22
Chapter taken from Ulysses guide Cycling Greater Toronto & Niagara Peninsula
Chapter taken from Ulysses guide
Cycling Greater Toronto & Niagara Peninsula
Long Trails in Greater Toronto and the Niagara Peninsula 5David J. Culham Trail 5Don River Trails 6Humber Trail 6Lafarge 2000 Trail 6Merritt Trail 6Trans Canada Trail (TCT) 6
Caledon Trailway 6Caledonia-to-Dunnville Rail Trail 7Chippawa Rail Trail 7Durham Region Trans Canada Trail 7Elora Cataract Trailway 7Friendship Trail 7Gordon Harry Conservation Trail 7Hamilton-Brantford Rail Trail 7Martin Goodman Trail 7Niagara River Recreation Trail 7
Upper Canada Heritage Trail 8Waterfront Trail 8Welland Canals Parkway Trail 8Welland Canal’s East Side Trail 8
Tour 11. Canals, Lakes and Niagara Falls 8
Tour 12. Wineries and Vineyards 18
Tour 13. Hamilton Mountsberg Via the Dundas Valley 23
Tour 14. Credit and Sheridan Valleys in Mississauga 28
Tour 15. Toronto Humber Don Lake Loop 32
Tour 16. Quarries and Cataracts: Hillsburgh to Palgrave Adventure 36Index 41
Cycling Greater Toronto & Niagara Peninsula
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PineryProvincial Park
PetroglyphsProv. Park
RondeauProvincial Park
Île deQuinte
AlgonquinProvincial
Park
Manitoulin Island
Long Point
BarriePeterborough
Campbellford
Aurora
Port Perry
Uxbridge
Sutton
Cookstown
KirkfieldBurleighFalls
Kinmount
Marmora
Tory Hill
Hastings
Beaverton
Lakefield
Lindsay
Bethany
Barry's Bay
Maynooth
Bancroft
Whitney
Madawaska
Brighton
Cobourg
Newcastle
Bewdley
Brampton
Penetanguishene
Shelburne Schomberg
Palgrave
Orangeville
Hillsburgh
Terra Cotta
Inglewood
Caledon
Erin Inglewood
Caledon EastCaledonCataract
ErinArthur
Port McNicoll
Chatsworth
Acton
Durham
Flesherton
Coboconk
Markham
Ajax
Fergus
MeafordThornbury
Angus
Waverley
Byng Inlet
Pointe au BarilStation
Dorset
Burk's Falls
Magnetawan
Orrville
Bracebridge
Ardbeg
CarnarvonFootes Bay
Wiarton
Tobermory
Southampton
Tiverton
Kincardine
Amberley
Clinton
Mitchell
Walkerton
Wingham
Listowel
Elmira
Harriston
Owen Sound
Grand Bend
St. JosephRusseldale
Strathroy
Parkhill
St. Thomas
Glencoe
Watford
Brantford Niagara FallsNiagara Falls
PortColborneDunville
Woodstock
Dundas
Mountsberg
Simcoe
St.Catharines
Ingersol
Norwich
Grimsby
Caledonia
Fort ErieWelland
Tillsonburg
Burlington
MississaugaMississauga
Port RowanPortBurwellPortBurwell
PortBruce
Eagle
Ridgetown
Thamesville
Aylmer
Waterloo
London
Stratford
Kitchener
WasagaBeachWasagaBeach
Midland
Niagara-on-the-Lake
Bobcaygeon
Port Hope
Oshawa
Oakville
HamiltonHamilton
Port Dover
Cambridge
Guelph
PortStanley
Bayfield
Goderich
St. JacobsSt. Jacobs
Creemore
Collingwood
Orillia
Gravenhurst
Minden
Haliburton
Huntsville
ParrySound
St. Marys
EloraToronto
St.Catharines
ColdwaterColdwater
BuffaloBuffalo
Erie
Westfield
Geneseo
Wellsville
Batavia
Avon
Olean
NEW YORK(U.S.A.)
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Long and Off-Road Trails1. David J. Culham Trail2. Don River Trails3. Humber Trail4. Lafarge 2000 Trail5. Merritt Trail6. Upper Canada Heritage Trail7. Waterfront Trail8. Welland Canals Parkway Trail9. Welland Canal’s East Side Trail
Trans Canada Trail (TCT) 10. Caledon Trailway11. Caledonia-to-Dunnville Rail Trail12. Chippawa Rail Trail13. Durham Region Trans Canada
Trail14. Elora Cataract Trailway15. Friendship Trail16. Gordon Harry Conservation Trail17. Hamilton-Brantford Rail Trail18. Martin Goodman Trail19. Niagara River Recreation Trail
Our Suggested ToursA. Tour 11. Canals, Lakes and
Niagara FallsB. Tour 12. Wineries and VineyardsC. Tour 13. Hamilton Mountsberg
Via the Dundas Valley D. Tour 14. Credit and Sheridan
Valleys in MississaugaE. Tour 15. Toronto Humber Don
Lake LoopF. Tour 16. Quarries and Cataracts:
Hillsburgh to Palgrave Adventure
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PineryProvincial Park
PetroglyphsProv. Park
RondeauProvincial Park
Île deQuinte
AlgonquinProvincial
Park
Manitoulin Island
Long Point
BarriePeterborough
Campbellford
Aurora
Port Perry
Uxbridge
Sutton
Cookstown
KirkfieldBurleighFalls
Kinmount
Marmora
Tory Hill
Hastings
Beaverton
Lakefield
Lindsay
Bethany
Barry's Bay
Maynooth
Bancroft
Whitney
Madawaska
Brighton
Cobourg
Newcastle
Bewdley
Brampton
Penetanguishene
Shelburne Schomberg
Palgrave
Orangeville
Hillsburgh
Terra Cotta
Inglewood
Caledon
Erin Inglewood
Caledon EastCaledonCataract
ErinArthur
Port McNicoll
Chatsworth
Acton
Durham
Flesherton
Coboconk
Markham
Ajax
Fergus
MeafordThornbury
Angus
Waverley
Byng Inlet
Pointe au BarilStation
Dorset
Burk's Falls
Magnetawan
Orrville
Bracebridge
Ardbeg
CarnarvonFootes Bay
Wiarton
Tobermory
Southampton
Tiverton
Kincardine
Amberley
Clinton
Mitchell
Walkerton
Wingham
Listowel
Elmira
Harriston
Owen Sound
Grand Bend
St. JosephRusseldale
Strathroy
Parkhill
St. Thomas
Glencoe
Watford
Brantford Niagara FallsNiagara Falls
PortColborneDunville
Woodstock
Dundas
Mountsberg
Simcoe
St.Catharines
Ingersol
Norwich
Grimsby
Caledonia
Fort ErieWelland
Tillsonburg
Burlington
MississaugaMississauga
Port RowanPortBurwellPortBurwell
PortBruce
Eagle
Ridgetown
Thamesville
Aylmer
Waterloo
London
Stratford
Kitchener
WasagaBeachWasagaBeach
Midland
Niagara-on-the-Lake
Bobcaygeon
Port Hope
Oshawa
Oakville
HamiltonHamilton
Port Dover
Cambridge
Guelph
PortStanley
Bayfield
Goderich
St. JacobsSt. Jacobs
Creemore
Collingwood
Orillia
Gravenhurst
Minden
Haliburton
Huntsville
ParrySound
St. Marys
EloraToronto
St.Catharines
ColdwaterColdwater
BuffaloBuffalo
Erie
Westfield
Geneseo
Wellsville
Batavia
Avon
Olean
NEW YORK(U.S.A.)
PENNSYLVANIE(U.S.A.)
Lake Ontario
L a k e E r i e
L a k e O n t a r i o
LakeSimcoe
GeorgianBay
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Long Trails in Greater Toronto and the Niagara Peninsula There are several long trails in this region, many of which belong to either the Trans Canada Trail or the Waterfront Trail. Most municipalities maintain the Trans Canada and Waterfront names in their region; both trails also include long trails with their own separate names. Joint signage shows where this occurs.
Whichever long trail you want to follow, make sure that you have marked your route clearly onto a map for use during your trip. Several towns clearly indicate on-road links to off-road portions of long trails, but in sev-eral locations, there is no obvious way to follow long trails on the ground unless you know where the next link occurs.
David J. Culham TrailAn 18km (10.8mi) trail along the Credit River links Erindale Park in Mississauga with Pinecliff Drive in the City of Brampton. A
G reater Toronto and the Niagara Peninsula encompass the 728,745ha (1.8 million-acre) Ontario Greenbelt, an area of land bordered by the Oak Ridge Moraine to the north, the Niagara Escarpment
to the west, and lakes Ontario and Erie to the south, east and north. Several important rivers—the Credit, Dundas, Grand, Humber, Niagara and Rouge—flow through this region. It also includes Canada’s largest city and other major urban areas, such as Brampton, Burlington, Hamilton, Oakville, Mississauga, Niagara Falls and St. Catharines.
Cyclists will appreciate the vast network of long multi-use trails along the lakes, through river valleys, along the beds of former railways and past a number of significant natural features. The longest of these are the Trans Canada and Waterfront trails, each of which links several trails together as it passes through this region.
In addition to briefly describing each of these off-road trails, we’ve created six tours through the area’s most important scenic vistas.
The first of these, tour 11 in this guide, combines sections of the Waterfront and Trans Canada trails with the Merritt and Welland Canals Parkway trails to pass Niagara Falls, two major forts and a historic canal.
The second provides a route to and from some of the important wineries in the region.
Tour 13 leads through the Dundas Valley and explores the past and present. It begins at a replica Victorian-era train station and passes an old-fashioned sulphur spa and a disused canal. Cyclists will re-enter the modern day by climbing up the Niagara Escarpment on a modern steel staircase and looking out over Lake Ontario from an impressive bridge.
Cyclists will enjoy the natural beauty of various green spaces next to the Credit River and its tributaries on our tour through the Mississauga/Oakville area.
Our tour through Toronto follows paved bicycle trails and city streets in a loop past some of the city’s most beautiful natural features, including Lake Ontario, the Humber and Rouge rivers, Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Scarlet Woods and High Park.
The last tour in this region explores trails to the east and west of Caledon, where the Niagara Escarpment and the Oak Ridge Moraine meet. Highlights in this area include scenic views of the Credit River, Cataract Falls and a new bridge over Highway 10.
All of the tours highlight both natural and cultural landmarks in the Greater Toronto area and on the Niagara Peninsula.
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ilsside trail links to Riverwood, a natural park and garden.
Credit Valley Conservation1255 Old Derry Rd.Mississauga905-670-1615 or 800-668-5557www.creditvalleyca.ca
Don River TrailsA series of trails follow the Don River for 32km (19mi) between the Oak Ridges Moraine and Lake Ontario. The bicycle-friendly portion runs between Lake Ontario and Lawrence Avenue East through Sunnybrook Park. A link westward leads through the new Evergreen Brick Works Centre for Green Cities and Mount Pleasant Cemetery to the intersection of Castlefield and Caledonia Road.
Mountain bikers can also access another 10km (6mi) of trails in the Don Valley Ravine between the Brick Works and Thornhill Park.
City of Toronto/Tourism Toronto207 Queens Quay W.Toronto416-392-2489 or 311 locallywww.toronto.ca/cycling/index.htm
Humber TrailThe 29km (17mi)-long portion of the trail running along the Humber River in Toronto and Vaughan has been designed as a multi-use trail. Cyclists can travel between Lake Ontario and Thackeray Park or the Humber Arboretum.
Toronto and Region Conservation Authority5 Shoreham Dr.Downsview905-584-2922www.trca.on.ca
Lafarge 2000 TrailThis 22km (13mi) multi-use trail runs between Gore Road and Governor’s Road in Hamilton.
Hamilton Region Conservation Authority838 Mineral Springs Rd.Ancaster905-627-1233 or 888-319-4722www.conservationhamilton.ca
Merritt TrailThis 21km (12.6mi) pathway is a combina-tion of stone dust and gravel trail and on-road cycling paths. It runs between Port Dalhousie in St. Catharines and Allanburg in Thorold.
City of St. Catharines50 Church St.St. Catharines905-688-5600www.stcatharines.ca
Trans Canada Trail (TCT) The path of the Trans Canada Trail is par-ticularly confusing in the Greater Toronto and Niagara Region because it follows four different routes that diverge in Brantford.
The main trail loops through Brantford. To the northwest, it follows the shores of the Grand River through Caledon. To the east, it follows a railway line between Brantford and Hamilton and then part of the Waterfront Trail through Toronto before heading north in Pickering to follow railway lines into Peterborough.
Additional spurs from the southeast and south-west link Windsor and Niagara-on-the-Lake to the main loop. They enable visitors to join the trail from wherever they enter Canada.
For more information about the trail, refer to the Trans Canada Trail section in the Practical Information chapter (see p ***).
The main trail includes the following regional long trails.
Caledon TrailwayThe Caledon Trailway runs along a former railway bed for 35km (21mi) between Terra Cotta and Palgrave. The trail is operated by the Town of Caledon, which purchased the land in 1996. This trail includes the first Trans Canada Trail Pavilion, which was built in Caledon East in 1986. Highlights include the many overpasses and the bridge over Highway 10.
Town of Caledon6311 Old Church Rd.Caledon905-584-2272, ext. 4238www.town.caledon.on.ca/townhall/departments/publicworks/parkstrails.asp
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Caledonia-to-Dunnville Rail TrailThis rail trail runs for 15km (9mi) along a former railway bed between Caledonia and Dunnville.
Hamilton Region Conservation Authority838 Mineral Springs Rd.Ancaster905-627-1233 or 888-319-4722www.conservationhamilton.ca
Chippawa Rail TrailThis trail follows an old railway bed for 15km (9mi) between Hamilton and Caledonia.
Hamilton Region Conservation Authority838 Mineral Springs Rd.Ancaster905-627-1233 or 888-319-4722www.conservationhamilton.ca
Durham Region Trans Canada TrailA series of trails lead north for 59km (35.4mi) from the Waterfront Trail at Lake Ontario in Ajax’s Rotary Park through Pickering and Claremont to Uxbridge. The route follows Duffin Creek, Sideline 12 and Paddock Road. Highlights along the way include the Claremont and Greenwood conservation areas and the Glen Major Forest
Durham Region Tourism605 Rossland Rd. E.Whitby905-668-7711 or 800-413-0017www.durhamtourism.ca
Elora Cataract TrailwayThe 47km (28mi) trail runs between Elora, on the Grand River in Southern Ontario, through Fergus, Belwood, Orton, Hillsburgh and Erin to the Cataract, where the Credit River tumbles down from the Niagara Escarpment.
Elora Cataract Trailway Associationwww.trailway.org
Friendship TrailThis multi-use trail runs for 16km (9.6mi) along the circa-1856 Buffalo and Lake Huron Railroad from Port Colborne to Historical Fort Erie.
Town of Fort Erie Community and Development Services1 Municipal Centre Dr.Fort Erie905-871-1600, ext. 2501www.friendshiptrail.forterie.ca
Gordon Harry Conservation TrailThe 13km (7.8mi) stone dust trail follows the former Grand Trunk Rail line along the shore of Lake Erie between the Wainfleet Wetlands Conservation Area and Long Beach.
Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority250 Thorold Rd. W., 3rd Fl.Welland905-788-3135www.npca.ca
Hamilton-Brantford Rail TrailThe 32km (19.8mi) multi-use trail runs along the former Toronto, Hamilton and Buffalo Railway line.
Hamilton Region Conservation Authority838 Mineral Springs Rd.Ancaster905-627-1233 or 888-319-4722www.conservationhamilton.ca
ù Martin Goodman TrailThe Martin Goodman Trail follows Lake Ontario through Toronto for 56km (33.6mi) between the Humber River in the west and the Rouge River in the east. It forms both the Trans Canada Trail and the Waterfront Trail (see p. 8) in the City of Toronto. Highlights along the way include Marilyn Bell Park, Ontario Place and Tommy Thompson Park.
Waterfront Toronto20 Bay St., Suite 1310Toronto416-214-1344www.waterfrontoronto.ca
ù Niagara River Recreation TrailThe Niagara River Recreation Trail runs for 56km (35mi) between Fort Mississauga in Niagara-on-the-Lake and Historic Fort Erie.
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NEW YORK(États-Unis)
TOUR 11.Canals, Lakes and Niagara Falls
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ilsThe Niagara Parks Commission7400 Portage Rd. S.Niagara Falls905-371-0254 or 877-642-7275www.niagaraparks.com
Upper Canada Heritage TrailThis 14km (8.4 mi) rough gravel trail runs along an old railway line from the top of the Niagara Escarpment at York Road, east of Concession 2 to John Street east of King in Niagara-on-the-Lake.
Niagara Region 2201 St. David’s Rd.Thorold905-685-1571www.niagararegion.ca
Waterfront Trail The path of the Waterfront Trail in this region follows the shore of Lake Ontario from Niagara-on-the-Lake at the mouth of the Niagara River to the town of Port Hope. Lake Ontario may be visible from some por-tions of the trail, but not as often as the name of the path suggests. In some cases, houses block the view; in others, natural and constructed obstacles force cyclists into cities and towns well away from the lake.
The trail includes the Niagara River Recreation Trail referred to in the Trans Canada Trail Section (see above).
For more information about the trail, refer to the Waterfront Trail section in the Practical Information chapter (see p. ***).
Welland Canals Parkway TrailThe 43km (25.8mi) trail traces the routes of various current and former Welland Canals from St. Catharines through Thorold and Welland to Port Colborne.
Niagara Region 2201 St. David’s Rd.Thorold905-685-1571www.niagararegion.ca
Welland Canal’s East Side TrailThis 18km (11mi) unimproved trail follows the Welland Bypass Canal, built in 1973 between Allanburg and Port Colborne. It is divided into two tracks, one for motorized off-road vehicles and the other for cyclists, hikers and equestrians.
Niagara Region 2201 St. David’s Rd.Thorold905-685-1571www.niagararegion.ca
Tour 11. Canals, Lakes and Niagara Falls This tour follows five different trails to explore the historical and cultural power of Niagara Falls.
The first portion of this tour follows the Merritt Trail and the Welland Canals Parkway Trail for a close-up view of four different canals that were built over the years to bypass Niagara Falls. The first trail takes the name of William Hamilton Merritt, who built the first canal in 1829. The trail bypasses that first canal route, parts of which were deep-ened in 1841. The route itself was shortened in 1887. The third canal, which you’ll also see on this tour, was a bigger replacement built in 1932. For the most part, ships today use the route of the fourth canal system, except for a bypass around the city of Welland, which was constructed in 1973. It operates with eight locks, each with a height gain of 14.2m (47ft).
After cycling past several large murals in Welland, you’ll learn about the seagoing life at the Port Colborne Historical and Marine Museum.
Then the route follows the Friendship Trail along the shore of Lake Erie to Historical Fort Erie on the Niagara River. This area has been a popular cottage destination since the late 1800s, when plantation owners and their families rented rooms here to escape the summer heat in the Confederate States. The Friendship Trail finishes at Historical Fort Erie.
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NEW YORK(États-Unis)
TOUR 11.Canals, Lakes and Niagara Falls
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At Fort Erie, you’ll join the Niagara Recreational Trail, which follows the river towards Lake Ontario. You will see many historical and physical landmarks before reaching the rapids at the Niagara Generating Station.
You’ll then walk your bike for a bit, to enjoy the highlight of this ride, the impressive American and Canadian falls.
You’ll get on your bicycle to ride past the Niagara River gorge, which was carved out by the falls as they moved over hun-dreds of years. After a brief climb up the Niagara Escarpment to Queenston Heights, one of the province’s oldest towns, you’ll visit Niagara-on-the Lake, the first capital of Upper Canada,
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The tour finishes along the shore of Lake Ontario, via the Waterfront Trail back to St. Catharines.
Overview
h Distance 142km (85mi) loop
h Difficulty 44 h Surface Asphalt, stone dust, cement
h Villages/Towns/Cities St. Catharines, Thorold, Welland, Port Colborne, Crystal Beach, Fort Erie, Niagara Falls, Virgil, Queenston Heights, Niagara-on-the-Lake
h Access Greyhound offers bus service to its terminal on Erie Avenue in Niagara Falls. Continue north to Bridge Street and then east to River Road, where you can pick up the tour along the Niagara River Recreational Pathway.Amtrak and Via Rail drop passengers off at the train terminal on Bridge Street in Niagara Falls. Make your way east to River Road, where you can pick up the tour along the Niagara River Recreational Pathway.If you are travelling to the region by car, parking lots are located at various points along the trail:In St. Catharines, there is a parking lot at the beginning of the trail in Lakeside Park in Port Dalhousie.In Thorold, there’s a parking lot at Lock 7 on the Welland Canals Parkway near Hwy. 58.In Welland, there are parking lots at Lock 3 on Woodlawn Road and at Mud Lake Conservation Area on Elm Street North.In Port Colborne, there are parking lots at the Tourist Information Centre in Lock 8 Park on Hwy. 3 in at Historic Humberstone Village and at Sugarloaf Harbour Marina on West Street.In Fort Erie, there are parking lots at Historical Fort Erie, off Ridge, Crescent, and Lakeshore roads, and in Ridgeway. In Niagara Falls, there are parking lots at Niagara Glen, Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens, Niagara Parks Butterfly Conservatory, McFarland House, and the Dufferin Islands Nature Area, and on Queenston Heights.
In Niagara-on-the-Lake, there is a parking lot at Fort George on Queen Street. A few people can park near the pedestrian walkway to Fort Mississauga, on the northwest point of the corner of Simcoe and Front streets. There is also a municipal parking lot at the junction of Front and Regent streets.
h Washrooms There are washrooms at Lakeside Park, Locks 7 and 8, Mud Lake Conservation Area, the Friendship Trail trailhead in Ridgeway, Kingsbridge Park at the junction of the Welland and Niagara rivers, the Lewiston Bridge, and Forts George and Erie.
Itinerary
Leg 1: Port Dalhousie to Fort Erie, 72km (43mi)Tour 11 begins at Lakeside Park in the Port Dalhousie sector of St. Catharines, on Lake Ontario. The port works hard to preserve the heritage that links it back to the original Welland Canal, which began at this location. You’ll see two lighthouses from the early 1800s and an antique hand-carved 1898 indoor carousel, brought here from Rhode Island in 1921. A short distance from the beach, and attracting much attention, are also two English-style double-decker buses and some intriguing sailing vessels hailing from many different ports of call.
From here, follow the Waterfront Trail west along Lock Street to Dalhousie Avenue. Turn right at Anne Street to get to Bayview Drive. Continue west along Bayview to Corbitt Avenue. Turn right and continue to Mary Street. Continue west on Mary Street to Courtleigh Road. Turn left and follow the road until it turns into Third Street Louth.
A short distance past the tree nursery, swing left onto the Green Ribbon Trail, which is dedicated to missing children. Descending quickly, the trail crosses Barnsdale Marsh, a class-one wetland, before exiting onto Martindale Road.
Cycling past the Martindale Pond and over the Queen Elizabeth Way, prepare for a left turn onto the off-road portion of the Merritt Trail. As you approach Huntington Square
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Mall, the trail entrance is on your left, just before Erion Road.
Descending quickly to the old Welland Canal, also known as Twelve Mile Creek, the trail appears to be below water level; this area may be wet in the spring and fall. You can hear plenty of rushing water and noise as the canal exits at Welland Avenue on the Niagara College Business Campus.
Turn left, cross the canal and follow Welland Avenue and Vale Road about halfway uphill, then rejoin the trail by going through the gate on your right. The trail is now high above the canal’s deep, green waters, which are still noisily churning and frothing. On the right is a unique salmon-coloured fire-house. Exit onto a paved cul-de-sac, con-tinue straight, and rejoin the trail at the far end as it descends to Burgoyne Bridge.
Climbing, look for the rocks indicating the trail direction, and go straight as the trail runs parallels to the road. At McGuire Sreet and St. Pauls Crescent, turn right onto the walkway and cross Highway 406 on Westchester Crescent.
Follow this four-lane road across Highwayy 406 (for the second time) to the Captain Scott Misner section of the Merritt Trail. The trail entrance is on the right, just before the traffic lights at Oakdale Avenue, at the Knifeworks Historical Site.
Turning right, the trail immediately des-cends and quickly arrives at a split in the road; make a left turn, cross the wooden bridge, and follow the crushed-gravel sur-face to Moffatt Street where it crosses Disher Street; then rejoin the trail on the left. Both the trail and the canal slope upwards. Pass a bridge on your left and continue to the end of Moffatt Street. A paved path starts here and crosses the CN tracks (which are active, so proceed with caution). Ride along between the canal and Glengarry Park. Just after the trail surface softens to gravel, the trail exits onto Glendale Avenue. Take note of Johansson’s Bar on the left. Workers used this bar to lever chunks of limestone into place while building the Canal. You might also visit the remains of the old Domtar building across the road, on your left.
As a suggestion, it will be safer and much quicker to walk across Glendale Avenue into Mountain Locks Park or onto Mountain Street. Once across the road, there are two ways to join the trail: either take the path on the other side of the trees at the park entrance, or go past the historical plaque just a short distance down Mountain Street, on the left. This section is a lot of fun to ride as it dips and dives, twists and turns, and finally exits onto Bradley Street. Follow Bradley Street to the intersection at Town Line Road West.
Turning left, the road crosses the canal, which disappears underground. At Front Street, turn right and cycle into downtown Thorold. The town was named after Sir John Thorold and was the site of a mighty battle during the War of 1812, at Beaverdams Park. This battle was a major loss for the Americans, who were defeated by a much smaller contingent of Aboriginal soldiers led by Major William Johnson Kerr.
Turn left onto Clairmont Street, cross Ormond Street South, and pass two very impressive churches to reach the stop sign at the Chapel Street intersection. Turn right and then left onto Flight Locks Road, which will bring you alongside Lock 7 of the Welland Canal. Here you can almost reach over the fence and touch the ships as they travel through the last lift over the Niagara Escarpment. Consider joining an old sailor’s tradition of kissing someone at the rock for luck!
When you reach Allanburg, you have a choice. Either continue following the paved pathway along the old canal through the centre of Welland or take the Welland Canals East Side Trail, an 18km (10.8mi) unimproved section that parallels the 1973 Welland bypass channel.
Unless you want to mountain bike, we sug-gest you take the paved pathway through Welland. Known as the “Rose City,” Welland has always been prosperous due to its prox-imity to the canal. Take a few minutes to explore Chippawa Park, home to one of Ontario’s best rose gardens, or tour around the city to view giant murals on the back streets branching off Main Street. Within a four-block radius of your present location,
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there are 28 outdoor murals painted by some of Canada’s finest artists.
Lock 8, the longest lock in the system, is at the Lake Erie entrance to the Welland Canal. Spanning 421m (1,380ft), Lock 8 can raise or lower ships anywhere between .3m (1ft) and 1.2m (4ft) to account for the water level in Lake Erie. Plan to visit the gardens or sit in the pavilion in the pleasant park next to the lock.
You’ll definitely want to stop for tea at the Port Colborne Historical & Marine Museum before continuing towards Fort Erie.
From here, you’ll follow the Trans Canada Trail west on its Fort Erie Friendship Trail section. It leads east out of the city via the Gordon Harry Conservation Trail (see p. 7) towards Dunnville.
When passing the Clarence Street lift bridge, notice the abutments from a prior spring bridge. If you’re lucky, a boat will pass through while you watch.
Continue following the trail as it weaves north along Lake Erie. Although the lake itself is rarely visible, you’ll pass streets leading south to cottages, resorts, boating clubs, and the Point Albino Lighthouse and Marina.
If you want to detour onto a sandy beach, take Bernard, Bay Beach or Crystal Beach roads south to Thunder Bay, Bay and Crystal beaches. If you prefer an amusement park, take either Ridge or Gorham south to Crystal Beach Waterfront Park and Boat Launch. Commercial shopping and food can be found in the towns of Ridgeway via Ridge Road north, and Crystal Beach, via Gorham south.
The trail then heads south to weave through the now quiet Erie Beach, where ruins of a former casino, amusement villa, dance floor and swimming pool hint at former heydays.
Eventually, you’ll reach the edge of Historic Fort Erie, where costumed interpreters re-enact the attack of Americans on the coali-tion of British military, Loyalist rangers and Iroquois warriors who occupied the fort on July 3, 1814.
Leg 2: Fort Erie to Lakeside Park, 70km (42mi)To the north of Fort Erie, you’ll join the paved Niagara River Recreation Trail (see p. 7). This early section of trail pro-vides views of the Buffalo skyline along the Niagara River. Beautiful gardens surround Mather Arch at the entrance/exit to the Peace Bridge. Be sure to keep your eye open for St. Paul’s Church, which was built from Fort Erie limestone in 1823 when British sol-diers tore down the original fort. You’ll also notice stone and clapboard homes dating from the 1700 and 1800s.
You’ll cross Black, Ussher, Miller and Frenchman’s creeks. A fancy Victorian-style bridge marks Black Creek, while the many gardens of the Legends of Niagara Golf Course mark Ussher Creek. Ussher Creek has already undergone rehabilitation to increase the diversity of species living within it. Plans to rehabilitate the others are underway.
The Chippawa Monument commemorating Aboriginal, British, American, and Loyalist soldiers forms another major highlight along this section of trail. Navy Island, which forms Chippawa Channel to the south, once housed an important British shipyard in the 1700s.
As you get closer to Niagara Falls, you’ll notice the water flowing slowly beside you. The Niagara River drops a total of 99.5m (326.5ft) on its journey from Lake Erie to Lake Ontario. The generating station gate-house to your left hides two control gates that carry water to the Sir Adam Beck Generation Station in Queenston.
At this point, we suggest you walk your bicycle along the sidewalk for the next sev-eral kilometres, as the view is just too good to miss. As you walk, you’ll notice the water flowing faster. You’ll then see the remains of a rusted barge known as the “Old Scow,” which dates from an accident in 1918.
The first of three different waterfalls forms a horseshoe around the island you see in the middle as it drops 52m (170ft). After looking at these falls, you may want to take a brief tour to explore another wonder created by the Niagara River across the road. The river
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floods a 16.2ha (28-acre) park to create Dufferin Islands, a series of 11 islands con-nected by 22 bridges.
From the Table Rock platform, you can clearly see Horseshoe Falls, plus the American and Bridal falls. An elevator leads to a lower viewing area and three tunnels behind Horseshoe Falls.
Continue on the trail to get to Queen Victoria Park, which is built on an eco-logically-significant moraine. One of North America’s most prestigious gardens, it encompasses some 62ha (152 acres) of rock and rose gardens, stately trees and over 500,000 daffodils that bloom in the spring. To the left is the new casino and just ahead lies the Victoria Park Restaurant and the Maid of the Mist Complex. There are so many people here that you’ll be glad you’re walking your bicycle.
After passing the entrance to the Great Gorge Adventure and the Whirlpool Bridge, you’ll pass the magnificent stonework of Christ Church. You’ll also feel the mist off the American Falls spray your face.
An off-road section of the trail begins at the Whirlpool Rapids Lookout. You’ll enter a grove of gnarled pine trees to follow the double-track bed of the former electric Niagara Falls Park and River Railway.
Thompson Point is an excellent rest spot where you can watch a cable car cross the gorge that separates Canada and the United States. Known as the Whirlpool Aero Car, the contraption dangles riders some 550m (1800ft) above the class 6 whirlpool rapids. Nearby, the White Water Walk Adventure offers elevator rides down to the edge of the whirlpool below.
The next important stop along the trail is the Niagara Glen Picnic and Nature Area. A steel staircase leads 36m (118ft) down to several hiking trails, which offer the best walking in the region. The rest area above, known as Wintergreen Terrace, includes a nature shop offering unique gifts.
Continue following the trail past the Niagara Parks School of Horticulture, Botanical Gardens and Butterfly Conservatory. The
40ha (100-acre) site houses a garden with 2,300 species of roses.
Consider stopping on the observation deck of the Sir Adam Beck Generating Station. It provides a good view of the world’s largest functioning floral clock, which was built by Ontario Hydro in 1950. The clock’s face is made of 19,000 plants maintained by the gardeners and students of the Niagara Parks Commission and it marks each hour with Westminster chimes.
Continue under the Lewiston Queenston Bridge.
As the road swings to the left, notice the glass-enclosed bronze statue of Sir Isaac Brock’s horse. At the Niagara Parkway, turn right and then left onto York Street and access the trail on your left. Then it’s a long climb to the top of the Niagara Escarpment. At the top of the hill, the trail enters Roy Terrace, where the Niagara River Gorge begins. To the right are 260 steps leading to Queenston Heights Park, and to the left is the Niagara Parkway. Take the easier way into the park by following the parkway to the park’s entrance. Since one of the most important battles of the War of 1812 took place here, a 64m (210ft) monument dedi-cated to the battle’s hero, Sir Isaac Brock, dominates the park and the valley below. To the left of the statue, enjoy a fantastic view of the Niagara River as it flows into Lake Ontario. This point is the beginning of the Bruce Trail hiking path along the top of the Niagara Escarpment.
The trail then leaves the parkway and des-cends into the town of Queenston. Coast downhill past a pillared Georgian mansion known as Willowbank. Built for Alexander Hamilton in 1833, it served as the area’s first post office. To the left of the mansion is a laneway that leads down to an excellent view of the Niagara River.
As the trail approaches Thomson Point, look for a single-track trail to the right. Follow this old Aboriginal trail to one of the best lookouts on the river. Be careful: just before it rejoins the recreational trail, it drops dramatically over several tree roots within the restored Chinquapin Oak Savannah. After passing Vrooman’s Battery, continue
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following the river trail along the parkway to Brown’s Point. Keep to the left, following the trail along the gorge through a grove of stately oaks and French thorn trees.
Or follow the regular trail across the parkway until it reaches the back door of a well-pre-served Georgian brick house. McFarland House was the home of His Majesty’s Boat Builder, James McFarland, and now serves as a delicious food stop along the way. A short distance ahead, on the other side of the road, just after Line 2, is the “Field House,” now a private residence. Built in the 1800s, it is one of the oldest brick buildings in the province.
The trail you have been following exits onto the parkway behind Fort George. Inside, you’ll relive the lives of the Britons who lived in the fort between 1799 and 1813.
Follow the path as it leads down into Niagara-on-the-Lake and make a left turn onto Byron Street. After riding past the front doors of Queens Landing, continue along Byron until it turns into Prudeaux. At Simcoe Street, turn right to get to the pedestrian pathway to Fort Mississauga.
After visiting the Fort, from the junction of Queen and Simcoe streets, take Queen Street west past Mississauga Street to Lake Ontario. Turn left on Niagara Boulevard and follow it past Ryerson Park to Shakespeare Avenue. Turn left to get to Lakeshore Road.
Turn right on Lakeshore Road and continue west to Port Weller. You are now on the Waterfront Trail.
Follow Lakeshore Road to Lock 1 on the Welland Canal. Turn right on the pathway in Malcolmson Eco Park. Continue on the pathway along Lake Ontario back to Lakeside Park in Port Dalhousie.
Highlights
Crystal BeachCrystal Beach Municipal Swimming Beach4155 Erie Rd.
Crystal Beach Waterfront Park and Boat Launch Ramp3875 Terrace Ln.905-994-7825www.forterie.on.ca
Fort ErieMahoney Dolls’ House Gallery and Restored Slave Quarters657 Niagara Blvd.905-871-5833
Historic Fort Erie350 Lakeshore Rd.905-871-0540www.niagaraparks.com
Niagara FallsBird Kingdom5651 River Rd.866-994-0090www.niagarafallsaviary.com Casino Niagara5705 Falls Ave.905-374-3598 or 888-325-5788www.casinoniagara.com
Floral Showhouse7145 Niagara Pkwy.905-356-2241 or 877-642-7275www.niagaraparks.com
Great Wolf Lodge and Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada3950 Victoria Ave.800-605-9653www.greatwolflodge.com
Journey Behind the Falls6650 River Rd. at Table Rock905-354-1551www.niagaraparks.com
Kingsbridge Park7870 Niagara Pkwy.905-371-0254www.niagaraparks.com
Konica Minolta Tower Centre6732 Fallsview Blvd. 800-461-2492www.niagaratower.com
Legends on the Niagara9233 Niagara Pky.866-465-3642www.niagaralegends.com
Maid of the Mist Steamboat Company5920 River Rd.905-358-5781www.maidofthemist.com
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McFarland House15927 Niagara Pkwy.905-468-3322www.niagaraparks.com
Miller’s Creek Marina2400 Niagara Pkwy.905-371-0254www.niagaraparks.com
Niagara Parks School of Horticulture, Botanical Gardens and Butterfly Conservancy2656 Niagara Pkwy.905-356-2241 or 877-642-7275www.niagaraparks.com
Whirlpool Aero Car3850 Niagara Pkwy.www.niagaraparks.com
White Water Walk4330 River Rd.www.niagaraparks.com
Willoughby Historical Museum9935 Niagara Pkwy. 905-295-4036www.niagarafallsmuseum.ca
Niagara-on-the LakeFort George National Historic Site of Canada26 Queen’s Parade905-468-4257www.pc.gc.ca Inniskillin Wine Boutique1499 Line 3 at the Niagara Pkwy.905-468-3554www.inniskillin.com
Lailey Vineyard Winery15940 Niagara Pkwy. 905-468-0503www.laileyvineyard.com
Niagara-on-the-Lake Golf Club143 Front St. 905-468-3424www.notlgolf.com
Reif Estate Winery15608 Niagara Pkwy.905-468-9463www.reifwinery.com
Shaw Festival Theatre 905-468-2172 or 800-511-7429www.shawfest.com
Willowbank School of Restoration Arts and Museum14487 Niagara Pkwy.905-262-1239www.willowbank.ca
Port ColborneLock 8 Gateway ParkMain St. at the Welland Canal905-834-1668 or 888-767-8386www.portcolborne.ca
Sugarloaf Harbour(460 docks, restaurant, laundry, bicycle rental, showers, playground)3 Marina Rd. 905-835-6644www.portcolborne.ca/page/marina
RidgewayFort Erie Historical Museum402 Ridge Rd.905-894-5322www.museum.forterie.ca
Ridgeway Shores Golf Club3570 Thunder Bay Rd. 905-894-1887
Thunder Bay Golf & Beach Park3444 North Shore Dr. 905-894-1887
St. CatharinesPort Dalhousie Business Association201-17 Lock St.905-937-4783www.portdalhousie.com
SherkstonSherkston Shores Resort490 Empire Rd.877-482-3224www.sherkston.com
ThoroldKissing Rock Lock 7 Viewing Complex50 Chapel St. S.905-680-9477 or 888-680-9477www.thoroldtourism.ca
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WellandWelland Historical Museum140 King St.905-732-2215www.wellandmuseum.ca
Food
Crystal BeachPalmwood Waterfront Eatery & Patio Bar3823 Terrace Ln.905-894-0820
The Pines3990 Erie Rd.905-894-3269
Niagara FallsKurtz Orchards Farm and Gourmet Marketplace16006 Niagara Pkwy.905-468-2937www.kurtzorchards.com
Riverbend Inn & Vineyard16104 Niagara Pkwy.905-468-8866 or 888-955-5553www.riverbendinn.ca
Secret Garden Restaurant5827 River Rd. 905-358-4588www.secretgardenrestaurant.net
Table Rock Restaurant6650 Niagara Pkwy.877-642-7275 www.niagaraparks.com
Whirlpool Restaurant3351 Niagara Pkwy.877-642-7275www.niagaraparks.com
Niagara-on-the-Lake Grimo Nut Nursery979 Lakeshore Rd. 905-934-6887www.grimonut.com
Port ColborneFood Basics124 Clarence St. 905-834-8800
Queenston Queen Charlotte Tea Room61 Queenston St. 905-262-1491
Queenston Heights Restaurant14184 Niagara Pkwy. 905-262-4274
Village Treats77 Queenston St.905-262-6789
RidgewayDoreens Family Restaurant301 Ridge Rd. N.905-894-5000
Happy Family Restaurant355 Ridge Rd. N.905-894-4243
ShirkstonHello’s Drive-In Restaurant5313 Hwy. 3905-894-5500
S-Bend Restaurant and Motel5801 Hwy. 3905-894-4072
AccommodationsCycle and Stay NiagaraBed and Breakfast facilities on the Greater Niagara Circle RouteLuggage transfer availablewww.cycleandstayniagara.com
Crystal BeachCrystal Beach Motel122 Ridgeway Rd. 905-894-1750www.crystalbeachmotel.com
Fort ErieRiver’s Edge Bed & Breakfast551 Niagara Blvd.905-994-7128www.bbonline.com/on/riversedge
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Niagara FallsBest Western Fireside Hotel4067 River Rd.800-661-7032www.bestwesternontario.com
Danner House Bed & Breakfast12549 Niagara Pkwy. 866-295-1805www.thedannerhouse.com
Glen Mhor Guesthouse5381 River Rd. 905-354-2600www.glenmhor.com
Hampton Inn North of the Falls4357 River Rd.800-465-6027www.niagarafallshamptoninn.com
Michael’s Inn5599 River Rd. 800-263-9390www.michaelsinn.com
Park Place Bed and Breakfast4851 River Rd.905-358-0279www.parkplaceniagara.com
Stoneleigh Guest House5127 River Rd. 905-357-5116www.stoneleigh.ca
Niagara-On-The-LakeOban Inn160 Front St.905-468-2165www.obaninn.ca
Queen’s Landing Inn & Conference Resort155 Byron St.905-468-2195www.vintageinns.com
Riverbend Inn and Vineyard16104 Niagara Pkwy.888-955-5553www.riverbendinn.ca
Port ColborneKent House Bed & Breakfast115 Kent St. 905-834-1206www.kenthousebandb.com
King George Inn and Convention Centre239 King St. 905-834-8096www.thekinggeorgeinn.com
ShirkstonSandman Motel4771 Hwy. 3 905-894-1011
ThoroldKeefer Mansion Inn and Dining Room14 St. Davids Rd. W.905-680-9581www.keefermansion.com
The Inn at Lock Seven24 Chapel St. S.905-227-6177 or 877-465-6257www.innatlock7.com
CampingFrenchman’s Creek Campground & Motel1047 Niagara Blvd.Fort Erie 905-871-4449
Knight’s Hide-Away Park1154 Gorham Rd.Ridgeway 905-894-1911
Navy IslandNiagara Parks Police Office6075 Niagara Pkwy.905-356 1338www.niagaraparks.comShalamar Lake Trailer and Family ParkLine 8 at Niagara Pkwy.Queenston 905-262-4895 or 888-968-6067www.shalamarlake.com
Windmill Point Park and Campground2409 Dominion Rd.Ridgeway 905-894-2809www.windmillpointpark.com
Bike Shops
Fort ErieSteve’s Place Bicycles and Repair181 Niagara Blvd.905-871-7517www.cycleman.com
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Niagara FallsPedlar Bicycle Shop4547 Queen St.905-357-1273www.scinetconsulting.com/pedlar
Cupolo’s Sports Bicycle Rentals5510 Ferry St.905-356-4850
Niagara-on-the-LakeThe Bike Shop996 Lakeshore Rd.905-934-3815
Zoom Leisure Bikes431 Mississauga St.905-468-2366 or 866-811-6993www.zoomleisure.com
St. CatharinesBikefit184 Scott St.905-646-9396bikefit.ca
Cooke’s Cycle9 Lock St.905-937-2859
Liberty Bicycles40 St. Paul St.905-682-1454www.libertybicycles.com
ThoroldClarkson Cycle & Fitness103-A Pine St. S.905-227-0810www.clarksoncycle.com
WellandThornton’s Cycle & Sports300 Lincoln St.905-732-4770www.thorntonscycle.ca
Visitor InformationNiagara Region 2201 St. David’s Rd.Thorold905-685-1571www.niagararegion.ca
Niagara Freewheelers Bicycle Touring Clubwww.thefreewheelers.com
Friendship Trail Citizen Advisory Committeec/o Town of Fort Erie, Community Planning and Development Services1 Municipal Centre Dr.Fort Eriewww.friendshiptrail.forterie.ca
Niagara-on-the-Lake Chamber of Commerce26 Queen St.Niagara-on-the-Lake905-468-1950www.niagaraonthelake.com
Niagara Falls Chamber of Commerce4056 Dorchester Rd.Niagara Falls905-374-3666www.nflschamber.com
Niagara Falls Tourism5515 Stanley Ave.Niagara Falls905-356-6061 or 800-563-2557www.discoverniagara.com
Port Colborne Economic and Tourism Development CorporationRoselawn Centre for the Living Arts296 Fielden Ave.Port Colborne905-834-1668
St. Catharines Chamber of Commerce1 St. Paul St.St. Catharines905-684-2361www.scchamberofcommerce.com
Tourism of Welland NiagaraSeaway Mall800 Niagara St. N.Welland905-735-8696www.tourismwelland.com
Tour 12. Wineries and Vineyards The quiet back roads of the scenic Niagara Escarpment and the surrounding vineyards and countryside provide the picturesque backdrop for this tour.
You’ll be following the Niagara-on-the-Lake Multiuse Trail, a number of back roads,
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and the Upper Canada Heritage Trail (see p. 8) to explore the region. Occasional stops along the route will allow you to experience the traditions and hospitality of world-class wine producers.
There are 30 wineries in the Niagara-on-the-Lake region, thirteen of which could be visited on this tour. Eight others are within two kilometres, if you want to take a side trip to visit the vineyard of a favourite brand.
All these wineries lie on the same latitude as Florence, Italy and parts of France, and produce excellent Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Noir and ice wine. It is difficult to choose which winery to tour. Most winery tours include the vineyards, the barrel-aging room and the underground cellar, as well as a sampling of their most popular wines. They are required by law to charge a nom-inal fee for their wine tasting. Wine cannot be served before 11am.
Overview
h Distance 52km (31mi) loop
h Difficulty 44 h Surface Asphalt, some gravel
h Villages/Towns/Cities Niagara-on-the-Lake, Virgil, St. Davids, Queenston Heights
h Access Get off the Queen Elizabeth Way at the exit for Highway 55 and follow it to Niagara-on-the-Lake. Start the trip at the Zoom Leisure bicycle shop parking lot on Mississauga Road just south of Mary Street.
ItineraryTake the new bike path along Mississauga Street south from the corner traffic lights. Turn left and follow the Niagara-on-the-Lake Multi-use Trail out of the old town. Before Niven Road, you’ll see the Jackson Triggs and Stratus wineries to your left. The trail ends at East West Line, where Rancourt, Joseph’s and Pilliteri wineries are all located.
Mississauga Street turns into Niagara Stone Road at this point. Continue straight through Virgil, the town of many names. Virgil was originally called Four Mile Creek, then Cross Roads, and then Lawrenceville before the post office established its present name in 1895.
For a brief detour, turn left on Four Mile Creek and right (west) onto Ariana Road, which is Line 2 to the east, and continue to the Lower Virgil Dam. The Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority built this dam, and the Upper Virgil Dam to the south, to create two large water reservoirs for win-eries in the area. Return to Niagara Stone Road to continue south.
To visit Hillebrand Estates Winery, turn left just past the second set of lights. Hillebrand is the region’s largest wine producer. The winery also operates a popular restaurant and patio café for visitors.
Turn right out of the parking lot onto Niagara Line 3, and at St. Michael’s School turn left onto Niagara Concession Road 6. As you cycle past row upon row of grapevines, you will notice that these rows are planted north to south, allowing for even lighting on both sides of the vines.
Note: If the area is wet, skip the next four paragraphs to avoid Line 4 and Concession Road 4. Instead, continue straight down Four Mile Creek road to the town of St. Davids.
At Line 4, turn left. Continue past the Niagara Nut Grove on your left, where many types of nut trees, such as American chestnut, black walnut, butternut, Chinese chestnut and European filbert, are grown.
Cross Four Mile Creek Road and continue straight to get to the Niagara Parkway. Turn left. From here north on the Niagara Parkway, you’ll pass Riverview Cellars, Inniskillin, Reif Estate, and Lailey Vineyard wineries.
After visiting the wineries of your choice, cross the road and turn left onto the Niagara River Recreational Trail. Continue north to Walkers Country Market. Turn left onto Line 1 and follow it to Concession Road 2. Turn left. Continue past a dam and irrigation ditch before making a right turn onto Line 2.
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You’ll pass Caroline Cellars to your right and Pondview Winery to your left.
When you reach Concession Road 4, turn left. What begins as a fairly good gravel road quickly becomes quite rough. At the inter-section, turn right onto Line 3 and ride back to Four Mile Creek Road. If you packed a lunch, continue on Line 3 past Four Mile Creek for about 150m, where you will find an excellent lunch stop at the Virgil Dams and Conservation Area.
When you are ready to continue, ride out of this rest area and turn left onto Line 3 and right onto Four Mile Creek. A few kilometres further, the road climbs into the village of St. Davids.
The tour continues to the left at the stop sign, but if you want to visit Ravine Vineyard, Coyote’s Run Estate Winery or Château des Charmes, detour right.
The tour follows York Road east across Four Mile Creek Road, past St. Davids-Queenston United Church and cemetery. Major David Secord, St. Davids’ namesake and brother-in-law to Laura Secord, is buried here.
Turn right onto the Upper Canada Heritage Trail just prior to Concession Road 2. Cycle downhill. Just north of Concession Road 1, you’ll notice Larkin Road. Frogpond Farm, the only certified organic winery in the region, is operated out of the first house on the left.
Continue north across Line 4. The Marynissen Estates winery is located on your left, just prior to the third line. Cross Lines 1 and 2 and the East West Line before the trail ends at Charlotte Street. Turn right and continue to John Street. Turn left to get to Mary Street. Turn left to get to the junc-tion of Mary and Mississauga streets, where this tour ends.
Highlights20 Bees Winery1067 Niagara Stone Rd.Niagara-on-the-Lake905-685-5673www.diamondestates.ca
Caroline Cellars(serves casual food)1028 Line 2Niagara-on-the-Lake905-468-8814www.carolinecellars.com
Cattail Creek Estate Winery1156 Concession Rd. 6Niagara-on-the-Lake905-988-9463www.cattailcreek.ca
Château des Charmes Wines1025 York Rd.Niagara-on-the-Lake905-262-5202www.chateaudescharmes.com
Coyote’s Run Estate Winery485 Concession Rd. 5St. Davids877-269-6833www.coyotesrunwinery.com
Frog Pond Winery1385 Larkin Rd.Niagara-on-the-Lake905-468-1079www.frogpondfarm.ca Hillebrand Estate Wineries(serves casual food and runs a restaurant)1249 Niagara Stone Rd.Niagara-on-the-Lake905-468-7123 or 800-582-8412www.hillebrand.com
Inniskillin Wines(serves casual food)1499 Line 3Niagara-on-the-Lake905-468-2187 or 888-466-4754www.inniskillin.com
Jackson-Triggs Niagara Estate Winery(serves casual food)2145 Niagara Stone Rd.Niagara-on-the-Lake905-468-4637www.jacksontriggswinery.com
Joseph’s Estates Wines1811 Hwy. 55Niagara-on-the-Lake905-468-1259www.josephsestatewines.com
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Maps Symbols
Other Symbols Used in This Guide
Beach
Golf course
Hospital
Provincial or federal park
Landmark
Cemetery
Tourist information
Tour itineraries(tour maps)
Long and off-road trails(regional maps)
Our suggested tours(regional maps)
Airport
Car ferry
Ferry
Highway50
Road105
Sea, lake, riverForest, park or conservation area
National capital
Provincial or state capital
International border
Provincial or regional border
Train track
Start and end of cycling toursSTART / END
4
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Easy: flat terrain
Moderate: rolling terrain or rough surfaces
Intense: rolling terrain, rough surfaces and numerous long
climbs
Favorite trails and tours
Page references marked with asterisks (see p ***) refer to pages located outside this chapter.
Research and Writing for the Fourth Edition: Tracey ArialOriginal Research and Writing: John LynesEditor : Pierre LedouxCopy Editor: Matthew McLauchlinComputer Graphics: Pascal Biet, Philippe ThomasEditing Assistance: Annie Gilbert
This work was produced under the direction of Claude Morneau.
AcknowledgementsTracey Arial: Thanks so much to my guide to Ontario’s north, Mike Landmark. Thanks also to the unsung heroes who work on the front lines in Ontario’s conservation areas, and at provincial and national parks, especially Linda at Fanshawe. Thanks to everyone at the Howard Johnson in Tillsonburg. Thanks to the team at the Trans Canada Trail Association too. Most of all, I’d like to sincerely thank Pedro, Paul and Arial for your company and love during all our adventures. I really appreciate your support.Publisher: We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada through the Book Publishing Industry Development Program (BPIDP) for our publishing activities. We would also like to thank the Government of Québec – Tax credit for book publishing – Administered by SODEC.
Chapter: Cycling Greater Toronto & Niagara Peninsula (PDF), ISBN 978-2-89665-647-9 (PDF version), is a chapter taken from Ulysses guide Cycling in Ontario, ISBN 978-2-89464-957-2 (prin-ted version), published and legally deposited in May 2011.
No part of this publication may be reproduced or distributed in any form or by any means without the written permission of the publisher.
© May 2011, Ulysses Travel GuidesAll rights reservedISBN 978-2-89665-647-9 (PDF version)
