Great Lakes to Greenbelt–Lake Ontario Watershed Cycling Network

HAMBUR LOOP
48 km

Enjoy an almost 50km ride connecting the most scenic locations along the Hamilton and Burlington waterfronts and linking historic railway routes, an iconic brickyard, and a popular waterfall. Grab a foot long hot dog and fries at Easterbrook’s diner, and chase it with a cone. The HamBur Loop incorporates popular sections of the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail as well as the Greenbelt Route Hamilton Escarpment connector.

“The HamBur Loop offers exactly what you would expect from a day exploring by bike. From the Lake Ontario shore to the forests of the Red Hill Valley, waterfalls, places to stop, and grand views of Burlington Bay, and of course the sunrise at Spencer Smith Park if you are morning inclined. There are a few up and down challenges but overall it’s a fairly easy ride and well suited for a variety of abilities and is definitely family adventure worthy.” 

Read the blog: Getting Loopy on the HamBur Loop and see what awaits!

Martin Lortz

Note: Just before the 10 km mark–Valley Inn Road Bridge has reopened.

Terrain: Some hills.

Surface: Combination of paved and unpaved paths and roads.  The Red Hill Valley Trail section of this route is best suited to hybrid and mountain bikes.

Level: Easy but due to the Valley Inn Bridge closure, it may not be suitable for young riders. Some hills and some roads.  To descend from the York Street Bridge to the Desjardins Canal includes a trip down 166 stairs. A bike trough and a number of landings help break up the trip.

Family-friendly options–Waterfront Trail between Spencer Smith Park, Burlington to Confederation Park, Hamilton or the Waterfront Trail from Lakefront Park to Princess Point and back (roughly 3km each way, with a nearby Hutch’s at the wrap-up for some famous fries or ice cream)

Maps: Download RidewithGPS Map and Cue Sheet.  The interactive map and detailed cue sheets include a picture of signs you’ll follow.

Download detailed paper-based maps of the loop

Share your trips with the #greenbeltroute and #waterfronttrail hashtags.

About the Greenbelt

At 2 million acres, it’s the world’s largest permanently protected greenbelt. The Greenbelt preserves diverse and scenic landscapes such as the Oak Ridges Moraine and the Niagara Escarpment, keeping our farmlands, forests and wetlands safe and secure. The Greenbelt Foundation, who spearheaded the creation of the Greenbelt Route, works to help keep farmers successful, strengthen local economies, protect natural features, and promote sustainable growth.

Learn more at greenbelt.ca

Great Lakes to Greenbelt Lake Ontario Watershed Network

Stretching over 3600 km, the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail connects 155 communities and First Nations along the Canadian shores of the Great Lakes region. The signed, 475 km Greenbelt Route spans seven regions, nearly two million acres of protected Greenbelt lands,  from Northumberland to Niagara.

With support from the Greenbelt Foundation, the Waterfront Regeneration Trust is leading work to develop a Lake Ontario Watershed network of signed routes that link the two extraordinary trails to protect, connect and celebrate Lake Ontario’s watershed. 

Ontario by Bike

Find certified bicycle-friendly accommodations, restaurants, cafes, attractions, visitor information centres, and bike store locations across the Greenbelt with Ontario By Bike, a premier trip planning resource

for cycling experiences. For Ontario By Bike Bike-friendly certified businesses visit Ontario by Bike.