6 Days / 5 Nights | Rating: Easy | Start / End: Buffalo, NY
- E-bikes Available
Tour one of the world’s top wine regions on bike paths and country roads that are as relaxing as they are scenic. “Beautiful area…we had no clue” commented recent guests. These peaceful byways are lined with vineyards, farms, orchards, and waterways that traverse the land nestled between Lakes Ontario and Erie. The Niagara Peninsula is at latitude similar to Burgundy, and the warming influence from Lake Ontario contributes to the cultivation of wine grapes. Ice wine put the Niagara Wine Country on the map and now the region’s Bordeaux and Burgundy-styled wines are making their mark in the worldwide arena. Fall in love with Niagara-on-the-Lake, the “prettiest town in Canada.” Along the Welland Canal bike path, observe huge ships as they navigate the extensive lock system between Lakes Ontario and Erie. Follow the Niagara River Recreation Trail to a lovely park overlooking the greatest waterfall in North America—Niagara Falls. Take in a show during the internationally acclaimed Shaw Theatre Festival or play a round of golf on the oldest course in North America. Enjoy private wine tastings at a variety of unique and highly regarded wineries, dine on some of the top cuisine in Canada, and unwind in luxurious wine country inns. We hope you will join us and discover this little gem of a region during this relaxed paced bicycling vacation!
Travel the Sojourn Style
EXPERIENCES, NOT BIKE TOURS
While we love our cycling, it makes up only one facet of what a true Sojourn trip entails. We believe in immersing ourselves in local cultures and discovering the hidden gems of the world.
REGIONAL PLANNING SPECIALISTS
From Vietnam to France to Glacier National Park, we are committed to offering exceptional trips in regions with which we are deeply familiar. We personally design and operate each of our trips.
PREMIER ACCOMMODATIONS
We carefully select from some of World’s renowned hotels. From highly reviewed and acclaimed Hotel de Londres in San Sebastian, Spain or the Reverie Saigon, Vietnam, one of the leading hotels in the World.
UNWAVERING ATTENTION TO SERVICE
Our commitment to provide you with unwavering service starts from the moment you first interact with the Sojourn team. We believe the little details matter and make the Sojourn vacation a life-list worthy experience for our guests.
PROFESSIONAL TRIP LEADERS
Gracious, engaging, and intelligent, our expert team of tour leaders consist of professionals from all walks of life and make exceptional travel companions. Always a step ahead, they are adept at everything from spinning wrenches to whipping up fabulous picnic lunches.
YOUR VACATION, YOUR PACE
We believe that at the end of the day, you are at the helm of your own vacation. We offer an array of day-to-day options to enable you to approach each day at your own pace.
Day 1
Fort Erie and Niagara Falls – Meet your tour leaders at the Hilton Garden Inn Buffalo Airport for the transfer across the Niagara River to Fort Erie, Ontario. Upon arrival at Fort Erie you will be fitted to your bike and your leaders will conduct an introductory meeting and safety review. Ride along the delightful Niagara River Recreation Trail as it follows the Niagara River from Lake Erie to beautiful Victoria Park overlooking spectacular Niagara Falls. It is a truly unique experience to ride a bike next to this powerful natural landmark.
GOOD TO KNOW
Every Sojourn trip is different in their own unique ways. We want you to be aware of them so that you can only have the best experiences possible. Please know, whichever trip you choose we are committed to make it the trip of a lifetime!
Along the way, your tour leaders will serve picnic lunch at a scenic park overlooking the river. Following your visit to the falls and its surrounding highlights, you will be transferred to the lovely village of Jordan, named by Toronto Life as one of the prettiest villages in Canada’s Niagara Wine Country. Enjoy a private wine reception al fresco on the patio before an exquisite dinner featuring fresh local ingredients.
LODGING:
Inn on the Twenty Jordan, Ontario
905-562-5336
www.innonthetwenty.com
CYCLING OPTIONS:
20 Miles
Day 2
Wine Country and the Niagara Escarpment – This morning’s ride begins atop the Niagara Escarpment, named a World Biosphere Reserve by the United Nations for its rare and diverse ecosystem. This landform plays a significant role in the microclimates of the Niagara Peninsula, making Canada’s largest grape-growing region uniquely suited to producing fine wine. Visit wineries such as Angels Gate, Fielding, or Thirty Bench to learn more about winemaking along “The Bench,” also known as the Niagara Escarpment. Enjoy a wine tasting and delicious lunch in a picturesque country setting before continuing your ride through vineyards and farmland.
KEEPING YOU POSTED
We’re constantly looking for ways to enhance our trips. We’ll do our best to notify you of any changes in this itinerary. Other changes may be communicated to you on the trip by your leaders.
Visit Upper Canada Cheese Company or browse the shops in the village of Jordan upon your return to town. This evening, dinner is at the renowned On the Twenty restaurant, consistently rated one of Canada’s top dining experiences.
LODGING:
Inn on the Twenty Jordan, Ontario
905-562-5336
www.innonthetwenty.com
CYCLING OPTIONS:
25 Miles
28 Miles
Day 3
Winemaking and the Welland Canal – Begin the day with a ride through picturesque farmland before arriving at an architecturally stunning winery featuring one of the most expansive views in the region. Enjoy an indepth private tour with the engaging founder of Flat Rock Cellars and sample several varieties of his wine. Your leaders will again serve picnic lunch today at the Green Roof Patio atop Flat Rock Cellars where views extend across Lake Ontario to the Toronto skyline. Following lunch, ride along the famous Welland Canal on a bike path that parallels this important waterway. Ships traveling between Lakes Ontario and Erie must pass through an incredible system of locks on the canal in order to navigate the 260’ elevation change between the two lakes. There is consistent ship traffic on the canal and your ride will allow you to view five of the eight locks between the two lakes. The final section of your route winds past orchards and vineyards into the lovely town of Niagara-onthe-Lake, often referred to as the prettiest town in Canada. This evening, join your fellow travelers for dinner at a restaurant in town.
LODGING:
The Oban Inn Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario
905-468-2165
www.obaninn.ca
CYCLING OPTIONS:
17 Miles
22 Miles
39 Miles
Day 4
Icewine and Niagara-on-the-Lake – Pedal along shaded lanes lined with well-tended homes as you wind out of town into the miles of vineyards and orchards that blanket the region. You will have the opportunity to visit a variety of wineries ranging from small family producers to grand large-scale operations such as Inniskillin who brought early fame to the budding wine industry on the Niagara Peninsula. Enjoy a private tour and tasting with the owner of Frogpond Farm, Ontario’s only certified organic winery. This afternoon, you will have time to pursue personal interests from the myriad of options in Niagara-on-the-Lake. You might choose a scenic cruise up the Niagara River or a thrilling jet boat ride all the way to the whirlpool below Niagara Falls. The internationally acclaimed Shaw Festival Theatre celebrates 50 plus summer show seasons and continues to play to rave reviews. Tickets are readily available for all but the most coveted evening shows. Canada’s oldest golf course is just across the street from the inn, and arrays of spa treatments are available at the inn. The downtown is full of interesting shops and restaurants offering abundant options for dinner this evening.
LODGING:
The Oban Inn Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario
905-468-2165
www.obaninn.ca
CYCLING OPTIONS:
21 Miles
Day 5
The Niagara River Recreation Trail and Botanical Gardens – Follow the paved Niagara River Recreation Trail as it winds south out of town along the Niagara River. The unusual green color of the water in the Niagara River in this section below the falls is noticeably different than it is above the Falls due to the tons of minerals scraped off the rocks as the water passes over the Falls.
MULTIPLE ROUTE OPTIONS
Itching for that EPIC (Extra Pedal if Crazy) ride? No problem, we’ll show you our favorite hills. Looking for more downtime? Your trip leaders will tell you the best days to take a break. All Sojourn tours have multiple route options to accommodate your riding skill or desires!
You might stop to visit McFarland House, used by British officers during the War of 1812, or the homestead of Canadian heroine, Laura Secord. Her incredible journey succeeded in warning the British of an imminent American attack during the War of 1812. Visit the Brock Memorial at Queenston Heights before arriving at the Floral Clock. You might also enjoy a side trip to visit the lovely Botanical Gardens or the Butterfly Conservatory. Continue your ride to Niagara Falls (from the opposite direction you rode on Sunday’s ride), where you might choose to partake in highlights such as the Maid of the Mist or the Journey Behind the Falls. Return to Niagaraon-the-Lake at your leisure. Lunch is on your own today and wine enthusiasts might consider dining at the impressive Peller Estates. This evening, join your fellow travelers for a memorable dinner in the private dining room of the Oban Inn.
LODGING:
The Oban Inn Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario
905-468-2165
www.obaninn.ca
CYCLING OPTIONS:
25 Miles
31 Miles
Day 6
Wineries of Unique Distinction – This morning’s ride winds along the shores of Lake Ontario and into the countryside where lovely homes give way to orchards and vineyards. Visit sprawling Hillebrand Winery or Pillitteri Estates, a highlyrated family producer whose Sicilian heritage is evident in the winery as well as in the wines they produce. Their still wines are an outstanding example of the diversity and quality of wines, other than icewine, that are now being produced in the Niagara region. Marvel at the modern structure and forwardthinking approach to winemaking at Stratus during an indepth private tour and tasting. Stratus prides themselves on their LEED certification and operation as a sustainable and innovative winery producing their own unique blends of wine. Return to the Oban Inn for showers and lunch before the return drive back to the airport in Buffalo, New York.
CYCLING OPTIONS:
17 Miles
Tour Accommodations
Inn on the Twenty
A member of the Select Registry’s Distinguished Inns of North America as well as Ontario’s Finest Inns, the Inn features deluxe rooms, its own spa, and one of Ontario’s most highly regarded restaurants.(2 nights)
3845 Main Street
Jordan, Ontario, Canada L0R 1S0
www.innonthetwenty.com.com | 905.562.5336
The Oban Inn
A landmark property overlooking Lake Ontario and the oldest golf course in North America. Just a short walk from shops and restaurants in town, the Inn features its own spa and pool as well as one of the town’s top restaurants. (3 nights)
160 Front St
Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada L0S 1J0
www.obaninn.ca | 905.468.2165
Travel & Tour Quick Facts
| TOUR START | 9:00am – Group pick-up Hilton Garden Inn Buffalo Airport. |
| TOUR CONCLUSION | 3:30-4:00pm – Group return to Buffalo Niagara International Airport. Departure flights should not be scheduled prior to 6:00pm. |
| TRAVEL TO/FROM TOUR | Fly into Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF). Parking available at the airport or the pre-tour hotel (parking fee). |
| DAYS/NIGHTS | 6 Days/5 Nights |
| INCLUDED MEALS | All breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 4 dinners. |
| ACTIVITIES | Cycling, walking, options for golf, theatre, and boating. |
| RATING | This tour offers more natural options for someone who is active but doesn’t cycle often. Daily rides average around 18-40 miles over mostly level terrain. |
IMPORTANT ENTRY REQUIREMENT FOR CANADA
As you will be crossing the border between the US and Canada, appropriate documents are required. All travelers are required to have a valid passport, valid passport card, or other WHTI compliant identification. For further travel document information visit the US Customs & Border Protection website. Please be advised that there are a variety of reasons why Canadian Customs may refuse entry to US citizens. These include prior alcohol related driving infractions in the US. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are eligible to enter Canada. Sojourn is not responsible for anyone who is refused entry into Canada. We suggest a complete review of the information outlined here: Canadian Customs.
What’s Included?
| EQUIPMENT | Road or hybrid bike, helmet, rear light, seat bag for road bike or rack bag for hybrid, map case, water bottle, and jersey. Bring clipless pedals, seat, or helmet for a more personalized fit. |
| VAN SUPPORT | Rides supported by a Sojourn van as well as a tour leader on a bicycle. |
| TOUR LEADERS | Two experienced tour leaders guide each trip from start to finish. |
| RIDE NOURISHMENT | A selection of snacks and refreshments are supplied throughout all rides. |
| RIDE INFORMATION | Detailed route directions, maps, downloadable GPS routes, and a daily briefing are provided. |
| OFFICE SUPPORT | At your service 9:00am – 6:00pm EST, Monday – Friday. 802-425-4771 |
| DETAILED INFORMATION | A full complement of detailed trip and travel information will be provided upon confirmation of reservation. |
| E-BIKES & TANDEMS | Limited Electric Assist Bikes are available on all tours. Tandems are also available on on our US and Canada tours for an additional fee. Call us at 1-802-425-4771 for details |
Weather
| Niagara Falls | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 66° | 75° | 80° | 77° | 70° | 58° |
| Low °F | 47° | 56° | 61° | 60° | 54° | 42° |
| Precip. Inches | 3.1 | 3.6 | 3.1 | 4.3 | 3.5 | 3.1 |
WE’RE HAPPY TO CHAT!
Call: 802.425.4771
Write: info@gosojourn.com
Visit: GoSojourn.com
PRICES & SCHEDULE
All prices and schedules are subject to change at any time.
Click HERE to view the latest departure dates & prices.
