Niagara Falls & Circle Route North

When: Anytime. It’s a self-guided itinerary
Duration: 2 days, 1 night
Ontario By Bike Ride Hosted: Saturday, May 3-Sunday, May 4, 2025

Total Distance: 108km

The Ride: See the top sights and highlights of Niagara on this two-day loop following a part of the Niagara Circle Route and stay the night in Niagara Falls. Visit the pretty communities of Port Dalhousie and Niagara-on-the-Lake. Meander alongside the Niagara River trail to the breathtaking and majestic Falls. Enjoy Niagara countryside along the way, farms, vineyards and waterways, the H2O Highway and the Welland Canal trail.

Experience Level and Ride Guide: Moderate. Riders need to have some experience riding on roads with vehicle traffic as the route is approximately half on paved roads, including some segments without bike lanes or paved shoulders. The other portion of the route is on off-road paved trails. With limited elevation changes and paved surfaces this ride is suitable for all types of bikes.

View Digital Routes*:

Day 1 – ridewithgps.com/routes/49579372
Day 2 – ridewithgps.com/routes/49579740

*Above links provide free navigation, when using Ride with GPS mobile app

Day 1: Port Dalhousie to Niagara Falls – 50km

Setting off from the waterfront community of Port Dalhousie, full of beachside shops and cafes, following the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail that skirts the shores of Lake Ontario. Bike past budding blossom trees and greening vineyards 25km to Niagara-on-the-Lake. Stop to explore the eclectic mix of shops along Queen Street and enjoy a catered picnic lunch in nearby park. Taking the trail around the fortifications of Fort George, join the Niagara River Recreation Trail for a leisurely cruise through lush parkland. With plenty of river views and lookout spots, plus an assortment of winery detour options, slow down the pace to enjoy it all. After a dip into Queenston, take the gentle and tree covered path up the Niagara Escarpment to Queenston Heights Park, making a stop to take in the panoramic views from Brock’s Monument. Riding on towards the Falls, follow the trail past the Botanical Gardens, hydro generating stations and Whirlpool lookouts. Arrive in Niagara Falls to experience this wonder of the world up close, and a variety of attractions all at the doorstep of your accommodations for the night. Book ahead at a certified bicycle friendly accommodation in Niagara Falls. Our group stayed at the DoubleTree Fallsview Resort & Spa by Hilton Niagara Falls.

Day 2: Niagara Falls to Port Dalhousie – 58km

With a parting look at the Falls, bike south alongside the Niagara River to Chippewa and an early rest stop at Kingsbridge Park. Heading inland on the quiet Chippewa Parkway, following the Welland River, we will pedal our way to the Welland Canal. We will make the short crossing of the canal on the small Port Robinson Bridge-It Ferry, exclusive to cyclists and pedestrians. Ride along the Welland Canal Pathway north past Thorold and locks seven to three. Stop at the Welland Canal Centre and St. Catharines Museum at lock three and learn more about the engineering feat and story behind the building of the canal. Step on up to the viewing platform, and if lucky catch a ship manoeuvring through this marvel. Round out the weekend ride with a slow roll into Port Dalhousie / St. Catharines and return to your ride start location – either at an overnight parking location or at St. Catharines GO Trail station.