You don’t need a cottage to spend quality time by the lake—just grab your bike and head to the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail. This 3,600-km route connects 170 communities and First Nations along the Canadian shores of the Great Lakes region. It’s a signature project of the Waterfront Regeneration Trust (WRT), a charity committed to protecting the world’s largest body of fresh water and a provincial leader in developing cycling routes.

Sixty-seven percent of Ontario’s population lives in a community with access to the trail, according to Marlaine Koehler, WRT’s executive director. “It provides a beautiful, free recreation, fitness and active transportation amenity that’s available for everyone to enjoy.” And thanks to the work of the trust, the cycle-worthy pathway keeps extending every year. The new Lake Superior expansion will add 1,000 km to the trail—a project that CAA is proud to help promote.

“CAA has been a generous supporter, trusted advisor and active partner for the Waterfront Regeneration Trust’s mission and vision since 2012,” says Koehler. “They not only fund the work, CAA staff and leadership have also biked every trail expansion through their participation in our annual cycle tour—the Great Waterfront Trail Adventure.”

A multi-day cycling event to raise awareness for WRT, the Great Waterfront Trail Adventure is also a draw for CAA and AAA (American Automobile Association) Members—they made up 76 percent of participants in the 2023 ride. And if they blew a tire along the way, CAA’s Bike Assist® service was there to help.

When asked about her favourite area to cycle, Koehler can’t decide. “I love every kilometre of this trail—the gorgeous bits and the challenging ones that need our attention. Each section has its own character. There is something for everyone.”

Click here to explore more cycling routes in Ontario.