Adventourus Active Vacations

From July 14th to July 21st 2012

Discover here a cycle trip from Niagara-On-The-Lake to Rivière Beaudette.

About the Waterfront Regeneration Trust

Their goal is to make sure people can get to the water; and that the water is worth getting to.

Since the establishment of the Waterfront Regeneration Trust in 1992, this community partners have worked diligently to:

- Expand and enhance the Lake Ontario Waterfront Trail and Greenway as part of a larger strategy to regenerate the waterfront; and

- Promote the Waterfront Trail and Greenway as a way to achieve a healthy environment and lifestyle.

History:

July, 2008 was the inaugural year of the Great Waterfront Trail Adventure, the first end-to-end tour of the Trail that is welcoming the public.  In 2002, partners of the trail, including journalist Kate Harries, rode the length of the route and documented their journey in a series of articles that appeared in the Toronto Star.

They had so much fun, as have other end-to-enders who have done their own tours that they want to share the experience with as many people as they can. There is a true sense of pride and accomplishment in traveling along the entire 730 kms of the Waterfront Trail, plus it provides a unique experience of southern Ontario. Gather your friends and join us for this fun adventure from July 14-21, 2012.

The official start of the Waterfront Trail is in Niagara-on-the-Lake, and it is hee where we will launch the 4th Annual GWTA!

After the kick-off celebration, we will roll out through the historic and beautiful town of Niagara-on-the-Lake, the first of 41 incredible communities to come. During the ride from Niagara-on-the-Lake to Hamilton, you will cycle country roads and paved paths accented by vineyards, orchards and lake views. Discover historic military forts, village shops, restaurants and wineries. For riders looking for an extra 16 kilometres, consider the "Optional ride" a bit north to the town of Jordan to visit Balls Falls, the only waterfall on the Waterfront Trail.

Cyclists will ride tree canopied residential streets, off-road bike paths that meander along the shores of Lake Ontario, and will stay in single file on the sections that take them on Lakeshore as they visit Hamilton, Burlington, Oakville, Mississauga, and in to Toronto.  Waterfront parks, harbours, formal gardens and beautiful homes will greet the cyclists before the CN tower becomes visible.

Day 3: Toronto to Ajax (80 km)

Cherry Beach is a short ride from Fort York and while riding along the paved bike path it is easy to forget that you are still in Canada's largest city. You'll pass by some of Toronto's newest waterfront parks including the award winning Sugar Beach and Sherbourne Common. Both projects are part of Waterfront Toronto's bold plan for a transformation of Toronto's waterfront. The Beach is an old favourite of the city and the end of the boardwalk it is recommended to pick up a snack at one of the coffee shops, once you start the Scarborough hills there are not a lot of places to stop and refresh before reaching Pickering's rest stop. Lunch will be a meal plan bagged lunch.

Continuing from the town of Ajax and their incredible section of the Waterfront Trail, through Whitby, and Oshawa, the Trail continues to offer hidden gems and beauty that are best seen on a bike or foot. Lunch is on your own, though we recommend Bobby C's in Clarington. Enjoy the ride after lunch as the topography changes on route to the heart of Port Hope and Cobourg. Riders will encounter a canopy of mature trees that will provide shade as participants continue their journey on a quiet and remote section of the Trail. The mix of trail and country road will lead us into Colborne and Brighton--a new overnight stop for 2011.

After breakfast, riders will leave Cramahe/Colborne, heading toward Brighton, Trenton and Prince Edward County. The bending and curving shoreline will lead cyclists through the lovely rural landscapes, and quaint, historic villages of Prince Edward County. Enjoy a relaxing but short ferry ride from Glenora to Aldophustown.The ride on HWY 33 from the ferry landing to the UEL campground is quiet, green and lovely, and steeped in Loyalist heritage. Loyalists first arrived to the area in 1784. Their landing spot and site of the first cemetery is on the grounds and has been preserved by the Loyalist descendants to this day.

Riders will continue along Lake Ontario and then join the shores of the St. Lawrence River east and visit communities rich in culture and natural attractions. Included in the day’s vistas are the 1000 Islands, which have been designated an UNSECO Biosphere Region, the St. Lawrence Islands National Park, one of Canada's first national parks, rolling country roads, and farmland. History buffs will also find a wealth of well-preserved historical buildings and heritage sites, while the waters in Kingston contain a variety of preserved shipwrecks. At the overnight in Brockville we will be able to see Canada’s first railway tunnel and enjoy the downtown. Want to spend more time exploring? There will be a shuttle at Gananoque to transport riders in to Brockville.

Traveling along the rolling countryside, cyclists will visit the rural villages that dot the St. Lawrence River and experience Canadian history as it comes alive at Upper Canada Village. Built with re-claimed buildings, the village staff are dressed in the fashion of the 1860s as they perform the village duties of blacksmiths, farmers, and guides. The Lost Villages Museum will offer a glimpse into the life of Canadians a century later as it tells the story of the ten villages that were permanently submerged when the area was flooded to create the St Lawrence Seaway in 1958.

Participants can reminisce about their journey along the Canadian shores of Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River as they meander towards the finish point just outside Riviere Beaudette. New friendships and experiences may be celebrated at the wrap up party at the Par 3 Golf Course and plans for a return trip may begin for the Great Waterfront Trail Adventure 2012!

PRICE & DETAILS

Price & Schedule

DEPARTURE DATES:

This tour will be running from July 14th to July 21st 2012, as part of the Fifth Annual GWTA.

Other Information

What should I bring?

• Luggage: Participants are permitted to bring 2 duffel bags, including camping equipment.  Suitcases, boxes, cases, are NOT allowed.  Baggage may not be tied together and must include a luggage tag with the participants name. You will be required to carry your baggage to and from the baggage truck each day SO for your sake and the health and safety of the volunteers, who load and unload the truck, please pack light and tight! Remember the truck must be unloaded whether the weather is wet or dry so place your belongings in plastic bags or use waterproof duffel bags to keep them dry.
• Bicycle Equipment: Helmet, bike lock, small repair kit that includes a tire, spare tube, tire irons, alan keys, small wrenches, and a pump.  Bike gloves, cycling shorts, bike jersey, light jacket, rain gear, and water bottles. You may also want a rear view mirror and paniers. It is also recommended that you bring chamois creme.
• Camping Equipment: Duffel bag, sleeping bag, pillow, pad, tent, ground cloth, rope, stakes and a flashlight. This should be packed so that your belongings stay drive in case of being exposed to rain.
• Toiletries: Towel, washcloth, toothbrush, toothpaste, skin lotion, shampoo, soap, razor, nail clippers, brush/comb, hair ties/barrettes, deodorant, mirror and toilet tissue.
• Clothes: T-shirts, shorts, a jacket, pants, warm-up suit, underwear, socks, shoes, thongs, sleepwear, swimsuit, and possibly sweatbands/bandannas.
• First Aid: Pack aspirin, ibuprofen, vitamins, Band-Aids, gauze, tape, first aid cream, lip balm, sun block, insect repellent, safety pins,  and sanitary protection if needed with disposable bags. Access to emergency medical treatment will be available in each campground.
• Miscellaneous: Bring an alarm clock/watch, spare glasses, sunglasses, camera, earplugs, ID, money, traveler's checks, credit cards, journal, pens, pencils, address book, several plastic trash bags for rain protection and zip-lock bags. Be sure to enclose everything in a water-tight plastic bag.

Are meals included?

• Three meals are included in the price of registration. The celebration dinner on Day 7, Day 8 breakfast and Pizza lunch at the finish.
  
  
• OPTIONAL MEAL PLAN: Due to the remote location of some of the campsites and lunch spots, an optional Meal Plan for 2012 is being designed.
  
  
• If you don't buy a meal plan, you will be responsible for finding your own meals. The GWTA information tent will try to have information about alternate meal locations for those interested. You won't go hungry but you may have to eat or pick-up your meal along the way. For many participants, meals at the campsites are an opportunity to socialize and share experiences.