Toronto Star 2002 End-to-End Itinerary-594 km

1. Historic McKenzie House

Beautiful Niagara-on-the-Lake: the start of our trip, and full of things to see and do, like wineries. We bow to local custom with a brief sampling at the Reif Estate winery, and check out historic McKenzie House.

2. Lord Mayor Gary Boroughs greets us at the old city hall.

Afterwards, we enjoy lunch at the Anchorage on Ricardo Street, overlooking the Niagara-on-the-Lake Yacht Club.

3. Fort Mississauga

The Niagara-on-the-Lake Golf Club offers a rare sight: a public trail, crossing a private golf course. And just past the 15th tee, you can visit the 180-year-old Fort Mississauga and reach a short trail along the waterfront. The Fort is used for special events.

We follow Lakeshore Road towards St. Catharines enjoying orchards, vineyards and a view of Lake Ontario. Along the way, we sample the specialty fruit wines of Sunnybrook Farm Estates.

4. The Happy Rolph Bird Sanctuary

This Sanctuary is located on Lake Ontario, in the east end of St. Catharines, has a petting farm and picnic area and is a prime spot for relaxing and bird watching. Malcolmson Eco Park is also not to be missed, with 36 acres that are home to many species of migratory birds. Charles Ansell Park is a rapidly developing recreational site in the Port Weller area.

5. Westcliffe Park

On our way to Port Dalhousie Harbour is Westcliffe Park… one of many terrific public parks along the St. Catharines waterfront and close to Michigan Beach and the Pier Marina.

6. Port Dalhousie

The scenic area of Port Dalhousie is popular in the summer for its many bars and restaurants. Check out the famous old carousel, open on summer weekends. Remember to bring a nickel for the ride!
Port Dalhousie has many attractions for walkers and cyclists in the summer. The old canal pier, extending out into Lake Ontario, has magnificent views of the lake.

7. Mayor Tim Rigby meets us at the Port Mansion Theatre Restaurant

We dine at the century-old Port Mansion Theatre Restaurant overlooking Port Dalhousie Harbour. The 88-seat theatre showcases comedy and musical productions, and is a good choice for food, drink and entertainment.

1. Upper Ball's Falls

After an overnight stop at the Beacon, a Best Western hotel in Jordan Harbour, we begin the second day of our journey with a tour of the Jordan Valley. Darcy Baker of the Niagara Conservation Authority suggests a trip to the spectacular Ball's Falls.

2. Lower Ball's Falls

Located on top of the escarpment at the head of Twenty Mile Creek, Ball's Falls is a birding mecca, with two picturesque falls, unique geology and the remnants of a historic settlement.
LINK: www.conservation-niagara.on.ca

3. Ruins in Ball's Falls

Jordan Valley has beautiful scenery, great shopping and dining. Cave Spring Cellars winery is a top choice, and for fine dining, the luxurious Inn on the Twenty overlooks the Twenty Valley. Stop by the Zooma Zooma Café for lunch and a coffee. Owned by former Toronto Argonaut Steve Del Col, the coffee house has a retro 50's style and live music in the summer.

LINKS: www.jordanvillage.com | www.townoflincoln.com

4. Historic Pumphouse in Grimsby.

We travel the Twenty-Mile Creek and the west side of the Jordan harbour, through the Town of Lincoln and to lovely Grimsby Beach. Down Elizabeth St., we stop at this restored, 1906 pumphouse which has been converted into a community hall in the middle of a restored lakeside parkette. This is actually a nice place to end the trip, however we have a few more kilometres left; we end our trip at the Tim Horton's located Casablanca QEW exit.