Bike Train Provides Urban Escapes

Toronto - Ontario cyclists gather steam by riding the Bike Train between urban centres to discover new trails and territory. Two-wheel enthusiasts can now easily traverse between Toronto, Niagara Falls, North Bay, Montreal and Windsor.

What began as an idea has now blossomed into a reality. From the first Toronto-Niagara route two years ago, the Bike Train options have expanded to include North Bay, Montreal, and now Windsor. Originally developed by Toronto cyclist Justin Lafontaine and launched in partnership with VIA Rail Canada between Toronto and Niagara in 2007, the Bike Train has proven to be a fun, economic and environmentally friendly way to enjoy a cycling getaway. The newest route this season allows cyclists to take the Ontario Southwest Bike Train from Toronto to Windsor and Essex County and explore diverse historical and cultural attractions, wineries and vineyards, parks and birdwatching areas. Connect with the Chrysler Canada Greenway, a 42 km rail trail that traverses the region. Ride rural roads through small towns and communities offering the quiet of nature, award-winning vintages, fruit stands and unique history. Cycling along the north coast of Lake Erie, you'll find fresh water beaches and recreation areas. Point Pelee National Park is world renowned as a stopover for bird and butterfly migrations and is a UNESCO designated Wetland of International Significance. This year the Bike Train is offering self-guided feature itineraries. The itineraries include bicycle-friendly accommodations and activities including group rides, community events and local highlights. Scheduled Departure Dates: Season Launch weekend - Thurs June 17 - Sun June 20, 2010 Civic Holiday Weekend - Thurs July 29 - Mon Aug 2, 2010 Feature Itineraries Include: Bike Train welcome events Windsor historical and cultural attractions Group rides and community events 80km one-way rides between Windsor and Leamington via the Chrylser Canada Greenway* Point Pelee National Park, beaches and birdwatching Optional canoe rentals and excursions Optional guided winery tours and tasting events Ticket Prices ADULT: $145 Toronto - Windsor return. Getting to the destination is made easy as passengers travel in comfort while their bicycles are safely secured in a baggage car with bike racks. In 2008 the Bike Train Initiative won two Ontario Tourism Awards: Best Tourism Marketing Partnership and Excellence Award for Tourism Innovation, and in 2009 was selected as a Finalist for the Deloitte Tourism Innovator of the Year TIAC Award. Knowledgeable Bike Train staff are available onboard to provide cycling maps and useful information. Passengers join a community of travellers who are happy to share stories and anecdotes about their trip during the train journey. This summer the Bike Train will connect Toronto with destinations across Ontario, providing cyclists of all abilities easy access to the Greenbelt, wine and culinary regions, northern lakes and forests, off-the-beaten-path towns and villages, world-renowned natural and historical sites, and thousands of kilometres of recreational trails and on road cycling routes. "The Bike Train is a unique and remarkable success story within the tourism industry," said the Honourable Monique Smith, Minister of Tourism. "By expanding the bike train service to select parts of the province, this initiative is helping revitalize local tourism and is positioning Ontario as a go-to destination for cycling holidays." (May 20, 2009) With 2,000 passengers to date and new routes that span the province, the Bike Train Initiative is putting Ontario on the map as a leading cycle tourism destination in North America. The Bike Train Initiative introduces bike racks onboard select passenger rail trains to destinations across Ontario, making cycling holidays easy and accessible. The initiative is a project of Transportation Options, a non-profit organization dedicated to stimulating sustainable systems of transportation. Visit www.biketrain.ca or call 416-338-5083 / Toll Free Canada/USA 1-866-333-4491 for more information or to book online.