Niagara Bike & Hike, Victoria Day long weekend 

Friday May 16 to Monday May 19 – four days for $295

This weekend is a chance to get the 2025 cycling season off to a great start by joining one of TBN’s most popular rides along the quiet roads and off-road paved trails of the Niagara Region. This year we have 34 spots - note that this trip sold out quickly in previous years. 

Note that as these are no-drop rides, all riders are expected to be able to maintain a comfortable pace of 18 kms per hour or higher.  You are also expected to ride with a spare inner tube in the event of a flat and also to be able to change your tire.

Accommodations

We’ll once again stay at the comfortable Niagara College residence near Niagara-on-the-Lake. You’ll have your own bedroom in a shared suite, complete with a shared full bathroom and shared kitchenette, including a refrigerator. Note a change in room furnishings from previous years. In each suite, one bedroom has a double bed, desk with chair and satellite TV.  The second bedroom has two single loft over desk/bunk style beds. 

There is a Tim Hortons and McDonald's in the large outlet mall, just a three-minute drive or ride away. For people looking to keep costs down, consider bringing your own supplies for breakfasts.

Note that given the shared bathroom and common area, attendees will be invited to select the other TBN member with whom they would like to share the suite. 

Friday May 16 Warmup Ride

For those who can get away early, as in past years on Friday afternoon at 2 pm we will once again start with an optional  warmup ride along the bike path from Niagara on the Lake to Niagara Falls and back, covering about 50 kms.  

Friday’s ride will be followed by a group supper on the patio at Play Bar & Grille at the White Oaks Resort, which is located nearby. Alternatively you are welcome to organize informal group dinners at restaurants in the area. 

Saturday May 17

Saturday’s rides feature long and short distances and run along the little-known paved off-road trail beside the Welland Canal, with a stop for lunch along the way. 

After their ride, participants are invited to meet for an informal get together and beer at the Niagara College Teaching Brewery, located next the location where we are staying. Each participant will receive a $15 gift card for the beverage of your choice and there will also be snacks courtesy of TBN.  Alternatively, participants can visit Niagara on the Lake or do a winetasting at one of the nearby wineries. 

This will be followed by pizza, salad and dessert in the patio area outside the Niagara College dining room. Pizza and soft drinks will be supplied. In addition, we’ll be asking people to bring a salad or dessert.  Please bring your own main course if you don’t like pizza, as well as anything stronger than pop to drink. 

Something else to bear in mind is that in past years some members followed this by a drive to Niagara Falls to watch the fireworks over the gorge. 

Sunday May 18

Sunday’s rides (again, long and short) begin from a remote start 15 minutes away in Niagara Falls along the paved trail beside the Niagara River Parkway – with a stop for lunch enroute. 

For anyone interested, we’ll again be convening at the Niagara College Teaching Brewery after we get back. 

Sunday evening will feature group suppers at local restaurants, with a variety of cuisines and price points to choose from. Last year these dinners were very popular. 

Monday May 19

Monday is your chance to join a final short early morning ride, do some hiking along the Bruce Trail, visit the Outlet Mall nearby or tour some wineries. To beat long weekend traffic, most riders head home by noon. 

For anyone wanting to come out a day early or to extend your stay, contact Niagara College directly to make a reservation, mentioning that you are part of the TBN group staying from Friday to Sunday nights. 

Overall logistics: 

1. This ride is limited to members of TBN. 

2. To specify the person who will be sharing your room, once you’ve both registered send an email to dan.richards@rotman.utoronto.ca

3. An attempt will be made to match anyone who needs a ride with those able to offer a ride. The suggested compensation for members providing a ride is $25 in each direction.  

4. Your fee of $295 per person gives you 

• access to trip planning and maps

• pizza and pop for the Saturday evening potluck

• a $15 gift card for Niagara Brewery with snacks on Saturday afternoon 

• three nights’ accommodation on Friday, Saturday and Sunday (includes your own bedroom, towels, sheets, blankets). All meals except for the Saturday potluck are extra.

Should you need to cancel, provided that your room can be filled from members on the waiting list you will receive a refund less a $50 cancellation fee.

For any questions please contact Dan Richards at dan.richards@rotman.utoronto.ca