Bikepacking from Burlington to Jordan and Back: A Two-Day Cycling Adventure Along Lake Ontario
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Cycle, Camp, and Sip Your Way Through Ontario’s South Shore Wine Country
Looking for a quick overnight bikepacking trip close to Toronto? This two-day route from Burlington to Jordan and back makes for an ideal micro-adventure. It features easy GO Train access, beautiful Lake Ontario scenery, quaint small towns, visits to breweries and wineries, brunch spots, and beaches.
Whether you're a beginner or seeking a relaxed weekend micro-adventure, this route offers plenty of charm and great convenience.
Bikepacking Burlington to Jordan: Trip Overview
Route Type: Loop
Distance: Day one: 53 km, Day two: 77km ~140 km round trip.
Duration: 2 Days / 1 Night
Start/End: Burlington GO Station
Overnight: Jordan Valley Campground (book ahead in peak season)
Recommended Bike: Gravel bike, touring bike, or hybrid with racks or bags
Best For: Beginner to intermediate bikepackers, weekend warriors, and couples looking for a low-stress adventure
This scenic southern Ontario bikepacking route connects urban waterfront trails, Niagara Escarpment country roads, and local food and drink stops into one easy-to-plan trip.
Day One – Bikepacking from Burlington to Jordan
Distance: ~53 km
Surface: Mostly paved trails and quiet roads
Highlights: Lake Ontario views, Painted Ladies, breweries, swimming, and Jordan Village
Start your adventure at the Burlington GO Train Station, a convenient launch point for GTA-based cyclists. After rolling out, head south to Spencer Smith Park and join the Waterfront Trail westbound. This well-marked multi-use trail hugs the shoreline of Lake Ontario, offering scenic views, parks, and plenty of opportunities to stop and explore.
Enjoy opportunities to beat the heat with a swim or ice cream at Hutches on the Beach. Stop by the Painted Ladies’ homes, a storybook-like setting in Grimsby. Enjoy a cool drink at Newark Brewing and a bite to eat at Bench Brewing Company. Pick up a couple of beers to go before setting up camp for the night at Jordan Valley Campground. With the tents up and a refreshing swim, ride the short distance to Jordan Village for dinner at the Jordan House Tavern.
Top Stops Along the Way:
Barangas on the Beach – Lakefront bar/eatery since 1992.
Hutches on The Beach - Great place to grab an ice cream on a hot summer day.
Grimsby Painted Ladies – A colourful row of historic homes worth a quick photo stop.
Newark Brewing Co. – Sip a refreshing craft beer just before entering wine country.
Bench Brewing Company – Grab a late lunch, and maybe a couple of beers to take to camp.
Day Two – Jordan to Burlington via Escarpment Country
Distance: ~77 km
Surface: Paved roads, countryside climbs, and city trails
Highlights: Niagara Escarpment views, brunch, flower markets, wineries, and craft beer
After a relaxed start to the morning, pedal up the road to Revalee Brunch Café - a local gem that knows its way around a coffee and eggs benny.
Next up is The Watering Can Flower Market, where you can wander through blooms and botanicals that will have you wishing you had a pannier just for plants. It’s a charming detour and a good excuse to stretch the legs before the climbing begins.
Leave the lake behind and start your climb up the Niagara Escarpment, switching waterfront breezes for vineyard-covered hills and winding rural roads. These roads are peaceful and scenic, the kind that make you forget you're just a short distance from the city.
Lunch comes with a view of Ridge Road Estate Winery, where you refuel and rehydrate in style. The last stretch of the day takes you down the escarpment and through Hamilton, with a final toast to the trip at Collective Arts Brewing and a classic roadside stop at Easterbrook’s Hotdog Stand - because what better way to end a bikepacking trip than with a foot-long and fries?
Rolled back into Burlington GO Station, tired but satisfied, and let the train carry you home.
Top Stops on Day Two:
Revalee Brunch Café - The breakfast/brunch here is fantastic.
Watering Can Flower Market - A whimsical space full of blooms and creative home goods.
Ridge Road Estate Winery - Recharge with a light lunch and soak in the views.
Collective Arts Brewing - Celebrate the ride with an artful beer in Hamilton.
Easterbrook’s Hotdog Stand - A Hamilton institution and a fun way to end the ride.
You’ll eventually descend back into the city and follow local trails toward the Burlington GO Station for your train ride home—tired but satisfied.
My Camp Coffee Setup…
Sea to Summit Frontier UL Collapsible Pour Over Camping Coffee Brewer - Buy on Amazon
Sea to Summit Detour Stainless Steel Collapsible 16-Ounce Camp Mug - Buy on Amazon
BRS Stove BRS 3000T Stove Titanium Ultralight Backpacking Stove - Buy on Amazon
Terra Solo 0.6L Cook Set (Non-Stick) - Buy on Amazon
Why This Bikepacking Trip Works
This Burlington to Jordan bikepacking loop is ideal for cyclists seeking a short but rewarding weekend getaway. Here’s why it’s worth adding to your Ontario cycling list:
🚲 Train-accessible start and finish (no car needed!)
🌊 Lakefront riding on the scenic Waterfront Trail
🍻 Plenty of brewery and winery stops
🏕️ Simple, comfortable campground overnight
🥞 Great food, coffee, and dessert options
📷 Charming towns and photo-worthy landmarks
It’s a perfect ride for a couple's weekend, first-time bikepackers, or anyone looking to unplug and explore Ontario by bike.
What to Pack for a 2-Day Bikepacking Trip
Tent or bivy setup
Sleeping bag and pad
Bike lights and lock
Swimwear and a towel
Reusable water bottles
Basic repair kit and pump
Lightweight camp stove or snacks
Extra room for wine or beer purchases 😉
Small Adventure, Big Reward
The Burlington to Jordan bikepacking loop proves that big adventures can come in small packages. With lakeside trails, vineyard country roads, friendly towns, and GO Train access at both ends, this trip is an easy win for Ontario cyclists.
If you’re looking to bikepack near Toronto, this route should be on your list.
GO Train Bike Access: What You Need to Know
Before you plan your route, here’s how GO Transit works for cyclists:
Bikes are welcome on GO Trains, except during weekday rush hours (6:30–9:30 AM and 3:30–6:30 PM). On weekends and holidays, bikes are allowed all day.
Designated bike coaches are marked with a green bike symbol. These cars offer extra space and bike racks for easy boarding.
No reservations or bike fees are required; you can just roll your bike onboard.
Folding bikes are permitted at all times.
Check Metrolinx’s website for current bike policies and train schedules.
🔑 Pro Tip: Bring a Presto card for quick, cashless boarding and use the Metrolinx app to check train times on the go.