How to Use the Maps

The Waterfront Trail follows the closest route possible to the shores of Lake Ontario and the St Lawrence River from Niagara-on-the Lake to the Quebec border. The long-term goal is to create a dedicated, off-road Trail that follows the closest waterfront route that is environmentally feasible.

The Trail E-maps provide recreational cyclists with a current navigable route comprising existing Waterfront Trail and possible connections through gap areas.

On-road and Off-road (Waterfront Trail)
An on-road section is actually on the road surface, not separated from it by a physical barrier such as a boulevard.

Cycling lanes along paved shoulders are considered on-road. They may not be suitable for some Trail users because of close proximity to vehicular traffic.

Off-road sections are separated from a road surface by a physical barrier. These are generally considered safe for non-vehicular traffic but, because of the surface may not be suitable for all Trail users. As well, off-road sections are usually multi-use paths requiring cyclists to reduce speed and watch for pedestrians.

Please respect restrictions placed on trail use, indicated on the maps with an alert. These restrictions (e.g. pedestrian use only in Rattray Marsh) are intended to safeguard sensitive natural areas and other users.

Trail Surface
The Waterfront Trail includes natural, grass, boardwalk, granular material, asphalt and concrete surfaces, though much of the Waterfront Trail is paved asphalt.

Possible Connection
Marked with a widely spaced dashed line, these routes indicate a possible connection through an existing gap in the Trail. These routes are not signed, and are usually on-road. They may not be suitable for some Trail users because of close proximity to vehicular traffic.

Two major gaps in the Trail exist for which no route is marked on the maps-Scarborough to Pickering and Quinte West to Belleville. At this time there is no suitable cycling route available.

Community Profile
Each community that is connected to the Waterfront Trail has a Profile. Profiles contain: a route summary; a listing of visitor services such as tourist offices or local maps; listing of accommodations, attractions and marinas.