Niagara region is well known for its natural, cultural, and historic wonders – Niagara Falls and its dramatic gorge, world-class wineries, and a rich mix of towns and cities. It’s also internationally renowned for cycling, offering top-notch trails, the striking climbs of the Niagara Escarpment, and the flat, open wine country that makes for relaxed, scenic riding.
The Greater Niagara Circle Route is one of Ontario’s most iconic cycling tours – a 140 km loop consisting of paved, mostly off-road trails, with a short 14 km on-road section between St. Catharines and Niagara-on-the-Lake. It has earned its reputation by connecting the region’s main attractions with ease, allowing cyclists to experience Niagara’s diversity in a single, well-designed route.
While there is much written about the attractions in the north and eastern sections of the Greater Niagara Circle Route, the southern portion of the loop between Fort Erie and Port Colborne is a hidden gem that provides some of the best opportunities to slow down, extend your stay, enjoy some magnificent Lake Erie beaches, and really savour what makes this area so special.
Niagara’s South Coast
“The South Coast section is the most family-friendly of the whole Circle Route. Lots of parking right on the trail in many areas means easy direct access for visitors. The trail feels authentic and welcoming rather than touristy. It’s educational for kids and adults too, from learning about the Welland Canal and unique bridges like the eight-section railway bridge in Fort Erie to understanding the natural beach ecosystems.” – John S, local cyclist.
Niagara’s South Coast offers an incredibly inviting stretch of waterfront along Lake Erie’s north shore, stretching from Fort Erie in the east, through Ridgeway and Crystal Beach, to Port Colborne and Wainfleet in the west. On the Friendship Recreation Trail, coast along waterfront and forested paths and breeze into inviting communities.
As a historic vacation area, welcoming visitors to its warm waters for generations, there is a great selection of accommodations to choose from, including charming bed & breakfasts and many camping options, perfect for either a short or extended stay.
The Friendship Trail
Stretching 24 km from Fort Erie to Port Colborne, the Friendship Recreational Trail is a scenic, fully paved pathway that forms the southernmost link of the Greater Niagara Circle Route. It connects seamlessly to the Niagara River Recreational Trail in Fort Erie and the Welland Canals Parkway Trail in Port Colborne, making it an essential part of a broader cycling network. It is flat, straight, a breeze to pedal, and perfect for families with young children. This trail is all about exploring! It provides an incredible mix of nature and beaches, nostalgia, history and just plain fun. Looking south as you ride, almost every crossroad provides cyclists access to some of the finest beaches in Southern Ontario and spectacular views across Lake Erie to the Buffalo skyline and southwestern New York State.
Both the Friendship Trail and Niagara River Recreation Trail form part of the 3600 km Great Lakes Waterfront Trail, an incredible signed cycle touring route on a mix of trails and roads travelling along the shores of the Great Lakes.
The Friendship Trail connects many lakeside communities along Niagara’s South Coast. Each community along the trail is unique in its own way. Here are some highlights of the incredible places you’ll visit:
Fort Erie
At the eastern gateway of the trail, Fort Erie offers a powerful blend of natural beauty and rich history. The iconic Peace Bridge, spanning the point where Lake Erie flows into the Niagara River, has long served as a key crossing between Canada and the United States.
Cyclists beginning their journey along the Niagara River Recreational Trail will pass beneath the towering bridge and ride alongside a concrete breakwall toward historic Old Fort Erie. Here, the landscape comes alive with history, placing riders in the very setting where Canada once defended itself during conflicts with the United States.
Fort Erie offers restaurants with patios directly on the Niagara River. Southsides Patio Bar and Grill is informal and offers traditional bar food plus poutine. Vaticano Italian Restaurant is very traditional Italian and offers lunch deals. Be sure to peek inside – it’s ornate decorations are beautiful and absolutely authentic.
After the forested ride through Old Lake Erie Beach Park you come to Waverly Beach Park where there’s parking, washrooms, water and picnic tables plus a beach. The view of the Buffalo skyline and wind turbines is pretty incredible.
Where to stay:
Windmill Point Park & Family Campground –This family friendly campground is located on a spring fed quarry, offers serviced and un-serviced camping, and has swimming, a playground, movies under the stars and lots of activities for the whole family.
Ridgeway
The Friendship Recreation Trail passes through the heart of Ridgeway’s classic small-town main street, a vibrant and welcoming destination. If it’s Saturday, you’ll pass the Farmers’ Market close enough to smell the fresh baked goods and local produce.
Just south of the trail, Brimstone Brewing Company is housed in a beautifully restored 1872 Free Methodist Church, offering a unique stop for craft beer and local fare. To the north, visitors will find an eclectic mix of boutiques, galleries, and cafés, including The Lonely Guy Boutique, Rookleys Canadian Art, and Social Graces Market & Cellar. Ridgeway is proudly bicycle-friendly, with many local businesses offering access and a warm welcome to cyclists.
Where to Stay:
The York House – boutique and historic family-owned homestay/house rental offering two bedrooms, a private garden on a stately property.
Crystal Beach
Many remember Crystal Beach as the home of Ontario’s premier amusement park Crystal Beach Park, once drawing up to 20,000 visitors a day. Its legendary Cyclone and Comet roller coasters set the scene for generations of summer memories. While the rides are gone, many original buildings remain, now home to new eateries and shops that preserve the area’s nostalgic charm. Cycling the quiet streets just off the Friendship Trail feels like stepping back to a simpler time.
No visit is complete without a swim at Bay Beach, known for its wide sandy shoreline, clear water, and excellent amenities (washrooms, playground, water filling stations).
Crystal Beach is also one of the region’s most bicycle-friendly communities, with plenty of welcoming stops for cyclists. Grab a coffee or panini at the Crystal Ball Cafe, or settle in for a hearty meal on the summer patio at South Coast Cookhouse.
Take a worthwhile detour to see the striking 1917 neo-classical Point Abino lighthouse, now a National Historic Site (advance booking through Town of Fort Erie required for access).
Where to Stay:
Hotel Philco – a family-owned boutique stay in the heart of Crystal Beach, just steps from the shores of Lake Erie. Located in the beautifully restored 1907 Derby Square building, once across from the iconic Crystal Beach Amusement Park, the hotel blends historic charm with modern comfort. Guests can enjoy 12 uniquely themed rooms, each thoughtfully designed for both style and relaxation.
Port Colborne
At the west end of the Friendship Trail, Port Colborne is a hub for curious and adventurous cyclists. The Friendship Trail delivers riders directly to the downtown business district via Bridge 21, one of only three operating vertical-lift bridges on the Welland Canal.
Patio restaurants and cafés offer everything from coffee and tea to lunch, dinner, locally crafted beer and Niagara wines. The Smokin’ Buddha, located in the downtown’s historical train station, features the fresh flavours of Asian comfort food inspired by the owner and chef’s time living in Thailand, Japan, Vietnam and Korea. Canalside Restaurant and Inn is located on historic West Street, only a few pedal strokes from the bridge. It serves great food and drinks with small-town friendliness and just this year opened a new wine tasting room and gallery
Sip and munch along the bicycle friendly Port Promenade as the bridge’s warning whistle announces a huge lake freighter or ocean ship is passing by. Gaze across the canal in summer and you might see a sparkling cruise ship docked, awaiting a trip through the locks.
The Greater Niagara Circle Route passes through Port Colborne via the Welland Canals Parkway Trail heading north and the Friendship Trail heading east. The smooth gravel 13 km Gord Harry Conservation Trail leads west, connecting to more great swimming and camping at Long Beach in Wainfleet. All are flat, family-friendly routes offering every level of cyclists, including e-bikers, exceptionally varied opportunities to explore Niagara’s South Coast.
Where to Stay:
Talwood Manor – This bed & breakfast was the winner of the 2020 Ontario By Bike Bicycle Friendly Business Award for Niagara Region. Enjoy a gourmet breakfast, sunbath in the garden relax in the gazebo, or screened-in verandah on summer evenings.
Canalside Restaurant and Inn – As the name suggests, it’s just steps from the Welland Canal. High-quality pub food and drink, and upstairs there are 10 suites to choose from, with all offering secure locked bike parking to guests. Live entertainment on select evenings.
Pelham
Cyclists travelling clockwise on the Greater Niagara Circle Route will head north from Port Colborne on the Welland Canals Parkway Trail. At the city of Welland, there is an interesting detour off the Circle Route, on the off-road 6 km Steve Bauer Trail, which heads northwest to Pelham on a mix of pavement and crushed stone, connecting you to a whole new world of trail and country road cycling.
Fonthill is the heartbeat and gateway to the stunning town of Pelham and hosts boutique shops, cozy cafés, and inviting eateries. One of Niagara’s oldest communities, the Pelham area has a rich history dating back to the 1700s. Its fertile land attracted early settlers, transforming the area into a thriving agricultural hub and now hosts world-class wineries including the well-known Sons & Daughters Winery.
If you are looking for some scenic road riding to contrast the trails of the Greater Niagara Circle Route, this is the place to do it. Pelham has four scenic cycling routes that feature a range of rolling hills and farmlands to scenic villages and off-road trails. The Short Hills Loop is a moderate to advanced 15 km ride that travels along scenic locations, roadside stands and rural farmland providing escarpment views. The route includes significant hills while rewarding cyclists with access to off-road trails, Short Hills Provincial Park and Carolinian forest views.
Plan Your Cycling Vacation in Niagara’s South Coast
Niagara’s South Coast offers a different kind of cycling experience. With its scenic, family-friendly trails, welcoming communities, stunning beaches and nature, it’s a place to slow your pace, extend your stay, and truly savour the ride. It is a place that makes for a great base as a cycling hub for an extended vacation, or a place to slow down and relax for a few extra nights on a trip around the full Greater Niagara Circle Route.
Additional Information
- Niagara’s South Coast – Information on all of the area’s communities and destinations including more things to do, the best beaches, and places to eat and stay.
- Visit Niagara – Discover more experiences, places to eat and stay across Niagara Region
- Friendship Trail – See the full Friendship Trail digital route map along with points of interest mentioned in this blog
- Greater Niagara Circle Route – Route map for the entire 140 km loop
- Ontario By Bike Ride – Greater Niagara Circle Route South – Cycling Itinerary – An alternate 130km cycling route to the full Circle Route that explores the southern half, accessing the bike ferry across the Welland Canal at Port Robinson.
- Niagara Region – Great Places to Cycle – Ontario By Bike – find cycling route and maps and bicycle friendly places to eat visit and sleep
- Town of Pelham – Cycling Routes – Find four cycling routes and trails mapped and explore more in the Town of Pelham
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Sponsored Content Partner: Niagara’s South Coast
Article by Ontario By Bike with contributions by John Swart.
Photo Credits: All photos courtesy of Niagara’s South Coast, except #3 from Ontario By Bike
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