Niagara Cycling Tourism Report€¦ · Cycling Tourism Report – 9 MTCS Agencies Continued: Niagara Parks Commission Established in 1885, the Niagara Parks Commission (NPC) is a

Niagara Cycling Tourism Report February 2016

2 – The Tourism Partnership of Niagara

Cycling Tourism Report – 3

INTRODUCTION...................................................................... 4

Background.......................................................................... 4

Objectives............................................................................ 4

CATEGORY REVIEW.................................................................. 5

Pre-Trip Planning.................................................................... 5

Activities Beyond Cycling.......................................................... 5

Why Cycling Tourims............................................................... 6

ECOSYSTEM ANALYSIS............................................................. 8

Government.......................................................................... 8

Not-for-profit Associations......................................................... 12

Academic Institutions............................................................... 17

DMOs & BIAs....................................................................... 17

Operators............................................................................ 18

Clubs/Networks..................................................................... 18

Niagara Cycling Eco-system....................................................... 20

Stakeholder Roles................................................................. 21

COMPETITIVE REVIEW............................................................. 22

SWOT ANALYSIS....................................................................... 24

RECOMMENDATIONS.............................................................. 25

CONCLUSION.......................................................................... 25

APPENDICES........................................................................... 27

Directory of Operators/Organizations............................................ 27

Trails Map............................................................................ 33

Table of Contents


IntroductionBackground

Since the creation of the Greater Niagara Circle Route and the development of Niagara Region’s Transportation Strategy in 2002, cycling has become a “top of mind” means of sustainable, active transportation in Niagara and part of promoting a healthy lifestyle for all its residents.

This interest provides the Niagara’s tourism sector an opportunity to diversify its vast product offering once again, and attract prospective new travellers to Niagara. Through the promotion of a growing network of routes/trails, private operators specializing in cycling product and services, cycling clubs, associations, bike-friendly accommodations, restaurants and attractions, Niagara is primed to become a hotspot for cycling tourism in Canada.

Given the increase in activity and efforts around the promotion of cycling and infrastructure, there is a clear need for Tourism Partnership of Niagara to determine how it can best promote the growth in this product category and drive leads to its Sub-Regional partners; Niagara Falls Tourism, Niagara’s South Coast Tourism Association, St. Catharines Department of Economic Development and Tourism, Tourism Niagara- on-the-Lake and Twenty Valley Tourism Association.

Objectives

• Clearly identify cycling tourism stakeholder groups and the role(s) of each group

• Create a directory of active cycling tourism related operators and determine who TPN can promote through marketing communication efforts

• Determine existing gaps and offer recommendations for further development of cycling tourism in Niagara


Category ReviewA review of travellers who came to Niagara for a cycling holiday in 2012 revealed cycling tourists frequently stayed 1-2 nights, were between the ages 35-64, male (54%) and female (46%), well educated and travelled predominantly with adults only (93%) in parties of 3 or more persons1.

A February 2015 report by the Ontario by Bike Network (a project of Transportation Options; a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering sustainable mobility and tourism solutions across Ontario) verified that trends have remained fairly consistent:

• Age: 45-64

• Gender: Male

• Household Income: +$100K

• Well educated, experienced road cyclist, rides in groups of 2 to 4 and travels in Ontario with bike2.

Pre-Trip Planning

Websites (29%), Social Media (26%) and printed Cycling maps (16%) are the top three information sources for cyclists in Ontario when planning cycling related trips3.

Activities Beyond Cycling

Of the top activity preferences while on a cycling trip, Niagara offers all, including culinary experiences, hiking, camping, wine tasting, shopping and visiting cultural sites and museums4.

1 Statistics Canada: Travel Survey of Residents of Canada and International Travel Survey as interpreted by Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport

2 Transportation Options: From Niche to Now, Cycle Tourism in Ontario. February 2015)3 & 4 Transportation Options, From Niche to Now


Catagory ReviewWhy Cycling Tourism? In 2010, approximately 2 million Canadian/Ontario visitors participated in cycling activities in Ontario accounting for $391 million in revenue generation (an increase of 25% and 18% respectively from 2009)5.

In the same year, Ontario attracted 38% of all Canadian visitors who went cycling anywhere in Canada. Niagara as a destination attracted only 4.2% (84,000) of all Canadians who participated in cycling activities while in Ontario.

According to a study conducted by Transportation Options in the summer of 2010, cyclists who came to Niagara and stayed one or more nights, spend on average $148 on combined food and beverages, attractions and retail purchases (excludes accommodations). This same study revealed that 52% of all cyclists stayed one or more nights, of which 72% stayed in paid accommodations (hotels, motels and/or bed and breakfasts)6.

In 2012, approximately 98,000 cyclists visited Niagara - 97.8% stayed-overnight and spent approximately $229 per visit resulting in a 16.7% increase in visitation based on cycling activities and a +$81 per visitor spend in two years7.

A World Travel Market report published in 2014 suggests cycling holidays are becoming more popular than golf getaways in the US, with reported cycling enthusiast numbers climbing to 3.8m in 2013 (up from 3.5m in 2012)8.

Research indicates this segment aligns with TPN’s existing consumer targeting strategy. The increased product vertical interest among American travellers, combined with the favourable exchange rate warrants the exploration of this market potential in greater detail.

5 Transportation Options, Economic Impact of Cycle Tourism in Ontario 6 Transportation Options. Economic Impact of Cycle Tourism: Niagara Region and Greenbelt Areas. Summer 20107 Travel Survey of Residents of Canada, International Travel Survey, Statistics Canada & MTCS)8 http://www.cyclingweekly.co.uk/news/latest-news/cycling-holidays-becoming-popular-golf-breaks-142695



Eco-System AnalysisThere are a number of stakeholders within Niagara that contribute to the health, growth and promotion of the Region’s cycling infrastructure and product offering.

Government

PROVINCIAL:

Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport: (MTCS)

Through the Ministry mandate and agencies, MTCS supports the development of cycling tourism through it’s commissioned research studies, investment in the province’s 13 Regional Tourism Organizations (RTOs), infrastructure improvements (including the TODs Signage Program) and the development and implementation in the Ontario Trails Strategy; a long-term plan that establishes strategic direction for planning, managing, promoting and using trails across the province of Ontario.

MTCS Agencies:

Ontario Tourism Marketing Partnership Corporation: (OTMPC)OTMPC’s mandate, in part, is to market Ontario as a travel destination and to support and assist the marketing efforts of the tourism industry. Consumer research is often shared with tourism industry stakeholders that identifies key travel motivators, including cycling.

OTMPC implements partnership programs with key stakeholders including the RTOs to leverage the key travel motivators in given markets throughout Ontario. As cycling becomes more of a focus for many RTOs, OTMPC (through partnership opportunities), will likely increase its efforts highlighting this product vertical.

Ontario Travel Information CentresOTMPC operates 11 Ontario Tourism Information Centres (OTICs) across the province, with the majority of centres located along provincial borders (U.S. and Canada). There are 2 OTICs within the Niagara Region: St. Catharines (north-bound QEW) and Niagara Falls (Stanley Avenue & 420).

The OTICs are often the first point of contact with travellers when in the Niagara Region, and these centres support the promotion of cycling tourism through the distribution of guides (including Cycling in Ontario, Niagara Cycling Tourism Centre’s map and Niagara Region’s cycling map), cycling-friendly amenities including bike racks, public restrooms, free wi-fi, promotion of the bike train and expert advice.


MTCS Agencies Continued:

Niagara Parks CommissionEstablished in 1885, the Niagara Parks Commission (NPC) is a self-funded agency of the Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport. Its original mandate was to control the lands and buildings immediately surrounding the Canadian Horseshoe Falls.

Today, NPC has grown to include 56km of scenic parkway from Fort Erie to Niagara-on-the-Lake along the Niagara River. NPC’s mission is, “to protect the natural and cultural heritage along the Niagara River for the enjoyment of visitors while maintaining financial self-sufficiency.”9

The 53km Niagara River Recreation Trail forms part of the Greater Niagara Circle Route and over the past number of years, NPC has invested in many cycling friendly infrastructure improvements and marketing programs aimed at achieving its mission through the increase in cyclists enjoying the NPC controlled lands.

Initiatives include bike rentals, installation of bike racks, public washroom access, offering of nourishment and refreshment at NPC facilities, trail signage, and shuttle service connecting cyclists to Niagara-on-the-Lake from Niagara Falls10.

Ontario Parks

Niagara is home to Short Hills Provincial Park, a 735 hectare natural environment spanning the municipalities of St. Catharines, Pelham and Thorold. The park lands offer mountain biking on marked, authorized trails.

Short Hills Provincial Park is currently managed and maintained by Friends of Short Hills Park, a community-based organization dedicated to the preservation of the park through liaison with Ontario Parks, volunteer work, public education and fund raising activities11.

9 http://www.niagaraparks.com/files/Code-of-Conduct/pdf) 10 Cycle Tourism in Niagara Parks, Policy Brief #17 – August 201311 http://www.friendsofshorthillspark.ca/page/home


12 https://npca.ca/about 13 http://www.niagararegion.ca/government/committees/rnbc/default.aspx

REGIONAL:

Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority

The Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority is a registered charitable organization established in 1959 under the Conservation Authorities Act with the mandate to “establish and undertake programs designed to further the conservation, restoration, development and management of natural resources.”12

The protection of these lands throughout the Niagara Region contributes to the sustainability of cycling tourism, as many of the conservation areas include trails and are amenable to cyclists visiting and using these lands for recreational purposes.

Niagara Region

The Regional Niagara Active Transportation Sub Committee13

The Regional Niagara Active Transportation Sub Committee (formerly Regional Niagara Bicycling Committee) is an advisory arm of Regional Council whose mandate is to provide input on cycling issues, projects, policies and programs that promote safe bicycling for all ages as a means of sustainable transportation, recreation and tourism.

Sub Committee priorities:

• Implementation of Regional Bikeways Network (approved by Council), which ensures a dedicated space for cyclists and the implementation of a bicycle signage plan.

• Assist Niagara municipalities in their efforts to develop and implement infrastructure and sustainable transportation plans.

• Facilitate and promote cycling for transportation, recreation and tourism purposes through partnership with relevant local, provincial and bi-national groups.


14 http://www.niagararegion.ca/government/committees/gncr/default.aspx

Niagara Region Continued

Greater Niagara Circle Route Sub Committee14

A Sub-committee of the Planning and Public Works Committee, was formed to implement the Master Plan for the Welland Canals Parkway and later expanded to develop a network of trails that pass through seven of the Region’s municipalities. Today the Greater Niagara Circle Route includes the following routes:

• Welland Canals Parkway (along the Welland Canal from Lake Ontario (St. Catharines) to Lake Erie (Port Colborne))

• Friendship Trail (Port Colborne to Fort Erie)

• Niagara River Recreational Trail (Niagara Parkway between Fort Erie and Niagara-on-the-Lake)

• Waterfront Trail (portion between Niagara-on-the-Lake and St. Catharines on Lakeshore Road)

The Regional Municipality of Niagara funded development of the Greater Niagara Circle Route with significant contributions from local municipalities (matched Regional funding for their portion of the route), the Millennium Fund (Federal Government), the Canada-Ontario Infrastructure Program (Provincial and Federal Government) and private sector contributions.

Meeting approximately 5-6 times per year, this sub-committee focuses efforts on improving signage, promotion and maintenance of the route and includes regional and local politicians, subject matter experts and delegates from related agencies.


St. Catharines/Twenty Valley

MUNICIPAL:

Each of Niagara’s 12 municipalities plays a significant role in the development and promotion of cycling tourism product across the region.

Through the support of new business ventures, infrastructure projects and promotion of existing cycling related product, each municipality has at least one committee dedicated to discussing and improving the health of recreation services, infrastructure and/or active transportation in their jurisdiction.

Niagara Region Municipalities:

• Fort Erie• Grimsby• Lincoln• Niagara Falls• Niagara-on-the-Lake• Pelham• Port Colborne• St. Catharines• Thorold• Wainfleet• Welland• West Lincoln

Not-for-Profit/Non-Profit Organizations

Venture Niagara

Established as a not-for-profit corporation in 1985, Venture Niagara is funded by the federal government with the mandate to invest in small and medium sized businesses to carry out community development projects across Niagara.

In 2014, Venture Niagara received funding from the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities to develop a cycling tourism project in Niagara, which included an environmental scan of cycling product inventory across the region. This project resulted in the creation of a bi-lingual cycling resource centre, Niagara Cycling Tourism Centre. The key initiatives of the project are cycling promotion through its website cyclinginniagara.bike; a bilingual resource for prospective cycling tourists and an annual cycling route map, which includes ‘official’ routes and pertinent trip information printed on waterproof paper. (See Appendix 2)

The organizatrion also attends annual cycling shows in Toronto and Quebec and is leading the development of a Niagara Cycling Tourism Summit to promote cycling tourism across Niagara.



Transportation Options15

Transportation Options (T.O.) is a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering sustainable transportation and tourism ideas and innovations by engaging in research, project development, and promotion of choices that are healthy, integrated, convenient, economically beneficial and environmentally sound. The following partners currently fund T.O.: The Ontario Trillium Foundation, Province of Ontario (Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport and Ministry of Environment) and Friends of the Greenbelt Foundation.

Major projects from T.O. include the development of the award-winning Bike Train Initiative, which coordinates and promotes a roll-on-roll-off bike service on select VIA Rail and GO Transit routes (including the service between Toronto and Niagara), and Ontario By Bike Network.

This network also promotes cycling tourism through certification of local tourism related businesses as “bicycle friendly”. These businesses are actively promoted through the website ontariobybike.ca and the annual publication, Cycling in Ontario (Niagara Parks was featured in the 2015 edition).

To qualify for the free certification as “Bicycle Friendly” businesses must meet the following, minimum requirements and must fit under the categories of accommodations, tourist attractions, food services and/or business areas:

• Covered and/or secure bike storage/lock-up area

• Access to restrooms, rest areas and water

• Cycling information, including any published cycling route maps

• Staff able to direct cyclists to information on cycling routes in immediate area, local bike shops and hours, bicycle rental and tour operators, weather reports

• Basic bicycle repair toolset

• Healthy, local food and beverage options, if served on-site

• Assistance with Ontario By Bike Network evaluation whenever possible

• All frontline staff informed of participation in Ontario By Bike Network, and above services and amenities

15 http://www.transportationoptions.org/about-us.html


Waterfront Regeneration Trust

Established in 1988, the Waterfront Regeneration Trust (WRT) is the not-for-profit organization with the mandate to develop a province-wide Waterfront Trail that spans the shores of the Canadian Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence River. Since then the Waterfront Trail expanded to span approximately 1,400 kms connecting 68 communities, including Niagara which joined the partnership in 1996. In 2002 work began to extend the trail from Niagara-on-the-Lake to Brockville. The Waterfront Trail in Niagara now wraps the region from Wainfleet to Grimsby and forms part of the Greater Niagara Circle Route in Niagara-on-the-Lake16.

Greenbelt Route (Friends of the Greenbelt Foundation)

Friends of the Greenbelt Foundation is a non-profit organization that was formed in 2006, shortly after the Ontario Government established the provincial greenbelt; the now 1.8 million acre plus area of protected forest, farmlands and wetlands which spans across Southern and Central Ontario (including Niagara’s 2.1 million tender fruit trees). Today the Friends of the Greenbelt Foundation is a grant funding organization that invests in projects that support local farmers, local communities and protect natural features in the Greenbelt.

The Greenbelt Route was launched in summer 2015 and developed through partnership with the Waterfront Regeneration Trust, Transportation Options, and owned and maintained by 27 local area municipalities including Niagara Region, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Niagara Parks Commission, and City of St. Catharines.

Today the Greenbelt Route spans more than 475kms and offers mostly on-road long-trek and short municipal routes with mapped and signed connections to and from the Waterfront Trail. Through active collaboration between the Friends of the Greenbelt Foundation and stakeholders, the organization works now to promote the use of the route and cycling tourism throughout the Ontario Greenbelt17.

16 http://www.waterfronttrail.org17 www.greenbelt.ca


Share the Road Cycling Coalition

The Share the Road Cycling Coalition is a provincial cycling advocacy organization that works in partnership with municipal, provincial and federal governments, local business communities, road safety organizations and other non-profits to build a bicycle-friendly Ontario.

Created in 2008, Share the Road has since developed a successful Bicycle-Friendly Communities program, an annual Ontario Bike Summit and various resource and promotional programs, which advocate for safe roads across Ontario and aim to increase the use of bicycles as a means for sustainable transportation.

The Bicycle Friendly Business (BFB) program recognizes the efforts of local employers who promote and encourage a welcoming atmosphere for cycling customers, employees and communities. Through an application process, businesses may be awarded with Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum and Diamond status based on the business meeting various criteria and is valid for four years. The application cost is based on the business/organization size and successful businesses are promoted through a dedicated press release, receive a window cling and certificate, and are promoted/profiled through Share the Road’s Social Media and website. This certification differs from Ontario By Bike’s program in that the applying business/organization does not have to fall into one of the OBB’s categories: accommodations, food services, attractions, visitor information centres, cycling related businesses and business areas.

Share the Road also administers the program Bicycle Friendly Communities (BFC), which provides promotion, award recognition and hands-on assistance to communities that actively support cycling. Launched in 2010, awards are presented at the annual Ontario Bike Summit and currently include the following Niagara municipalities: Pelham, St. Catharines, Grimsby, Thorold and Welland18.

18 http://www.sharetheroad.ca/


Academic Institutions

Brock University

As one of two post-secondary institutions in Niagara, Brock University actively supports cycling as a means of sustainable transportation for its students and recognizes the importance of cycling tourism to the overall economy in the Region.

Through its support of Niagara Parks Commission’s Cycle Tourism in Niagara Parks policy brief, Brock University’s Niagara Community Observatory is making significant contributions to cycling tourism. The Niagara Community Observatory is a unit of Brock University, which, “works in partnership with the Niagara community to foster, produce and disseminate evidence-based research on current and emerging issues.”19

In addition to its work with NPC, Brock University faculty have also dedicated time to other tourism-based organizations including Niagara Cycling Tourism Centre to conduct in-field consumer research, which is helping to tell the story of cycling tourists in Niagara.

DMOs & BIAs

Tourism Partnership of Niagara’s five (5) Sub-Regional partners: Niagara Falls Tourism, Niagara’s South Coast Tourism Association, St. Catharines Department of Economic Development and Tourism, Tourism Niagara-on-the-Lake and Twenty Valley Tourism Association and the Region’s 19 BIAs currently have cycling tourism focused members.

Through each organization’s work with TPN and their own marketing efforts, promotion of cycling tourism is on the increase. Each DMO has the ability to promote cycling through their own marketing channels including social media and websites. BIAs can also increase efforts to support cycling tourism through the promotion of “bicycle-friendly” designation programs and other initiatives aimed at influencing local government to further support cycling infrastructure programs and initiatives.

19 https://www.brocku.ca/niagara-community-observatory


Operators

As the popularity of cycling increases as a means of sustainable transportation and recreation, there will be an increased demand for businesses, which support the needs of cycling tourists.

Today there are a number of businesses whose sole focus is to support cycling in Niagara including bike shops (retail & repair), bike rentals, and tour companies. Ancillary businesses including accommodations, restaurants, and attractions can work to become more cycle friendly and can ultimately benefit from the efforts of the tourism sector stakeholders to increase cycling tourism across the region.

A comprehensive list of existing supportive businesses and organizations can be found in the Cycling Tourism Directory (appendix 1).

Cycling Clubs

Local cycling clubs help to increase interest and promote cycling for performance, health and recreational purposes. These clubs participate in the education and advocacy of safe cycling trails and routes and often organize events, rides and trips, which connect vast cycling networks and lead to the promotion and endorsement of Niagara as a cycling tourism destination.

Existing Niagara Cycling Clubs:

• Niagara Freewheelers

• St. Catharines Cycling Club

• Shorthills Cycling Club

• Bikefit Sunflowers

• Forza Niagara

• Amici Per La Vita Cycling Club

• Reactivated Racing


20 – The Tourism Partnership of NiagaraNiagara Parkway, Niagara-on-the-Lake

Niagara Cycling Toursim Eco-system

• Niagara Cycling Tourism Centre

• Ontario By Bike

• Accommodations

• Restaurants

• Retail, Rental and Repair Shops

• Tour Companies

• Attractions

• Brock University

• Niagara College

• Niagara Falls Tourism

• Niagara’s South Coast Tourism Association

• St. Catharines Department of Economic Development and Tourism

• Tourism Niagara- on-the-Lake

• Twenty Valley Tourism Association

• Fort Erie

• Grimsby

• Lincoln

• Niagara Falls

• Niagara-on-the-Lake

• Pelham

• Port Colborne

• St. Catharines

• Thorold

• Wainfleet

• Welland

• West Lincoln

• Ontario Marketing Tourism Partnership

• Ontario Travel Information Centres

Niagara Cycling

Eco-system12 Niagara

Municipalities

Tourism Partnership of Niagara

RTO2

Transportation Options

Venture Niagara


Friends of the Greenbelt

Foundation

DMOs + BIAs

Niagara Parks

Waterfront Regeneration

Trust

Private Operators

Share the Road Cycling

Coalition

Ministry of Tourism, Culture

and sport

Niagara Peninsula

Conservation Authority

CyclingClubs

Niagara Region


Stakeholder Roles

12 Niagara Municipalities


Cycling Clubs

DMOs & BIAs

Friends of the Greenbelt Foundation

Niagara Parks

Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority

Niagara Regional Government

OTICs

OTMPC

Private Operators

Share the Road Coalition

Tourism Partnership of Niagara

Transportation Options/Ontario By Bike Network

Venture Niagara/Niagara Cycling Tourism Centre

ORGANIZATION(by Type or Name)

ROLES

Marketing/ Promotion

Infrastructure Maintenance & Development

Advocacy Operators/Business Development


Competitive ReviewIn order to properly evaluate TPN’s efforts in developing and promoting cycling product across the Region, an evaluation of key competitors based on ‘best practices’ has been conducted. Below is a summary of findings and examples:

Curated Content – Itineraries & Blogs

Ontario’s Southwest (RTO1) has curated and created a number of interesting articles and blog posts from cyclists who either have visited or live in the region. Many stories focus less on the act of cycling and more about what travellers will find along the way.

Clear Website Navigation – by experience type

Destinations who best demonstrate their commitment to the promotion of cycling tourism have created dedicated sections/pages on leisure travel websites. These sections often include the ability to sort activities/routes by interest and/or type (ie: leisure vs. performance cycling) along with specific services that cater to the

cycling tourist and ancillary bicycle-friendly businesses that cyclists will come across along the way.

All-Season Cycling Options

Bruce Grey Simcoe (RTO7) provides information regarding year round cycling adventures through the use of fat bikes (bikes outfitted with large-wheels that can gain traction on snow).

Video

Perhaps one of the best ways to promote cycling product is to show prospective travellers what they can experience through video. With the increase of options in mobile technology, anyone can create inexpensive, authentic video content that highlights the types of trails, routes and experiences a region has to offer. For example, Peterborough & The Kawarthas Tourism created a 1:15 minute long video showing the sites, topography and cycling options of the region. View here: http://kawarthasnorthumberland.ca/what-to-do/cycling/


Active Transportation Initiatives

In the summer months (late May to early September), our Nation’s capital shuts down more than 50 kms of parkways to motorists between 9am-1pm for active transportation only (cyclists, in-line skaters, runners and walkers).

In addition, in 2013 the National Capital Commission installed an Eco-TOTEM bike counter, which counts and displays the number of bicycles that pass by it in real time.

Bike Share Programs

Some of the larger and/or more densely populated regions/municipalities have invested in bike share programs whereby interested users pay a nominal fee to rent a bike and return it at various locations around the city/region.

Cycling Infrastructure

Clear, consistent signage, parking and dedicated bike lanes/trails are the hallmarks of any great cycling destination. A number of US destinations including Wisconsin, key cities in California (San Francisco), and Portland, Oregon have adopted a cycle-friendly approach to tourism. Many of these destinations have invested in public cycle repair stations, clearly marked paths and access to Wi-Fi at key locations along well-marked trail networks, which all cater to the needs of and foster cycling tourism.

Quebec’s La Route Verte is an extensive 5,000km cycling network that criss-crosses the province and is maintained by the Quebec government and non-profit Velo Quebec. Internationally recognized, this route has been the standard for cycling infrastructure in Canada for the past 20 years.


SWOT Analysis: Niagara Region Cycling TourismStrengths

• Active cycling community – many advocates

• Invested government at the municipal and regional levels

• Vast amount of cycling product (potential and market-ready) including trails, routes, direct and in-direct operators (See Appendix 1)

Weaknesses

• Clear, consistent signage

• Unsafe routes/infrastructure issues (ie: on-road sections of routes, busy sections of routes through ‘tourist areas’, etc.)

• Unclear delineation of roles across the Region (ie: marketing, infrastructure, advocacy, training, etc.)

• Marketing/promotion of cycling product across Niagara – no centralized resource that provides all pertinent information to prospective travellers

• Unclear understanding of the type of ‘cycling tourist’ Niagara can attract (who does our product cater to)

• Lack of services that cater to cycling tourist including luggage transport, repair stations, purchase delivery services, etc.

• Tourism operators (non-direct) do not understand the potential for revenue generation by catering to cyclists

Opportunities

• Increase in popularity of cycling as a means of active transportation and part of a healthy lifestyle

• Niagara “owned” cycling event

• Value of CDN $ can attract US cycling-enthusiasts

• Promotion of cycling tourism through OTMPC and DC

• All-season cycling

• Tourism Partnership of Niagara consumer website visitniagaracanada.com re-build initiative can provide more effective promotion of cycling tourism in Niagara.

Threats

• Other competitive destinations actively promoting/focusing on cycling

• Cycling decreases in popularity

• Government decreases funding for cycling initiatives (ie: infrastructure investments)


RecommendationsIt is recommended (based on the analysis of existing activities and gaps in cycling tourism promotion within Niagara) that Tourism Partnership of Niagara support/lead the following initiatives:

1. Create a region-wide cycling tourism committee to foster healthy stakeholder relationships and collaboration of efforts to develop this product vertical.

2. Continue efforts to build an annual cycling tourism summit with support from TPN and cycling tourism stakeholders.

3. Develop a consistent approach to foster interest from group cycling tour operators and mitigate challenges that are specific to these group types.

• Assist operators (ie: accommodations, food-services and transportation) with the creation of a toolkit which identifies the unique challenges of cycling groups and ways to overcome and better service them.

4. Consistent approach to cycling tourism promotion. • All stakeholders to adopt one map for use on-line, at cycling trade shows and

through other marketing communications to ensure the appearance of a unified Niagara approach to cycling tourism.

5. Foster investment in cycling-related business opportunities.

ConclusionLooking forward, Tourism Partnership of Niagara will continue to actively engage committees and stakeholder groups to ensure the organization can fulfill its mandate of developing and delivering a broad tourism management strategy to increase the number of visitors, length of stay and visitor spend within Niagara.

As the popularity of cycling tourism increases, TPN will continue to develop and review opportunities to promote this product vertical and support stakeholders in the creation of a sustainable cycling tourism network across the Region.



Operators & Services Website Location Ontario by Bike Cycle & Stay Member Accommodations

A Tudor Cottage Fort Erie • Andrea’s B&B www.andreasbedandbreakfast.com Niagara Falls • Antique Slumber B&B www.antiqueslumber.com NOTL • •Aquabella B&B www.aquabellabandb.com NOTL • •Arcadia House B&B arcadiahousebb.com NOTL • Ashgrove Cottage B&B www.ashgrovecottage.ca NOTL • •At Home B&B Welland •Atherton House Bed & Breakfast www.athertonhousebb.com Vineland • Best Western Colonel Butler Inn www.colonelbutlerinn.com NOTL • Best Western Fallsview www.bestwesternfallsview.com Niagara Falls • Best Western Hotel & Conference Centre - www.heartofniagarahotels.com St. Catharines • Heart of Niagara Best Western Plus Rose City Suites www.bestwesternniagara.com Welland • Bissell’s Hideaway Resort www.bissellshideaway.com Ridgeville Bonnie Victorian Bed & Breakfast www.bonnievictorian.com NOTL • Bonnybank B&B www.bbcanada.com/bonnybank Vineland Station • Brock University - Conference Services www.brocku.ca/conference St. Catharines • Butler Creek House B&B www.butlercreekhouse.com NOTL • •Cameo Cottage www.cameocottagebb-jordan.com Jordan • Cartland Estate Bed & Breakfast www.cartlandestate.com Niagara Falls • Coach House B&B www.coachhousejordan.ca Jordan • Comfort Inn St. Catharines www.choicehotels.ca/cn303 St. Catharines • Comfort Inn Welland www.choicehotels.ca Welland • Danner House B&B www.dannerhouse.com Niagara Falls • •Darlington House B&B www.darlingtonhouse.ca NOTL • •Days Inn Hotel - Heart of Niagara Hotels www.heartofniagarahotels.com St. Catharines • Days Inn Welland www.daysinn.ca Welland • Duncan-Quinn House B&B www.duncan-quinn.ca NOTL • Four Points by Sheraton St. Catharines www.fourpointsstcatharines.com St. Catharines Friendship Trail B&B www.friendshiptrailbandb.ca Fort Erie • •GlenMhor Guesthouse B&B www.glenmhor.com Niagara Falls • Harbour House Hotel www.niagarasfinest.com NOTL • HI-Niagara Falls Hostel www.hostellingniagara.com Niagara Falls • Hilltop Manor Hot Tub & Garden Retreat •Holiday Inn Parkway Convention Centre - www.heartofniagarahotels.com St. Catharines • Heart of Niagara In Elegance Bed and Breakfast www.inelegance.ca NOTL • Jordan Village Guest Manor www.bbstay.biz Jordan • Kent House B&B www.kenthousebandb.com Port Colborne • Lakeshore B&B www.lakeshorebedandbreakfast.ca Fort Erie • •

Directory of Operators/Organizations

Appendices


Operators & Services Website Location Ontario by Bike Cycle & Stay Member

Accommodations Cont.

Morningstar Cottage B&B www.bbcanada.com/morningstar Thorold • Niagara Grandview Manor www.niagaragrandview.com Niagara Falls • Pilot Lodging www.pilotlodging.ca Port Colborne • Ramada Beacon Harboursie Inn & www.ramadabeacon.com Jordan • Conference Centre Residence & Conference Centre - www.stayrcc.com/notl NOTL • Niagara College Residence & Conference Centre - www.stayrcc.com/welland Welland • Niagara College Riverside Park Motel & Campground www.riversidepark.net Niagara Falls • Robinsong Bed & Breakfast www.bbcanada.com/robinsong Thorold • •Schoolmasters House Circa 1818 Bed and Breakfast www.schoolmastershouse.ca NOTL • Shaw Club Hotel & Spa www.niagarasfinest.com/properties/shawclub NOTL • Spring Creek Tranquility B&B www.bbcanada.com/10753 Jordan • Squirrel House Gardens Bed & Breakfast www.squirrelhouseniagara.ca St. Catharines • Stamford Village Bed & Breakfast www.stamfordvillagebedandbreakfast.com Niagara Falls • Stretton B&B www.strettonbedandbreakfast.com • •Super 8 Grimsby www.super8grimsby.com Grimsby Talwood Manor B&B www.talwoodmanorbb.com Port Colborne • •The Bootlegger B&B www.whiskyrun.com Port Colborne • The Cobbled Path Bed and Breakfast www.cobbledpath.com Fort Erie • The Inn at Lock Seven www.innatlock7.com Thorold • •Tudor Creek B&B www.tudorcreek.com St. Catharines • Two Bees Bed and Breakfast www.twobeesniagara.com NOTL • Two Rivers B&B www.tworiversniagara.com Niagara Falls • •Victorian Charm Bed and Breakfast www.victoriancharmbb.com Niagara Falls • Vineland Estates Winery www.vineland.com Vineland • White House Bed & Breakfast www.whitehousebandb.com NOTL • Windmill Point Park & Family Campground www.windmillpointpark.com Ridgeway • Attractions

13th Street Winery www.13thstreetwinery.com St. Catharines • Alvento Winery www.alvento.ca Vineland • Ball’s Falls www.npca.ca Jordan • Caroline Cellars www.carolinecellars.com NOTL • Chateau des Charmes Winery www.chateaudescharmes.com NOTL • Coyote’s Run Esate Winery www.coyotesrunwinery.com NOTL • Creekside Estates Winery www.creeksidewine.com Jordan • De Sousa Cellars www.desousawines.com Beamsville • Fielding Estate Winery www.fieldingwines.com Beamsville • Flat Rock Cellars www.flatrockcellars.com Jordan • Frogpond Farm Winery www.frogpondfarm.ca NOTL • Grimsby Public Art Gallery www.grimsby.ca/Art-Gallery Grimsby • Henry of Pelham Estate Winery www.henryofpelham.com St. Catharines • Hinterbrook Estate Winery www.hinterbrook.com NOTL • Inniskillin Wines www.inniskillin.com NOTL • Jackson Triggs Niagara Estate www.jacksontriggswinery.com NOTL •



Attractions Cont.

Kacaba Vineyards www.kacaba.com Vineland • Konzelmann Estate Winery www.konzelmann.ca NOTL • Lock 7 Viewing Complex & Info Centre www.thorold.com/content/lock-7-viewing-complex Thorold • National Helicopters - Niagara Tours www.nationalhelicopters.com/Niagara_home Virgil • Niagara College Teaching Brewery & Winery www.niagaracollegebeer.ca NOTL • Niagara College Wine Visitor and www.nctwinery.ca NOTL • Education Centre Niagara Falls History Museum www.niagarafallsmuseums.ca Niagara Falls • Niagara Nature Tours www.niagaranaturetours.ca Vineland Station • Niagara Oast House Brewers www.oasthousebrewers.ca NOTL • Niagara Parks’ Botanical Gardens www.niagaraparks.com Niagara Falls • Niagara Parks’ Butterfly Conservatory www.niagaraparks.com Niagara Falls • Niagara Parks’ Floral Clock www.niagaraparks.com Queenston • Niagara Parks’ Floral Showhouse www.niagaraparks.com Niagara Falls • Niagara Parks’ Journey Behind the Falls www.niagaraparks.com Niagara Falls • Niagara Parks’ Laura Secord Homestead www.niagaraparks.com Queenston • Niagara Parks’ Mackenzie Printery www.niagaraparks.com Queenston • Niagara Parks’ McFarland House www.niagaraparks.com NOTL • Niagara Parks’ Niagara Glen Nature Centre www.niagaraparks.com Niagara Falls • & Hiking TrailNiagara Parks’ Niagara’s Fury www.niagaraparks.com Niagara Falls • Niagara Parks’ Old Fort Erie www.niagaraparks.com Fort Erie • Niagara Parks’ Queen Victoria Park www.niagaraparks.com Niagara Falls • Niagara Parks’ Queenston Heights Park www.niagaraparks.com Queenston • Niagara Parks’ Whirlpool Aero Car www.niagaraparks.com Niagara Falls • Niagara Parks’ White Water Walk www.niagaraparks.com Niagara Falls • Niagara Wine Festival www.niagarawinefestival.com St. Catharines • Peace Park Bandshell Concert Series www.pelham.ca Pelham • & Farmer’s MarketPillitteri Estates Winery www.pillitteri.com NOTL • Presentations - Unique Gift Boutique www.giftpresentations.ca Fonthill • Riverview Cellars Winery www.riverviewcellars.com NOTL • Rockway Glen Golf Course & Estate Winery www.rockwayglen.com St. Catharines • Silversmith Brewing www.silversmithbrewing.com NOTL • Sir Adam Beck Generating Station www.niagaraparks.com Queenston • St. Catharines Museum www.stcatharineslock3museum.ca St. Catharines • Sue-Ann Staff Estate Winery www.staffwines.com Jordan • Vineland Estates Winery www.vineland.com Vineland • Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours www.whirlpooljet.com NOTL • Willoughby Historical Museum www.niagarafallsmuseums.ca Niagara Falls • Bike Pumps

Jordan House Tavern (Cave Spring Cellars) www.jordanhouse.ca Jordan Merritt Island Trail Playground www.canalcorp.ca Welland PenFinancial Flatware Community Centre www.canalcorp.ca Welland The Olde Angel Inn www.angel-inn.com NOTL The Smokin Buddha Restaurant www.thesmokinbuddha.com Port Colborne Welland Community Wellness Centre www.welland.ca Welland Welland International Flatwater Centre www.wifc.ca Welland



Bike Rentals

Canal City Cycle www.canalcitycycle.com Thorold Cycle-Logical Rentals www.cycle-logicalrentals.weebly.com Welland • HI-Niagara Falls www.hihostels.ca Niagara Falls Mac’s Bikes www.macsbikesniagara.com Niagara Falls • Niagara Getaway Wine Tours www.niagaragetaways.com NOTL Niagara Rowing School & Paddlesports Centre www.niagararowingschool.com Vineland Niagara Wine Tours International www.niagarawoldwinetours.com NOTL • Pedal Bike Shop www.pedalbicycleshop.com Port Colborne Steve Bauer Bike Tours www.stevebauer.com St. Catharines Steve’s Place www.cycleman.com Fort Erie Zoom Leisure Bikes www.zoomleisure.com NOTL/Niagara Falls • Bike Shops (Retail & Repair)

Bikefit www.bikefit.ca St. Catharines • Buckner’s Source for Sports www.buckners.sourceforsports.com Port Colborne Canal City Cycle www.canalcitycycle.com Thorold Clarkson Cycle & Fitness www.clarksoncycle.com Thorold County Cycle Custom Bike Boutique www.countycycle.ca Beamsville • Front Row Sports www.frontrowsport.com Thorold • Inception Cyclery www.inceptioncyclery.com St. Catharines • Liberty! Bicycles www.libertybicycles.com St. Catharines • Mountainview Cycle & Sports www.mountainviewcycle.ca Beamsville Pedal Bike Shop www.pedalbicycleshop.com Port Colborne • Pedlar Bicycle Shop www.pedlarbicycle.com Niagara Falls Rapid City Cycle www.facebook.com/rapidcitycycle St. Catharines Ski Pro Shop www.skiproshop.com St. Catharines Steve’s Place www.cycleman.com Fort Erie Thornton’s Cycle and Sports www.thorntonscycle.ca Welland VeloCare Professional Bike Service www.velocare.bike Niagara Falls • Western Hill Bike Rest Area www.uniglass-ziebart.com St. Catharines • Cycling Clubs Amici Per La Vita Cycling Club www.aplvncc.ca Bikefit Sunflowers www.bikefitsunflowers.com Forza Niagara www.facebook.com/forzaniagara Niagara Freewheelers www.thefreewheelers.com Reactivated Racing www.reactivated.ca Shorthills Cycling Club www.shorthillscyclingclub.com St. Catharines Cycling Club www.stcatharinesscc.com Information Centres/Services City of Port Colborne www.portcolborne.ca Port Colborne • Grimsby & District Chamber of Commerce www.grimsbychamber.com Grimsby • Lock 7 Viewing Complex & Info Centre www.thoroldtourism.ca Thorold • Niagara Falls - Ontario Travel Information Centre www.ontariotravel.net Niagara Falls Niagara Falls Tourism www.niagarafallstourism.com Niagara Falls • Niagara Information Centre www.niagarainfocentre.com Niagara Falls •



Information Centres/Services Cont.

Niagara Parks’ Table Rock Welcome Centre www.niagaraparks.com Niagara Falls • Niagara-on-the-Lake Visitor & Convention Bureau www.niagaraonthelake.com NOTL St. Catharines - Ontario Travel Information Centre www.ontariotravel.net St. Catharines Tourism St. Catharines www.tourismstcatharines.ca St. Catharines • Town of Pelham Municipal Office www.pelham.ca Fonthill • Twenty Valley Tourism Association www.twentyvalley.ca Vineland Station • Restaurants Balzac’s Coffee www.balzacs.com NOTL • Benchmark - Niagara College Restaurant www.nctwinery.ca NOTL • DJ’s Roadhouse Family Restaurant www.facebook.com/djsroadhouse Wainfleet Farmhouse Café at Caroline Cellars Winery www.carolinecellars.com/farmhousecafe NOTL • Grape Escape Wine Tours www.tourniagarawineries.com NOTL • Lake Land Meats & Farm Market www.lakelandmeats.com St. Catharines • Mokus Restaurant of Fonthill www.mokusfonthill.com Fonthill • Niagara Parks’ Edgewaters Tap & Grill www.niagaraparks.com Niagara Falls • Niagara Parks’ Elements on the Falls www.niagaraparks.com Niagara Falls • Niagara Parks’ Queenston Heights Restaurant www.niagaraparks.com Niagara Falls • Niagara Parks’ Riverview Family Buffet www.niagaraparks.com Niagara Falls • Niagara Parks’ Whirlpool Restaurant www.niagaraparks.com Niagara Falls • Ramada Beacon Harbourside Restaurant www.ramadabeacon.com Jordan • South Coast Cookhouse www.facebook.com/southcoastcookhouse Crystal Beach • Station 1 Coffeehouse www.stationonecoffeehouse.ca Grimsby • The Boulevard Bistro www.boulevardbistro.ca Niagara Falls • The Café on Main & Wine Bar www.cafeonmain.ca Fonthill • The European Pantry www.theeuropeanpantry.com Welland The Old Bank Bistro www.oldbankbistro.com Fort Erie • The Smokin’ Buddha Restaurant & Market www.thesmokinbuddha.com Port Colborne • Vineland Estates Winery www.vineland.com Vineland • Tour Companies Grape Escape Wine Tours www.tourniagarawineries.com NOTL Mac’s Bikes www.macsbikesniagara.com Niagara Falls • Niagara Getaway Wine Tours www.niagaragetaways.com NOTL Niagara Wine Tours International/ www.niagaraworldwinetours.com NOTL • Niagara Cycling Co. Steve Bauer Bike Tours www.stevebauer.com St. Catharines • Zoom Leisure Bikes www.zoomleisure.com NOTL/Niagara Falls • Transportation

GO Train - Bike Train Service www.biketrain.ca WEGO www.wegoniagarafalls.com Niagara Falls


Government Website Contact Name Title

Provincial

Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport www.mtc.gov.on.ca Paul Samson Tourism Industry Advisor, MTCS Niagara Parks Commission www.niagaraparks.com Corey Burant General Manager Ontario Tourism Marketing Partnership Corporation www.tourismpartners.com Narvin Singh Director, Partnerships and Regional Relations Ontario Travel Information Centres www.ontariotravel.net/ind/plan/otics Suzanne Rubinstein Director, Ontario Travel Information Centre Services

Niagara Region Greater Niagara Circle Route Sub Committee www.niagararegion.ca Bruce Timms Regional Councillor & Sub Committee Chair Regional Niagara Active Transportation Sub Committee www.niagararegion.ca Tony Quirk Regional Councillor & Sub Committee Chair

Municipal City of Niagara Falls www.niagarafalls.ca Jim Diodati Mayor, City of Niagara Falls Niagara-on-the-Lake www.notl.org Pat Darte Lord Mayor, Niagara-on-the-Lake Port Colborne www.portcolborne.ca John Maloney Mayor, City of Port Colborne St. Catharines www.stcatharines.ca Walter Sendzik Mayor, City of St. Catharines Thorold www.thorold.com Ted Luciani Mayor, City of Thorold Town of Fort Erie www.town.forterie.ca Wayne Redekop Mayor, Town of Fort Erie Town of Grimsby www.grimsby.ca Bob Bentley Mayor, Town of Grimsby Town of Lincoln www.lincoln.ca Sandra Easton Mayor, Town of Lincoln Town of Pelham www.pelham.ca Dave Augustyn Mayor, Town of Pelham Wainfleet www.wainfleet.ca April Jeffs Mayor, Township of Wainfleet Welland www.welland.ca Frank Campion Mayor, City of Welland West Lincoln www.westlincoln.ca Douglas Joyner Mayor, Township of West Lincoln Not-for-Profit/Non-Profit Organizations Friends of Shorthills Park www.friendsofshorthillspark.ca Anne Kubu Chair Greenbelt Route (Friends of the Greenbelt Foundation) www.greenbelt.ca Susan Murray Vice President, Communications & Operations Ontario Cycling Association www.ontariocycling.org Jim Crosscombe Chief Executive Officer Share the Road Coalition www.sharetheroad.ca Jamie Stuckless Executive Director Transportation Options/Ontario by Bike www.ontariobybike.ca Louisa Mursell Executive Director Transportation Options/Ontario by Bike www.ontariobybike.ca Michael McCreesh Project Coordinator Venture Niagara/Niagara Cycling Tourism Centre www.niagaracyclingtourism.com Sue Morin Community Economic Development Manager Waterfront Regeneration Trust (Waterfront Trail) www.waterfronttrail.org Marlaine Koehler Executive Director


Trail Map

N

Région de Niagara

Mostly off-road, paved paths suitable for walking, cycling or rollerblading. MOTORIZED VEHICLES ARE

NOT PERMITTED.

With over 1400 km, the Waterfront Trail connects 68 communities in the province of Ontario. It follows wetlands, forests and beaches from the Québec border to the shores of Lake Erie.

Piste riveraineLe sentier Waterfront s’étend sur plus de 1 400 km depuis la frontière québécoise jusqu’au lac Érié. Le parcours traverse 68 communautés de l’Ontario. La piste traverse des zones humides, des forêts et des plages.

Stretching 475 km across 7 regions the route is your guide to unforgettable tastes and stunning beauty through Ontario’s Greenbelt. Experience beautifully protected countryside from the seat of your bicycle.

Piste de la ceinture verte La route s’étend sur 475 km et traverse 7 régions. Tous en selle pour découvrir la beauté des campagnes protégées et les saveurs du terroir de cette zone verte de l’Ontario!

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TOWN OFNIAGARA-ON

-THE-LAKE

CITY OFTHOROLD

CITY OFNIAGARA

FALLS

CITY OF

WELLAND

TOWN OFPELHAM

TOWNSHIPOF

WEST LINCOLN

TOWN OF LINCOLN

CITY OFPORT

COLBORNETOWNSHIP OF

WAINFLEETTOWN OF FORT ERIE

GrandIsland,

New York

Youngstown

Virgil

PortWeller

Lewiston

QueenstonSt. David’s

ThoroldSouth

Chippawa Navy Is.Montrose

AllanburgBlack HorseCorners

PortRobinson

CooksMills

Netherby Snyder

Stevensville

Stevensville

Crescent Park

Thunder Bay

CrystalBeach

RidgewaySherkston

Gasline

NickelBeach

Camelot Beach

Morgans Pt.

DainCity

BurnabyWillow Bay

Long Beach

Wainfleet

ChambersCors.

BeckettsBridge

Winger

Lowbanks

Wellandport

BoyleFenwick

PelhamCors.

PelhamCentre

Ridgeville

NorthPelham

Effingham

TurnersCors.

PelhamUnion

Rosedene

St. Ann’sSilverdale

Tintern

Rockway

PowerGlen

Jordan

Vineland

VinelandStation Jordan

Station

JordanHarbour

Campden

Grassie

Fulton

Kimbo

Basingstoke

Abingdon

CaistorCentre

WilcoxCors.

Caistorville AllensCors.

Winslow

Vaughan

Elco

Warner

PortDavidsonAttercliffe

Bismark

TOWN OFGRIMSBY

Well

Bea

Wainfleet

Bog

WilloughbyMarsh

HumberstoneMarsh

WainfleetWetlands

Chippawa Creek

WellandAirport

MudLake

GrimsbyAirpark

Short HillsProvincial Park

St. John's

Niagara Dist.Airport

HenleyRegattaCourse

Mountainview

WoodendCons. Area

mer Memorial

Fifty PointCons. Area

BrockUniversity

Marineland

WhirlpoolRapids

SugarBush

.lBa ls FallsCons Area

Louth

Rockway

and CanalsCentre

JordanVillage

Lock 7 ViewingComplex

Welland Murals

RittenhoTwenty ValleyTourist Area

Port Dalhousie

Fort Erie RaceTrack & Slots

Mar

r Rd.

Win

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Dor

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Niagara-on-the-Lake

Grimsby

ColbornePort

Beamsville

St. Catharines

Fort Erie

Thorold Niagara Falls

Welland

The Greater Niagara Circle Route Trails System involves over140 kms of mostly off-road, paved trails. The Systemencompasses the Welland Canals Trail, which passesalongside parts of the existing and previous Welland Canals,the Friendship Trail which follows an abandoned rail linebetween Port Colborne and Fort Erie, the Niagara RiverRecreational Trail, alongside the Niagara River between FortErie and Niagara-on-the-Lake, and the Waterfront Trail, whichpasses along Lakeshore Road between Niagara-on-the-Lakeand St. Catharines.

This extensive trails network provides residents and visitorswith an opportunity to view parts of seven of the Region'stwelve local municipalities. Along it or nearby are many typesof accommodation and some of the sights that can be seeninclude:

The Flight Locks where “the ships climb themountain” that is the Niagara Escarpment,

Parts of the previous three canals at variousplaces,

The South Niagara Rowing Club in Welland,one of the area's well known rowing courses,

An extensive set of murals in downtownWelland,

Mud Lake Conservation Area in PortColborne,

Lock 8 in Port Colborne which is the longestlock in the system,

Fort Erie, a historic fort at the junction of theNiagara River and Lake Erie,

The world famous Niagara Falls , the reasonfor constructing the Welland Canal,

Fort George in Niagara-on-the Lake, ahistoric community that is home to the ShawFestival,

The vineyards, wineries and orchardsalongside Lakeshore Road betweenNiagara-on-the-Lake and St. Catharines,

Martindale Pond, site of the Henley Regattais in Port Dalhousie, St. Catharines, alongthe Waterfront Trail, just to the east of theCircle Route, and

The Lock 3 Observation Area and the St.Catharines Museum where visitors may befortunate enough to see a ship pass throughthe lock.

The trail is paved and either 2 or 3 metres wide and passesthrough urban centres, downtowns, the Niagara Escarpmentand rural/agricultural areas.

The Greater Niagara Circle Route provides tourists with anopportunity to see more of Niagara than the falls. Users canhike, cycle or rollerblade their way around the Circle. Whydon’t you try it? We know you'll enjoy it.

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TRAILS SYSTEM

www.niagararegion.ca

Boucle du Grand Niagara Pistes en grande partie asphaltées, hors route, idéales pour la marche, le vélo ou le patin à roues alignées. VÉHICULES MOTORISÉS INTERDITS.

Greater Niagara Circle Route

170 km

Charles Ansell Park, St. Catharines

Grimsby & Lincoln Route

40 km

Gateway Niagara, QEW & Casablanca, Grimsby

Pelham Route

34 km

Harold Black Park, Pelham

Discover award-winning wines, shop and dine while taking in the spectacular view of Niagara Wine Country.

Niagara Wine Route

Route des vins du Niagara Découvrez les vins primés, magasinez et dînez tout en profitant de la vue spectaculaire de pays des vins de Niagara.

Waterfront Trail Greenbelt Route

www.waterfronttrail.org

winecountryontario.ca

niagaragreenbelt.com

West Lincoln/Wain-fleet Route

49 km

Village Square Mall, Stephensville

Lake Erie shore, Wainfleet

Share the Road Cycling Coalition www.sharetheroad.ca

CAA Bike Assist / Assistance vélo www.caaco.com

Ontario By Bike / L’Ontario en vélo www.ontariobybike.ca

Trans Canada Trail/ Sentier transcanadien www.tctrail.ca

BikeTrain / Train-vélo www.biketrain.ca

CENTRE cyclotourisme NIAGARA

Niagara is for cyclists LE COUP DE C♥EUR DES CYCLISTES

niagaraenvelo.bikecyclinginniagara.bike

Resources | RESSOURCES

Welland Canals Parkway 49 km Promenade du

Canal Welland

Friendship Trail 56 km Piste de

l’amitié

Niagara River Recreational Trail 42 km Piste récréative

rivière Niagara

Waterfront Trail 17 km Piste

riveraine

Legend | LÉGENDE

Loop Starting and end point

Starting point

End point Niagara Escarpment

Boucle Point de départ et de retour

Point de départ

Point de retour

Escarpement du Niagara

This map features on-road routes and off-road paved trails.

Cette carte comprend des pistes sur route automobile et des pistes, hors route, en site propre asphaltées.

NIAGARA cycling tourism CENTRE

N

5 km

Documents

Niagara Cycling Tourism Report€¦ · Cycling Tourism Report – 9 MTCS Agencies Continued: Niagara Parks Commission Established in 1885, the Niagara Parks Commission (NPC) is a