Self-guided ToursCanada
Niagara by Bike:
Between Falls, Vineyards and the Great Lakes
Burlington, Lake Ontario, the Welland Canal, Niagara Falls and the vineyards of the Niagara wine region: this self-guided tour links some of southern Ontario’s finest sights by bike. You ride at your own pace while we handle the logistics, with your accommodations booked and your luggage moved ahead from one stop to the next.
The cycling network here is remarkably well developed, with roughly 60% on dedicated bike paths and the rest on low-traffic roads with shoulders. Surfaces are 95% paved, with a few gravel sections. Just a few hours’ drive from Québec, the region is as appealing for its scenery as for its food and wine. Toronto is easy to add at the start or end of the trip.
Highlights
Panoramic loop along the Niagara River to Niagara-on-the-Lake
Tastings in the renowned vineyards of Niagara-on-the-Lake
Coastal stages between Lake Ontario and Lake Erie, with beaches accessible by bike
Itinerary
The markers on the map locate each stage approximately. They do not correspond to the exact address of your accommodation. The overnight stays indicated in the itinerary may change depending on availability. The exact address appears in your travel booklet.
Day 1 | Arrival in Burlington
Arrive in Burlington on your own, by train or by car, and take the day to explore the city.
Day 2 | Burlington – St. Catharines (59 km)
The day starts in Spencer Smith Park, a green space on the shore with views over Lake Ontario. You join the Waterfront Trail, which follows the lake through parks and residential neighborhoods. Stop in Grimsby-on-the-Lake, a charming village with shops, cafés and beaches, then pause in Port Dalhousie for one of the finest views over Lake Ontario.
Day 3 | St. Catharines – Port Colborne (53 km)
The day begins at the Lock 3 Museum, where you can watch huge cargo ships maneuver through the locks of the Welland Canal, which links Lake Ontario to Lake Erie. You then follow the Welland Canal Parkway Trail, a paved path that runs alongside the canal for almost the whole stage. Halfway along, Welland and its old bridge, a remnant of the original canal, are worth a coffee break. You reach Port Colborne on the shore of Lake Erie, where Nickel Beach, historic West Street and its harbourfront patios bring the day to a fine close.
Day 4 | Port Colborne – Niagara Falls (61 km)
You leave Port Colborne on the Friendship Trail, a bike path through farmland and pretty villages with views of Lake Erie. In Fort Erie, the old fort is a landmark of the War of 1812, when American forces invaded Canada. You then join the Niagara Parkway, a 55 km scenic road along the Niagara River. Just before the falls, the Floral Showhouse and its gardens are worth a stop.
Arriving at the falls from the south gives you a striking sense of the sheer scale of the river’s drop. In the evening, Journey Behind the Falls, a Niagara City Cruise and the lively buzz of Clifton Hill round out the day.
Day 5 | Loop from Niagara Falls to Niagara-on-the-Lake (57 km)
You start and finish at your Niagara Falls hotel, so you can make the most of the city. You ride the Niagara Parkway Recreational Trail, a winding path along the river. Past the Sir Adam Beck hydroelectric station, the Floral Clock is a first must-see. Next comes a tasting stop at Inniskillin, a pioneer of Canadian wine. Just before Niagara-on-the-Lake, Fort George National Historic Site is worth a visit before you reach Queen Street and its historic district for a bite to eat. On the way back, Jackson-Triggs Winery and Queenston Heights Park, with its monuments and gardens, round out the ride. In the evening, the falls lit up by a thousand lights are a striking sight.
Day 6 | Return to Burlington
After breakfast, head to Niagara Falls station for the GO Train to Burlington, about a two-hour trip. Private transport can also be arranged on request. End of trip.
Dates and pricing
All prices are indicated per person and in CAD. They vary depending on the period and availability at the time of booking.
Possible departures: every day, from May to October
Double Occupancy Package:
- Starting from $1,995 + taxes (GST)
Single Occupancy Supplement:
- On request
Bike Rental:
- On request
The price includes
- 5 nights in a double room with private bathroom, breakfasts included (comfort inns and 3* hotels)
- Luggage transport from one accommodation to the next
- Accommodation taxes
- GPX tracks to follow the itinerary by bike
- A digital travel kit 30 days before departure, including the essential logistical details for your trip
- An assistance service with an emergency number
- Participation in the Fonds Plein Air 1% for the Planet program: Ekilib donates 1% of its revenue to support nature protection projects in Québec
The price does not include
- Transport and all costs related to transporting your bike to Burlington, both outbound and return
- Personal expenses, including drinks
- Meals not mentioned in the “The price includes” section
- Entrance fees to monuments not mentioned in the program
- Parking during the stay
- Tips
- GST taxes
- Travel insurance
- File processing fees of CA$50, plus taxes
- Financial protection from the Compensation Fund for Customers of Travel Agents. Free of charge as of January 1, 2024
Practical information
Bike Type and Equipment Provided
The bikes provided are suited to the type of route and are regularly maintained by our local partners. Each one usually comes with a rear pannier (except carbon bikes) to carry your day’s belongings, a lock and a puncture repair kit. Riders handle simple puncture repairs along the way. Helmets aren’t always provided, so we recommend bringing your own for comfort and safety.
You can generally bring your own bike; contact us to check. This is usually possible for standard bikes. E-bikes aren’t accepted when the trip involves air travel, due to battery restrictions.
Guidance
On self-guided trips, you are autonomous in your progress, but never alone. A local partner remains available throughout the stay, and an emergency number is accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week if needed. This assistance makes it possible to respond quickly to any logistical question or unexpected situation.
Luggage transfers
Throughout your trip, we handle luggage transfers between accommodations. Each morning, you drop your main bag at reception and it’s taken ahead to your next stop. The usual limit is one bag per person, up to about 20 kg. You ride with just what you need for the day, usually in the pannier that comes with the bike.
Formalities
Travel insurance
Travel insurance is essential to participate in an Ekilib trip. It must notably cover emergency medical expenses abroad, assistance, and repatriation. Coverage for trip cancellation and interruption is also strongly recommended. Traveling by bike involves physical activity and daily travel. Appropriate insurance allows you to deal with unexpected events with peace of mind. Before departure, check that your policy covers cycling as part of a trip. We also recommend checking the protections offered by your credit card or insurance company.
Flights
For this trip, international flights are not included in the price of the stay. We recommend waiting for official trip confirmation before booking your flights. You can make this booking yourself or ask our team to assist you with the process. In all cases, it is advisable to check arrival and departure times to facilitate the transfers planned in your program.
Let's talk about your cycling trip
Our other cycling tours in Canada
Self-guided Tours
Self-guided Tours
Self-guided ToursExplore other cycling destinations
Looking to go farther? Follow the Danube along its scenic waterways, ride the roads of Portugal, coast through the lavender fields of Provence, explore Québec’s iconic cycling routes, or trace the Adriatic all the way from Venice to Istria.
Austria
Discover Austria
Belgium
Discover Belgium
France
Discover France
Italy
Discover Italy