The 42 km Welland Canal bike path makes for a great weekend outing—or two! This historic canal from Lake Ontario to Lake Erie is a beautiful, scenic, and established route along the water’s edge.
The sights vary along the way, but the large freighters drifting down the canal and the giant locks are definitely sights to see. There are stretches of homes, industries, and open parklands, as well as the occasional bridge to cross.
On the west side, the route follows the canal for most of the way. It is a spacious paved path that is well–marked with a few detours.
From the north end, you can start at Lake Ontario by including the George Nicholson Trail for another 3 km; officially, it begins at the first bridge/lock on Lakeshore Rd.
As you cycle along the edge of St. Catharines and the canal, you will pass two locks and start to climb. By the town of Thorold and the third lock, you will have to climb the Niagara Escarpment which is a good-sized hill. Continuing south, the rest of the ride south is a flat and leisurely cruise.
Further on, riders will cross a few bridges and end up at an island with natural parkland and wooded areas.
The path diverts away, through the city of Welland, to run along the older, closed canal for 14 km before rejoining up to the main one. On the return, there is an option of riding…
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