The Great Lakes Waterfront Trail might not sound impressive if you don’t know all that it offers. It is more than just a really long biking trail. There is so much to see and do. Whether you are actually travelling alone or in a group, you will find interesting sites to visit and activities to do. The trail is the perfect destination for a small one-day excursion or if you plan on having an extended trip. To better understand the opportunities that the trail offers, here are some of the highlights.
Immerse Yourself in the Local Culture
The best part about the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail is that it is not isolated from the adjoining communities. In fact, the trail design deliberately includes nearby neighbourhoods to give all visitors the chance to interact and culturally immerse themselves in the local culture. Along the 3000 kilometre length of the trail, you get an opportunity to visit more than 155 villages and communities. These include First Nation communities, which have a cultural significance to the Canadian (and North American) way of life. 23 officially designated national historical sites can make your trip a truly educational experience.
Parks and Pristine Wild Spaces
The main attraction for most visitors to the trail has to be the well preserved natural spaces. Along the trail, you can visit 42 provincial parks and six national parks. Also adjoining the trail are four UNESCO biospheres, which are pristine ecosystems featuring native plant and animal species. You can be truly at one with nature when you visit the trail.
A Biking and Hiking Paradise
The biking and hiking experience at the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail is hard to match. For starters, the entire length of the trail is well-maintained. It includes paved, un-paved and off-road sections to meet your needs and preferences. There are sections well suited for the casual hiker or cyclist and others that would appeal to the more adventurous and experienced visitors. The trail has 12 international border crossings (along the US Canada border), and it connects to more than 50 other recognized trails, including the Niagara River Recreational Trail and the Greenbelt Route. There are hundreds of bike-friendly businesses along the trail.
Fun, Rest and Relaxation
The trail is not all about cycling and hiking. It traverses three major wine regions. Along the lakes and rivers, there are 239 beaches and 520 waterfront parks. It is the perfect place for picnics and fun activities with the family.