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The World-Class Niagara Wine Region by Bike

Program Number: 19214RJ
Start and End Dates:
6/16/2013 - 6/21/2013;
Duration: 5 nights
Location: Niagara Falls (Ontario), Ontario
Price starting at: $1,449.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city
Program Type: Bicycling; Food & Wine Activity Level: t (see description)
Meals: 10; 5 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 2 Dinners    
Meal Options: Vegetarian    

Explore Canada’s premier wine region on a biking adventure over country lanes that wind through lush vineyards and past scenic trails as you meet wizards of an industry that represents the ultimate synthesis of science and art. See how the region’s unique climate and geological phenomena work in tandem to produce premium-quality grapes, and the innovations that are assisting implementation of eco-friendly, sustainable practices (LEEDS certification) and world-class wines.




Highlights

• Study the effects of terroir and micro-climate on Ontario’s fine wines with specialists at renowned Canadian wineries.
• Hear the stories of “Canada’s Bloodiest Battlefield” at Historic Fort Erie, a major battleground during the War of 1812.
• Enjoy the natural beauty, heritage and scenic views as you cycle the Niagara Parkway and historic Niagara-on-the-Lake, voted the “prettiest little town in Ontario.”



Activity Particulars

Cycling up to 25-40 miles a day.



Coordinated by Routes to Learning Canada.




Niagara Falls (Ontario)

Situated along the same latitude as Northern California, this world-famous destination attracts people to its wineries and local cuisine, as well as to its impressive natural falls, breathtaking scenery and great theater.
Accommodations
Hotel in Niagara-on-the-Lake within minutes of the picturesque town center.
Meals and Lodgings
   The Colonel Butler Inn
  Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario 5 nights
 The Colonel Butler Inn
Type: Inn
  Description: Colonel Butler Inn is named after Colonel John Butler, a seasoned veteran of the Seven Years’ War and leader of the famous Butler’s Rangers. Niagara-on-the-Lake was formerly Newark, the capital of Upper Canada, and a colony created by Butler. The Inn is within minutes of the picturesque center of town and several of the Shaw Festival theaters. You might also enjoy sitting on the verandah, watching the world pass by or taking advantage of the inn’s spa and exercise facilities.
  Contact info: 278 Mary Street
P.O. Box 642
Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON L0S 1J0 Canada
phone: 905-468-3251
web: www.colonelbutlerinn.ca
  Room amenities: Room amenities include: private bath with full tub and shower, toiletries, coffee maker, hair dryer, cable TV with remote control and clock radio.
  Facility amenities: Facility amenities include: breakfast room, conference/banquet room, complimentary newspapers available in the lobby, complimentary motor coach parking, lounge, exercise room, whirlpool, iron and ironing board available at front desk.
  Smoking allowed: No
  Additional nights prior: Call for availability & rates. Please contact the hotel directly on your own OR if you require personal assistance contact Maritime Travel toll free at 1-888-905-5959. A service fee MAY apply.
  Check in time: 4:00 PM
  Additional nights after: Call for availability & rates. Please contact the hotel directly on your own OR if you require personal assistance contact Maritime Travel toll free at 1-888-905-5959. A service fee MAY apply.
  Check out time: 11:00 AM


Travel Details
  Start of Program:
Independent arrivals to the program hotel in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Check-in after 4:00 pm. Dinner is at 6:00 pm. You will be staying at The Colonel Butler Inn that night.
  End of Program:
Breakfast is at 7:30 am. Independent departures. Check-out is 11:00 a.m. You will be staying at The Colonel Butler Inn the night before.
  Required documents:
The Road Scholar Health & Safety Form is required. PASSPORTS: Visit www.travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html for up to date information.
  Parking availability:
Free on-site parking (outdoor).
Transportation
To Start of Program
  Location:  Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario
  Nearest city or town:  Niagara Falls
  From End of Program
  Location: Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario
    (Additional transportation information same as above)
Travel Details
 

Toronto

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Commercial Van/Shuttle
Niagara Airbus
phone: 905-374-8111
Advanced Reservations Required

 

Travel Time:

 

1.5 - 2 hours 
   

24 hour door to door service to/from Buffalo and Toronto Airports. Information also available online at www.niagaraairbus.com. Please call for reservations.
 

Buffalo

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Commercial Van/Shuttle
Niagara Airbus
phone: 905-374-8111
Advanced Reservations Required

 

Travel Time:

 

45 - 60 minutes 
   

24 hour door to door service to/from Buffalo and Toronto Airports. Information also available online at www.niagaraairbus.com. Please call for reservations.
 

Toronto

 

To Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Commercial Van/Shuttle
Niagara Airbus
phone: 905-374-8111
Advanced Reservations Required

 

Travel Time:

 

1.5 - 2 hours 
   

24 hour door to door service to/from Toronto Airport. Information also available online at www.niagaraairbus.com. Please call for reservations.
 

Buffalo

 

To Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Commercial Van/Shuttle
Niagara Airbus
phone: 905-374-8111
Advanced Reservations Required

 

Travel Time:

 

45 - 60 minutes 
   

24 hour door to door service to/from Buffalo Airport. Information also available online at www.niagaraairbus.com. Please call for reservations.
 
Driving Directions
  Buffalo, NY (PEACE BRIDGE) If crossing at Buffalo (PEACE BRIDGE) follow the signs for the QEW Toronto. Follow the QEW to exit 38 near St. Catharines. Following the signs to Niagara-on-the-Lake and Shaw Festival, you will end up on County Road #55 (also called the Niagara Stone Road). Proceed through the town of Virgil into the old town of Niagara-on-the-Lake following County Road #55, which turns into Mississauga Road. At the traffic lights, turn left on Mary Street.
  Niagara Falls, NY (RAINBOW BRIDGE) From Rainbow Bridge (Niagara Falls, NY - Niagara Falls, Ont): As you exit the bridge proceed straight north on to Hwy 420. Turn right onto Stanley Ave/Regional Road 102, continue onto Thorold Stone Rd/Regional Road 57, turn right onto Portage Rd/Regional Road 49 (continue to follow Portage Rd). Continue onto St Paul Ave/Regional Road 49, continue onto Four Mile Creek Rd/Regional Road 100. Turn right onto Niagara Stone Rd then continue onto Mississauga St. and turn left on Mary Street. The Best Western Colonel Butler Inn will be on the left hand side.
  Toronto, ON Follow the Queen Elizabeth Way (QEW) west to exit #38B (from the direction of Toronto). The Exit sign reads 55/Niagara Stone Road/Niagara-on-the-Lake. Following the signs to Niagara-on-the-Lake and Shaw Festival, you will end up on County Road #55 (also called the Niagara Stone Road). Proceed through the town of Virgil into the old town of Niagara-on-the-Lake following County Road #55, which turns into Mississauga Road. At the traffic lights, turn left on Mary Street.
Equipment Requirements: Hybrid bikes, helmets and other cycling related articles are included in the program cost (handle bar bags/ baskets, bells, water bottle cages, kickstands, helmets and locks). There are 3 different Hybrid models utilized: the Fuji Absolute, Fuji Crosstown and the KHS Westwood. Participants can choose whichever bike they wish and are welcome to bring their own seat and pedals; or choose to bring their own bike. Please note, if you choose to bring your own bike to the program you WILL NOT be reimbursed or receive a pro-rated program fee. Please feel free to pack a mini travel pack (small backpack or waist pouch) to bring with you while you cycle. Extra water and light snacks are recommended for heavy cycle days
The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.


Daily Schedule

Day 1: Independent Arrivals/Welcome & Orientation
(Sunday, June 16)

Note: Participants should have some cycling ability and prepared for 25 - 40 miles of cycling per day. Cycling in the morning and afternoon with long breaks and sit down lunches. We recommend a reasonable preparation schedule of cycling several weeks before you arrival. No one knows your body like you do, but conditioning is beneficial. For those unexpected days when your saddle "catches fire" there is always the support vehicle where you can catch a ride and keep the driver company to the next stop.
   
 Arrive To: Independent arrivals and transfers to the program hotel in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Check in after 4:00 pm. Please note that rooms are not generally available until mid to late afternoon.
 Dinner: Dinner at a local restaurant.
 Evening: INTRODUCTIONS: Following dinner, you will meet for introductions, a review of the program and site orientation. A representative of the cycling outfitter, Zoom Leisure, will answer questions and provide a welcome package including brochures of where we visit as well as the final itinerary. The host will provide information on options for free time activities including additional cycling and will highlight points of interest in the area.
   
Accommodations: The Colonel Butler Inn
Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2: Bicycle Fitting/Southbrook Vineyards/Inniskillin Ice Wine Tasting
(Monday, June 17)

Note: Today you will be cycling for an approximate total of 30 miles (50 kilometres) over even terrain with little to no elevation gain. Flat with slight inclines, paved country roads and some dirt paths.
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the inn.
 Morning: CYCLING: Start off a terrific week with a scenic morning cycle (15 miles/25 kms) that will introduce our guests to the beautiful wine country for which the Niagara Region is so well known.
 Morning: FIELD TRIP: Southbrook Vineyards. Southbrook's goal is to engage both "mouths and the intellect". The winery's sensory centerpiece is a stunning glass pavilion certified as LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Gold. Southbrook cares for its vineyard organically and is Canada's first Certified Biodynamic Wine Estate. Learn about the requirements to be LEED and Biodynamic certified and taste several of their well-known wines.
 Lunch: Lunch will be held at Southbrook Vineyards.
 Afternoon: FIELD TRIP: Inniskillin Winery. Following a wine tasting and guided exploration of Southbrook, you will cycle to Inniskillin Winery. Partake in an educational tour and tasting that will focus on the winery's famous icewine production. Inniskillin Icewine is well renowned as the world leader in Icewine. It is sold in over 59 countries and is the #1 distributed wine in Global Travel Retail.
 Dinner: Dinner on your own in Niagara-on-the-Lake. With everything from home baked goods to 5 star gourmet meals, there is something for all tastes - choose from fine dining, casual or pub-style restaurants.
   
Accommodations: The Colonel Butler Inn
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 3: Cycling the Niagara Parkway/Sir Adam Beck Generating Station/Fort Erie
(Tuesday, June 18)

Note: Daily cycling distance is approximately 37 miles/60 kms. Flat with slight inclines, paved path and country roads.
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the inn.
 Morning: CYCLING: Start the day by cycling from Niagara-on-the-Lake along the Niagara River Parkway into Niagara Falls.
 Morning: PRESENTATION: Sir Adam Beck Generating Station. On our way to Niagara Falls, we will visit the Sir Adam Beck Power Generating Station, one of Ontario's largest hydroelectric facilities. It's a wonderful example of a natural, non-polluting and reliable power source that has worked in harmony with the beauty of Niagara for over four decades.
 Lunch: Picnic lunch en route.
 Afternoon: PRESENTATION: The Fort. Once in Fort Erie, you will stop at the historic site to participate in an educational lecture that will highlight and discuss the conflict between the British and Americans that led to one of the "bloodiest battles" in Canadian history.
 Afternoon: CYCLING: Following lunch, we will cycle from Niagara Falls to Ridgeway following the Niagara River, past the Dufferin Islands, and into Fort Erie.
 Dinner: Dinner on your own in Niagara-on-the-Lake. With everything from home baked goods to 5 star gourmet meals, there is something for all tastes - choose from fine dining, casual or pub-style restaurants.
   
Accommodations: The Colonel Butler Inn
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 4: Cycling Jordan/Tawse Winery/Hernder Estates Winery
(Wednesday, June 19)

Note: Daily cycling distance is approximately 30 miles/50 kms. Relatively flat with some gentle hills (more incline on outward cycle with decline on return), paved paths.
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the inn.
 Morning: CYCLING: Today we will explore the more scenic routes of the vineyards and Lake Ontario. We will cycle in the Beamsville/Jordan area and through the beautiful Balls Falls Conservation Area.
 Morning: FIELD TRIP: Tawse Winery. Tawse is a family-owned and operated estate winery situated on the lower slopes of the Niagara Escarpment. The winemakers unite traditional techniques with state-of-the-art technology to create wines of exceptional elegance, depth, and character.
 Lunch: Lunch at a local cafe in Jordan Village.
 Afternoon: FIELD TRIP: Hernder Estates Winery. Next we take a leisurely ride through the beautiful countryside to Hernder Estates where we will enjoy a wine and cheese pairing and a stroll around their beautiful grounds.
 Dinner: Dinner on your own in Niagara-on-the-Lake. With everything from home baked goods to 5 star gourmet meals, there is something for all tastes - choose from fine dining, casual or pub-style restaurants.
   
Accommodations: The Colonel Butler Inn
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 5: Historical Walk in Niagara-on-the-Lake/Niagara River Countryside/Laura Secord House/Free Time
(Thursday, June 20)

Note: Daily cycling distance is approximately 25 miles/40 kms. Flat with slight inclines, paved path and country roads. Walking up to 2 miles (3 kilometres) over flat, even terrain.
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the inn.
 Morning: CYCLING: Cycle through the lush vineyards and majestic paths of the Niagara countryside to Laura Secord House. FIELD TRIP: During the war of 1812, Laura Secord set out on a perilous journey in the service of her country, and stepped forever into the history and folklore of Niagara. Travel back in time to her lovingly restored homestead and be enchanted by stories of her adventures and surroundings as interpreted by authentically costumed guides.
 Morning: CYCLING: Start the day cycling through Niagara-on-the-Lake's historic Old Town to Fort George. FIELD TRIP: Discover the rich history of Niagara-on-the-Lake. With a local historian, learn about the history and experiences of the area from First Nations peoples, to the arrival of the Europeans, to the War of 1812. A historian will lead an architectural walk of Niagara-on-the-Lake. Explore historic buildings along the way and hear about its past from wars, conflicts, rebellions, and threats that faced the city and the region in the course of its development.
 Lunch: Enjoy lunch on your own as your explore the many restaurants and cafes located in Niagara-on-the-Lake.
 Afternoon: FREE TIME: Enjoy a free afternoon to explore Niagara-on-the-Lake. Visit the shops and galleries or simply take in the beauty of this boutique town.
 Dinner: Farewell dinner at a local restaurant.
   
Accommodations: The Colonel Butler Inn
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 6: Independent Departures
(Friday, June 21)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the inn is at 7:30 am.
 Morning: Independent departures after breakfast. Check-out is 11:00 a.m.
   
Meals Included: Breakfast

Free Time Opportunities
  
  Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario Journey Behind the Falls
The sound is like thunder, the sight awe-inspiring! Take a journey deep below and behind the heart of Niagara and stand in the mist where the mighty Horseshoe Falls tumbles from 13 storeys above! At Journey Behind the Falls, you'll experience the awesome spectacle of one-fifth of the world’s fresh water crashing down to the basin below. During summer daylight hours, over 2,800 cubic meters of water thunders over the brink every second, travelling 65 kilometers per hour! Your Journey Behind the Falls visit will take 30 to 45 minutes. In the spring and summer months, you'll receive a free souvenir biodegradable rain poncho as protection from the mist of the Falls. Elevators descend 150 feet through bedrock to tunnels that lead and to the Cataract Portal and the Great Falls Portal which is one third of the way behind the massive sheet of water. Then you walk on to the Upper and Lower Observation Decks at the very foot of the Falls. For additional information, visit www.niagaraparks.com/attractions/behind-the-falls.html
  Niagara Falls History Museum
In this newly renovated and expanded building, understand the history of the War of 1812 and the Battle of Lundy’s Lane in the War of 1812 Gallery. Learn about the history of the world famous Niagara Falls, its community, its people and their stories in the Community Gallery. For more information visit the web site or call 905-358-5082. For additional information, visit www.niagarafallshistorymuseum.ca/index.php/museums/niagara-falls-history-museum/
  Niagara Historical Museum
Established in 1895, the Niagara Historical Society is dedicated to understanding the history of Niagara-on-the-Lake. The most important aspect of the work of the Society is the maintenance of the Museum collection which began in 1896 and is one of Ontario's most important collections. Plan a visit to the Niagara Historical Society Museum to discover the unique stories of historic Niagara-on-the-Lake. Located 20km north of Niagara Falls, Niagara-on-the-Lake provided a new home for refugees, was the capital of Upper Canada, was in the middle of a war zone and visited by millions as a place of recreation for over 100 years; these stories played a major role in the development of Canada. For additional information, visit www.niagarahistorical.museum/
  Shaw Festival
Discover Niagara-on-the-Lake theatre with productions from the Shaw Festival Theatre, producing the works of George Bernard Shaw and Shavian playwrights, located in beautiful Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario. For more information on performances and show times, visit the web site or call the Box Office at 1-800-511-7429. For additional information, visit www.shawfest.com/
Important information about your itinerary: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information featured on this website. Itineraries are based on our best information at this time. Circumstances beyond our control may require us to adjust itineraries or other details. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. Information will be sent to you from your Program Provider approximately three weeks prior to the program start date. The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.

Suggested Reading List


Inventing Niagara: Beauty, Power and Lies


Author: Ginger Strand


Description: Strand turns her initial impulse to make fun of the kitchy, overexposed honky tonk at modern Niagara Falls into this witty, well-researched tale of the transformation of a natural wonder into an engineering feat, spectacle and monument.



Niagara Falls (Images of Niagara)


Author: Daniel Dumych


Description: A photohistory of the town that grew up around the falls, drawn from the archives of the Niagara Library.



Frommer's Niagara Region


Author: Louise Dearden


Description: A practical, frequently revised guide to exploring Niagara Falls and surroundings.



A Traveller's History of Canada


Author: Robert Bothwell


Description: An admirably concise march through Canadian history by Robert Bothwell, who has also written "Canada and Quebec: One Country, Two Histories." Compact, easy-to-read and covering from prehistoric times to today, it's a useful introduction to the country, designed specifically for travelers.



The World Atlas of Wine


Author: Hugh Johnson, Jancis Robinson


Description: An invaluable, illustrated guide and atlas, covering wine-producing regions around the world. This revised fifth edition takes in new grapes, new wines and new wine-producing regions. Although France is given emphasis, California, Spain, Italy, South America, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand and other regions are also well covered. With hundreds of color photographs, illustrations and excellent full color maps (which vary in scale according to region).





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