This tour is now over.

The detailed ride itinerary for this ride is available! You can now enjoy great trail riding with this self-guided ride experience.

Niagara Circle Route South – Ontario By Bike June Ride

When: Saturday, June 18 to Sunday, June 19 – 2016

Total Distance: 118km

The Ride: A two day weekend tour and primarily off-road ride along the Greater Niagara Circle Route. Discover the quieter side of Niagara and Niagara south, with this spectacular trail ride along the Niagara River Recreational Trail, the Friendship Trail and the Welland Canal Parkway Trail. Fully paved and easy riding conditions, with all details taken care of, will make for a wonderful weekend getaway and cycling experience. With limited road riding and unique ferry jaunt over the Canal, this looped ride is well suited for all types of cyclists. The tour includes hotel accommodations, lunches and more. Just bring your bike and ride.

NOTE: Due to a delay in 2017 season start to Port Robinson Ferry, included on this itinerary, re-routing across the Welland Canal is required. Ferry service expected to resume early June. 

Experience Level and Ride Guide: Easy to moderate. Off-road paved trails system, level road crossings, with on-road riding limited to 20km of quiet country roads, connecting from the Welland Canal to the Niagara River Recreation Trail in Chippewa. Combined with limited elevation changes, the flat terrain makes this ride suitable for hybrid bikes, mountain bikes, and road bikes. Enjoy a group ride option or ride at your own pace using detailed maps and information provided.

View Route: RidewithGPS Link   

Day 1:
Saturday, June 18 – Thorold to Fort Erie – 65km

Starting in Thorold, just over 1.5 hours from downtown Toronto, and close to St Catharines, we will hop on nearby trail to enjoy the first 10km heading south following the Welland Canal. Enjoying a leisurely pace following what is also known as the H2O Highway we may be lucky to ride along side giant freighters connecting between Great Lakes. At Port Robinson a charming little ferry that services only cyclists and hikers, will transfer riders to the east side of canal. An easy countryside and quiet road ride following the Welland River to where it turbulently tumbles into the Niagara River in the small community of Chippewa will round out the morning, before a lunch picnic. The afternoon will take us south along the Niagara River Recreational Trail, a pleasant and peaceful ride to Fort Erie. The path winds under a busy border crossing and international bridge, with views across the river and Lake Erie to Buffalo, New York. Let a visit to the Old Fort turn back time, with an opportunity to learn more about this strategic location and National Heritage Site, before arriving at nearby hotel. Enjoy overnight accommodations at the Clarion Hotel, with nearby dinner options and optional evening group social gathering.

Included: Parking, van support, luggage transfer, group ride, snack and water stops, lunch, Fort admission, group social, overnight accommodation at Clarion Hotel, Fort Erie.

Start Time: Start Time: 9:30am from Thorold, south of St Catharines – Exact location TBA

Day 2:
Sunday, June 19 – Fort Erie to Thorold – 53km

The morning ride will be a mellow 24km between Fort Erie and Port Colborne, cruising along The Friendship Trail, a lovely rail trail that follows the shores of Lake Erie. With trail side stop options at famed Erie beaches, including Crystal Beach and Sherkston, or quieter more secluded spots, cooling down with a dip in the lake is definitely an option. Pulling into Port Colborne for lunch, take time to explore the historic shopping district, promenade, and Lock 8, find out more about the town’s rich maritime heritage. After lunch, the route will follow the Welland Canal north, through the town of Welland and ending back at Thorold after a great day’s ride and weekend getaway.

Included: Breakfast, van support, luggage transfer, snack and water stop, lunch.

End Time: Approximately 4pm or at your own pace.

For more on what is included, what is not and important information prior to booking view Terms and Conditions.

Additional Visitor Information:

Use below to find out more about ride area and plan an extra day or two to see more.

• Ontario By Bike Niagara – for more detailed information www.ontariobybike.ca/niagara
• Niagara Cycling Tourism Centre – www.niagaracyclingtourism.com
• Greater Niagara Circle Route Map – Download HERE
• Visit Niagara – www.visitniagaracanada.com
• Niagara’s South Coast – www.southcoasttourism.com

Getting To/From Start:
Transportation options also include GO Transit with trains on weekends in June running between Toronto and Burlington. Transfer to GO bus service to St Catharines Fairview Mall (limit 2 bikes per bus). Ride south to Thorold, approximately 9km. Consult GO Transit schedules and regional cycling map to plan route and for times.

Arriving Early / Staying Late:
Consider an overnight option in Thorold at certified bicycle friendly accommodations:
The Inn at Lock Seven or Robinsong Bed & Breakfast or Morning Star Bed & Breakfast
Or stay at other nearby Ontario By Bike Network accommodations in Niagara all listed HERE.

Photo Credits: Vicky Laurens, Martin Reis and Ontario By Bike

For More Information Contact: 

Ontario By Bike
Phone: 416-827-2774 / 1-866-701-2774
Email: info (at) ontariobybike.ca

Also See Ontario By Bike Ride September 2016
Simcoe County Rail Trail Weekend 

www.ontariobybike.ca/ridesept2016

Return to Main Ontario By Bike Rides Page
for more detailed information visit www.ontariobybike.ca/events/ontario-by-bike-tours