The best cycling routes around Fort Erie
4.5
(40)
297
riders
25
rides
Touring cycling routes around Fort Erie benefit from the region's diverse landscapes, including 46 kilometers of shoreline along Lake Erie and the Niagara River. The area features extensive trail networks, often built on former rail lines, providing mostly off-road and paved surfaces. Cyclists can explore green spaces, agricultural areas, and quiet residential zones, with minimal elevation gain across the terrain.
Best touring cycling routes around Fort Erie
- The most popular touring cycling route is Erie Canalway and Grand Island Loop, a 40.3 miles (64.8 km) trail that takes 3 hours 34 minutes to complete. This route offers varied scenery along the Erie Canalway system.
- Another top favourite among local touring cyclists is Erie Canalway Trail: Buffalo Parks and Waterfront Loop, an easy 21.6 miles (34.7 km) path. This route provides views of waterfront parks and urban green spaces.
- Local touring cyclists also love the Buffalo to Hamburg loop, a 36.0 miles (58.0 km) trail leading through a mix of urban and agricultural landscapes, often completed in about 3 hours 24 minutes.
- Touring cycling around Fort Erie is defined by Lake Erie shoreline paths, the Niagara River corridor, and former rail line trails. The network offers options for various ability levels, from easy, flat paths to moderate routes with some distance.
- The routes in Fort Erie are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 40 reviews. More than 300 touring cyclists have used komoot to explore Fort Erie's varied terrain.
Last updated: July 5, 2026
5.0
(1)
9
riders
64.8km
03:38
100m
100m
This moderate 40.3-mile touring bicycle loop combines the Erie Canalway and Grand Island, offering scenic waterfront views and historic site
34.7km
02:00
100m
90m
Cycle the easy 21.6-mile Erie Canalway Trail: Buffalo Parks and Waterfront Loop, exploring city parks and scenic waterfront views.
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3.0
(1)
1
riders
58.0km
03:24
290m
290m
This 36.0-mile moderate touring cycling loop from Buffalo to Hamburg offers waterfront views, urban exploration, and varied terrain.
5.0
(6)
43
riders
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.8
(4)
33
riders
38.2km
02:09
70m
70m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Popular around Fort Erie
Tips from the Community
Frank Lloyd Wright's Martin House Administrative Office. Tolle Architektur!
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A beautiful little gem! Beautiful views, plenty of picnic tables, restrooms, a playground, informative signs, and two pairs of binoculars. I'm already looking forward to more picnics there! Beware of a wasp nest in the ground and the strong smell of dead fish among the rocks.
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Here you have a small but pleasant park space perfect for a break.
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This little point looks out over the outlet of Tonawanda Creek, where it first merges into the Little River and then, together, the two waters merge into the Tonawanda Channel of the Niagara River. From here you have your choice of two different riverwalks: The Eerie Canalway Trail to the east, which runs upstream along Tonawanda Creek; and the Shoreline Trail which runs southwest along the Niagara River.
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This park is packed full of activities; bicycling, disc golf, electric car charging stations, hiking trails, picnic area, picnic benches, playgrounds. In the winter there is cross-country skiing, downhill skiing, sledding, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, softball, tennis, and toboggan chutes.
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There are rowing clubs all across the world, but how many can claim that their boathouse was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright? The answer, just one, and this is it. Originally this design was meant for the University of Wisconsin, however the funds were never raised and the project was abandoned. That is until 2007 when this building was constructed using the original plans.
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The bridge itself is particularly beautiful and neither is the scenery. However, those with an interest in trainspotting will enjoy the fact that it crossed over the railroad tracks.
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Cazenovia Park sits along a creek of the same name. You'll find ball fields, picnic area, a playground and splash pad for the kids, and access to the creek. It's a great spot to bring the family.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many touring cycling routes are available in Fort Erie?
Fort Erie offers a diverse selection of nearly 30 touring cycling routes. These routes cater to various skill levels, with about half being easy, and the rest ranging from moderate to challenging.
What makes Fort Erie a good destination for touring cyclists?
Fort Erie is an excellent touring cycling destination due to its extensive, mostly off-road and paved trail networks, including significant portions of the Greater Niagara Circle Route. Cyclists can enjoy 46 kilometers of shoreline along Lake Erie and the Niagara River, diverse landscapes from green spaces to agricultural areas, and minimal elevation gain, making it accessible for many.
Are there any easy or family-friendly cycling routes in Fort Erie?
Yes, Fort Erie is very family-friendly, with many easy, paved, and mostly flat routes. The Erie Canalway Trail: Buffalo Parks and Waterfront Loop is an easy 34.7 km path offering scenic views of waterfront parks. The Friendship Trail, part of the Greater Niagara Circle Route, is another excellent option, being a 16 km paved path on a former rail line, suitable for all ages and abilities.
What are some notable trails that are part of the Greater Niagara Circle Route in Fort Erie?
Fort Erie is a key part of the 140 km Greater Niagara Circle Route. Significant trails within this network include the Friendship Trail, a 16 km paved path along Lake Erie, and the Niagara River Recreation Trail, a 56 km scenic route along the Niagara River connecting Fort Erie to Niagara-on-the-Lake. The region is also part of the larger Great Lakes Waterfront Trail.
What kind of scenic views can I expect on Fort Erie's cycling routes?
Fort Erie's cycling routes offer stunning waterfront vistas along Lake Erie and the Niagara River. You'll also pass through green spaces, quiet residential areas, and agricultural landscapes. Routes like the Erie Canalway and Grand Island Loop provide varied scenery along the Erie Canalway system, while the Niagara River Recreation Trail offers views of New York State across the water.
Are there any circular cycling routes in the Fort Erie area?
Yes, there are several excellent loop routes for touring cyclists. The Erie Canalway and Grand Island Loop is a moderate 64.8 km option. Another popular choice is the Buffalo to Hamburg loop, a 58.0 km trail through urban and agricultural areas. For a slightly shorter ride, consider the Grand Island Bridges – South Grand Island Bridge loop from Summer–Best, which is 38.2 km.
What historical sites or landmarks can I explore along the cycling routes?
The Fort Erie region is rich in history. You can visit Old Fort Erie, a significant site from the War of 1812. The Peace Bridge, connecting Fort Erie with Buffalo, New York, is an iconic landmark, and Mather Arch Park near the bridge symbolizes peace. You might also encounter the South Grand Island Bridge on some routes.
What do other touring cyclists enjoy most about cycling in Fort Erie?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 40 reviews. Reviewers often praise the well-maintained, mostly paved trails, the stunning waterfront views along Lake Erie and the Niagara River, and the variety of routes suitable for different fitness levels.
Are there any natural attractions or parks to visit while cycling in Fort Erie?
Absolutely. Fort Erie boasts several beautiful beaches like Bernard Beach, Crescent Beach, Waverly Beach, and the vast sandy Bay Beach. The Stevensville Conservation Area offers marked trails for cycling, birdwatching, and features a forest, wetlands, and a fishing pond. You can also find highlights like Wilkeson Point for views and Tiff Nature Preserve for natural exploration.
Where can I find parking for bike trails in Fort Erie?
Many of Fort Erie's popular trails, especially those part of the Greater Niagara Circle Route like the Friendship Trail and Niagara River Recreation Trail, offer designated parking areas at various access points. Specific parking information is often available on local tourism websites or trail maps. It's advisable to check the starting points of individual routes for detailed parking instructions.
Can I cycle in Fort Erie during the winter months?
While many trails are primarily used in warmer months, some of Fort Erie's recreational trails, particularly the paved and well-maintained ones, can be suitable for winter cycling, snowshoeing, or cross-country skiing, depending on snow conditions. Always check local weather and trail reports before heading out in winter.
Are there any facilities like bike repair or charging stations along the routes?
Yes, for convenience, you can find facilities such as the Bike Repair and Charging Station at Niawanda Park, which can be useful for longer rides or unexpected needs. It's always a good idea to carry basic repair tools and a fully charged phone, especially on more remote sections.
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