Great Lakes Waterfront Trail
The Great Lakes Waterfront Trail is a signed bike route stretching over 2250 miles, connecting 155 communities and First Nations along the Canadian shores of the Great Lake and St. Lawrence River, and on this great tour we’ll cycle the first 350 mile, eastern section of this incredible trail from Toronto to Montreal traversing charming communities and taking in the breathtaking scenery. About 30% of the trail is off-road bike path, with the remainder being quiet backroads following the remarkable St. Lawrence Seaway and the stunning shoreline of Lake Ontario.
TOUR PRICING
Per Person Double Occ: $2889 -- Single Occ: $3489
A deposit of $500 per person is required at time of reservation. You will be invoiced for balance, including any discounts or adjustments, in 2 separate installments. Final balance due 90 days prior to tour.
THE ESSENTIALS
Duration: 9 Days / 8 Nights
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Total Miles: 320 -- Avg. Daily Miles: 40 - 45 miles
Meals: 5 Breakfasts; 2 Lunches; 1 Dinner
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Day 1: Arrive Toronto
At 7:00 PM we’ll gather at the hotel to make introductions and provide a full tour orientation.
Day 2: Scarborough to Port Darlington (40 Miles)
The tour begins at Guild Park & Gardens where you’ll have a chance to explore before we jump on our bikes for our first leg on the GLWT, and also our first taste of the spectacular views of Lake Ontario that will dazzle us for the next several days. At mile 30 we’ll stop for a lakeside picnic lunch, then continue on to Port Darlington, our stop for the evening.
Day 3: Port Darlington to Cobourg (33 Miles)
Today’s ride is only 33 miles allowing plenty of afternoon time on the beautiful, sandy, swimming beach at Cobourg. After enjoying 33 miles of glorious cycling, we’ll have a picnic lunch at the beach followed by a relaxing afternoon at the lake. In the evening stroll through town and enjoy dinner at one of the many great restaurants.
Day 4: Cobourg to Picton Harbor (45 or 63 Miles)
The stunning lake views endure as we leave Cobourg behind enroute to beautiful Picton Harbor. You’ll have the option to cycle either 63 miles, taking you directly to our gorgeous hotel on the Harbor, or opt for a shorter ride of 45 miles allowing more time to explore Picton Harbor with its colorful Main St. with lovely shops and restaurants, or to take a short walk to visit the unique Birdhouse City with over 100 remarkable, handmade birdhouses. Either way, today’s ride and beautiful Picton Harbor will both delight you!
Day 5: Picton Harbor to Kingston (44 Miles)
The cycling thus far has been spectacular, and today delivers more of the same. Enjoy easy, scenic cycling as we make our way to historic and kitschy Kingston! Our ride begins with a small but formidable hill, which brings us to a ferry crossing, a prelude to our next 43 miles of cycling, every mile of which is along the shoulder of gorgeous Lake Ontario. We drop the kickstand in lovely Kingston, our stop for the evening.
Day 6: Kingston to Brockville (47 Miles)
Get ready for a fun filled day! We begin our cycling just outside of Kingston, on Howe Island with two short ferry crossings, before reaching Gananoque in 13 miles. Here we’ll park the bikes and jump on a 1-hour, scenic cruise through the gorgeous Thousand Islands. After the cruise you’ll have time to explore the charming town of Gananoque and to grab lunch. After lunch we’re back on the bikes, with more incredible cycling and scenery as we make our way to Brockville for our overnight stay.
Day 7: Brockville to Cornwall (37 Miles)
Today’s ride begins with 16 miles of scenic cycling before reaching remarkable Upper Canada Village where you can explore authentic nineteenth-century buildings, participate in traditional craft activities and interact with costumed interpreters that bring the late Victorian era of Canada to life (recommend 3-hour visit). After a fantastic afternoon at UCV, you’ll finish up your last 20 miles with cycling over the tops of the Lost Villages, which were “lost” with the building of the St. Lawrence Seaway, taking in views that will truly leave you breathless!
Day 8: Cornwall to Montreal (50 Miles)
It’s our last day, but it certainly does not disappoint. In our first 28 miles we’ll complete the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail. However, for our last 20 miles, we continue to enjoy great cycling along the Soulanges Canal Trail which takes us through charming St. Zotique before we drop the kickstand at beautiful Point-des-Cascades on the very outskirt of Montreal.
In the evening we’ll gather for a celebratory group social where we can share lively stories of our adventure on the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail!
Day 9: Departure
Departure on your own for homebound or other destinations.
If your car is parked in Dorval, we’ll shuttle you to retrieve your vehicle.
Return to Toronto by Via Rail Canada: https://www.viarail.ca/en