The Great Waterfront Trail
Beach towns, wineries, harbours and history, strung along the shore of Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence. Drive it or cycle it — the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail is one of the world’s great waterfront journeys, and its finest stretch runs right through Ontario’s heartland.
The Great Lakes Waterfront Trail is a signed route of more than 3,600 km that connects over 170 communities and First Nations along Ontario’s Great Lakes and St. Lawrence shoreline, from Niagara-on-the-Lake and the Quebec border all the way to Sault Ste. Marie. A legacy of the Waterfront Regeneration Trust, it began in 1995 as a modest Hamilton-to-Trenton path and marked its 30th anniversary in 2025.
Its original and most beloved section — and the focus of this guide — is the Lake Ontario and St. Lawrence spine, running roughly 900 km from Niagara through Toronto, the Northumberland beach towns, Prince Edward County and Kingston to the Thousand Islands and the Quebec border. It’s a mix of off-road path and quiet road that works beautifully as a multi-day cycling trip or a relaxed waterfront driving tour.
At a Glance
The Route, Stop by Stop
Travelling west to east from the Niagara River to the Quebec border, here’s where to break up the journey.
Niagara-on-the-Lake — the western trailhead
Start where Lake Ontario meets the Niagara River. The Niagara River Recreation Trail links wineries, historic forts and the town’s genteel main street. Wine country and the falls are minutes away — a rich place to begin.
Hamilton & Burlington
The birthplace of the trail. Ride or drive the Bayfront and waterfront paths, take in the Royal Botanical Gardens, and cross the iconic lift bridge at the Burlington Canal.
Toronto — the Martin Goodman Trail
Through the city, the Waterfront Trail becomes the fully off-road Martin Goodman Trail, running the length of the harbourfront past the islands ferry, the Beaches boardwalk, and up to the dramatic Scarborough Bluffs.
Cobourg & Port Hope
Two of Lake Ontario’s prettiest heritage towns. Cobourg has a sandy downtown beach and grand promenade; Port Hope boasts one of Canada’s best-preserved 19th-century main streets. Perfect lunch-and-stroll stops.
Prince Edward County & Sandbanks
Detour into “The County” for its celebrated wineries, farm restaurants and the towering freshwater dunes and beaches of Sandbanks Provincial Park. Easily a day or two on its own.
Kingston — the Limestone City
Where Lake Ontario meets the St. Lawrence. Explore Fort Henry, the waterfront and the historic downtown, then set off among the islands on a Thousand Islands cruise from the harbour.
Thousand Islands & the 1000 Islands Parkway
One of the trail’s scenic showpieces: the 1000 Islands Parkway and its parallel bike path wind past Gananoque and countless granite islands. Climb the 1000 Islands Tower or the Skydeck for the view.
Cornwall & the Quebec border
The eastern trailhead. Follow the St. Lawrence past Upper Canada Village and the Long Sault Parkway’s island causeway to Cornwall, where Ontario’s Waterfront Trail meets the Quebec line.
Where to Camp & Stay Along the Route
The waterfront corridor is dotted with provincial parks and conservation-area campgrounds, plus plenty of inns and B&Bs in the heritage towns.
Festivals Along the Way
The waterfront corridor runs through some of Ontario’s busiest festival country — Niagara wine celebrations, Toronto’s waterfront events, buskerfests in Kingston and Cobourg, and food and harvest festivals across Prince Edward County. Pick a weekend and build the drive around it.
Practical Tips
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail?
The full signed route runs more than 3,600 km and connects over 170 communities from Niagara and the Quebec border to Sault Ste. Marie along Lakes Ontario, Erie, Huron and Superior. The Lake Ontario and St. Lawrence spine featured here is roughly 900 km.
Can you drive it, or is it only for cycling?
It’s a signed cycling and walking trail (about 30% off-road along Lake Ontario/St. Lawrence), but the corridor also makes a great driving tour — follow the waterfront by car and cycle the scenic signed sections wherever you like.
What’s the best section?
The Lake Ontario and St. Lawrence stretch from Niagara to the Quebec border — the Toronto waterfront, Cobourg and Port Hope, Prince Edward County and Sandbanks, Kingston, and the 1000 Islands Parkway.
When’s the best time to go?
Late spring through fall — summer for the beaches, September and October for wine harvest and fall colour along the St. Lawrence.
Is it good for families?
Very — flat, largely paved sections, frequent towns and beaches, and easy day-ride segments make it one of Ontario’s most family-friendly routes.
More Ontario Road Trips
Planning the trip around a festival?
See what’s on in the waterfront towns along your route.
Explore Festivals by Region →