Welcome to Ontario’s Celtic heartland! The Great Lakes Waterfront Trail runs on scenic County Rd 2 through most of the Township of South Glengarry. This winding stretch of road follows the shoreline of the St. Lawrence River and passes through the quaint villages of Glen Walter and Summerstown on the way to Lancaster. East of Lancaster, the Trail follows the South Service Rd. for about 10 km before rejoining County Rd 2 for the final stretch extending to the Quebec Border. Great camping opportunities in Charlottenburg Park and Glengarry Park both of which have camper cabins as well.
In 2022 the Township will open Glen Walter Waterfront Bike Parkette on CR 2 at Glen Walter Park Road. The parkette has a spectacular view of the River, picnic tables, bike repair station and bike parking. Vehicles can park at the nearby (500m) Glen Walter Regional Park.
- There’s a Dairy Queen and a Tim Horton’s in Lancaster for Trail users in need of replenishment or a rest stop
- Lovely view of the St. Lawrence River at the South Lancaster Wharf—marked on our maps. It is just a half kilometre detour off the Trail at Old Montreal Road.
- Restaurants in the Village of Glen Walter (about 2 km east of the boundary with Cornwall) and in the Village of Lancaster.
- Canteen in Charlottenburgh Park.
Conservation Areas
The Raisin River Conservation Authority manages wonderful conservation areas with excellent amenities and trail systems along the route:
- Gray’s Creek Conservation Area (minutes east of Cornwall)
- Charlottenburgh Park, Campground, Beach and Concession stand.
- Cooper’s Marsh and Visitor Centre — Part of a provincially significant wetland. Cycling is not permitted in this beautiful facility. Park your bike and get ready to enjoy this provincially significant wetland by foot.
St. Lawrence Parks manages the Glengarry Park and Campground and Beach.
The Quebec border is the eastern terminus of the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail.
From here, Trail users can link to La Route Verte, Quebec’s vast network of bicycle routes. A lovely gazebo and welcome sign mark the connection between the two trail systems.
Trail Attributes
Distance: 34.8 km
On-road with paved shoulders
- County Rd. 2 from Cornwall to Lancaster has a designated paved shoulder.
- South Service Rd east of Lancaster has paved shoulders.
- County Rd. 2 to the Quebec border has paved shoulders.
Beaches: Charlottenburgh Park, Glengarry Park—just 9 km from the Quebec border
Featured Itinerary
Cornwall and SDG’s 19 Suggested Rides
Approximately a 5hr drive east of Toronto, Cornwall and SDG have created 19 cycle routes (loop and out and back) to showcase the region’s culinary specialties, craft alcohol, heritage and landscape.
Links to Local Maps
Stormont Dundas Glengarry [SDG] Itineraries (Maps and Information) — A collection of itineraries guiding you through tourism opportunities and experiences in the Glengarry and Dundas areas. Includes the Beach Hop, Wineries and Breweries, Orchards and Berry Farms, and more.
SDG Illustrated Tourism Map (PDF and Links) — SDG have produced a wonderful illustrative map of Fun Finding attractions. Download the map, and visit their page to get more information on each of the attractions.
Guide to 19 Suggested Looped Rides (PDF) — Approximately a 5hr drive east of Toronto, Cornwall and SDG have created 19 cycle routes (loop and out and back) to showcase the region’s culinary specialties, craft alcohol, heritage and landscape. Ranging from 10 to 72 km, Routes 2, 4, 8, 10, 11, 13, 14, 15 and 17 use the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail. Download the GPS data for these routes from Ride with GPS. Visit their cycling page for more information.
Glengarry Heritage Tour Map (PDF) — Looking to learn more about Ontario’s celtic heritage? Consider following one of two driving tours that feature 24 heritage stops.
Connections
- Peanut Line Trail–multi-purpose trail that extends the full width of the Township. North of the Waterfront Trail and can be used to make a wonderful loop. To download a map from the Township website. Click here and scroll down to The Peanut Line.
- Summerstown Trail
- Click here to access Connecting Trails
- For a list of natural spaces, parks and trails in South Glengarry click here.
Community Links
South Glengarry — Including places to eat, stay, natural spaces, trails, festivals and events.
Staging Areas
From West to East:
- Gray’s Creek Conservation Area — Located minutes east of Cornwall. Facilities include: 5 km of trails open year-round, picnic area with BBQs, washrooms, marina
- Glen Walter Regional Park — Located ~500m northwest of the Waterfront Trail at Glen Walters Park Road and CR 2. Lots of parking and seasonal outdoor washrooms. The park has a 2 km paved trail around its perimeter.
- Charlottenburgh Park — Campground and Beach. Located 19 km east of Cornwall at 19788 County Rd 2, South Glengarry. Over 230 acres of natural space including hardwood forest, Provincially significant wetlands, Lake Francis and meadows. Facilities include: camping (tents, RVs and cabins), beach and picnic area, washrooms, trails
- Cooper Marsh Conservation Area — Located 18 kilometers east of Cornwall on County Road 2 near South Lancaster, and 102 kilometers west of Montreal. The area is part of Charlottenburgh Marsh, one of Ontario’s most significant wetlands. Visit the website to learn more. Facilities include fantastic interpretative wetland boardwalks, viewing towers. Great bird-watching location.
- Smithfield Park — In the Village of Lancaster: 5 MacDonald Street off Cty Rd 34/Military Road is 1.5km north of the Waterfront Trail has parking and a gazebo. The village has restaurants and shops as well.
- Jack Danaher Park — 6095 Florence St, Bainsville ON, K0C 1E0. Located 1.6 km north of the Waterfront Trail has parking. Access the Trail via 3rd Line (no bike lanes).
- Glengarry Park and Campground and Beach — Located 20800 South Service Rd, Lancaster.
Amenities
Transit
N/A
Helpful Links
Ontario By Bike — Cycle Friendly Businesses and Trip Ideas.
Protecting. Connecting. Celebrating. The Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River.
The Waterfront Regeneration Trust is a registered charity. Charitable Registration Number: 86767 9821 RR0001
