June has officially been dubbed as Bike Month and as the weather warms up, it’s the perfect time to go for a bike ride with your family. Cycling as a family gets everyone outside in the fresh air, active and spending quality time together, but it’s also a great way to instill a love of the outdoors in your kids. The Niagara Region is home to a vast assortment of scenic cycling routes that are free of cars, making them perfect for a family-friendly activity. We’ve compiled a few of our favourite trails below.
The Welland Canals Parkway Trail
From Bridge 1, this 45-km paved trail stretches southwards from St. Catharines to Port Colborne and provides fantastic, up-close views of massive ships, up to 226 metres in length, as they climb the Niagara Escarpment through the Welland Canal locks on their journey from Lake Ontario to Lake Erie.
The Friendship Trail
Once a rail line, the 24-km Friendship Trail runs parallel to the north shore of Lake Erie. With virtually no elevation, it’s a great ride for beginners and provides easy access to sandy beaches. It also passes through a variety of scenery, including farmland, villages, and quiet residential areas.
The Niagara River Recreational Trail
Cycle from Old Fort Erie through Niagara Falls to Fort George in Niagara-on-the-Lake on this 56-km paved path that runs parallel to the Niagara River. Along the way, you’ll descend the Escarpment while being treated to scenic landscapes.
CAA Bike Assist
If ever you find yourself stranded while out on a bike ride or you have a broken chain or a flat tire, give CAA Niagara a call. The CAA Bike Assist program offers the same peace of mind that comes with your emergency roadside assistance and it’s free to all Members. Plus, if your bike requires repair, we can transport it to a location of your choice. Visit caaniagara.ca/bikeassist to learn more.
Ontario