Cycling the Niagara River Recreation Trail: Complete Guide
56km of flat, paved trail along the Niagara River from Fort Erie to Niagara-on-the-Lake. Past the falls, through wine country, along the gorge. Here's how to ride it.
In This Guide
The Trail
The Niagara River Recreation Trail follows the Niagara Parkway from Fort Erie to Niagara-on-the-Lake — 56km of flat, paved path alongside one of the most scenic rivers in Canada. The trail passes the falls, runs along the gorge rim, passes Niagara Glen, the Floral Clock, Queenston Heights, and ends in NOTL wine country.
The trail is almost entirely flat (the Niagara River drops via the falls, not via gradual slope). Casual cyclists can handle it easily. The full 56km is a committed day ride; most people do a 20-30km section.
Best Sections
Falls to Queenston Heights (12km): The most dramatic section — gorge views, rapids, Niagara Glen trailhead, Whirlpool Aero Car, and Queenston Heights park at the end. Allow 1-1.5 hours with stops.
Queenston to NOTL (12km): Quieter, more agricultural. Passes through the Niagara Parkway's fruit belt. Ends in Old Town NOTL — reward yourself with wine.
NOTL to Beamsville via Lakeshore Road (25km): Not technically part of the river trail, but this flat road through the Tender Fruit Belt is the best cycling in the region. Vineyard gates, peach stands (August-September), Lake Ontario views.
Bike Rentals
Zoom Leisure in Niagara-on-the-Lake: the most established rental operation. Road bikes, hybrids, e-bikes, and tandem bikes. Half-day and full-day rentals. They also offer guided wine-country cycling tours.
Several hotels near the falls also offer bike rentals or partnerships with local shops. E-bikes make the full 56km trail very accessible for casual riders.
Practical Tips
Water: bring at least 1L. There are water fountains at Queenston Heights and in NOTL, but long stretches have nothing.
Sunscreen: the trail is exposed with limited shade, especially the falls-to-Queenston section.
Traffic: the trail is separated from the road for most of its length. A few short sections share the road with cars — stay alert.
Best season: May through October. September is ideal — cooler, less crowded, harvest season in wine country.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Niagara cycling trail?
56km from Fort Erie to Niagara-on-the-Lake. Most people ride a 20-30km section. The trail is flat and paved.
Can you rent bikes near Niagara Falls?
Yes. Zoom Leisure in NOTL is the main rental shop. Some hotels also offer bikes or e-bikes.
Is the Niagara cycling trail flat?
Yes — almost entirely flat. The river drops via the falls, not gradual slope, so the trail stays at one elevation.