Ontario By Bike Ride – September 2022
This ride is now over.
The detailed itinerary for this ride is available below for download. Enjoy great trail and road riding with a self-guided ride experience.
Hamilton Brantford Paris Port Dover Trail Ride
When: Anytime. It’s a self-guided itinerary.
Total Distance: 110km or 137km
The Ride: Experience the spectacular off-road rail trail ride from Hamilton to Paris, Brantford to Port Dover, with ride ending on the shores of Lake Erie. Shorter or longer route options are available so you can make the most of the ride and time out on this interconnected well maintained trail system. Passing through many communities along the way, take time out to enjoy the sights, whether choosing to ride with friends, the group or independently. Enjoy a one-way linear route and pre-arrange your own transportation back to start location.
Experience Level and Ride Guide: Easy to moderate. Off-road rail trail, hard packed limestone surface with some paved sections, level road crossings, with minimal on-road connections and some quiet town roads. Suitable for hybrid, gravel, mountain bikes, and road bikes with wider tires. Enjoy a group ride option or ride at your own pace using detailed maps and information provided.
View Routes: RidewithGPS
- Full Route – 123km: ridewithgps.com/routes/38493611
- Day 1 Short Route – 47km: ridewithgps.com/routes/38919779 (without Paris addition)
- Day 1 Long Route – 74km: ridewithgps.com/routes/38919800 (with Paris addition)
- Day 2 Route – 63km: ridewithgps.com/routes/38919749
Day 1: Dundas to Brantford or Paris – 46km or 74km
Starting in Dundas, ride out on the Hamilton Brantford Rail Trail through scenic farmland, forests and valley systems, awash with bright fall colours. Enjoy the easy ride into Brantford connecting to parkland alongside the Grand River. Cruise north as far as Paris, a pretty river side town for further refreshments, or explore the trail closer to your overnight accommodations in Brantford.
Day 2: Brantford to Port Dover – 61km
Hit the trail and head south following the green parkland that snakes along the shores of the Grand River and through Brantford, a part of the Trans Canada Trail system. Take a break in Waterford, for panoramic views riding atop of the Black Bridge, and learn more about the rich agricultural heritage with a stop at local museum. Continue along on flat easy tree and farm lined trail to town of Simcoe, and further south towards Lake Erie, and the beach side town of Port Dover. Celebrate the end of a great weekend with a dip in the Lake, shopping in town or cold beverage in this town that welcomes riders on two wheels.
Additional Visitor Information:
Use below to find out more about ride areas and plan an extra day or two to see more.
- Ontario By Bike – www.ontariobybike.ca/hamilton & www.ontariobybike.ca/brantandbrantford & www.ontariobybike.ca/norfolk
- Tourism Hamilton – www.tourismhamilton.com
- Hamilton Halton Brant – www.ourtruenature.ca
- Tourism Brantford – www.discoverbrantford.com
- Visitor Information – County of Brant
- Norfolk County Tourism – www.norfolktourism.ca
- Ontario’s Southwest – www.ontariossouthwest.com
Getting To/From Start:
This is a one-way linear route – you will need to arrange your own transportation back to start location. Options include dropping off a vehicle at either end; have someone pick you up; take a taxi; rent a bus for passengers / van for bikes; ride to/from start and finish or consider using combo of GO Transit train and bus services on Lakeshore West into Hamilton or Aldershot GO Station. Or consider riding east from Port Dover on the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail to the Niagara Region (Niagara Falls or St Catharines) where you can pick up GO Transit service back to Hamilton or other locations in GTA.
Arriving Early/Staying Late:
Consider extending your stay in the Hamilton, Brantford or Port Dover with lots to see and do, more riding and numerous overnight options and Ontario By Bike Network certified bicycle friendly accommodations.
For More Information Contact:
Ontario By Bike
Phone: 416-827-2772 / 1-866-701-2774
Email: info (at) ontariobybike.ca
Presented in Partnership With:
®CAA trademarks are owned by, and use is authorized by, the Canadian Automobile Association
See our other 2022 Ontario By Bike Rides