.m. and returns from Niagara Falls at 5 p.m. It’s a two-hour trip. (Of course, there is also an option to stay overnight or to take the train one way and ride back.) The 2007 schedule is limited, and each train can accommodate up to 56 bikes, but the service is expected to expand from 2008 onwards.
- By Bus: Greyhound (1-800-661-8747) runs from Toronto and other locations into both Niagara Falls and St. Catharine’s. In theory, bicycles are allowed as luggage, but in practice drivers seem to have a great deal of discretionary power, so it’s wise to confirm with agents ahead of time, to plan for surprises, and to avoid the busiest travel times.
Places to Visit
- Niagara Falls: The Falls themselves are, of course, among the world’s most popular tourist destinations. Tourists can ride the famous Maid of the Mist tour boat, but seasoned visitors recommend the walking tour that takes you right behind the Falls. Around the Falls is a garish wonderland of kitsch: haunted houses, fast food outlets, video arcades and curiosity museums, as well as two casinos. Tip: Novice cyclists who ride out of Niagara Falls should allow lots of time for the return trip, because they may find themselves walking their bikes up the long hill at Queenston.
- Wineries: Dozens of wineries around Niagara open to visitors for tours and tastings (at $1 to $2 per generous taste) throughout the summer. Most even have bike parking. Tips: If you intend to purchase any wine, be sure to ride with a pannier, because even one bottle is too much to carry comfortably on your back on a hot day. Also, cyclists can share tastes so they’re still capable of riding away.
- Other Attractions: Niagara is full of historical sites, like Fort George at Niagara-On-The-Lake, where costumed interpreters tell the story of the War of 1812, the Mackenzie Printery and Museum, where kids can find out about the history of printing and even do some printing of their own, and the Butterfly Conservatory, which provides a gentle thrill: hundreds of butterflies that even land on visitors’ heads and shoulders! Also, Niagara-On-the Lake is home to a big summer theatre festival, the Shaw Festival. Tip: Watch for roadside spots where you can buy fruit and cheese, because it can be very expensive to eat lunch at a restaurant in Niagara Falls or Niagara-On-The-Lake.
Places to Stay
The Niagara Region is full of moderately priced motels and Bed & Breakfast spots, which are less expensive the farther they are out of town. For more information:
- Camping information: Ontario Parks
- B&Bs: Federation of Ontario Bed & Breakfast Accommodation
