Greater Niagara Circle Route Question

[Johnny10000]

I'm going to do the Greater Niagara Circle Route over two days.  My initial plan is to start at Niagara Falls and go counter-clockwise to Niagara-on-the-Lake, St. Catherines, Welland (overnight stop), Port Weller, Fort Erie and concluding back in Niagara Falls.  I am arriving by car from the American side with the bike on a rack.

My issue is where to park my car near Niagara Falls (either the Ontario or New York side).  I'm hoping to stay in Welland overnight so the car will be parked somewhere in the Niagara Falls area.  I have a few options:
--Drive over the Canadian border and park my car at the Via Rail Station.  Their web site says "Free unsupervised parking, long and short term" but does not elaborate if you need a ticket in your dashboard or some kind of approval since I'm not taking the train.  I want to avoid being towed.
--Park on the New York side and cycle over the border.  My big issue with this is the car break-ins, especially around the Seneca Niagara Casino and Niagara Falls, NY just outside the tourist areas.   There will be nothing of value in there and my car is not exactly high on the list of theft targets but I just don't want a break-in.
--Park in a proper parking lot on the Canadian side but pay the daily/overnight rate.  I'm also sure I could find a side street somewhere to park but want to avoid being towed.

I would also be willing to pick a different starting point (ex. start in St. Catherines and camp/lodge in Ft. Erie) which opens up different options for me.  I don't have to start in Niagara Falls.

Does anyone have any recommendations they can share?

Thank you, John

[jcostanz]

The via lot is quite a always away from the casino and the falls.  The viarail station does not give a ticket for parking.  It is also a stop for weekend train service on go transit.  Also most of the park and ride (carpool lots) parking lots in the niagara area allow overnight parking limited to 60 hrs. 

I have done this ride many times, starting from my house in lewiston ny. And usually how clockwise.  It always seems easier that way .

Last month I parked in the vineyard park and go for a overnight trip thru burlington.  Trip was planned for longer but bike broke on leaving.

Jeff

[jcostanz]

There is now a sign asking cars to be registered with via rail station if staying.  Note the station is only open when via train is expected.  Meaning mostly closed.  Go train service at this station is unmanned and uses kiosks for tickets.

[Johnny10000]

Thanks everyone. 

Looks like I'll pass on the Via Rail lot as it sounds like a bit of a gamble.

I dug around a bit more and found some information from the Niagara Cycling Tourism Centre.  They have a map that shows local businesses and attractions that are part of the "Park and Pedal Program" in the Niagara region that allows you to park in those lots.  Unfortunately these are just free day lots, no overnights. 

To get around this, it was suggested to me to contact some of the businesses along the route (I started with two wineries) to see if they will allow you to stay.  Wouldn't you know it, both said yes!  Just contact in advance and arrange it.

There are places on the map that you absolutely cannot park overnight and they are any of the multiple Niagara Parks lots (Floral Clock, Niagara Glen, Queesnston Heights, etc.).  I contacted their headquarters and they confirmed that those are strictly day parking only, no exceptions.

In short, if you're doing this route and need to leave your car somewhere you do have some free options available.

John

Here's the link:
http://www.niagaracyclingtourism.com/