Bicycle Touring in Niagara Falls Canada
With over 150 kilometers (100 miles) of paved bicycle paths and numerous mountain bike trails, Niagara is probably the most popular bicycling destination in Canada.
Best time for bicycling is Spring (eveything's in-bloom) and Autumn (leaves are changing colours). Summer can get a little too hot and is always humid.
The most popular section of the bicycle path runs north along the Niagara River from the Victoria Street / Niagara Parkway intersection (5 km/3.3mi north of “the falls”) to Niagara-on-the-Lake (at Lake Ontario). 23 kilometers (15 miles) one way. This is a paved bicycle path running parallel with the Niagara River.
Along this route you will travel through the most scenic countryside in Niagara.
The first 8 kilometers (5 miles) is moderate rolling hills. This part of the path is about 55 Meters (170 feet) above the river offering incredible views overlooking the Niagara River Gorge. Attractions and points of interest along this part of the path include the Whirlpool, Niagara Glen, Niagara Parks Golf Course, Botanical Gardens, Butterfly Conservatory, Electric Power Generating Stations, Floral Clock, Queenston/Lewiston International Bridge and Queenston Heights Park/Brock's Monument. (see Niagara Parks website for information about these attractions).
Queenston Heights is where you will encounter a nasty little hill dropping about 50 meters (160 ft) down to the village of Queenston which is at river level (as a point of interest, this is where "the falls" was 12,500 years ago. It's been eating its way up-river ever since).
The village of Queenston is a quaint little village and a great place to stop for a break. You will find the Laura Secord Homestead here as well as the Mackenzie Printery.
From Queenston heading north, the terrain is fairly flat for the next 15 kilometers (10 miles) where you will enjoy Niagara's Wine Country (Vineyards and Orchards).
You can stop at most of the Estate Wineries along this portion of the bike path for tours, wine tasting or lunch in one of their restaurants (mostly California style cuisine i.e. chicken, salads, fresh fruits etc.). There are also a few roadside fruit stands/markets where you can pick up some bottled water, juice or a light snack.
As you near Niagara-on-the-Lake you will find McFarland House which is one of the oldest tea rooms in Upper Canada. They serve an excellent lunch! And Fort George, a remnant of the War of 1812 between the British and the USA.
This portion of the bike path ends at the old town of Niagara-on-the-Lake. Considered the “prettiest town in Canada” Niagara-on-the-Lake is the home of the Shaw Festival, featuring plays by George Bernard Shaw and his contemporaries in three beautiful theatres designed specifically for this venue. You will also find lavish homes, immaculate gardens, boutique shopping, bistros, countless expensive restaurants, 300+ B&B’s and a handful of very pricey Hotels/Spas. Well worth visiting for the day!
Total round trip is about 46 kilometers (30 miles). Allow 5 to 6 hours to really enjoy it.
This is a paved bicycle path with rolling hills. I would recommend you use either a hybrid or road bike with at least 7 speeds.
This path is probably suitable for teens or adults in fair or good physical condition. Too far and too long for young children.
This is a wonderful way to spend a day in Niagara!
Maps: Regional Niagara Bicycling Map; Regional Niagara Off-Road Bicycling Map; Niagara Region Wineries.
Bicycle Rentals: Cupolo's Sports
Niagara Images: http://niagarafallsimages.webs.com/index.htm
