Niagara-on-the-Lake to Hamilton - 80 km

The official start of the Waterfront Trail is in Niagara-on-the-Lake, and it is here where we will launch the 3rd Annual GWTA!

After the kick-off celebration we will roll out through the historic and beautiful town of Niagara-on-the-Lake, the first of 41 incredible communities to come. During the ride from Niagara-on-the-Lake to Hamilton, you will cycle country roads and paved paths accented by vineyards, orchards and lake views. Discover historic military forts, village shops, restaurants and wineries. For riders looking for an extra 16 kilometres, consider the “Optional ride” a bit north to the town of Jordan to visit Balls Falls, the only waterfall on the Waterfront Trail.

(The first day of the Great Waterfront Trail Adventure is a relatively flat day on off-road paths through parks, on residential streets, and the shoulder of busier roads or service roads.)
 

See Trail Map Here...

KM

Pre-Tour Launch + Pre-registration July 2nd- Fort George, Niagara-on-the-Lake
As part of the kick-off for the event this year we are extremely excited to be welcomed the night before the official July 3rd launch by Historic Fort George, with the ability to camp inside the walls, as well as stay in the barracks (note: barracks sold out). To book a camping spot (cost $5) for July 2nd, please email Ian at il@wrtrust.com. Liberty Bikes will be on hand to provide any last minute mechanical support along with a few extras to help start your adventure.

Pre-Registration: 6 pm - 7 pm in the main bunkhouse (if you miss pre-registration, you can register on the morning of the 3rd)

Click here for directions to Fort George
Website / Map 1-1

Breakfast - Fort George, Niagara-on-the-Lake July 3rd
We are excited to announce that the 3rd  Annual GWTA will launch again this year from inside the walls of historic Fort George in beautiful Niagara-on-the-Lake. During the War of 1812, Fort George served as the headquarters for the Centre Division of the British Army, but on this July 4th they will fire the cannons to signal the beginning of the Great Waterfront Trail Adventure 2010!

**Non Meal Plan - Breakfast provided by Friends of Fort George

Registration: 7 am
Breakfast: 7:30 - 8:30
Departure: 9 am

Click here for directions to Fort George
Website / Map 1-1

Rest Stop - Club la Salle

This year we are kicking off the 2010 GWTA with our first bilingual Rest Stop, and promoting a "Bonjour Program" as a great way to welcome all particpants and benevoles. Brush up on your French at Club LaSalle`s club house and private beach on the shores of Lake Ontario: an art exhibit will be displayed and a chansonnier will perform before we are bid Bon Voyage!

9:30 - 10:00

Lunch - Charles Daley Park, Lincoln
Charles Daley Park will be the first lunch stop of the tour. August Restaurant and the Rotary Club are organizing a BBQ for participants to keep strength and spirits high. This has been a hit each year with riders getting to enjoy Niagara grown, cullinary delights. Once again, Liberty Bikes from St Catharines will be on hand to make sure your bikes are running smoothly.

*Meal Plan lunch

11:00 – 1:30

Map 1-6

(***Optional Side Trip) - Jordan Village
Swing a left on Jordan Rd (about 3 km west of Charles Daly Park) to make a side trip to the quaint Jordan Village (10 km return). The historic village has wineries, culinary delights, galleries, a museum, fabulous shopping, cool history, antiquing, and walking trails. It's worth the trip! When you're done, head back the way you came to rejoin the tour.

11:30- 2:00

Optional Activity - Grimsby Cottage Tour
This stop was a highlight the last couple of tours for many participants. The Grimsby Historical Society will be taking participants on a tour of some of Grimsby's Historical Cottages. These brightly painted cottages were once part of a religious camp. Don't miss the chance to view some of these stunning buildings and learn about their fascinating history. Tour takes approx. 20 mins.

12:00 – 2:30

Rest Stop - Pumphouse Historical Plaque
The town of Grimsby will be cheering on the riders and offering tours of their community as Adventurers stop to re-fill water bottles; each year this community shows why we have to come back.

12:00 – 2:30
Map 1-8

Camping - Confederation Park

Once you enter park off Gray's Road, you will travel approx 1.7 km before you turn left toward the campsite. Those who are camping will be staying in Confederation Park. Dinner options abound on this first night of the tour - details at info tent.

Cycle Chic will also be on hand at the park with some great cycling gear for sale.

Mechanical Support provided by MBR Services (Mobile Bicycle Repair & Services)

6:00 pm - PLEASE MAKE SURE YOUR GEAR IS OUT OF THE LUGGAGE TRUCK
6:30 pm - Dinner (Non Meal Plan) on your own, local suggestions to be provided

Website / Map 1-11 / Camping location

Night on the Town in Burlington 

Come wine and dine in Burlington!  Tourism Burlington is offering FREE taxi service to and from its downtown to all GWTRA riders.  Everyone will receive a visitor coupon book offering discounts at many downtown restaurants including the Beaver and Bulldog, Downtown Bistro & Grill, Lattitude, Paradiso, Pepperwoods, Red Canoe Bistro and the Water Street Cooker.  Please email Linda to reserve a taxi olimel@burlington.ca.  Taxi shuttle will start at 7:00 pm. We look forward to welcoming you to beautiful Burlington, recently named the third best place to live in Canada!

Website

For a list of alternate accommodations click here.

• Niagara-on-the-Lake
• St. Catharines
• Lincoln

• Grimsby
• Hamilton