We love cycling in Ontario! It's a fantastic way to explore our beautiful province, from stunning landscapes to charming small towns. Whether you're into road cycling, mountain biking, or gravel riding, Ontario has something for everyone. We've pedaled countless kilometers across the region and can't wait to share our favourite spots with you.
In this guide, we'll take you on a journey through some of the top destinations for cycling in Ontario. We'll explore the scenic routes of Manitoulin Island, the picturesque Guelph to Goderich Trail, the rolling hills of Trent Hills, and the rugged terrain around Sault Ste. Marie. We'll also touch on popular cycling events and trail systems that make Ontario a cyclist's paradise. So grab your bike, and let's hit the road!
We're thrilled to share our experiences cycling on Manitoulin Island, the largest freshwater island in the world. This hidden gem in Ontario offers a unique blend of natural beauty, rich culture, and fantastic cycling opportunities. Let's dive into what makes Manitoulin a must-visit destination for cyclists like us.
Manitoulin Island is a cyclist's paradise with over 850 km of cycling routes. We've found that the best way to soak in the island's charm is on two wheels. The island's diverse landscape, featuring 108 inland lakes, rolling hills, and picturesque farmlands, creates a perfect backdrop for our rides.
We love how cycling allows us to discover hidden galleries, museums, and farmers' markets scattered across the island.
During our visits, we've tried various routes, each offering a unique perspective of the island. The Manitoulin Island Cycling Advocates (MICA) have done an excellent job in creating detailed cycling maps that make self-guided tours a breeze.
The colour-coded routes on MICA's maps are incredibly helpful. These routes primarily follow paved or hard-top roads, ensuring a smooth ride for road cyclists.
One of our favourite routes is the Three Lake Loop, which circles Lake Mindemoya, Lake Kagawong, and Ice Lake. This scenic ride takes you along tranquil, quiet roads, perfect for a peaceful cycling experience.
Manitoulin's scenery never fails to take our breath away. We've cycled past countless picturesque spots, but a few stand out in our memories.
The ride from Mindemoya to Tehkummah offers a beautiful tapestry of lakes, forests, and agricultural lands. The stretch along Highway 6 between Little Current and South Baymouth provides stunning views of rock cuts and undulating landscapes.
We also love the ride to Kagawong, where we always make a stop at Bridal Veil Falls. The long causeway across Ice Lake is another favourite, offering panoramic water views that remind us why we love cycling in Ontario so much.
In our experience, the cycling season on Manitoulin Island typically runs from late spring to early fall. Summer offers warm, pleasant weather perfect for long rides, but it's also the busiest time.
We've found that early fall can be magical, with cooler temperatures and stunning foliage. It's worth noting (unless you really like swimming) that the Chi-Cheemaun ferry, which connects the island to Tobermory, operates seasonally from May to October.
Regardless of when you visit, Manitoulin Island offers a refreshing escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. The absence of big box stores and strip malls adds to its charm, allowing us to immerse ourselves fully in the island's natural beauty and laid-back vibe.
We're excited to share our experiences on the Guelph to Goderich (G2G) Rail Trail, a fantastic 132-kilometer stretch that connects the 401 corridor at Guelph to the shores of Lake Huron in Goderich. This trail has become one of our favourite cycling routes in Ontario, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty, historical significance, and community spirit.
The G2G Rail Trail is an ideal choice for cyclists of all levels. It's relatively flat, well-shaded, and away from traffic, making it a great option for those new to multi-day bike trips. We love how the trail takes us through a diverse landscape of forests, river valleys, and expansive agricultural land, showcasing the best of Ontario's countryside.
One of the highlights of our G2G adventures has been discovering the local establishments along the route. A must-visit stop for us is Cowbell Brewing Company in Blyth. This massive timber-frame building, with its soaring 45-foot ceilings, is not just a sight to behold but also a treat for beer lovers. We always look forward to sampling their unique brews like the 'Boxing Bruin' India Pale Ale or the 'Lorna Bray Fly Girl' Nitro Oatmeal Stout.
Another favourite stop of ours is Anna Mae's Bakery in Millbank. It's the perfect place to refuel with some delicious baked goods before continuing our journey. We've also noticed that many landowners along the trail have embraced the cycling community, setting up rest stops and offering snacks to passing riders. It's this kind of community spirit that makes cycling in Ontario so special.
The G2G Rail Trail offers a constantly changing backdrop that keeps our rides interesting. We love the diversity of sights along the way - from cornfields and blooming flower meadows to covered forest areas and quaint houses alongside red barns. The trail takes us through charming small towns and across picturesque rivers, offering a unique perspective on Ontario's rural landscape.
One of our favourite sections is the stretch from Milverton to Blyth. This newly resurfaced part of the trail covers about 45 kilometers and offers a wonderful combination of open farmers' fields and tree tunnels. The Maitland River crossing is another highlight, where we often take a detour onto the quiet and scenic Maitland Block Road and Little Lakes Road.
We've found that the G2G Rail Trail is enjoyable throughout the cycling season, typically from late spring to early fall. Summer offers warm, pleasant weather perfect for long rides, but it can get busy. We particularly love riding in early fall when the temperatures are cooler and the changing foliage adds an extra layer of beauty to the landscape.
No matter when we ride, we always make sure to plan our trip carefully. The trail is well-maintained with a hard-packed gravel surface, but it's good to be prepared for occasional detours or rough patches. We also keep in mind that while the trail is mostly flat, gravel riding can be about 1.5 times harder than road cycling, so we adjust our expectations accordingly.
We're thrilled to share our experiences cycling in Trent Hills, a hidden gem in Ontario that offers some of the most scenic and diverse riding opportunities in the province. Nestled in Northumberland County, Trent Hills is a cyclist's paradise with its rolling hills, picturesque waterways, and charming small towns.
Our rides through Trent Hills have always been a treat for the senses. The area boasts a perfect blend of natural beauty and rural charm that makes every pedal stroke worthwhile. We've found that the Trent River Truckin' Route, a 63 km journey, offers an excellent overview of what Trent Hills has to offer.
This route takes us through the heart of Trent Hills, passing by the locks of the Trent-Severn Waterway, which never fails to impress us with its engineering marvel. We always make sure to stop and watch the boats navigate these historic locks. The route also includes a stretch on the Millennium Trail in Warkworth, a delightful section that showcases the area's natural beauty.
One of our favourite parts of cycling in Trent Hills is the opportunity to explore its three main communities - Warkworth, Hastings, and Campbellford. Each town has its own unique character, and we love stopping for a bite to eat at the local cafés and restaurants. The friendly locals always make us feel welcome, adding to the overall charm of our cycling adventures.
If you're up for a challenge, we can't recommend the Reggie Ramble enough. This unique gravel cycling event has quickly become one of our favourites in Ontario. The Ramble offers three distance options - 65km, 130km, and 200km - all starting and finishing at the historic Warkworth Fairgrounds.
What sets the Reggie Ramble apart is its course design. Each loop is packed with a mix of scenic gravel roads, challenging climbs, and what the organizers playfully call "ambushes" - unexpected obstacles that keep you on your toes. The first loop warms you up with farm views before throwing you into dirt roads and water crossings. The second loop ramps up the difficulty with more climbing and twisty gravel roads. And if you're brave enough to tackle the 200km route, the final loop will test your limits with tough gravel and heavy climbing.
In our experience, the best time to cycle in Trent Hills is from late spring to early fall. The summer months offer warm, pleasant weather perfect for long rides, but they can get busy with tourists. We particularly enjoy riding in early fall when the temperatures are cooler and the changing foliage adds an extra layer of beauty to the landscape.
No matter when you choose to ride, Trent Hills offers a cycling experience that caters to all levels. Whether you're an avid enthusiast looking for a challenging route or a family out for a leisurely ride, you'll find something to suit your style. So grab your bike, hit the road, and discover why we believe Trent Hills is one of Ontario's best-kept cycling secrets.
Last but not least on our list, we're thrilled to share our experiences cycling in Sault Ste. Marie, a hidden gem in Northern Ontario that's quickly becoming a top destination for cyclists of all kinds. From mountain biking to gravel riding and road cycling, this city has something for everyone.
Our favourite spot for mountain biking in Sault Ste. Marie is undoubtedly the Hiawatha Highlands. With nearly 50 km of trails and more being added each year, it's a paradise for riders of all skill levels. The Crystal Creek trail system has undergone major upgrades, and we're loving the new machine-built flow and jump trails.
For beginners, we recommend starting with the Pinder network. It's a 10-kilometer trail with flat terrain and fewer obstacles, perfect for honing your skills. If you're up for a challenge, don't miss the new Farmer Lake trail. It's a rugged, handmade backcountry loop that offers a true wilderness experience, complete with a secret rock canyon and a beautiful lake view.
Photo: Cambrian College
Sault Ste. Marie has some fantastic gravel biking routes that we can't get enough of. One of our favourites is the Maki Road to Red Rock route. It's a 36.5 km ride with 419m of elevation gain, offering a nice gravel climb followed by a thrilling descent into Red Rock. Just remember to take it easy on the way down – the loose gravel can be tricky!
For a longer adventure, we love the Connor Road plus Logging Roads to Highway 556 route. It's a challenging 64.8 km ride that takes you through some beautiful lake views. Don't forget to make a detour to Crystal Lake for a refreshing swim!
Road cycling enthusiasts will find much to love in Sault Ste. Marie. Whenever this writer is in the area, one of my favourite routes is the challenging ride up to Searchmont. Cycling through the Bellevue Valley, where the rolling hills and abundant elevation make for a stunningly scenic experience. Whether you're chasing elevation or simply enjoying the views, these rides never disappoint!
The trails usually dry out by early May, making it a great time to start your cycling season. However, our favourite time to ride is from mid-July through September, when the weather is perfect and the fall colours start to appear.
Cycling in Ontario is a treasure trove of diverse experiences, from the serene island routes of Manitoulin to the challenging terrains of Sault Ste. Marie. Each destination we've explored offers its own unique charm, whether it's the historical significance of the Guelph to Goderich Trail or the picturesque landscapes of Trent Hills. These cycling havens have an impact on both our physical well-being and our appreciation for Ontario's natural beauty.
As we wrap up our journey through Ontario's top cycling spots, we're reminded of the endless possibilities for adventure on two wheels in this beautiful province. Whether you're a seasoned cyclist or just starting out, there's a perfect route waiting for you to discover. So grab your bike, hit the trails, and experience firsthand the joy and freedom of cycling in Ontario.
Did we miss anything? Let us know where your favourite place for cycling in Ontario is! Happy riding!
