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 Day 1
Arrive in Niagara Falls, one of the most famous towns in North America. Take time to walk along the river to the brink of the majestic falls, that have attracted visitors for over a century.
Day 2
Set off along the Niagara River Trail for completely carefree— and car-free—cycling. Cruise past Chippawa and Black Creek, before heading out onto quiet country roads. Pedal past farms to the picturesque village of Ridgeway. You’ll reach Lake Erie at Crystal Beach, a bustling summer resort once known as “Buffalo’s Coney Island.” Today’s destination is Port Colborne, at the entrance to the Welland Canal.
Day 3
On a day ride you head out along Lake Erie, with many opportunities to stop for a picnic on the beach. Pass cottages and cycle through small villages, then follow the old feeder canal back to the bike path that runs along the Welland Canal and return to Port Colborne. You’ll be amazed by the huge ships making their way slowly through the canal that links Lake Erie and Lake Ontario.
Day 4
Leave Port Colborne along the canal, then wind your way along the curves of the Welland River into the countryside. Stop to see the Comfort Maple, at 500 years the oldest sugar maple in Canada. Enjoy the hills, lush and green in the summer and blazing red in the fall, do some walking in Short Hills Provincial Park, then glide down the escarpment. Ahead of you is the blue vastness of Lake Ontario and, on a clear day, you can see the CN Tower in Toronto. Arrive at the charming village of Jordan, where you’ll spend two nights.
Day 5
Start with a short climb up the escarpment, wander in to Ball’s Falls, then ride through the vineyards. Visit some of the province's best wineries and enjoy a bit of winetasting. Be sure to treat yourself to a spectacular lunch at one of the winery restaurants. Follow tiny roads that meander along Lake Ontario and through apple and peach orchards. Then return to Jordan.
Day 6
Head for Port Dalhousie, on the shore of Lake Ontario. Browse through the shops and stroll along the harbour. Follow the waterfront trail, then pedal along the Welland Canal bike path. At Lock 3 you can climb up to a viewing stand and almost touch the huge ships that pass by. Ride all the way to Thorold to the Twinned Flight Locks where ships climb up and down the Niagara Escarpment. Then it’s back to wine country and on to Niagara-on-the-Lake, one of the prettiest towns in Canada. This evening take a stroll along the shady streets lined by lovely 19th-century houses, many of them proudly displaying heritage plaques.
Day 7
Learn about life in 1812 at Fort George, then cruise along the River trail to tiny Queenston, full of history and atmosphere. Climb the Niagara Escarpment and head out into the countryside to pedal amongst the vineyards or follow the river trail all the way to Niagara Falls, if you like. You’ll return to Niagara-on-the-Lake. This might be the perfect time to take in a play at the world-famous Shaw Festival.
Day 8
There’s time to find the ideal souvenir in one of the town’s many shops before you depart for your next adventure.
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