Waterloo Region

Cycling at West Montrose Covered Bridge  (Photo Credit: Explore Waterloo Region)

Finding quiet rural roads for cycling in Waterloo Region is never a challenge. While exploring endless kilometres of rolling hills or flatter landscapes, cyclists will experience rural rides dotted with charming villages, meandering rivers, as well as a rich cultural heritage of past and present. In Waterloo Region, cyclists can discover:

  • 7 signature cycling routes from Explore Waterloo Region, including rides exploring urban attractions, winding trails along the Grand River, the pastoral countryside surrounding the quaint village of St. Jacobs and around Waterloo Region.
  • An extensive network of  safe, protected bike lanes and multi-use trails connecting the major centres of Kitchener, Waterloo and Cambridge
  • Mountain bikers can explore the fantastic 25km of trails at The Hydrocut, including 22 distinct sections and terrain suitable for riders of all abilities.
  • Discover multi-day bikepacking routes like the Grand Nith Ramble (and variation 4 Rivers Bikepacking Route), the BT700, and tons of gravel riding in Waterloo Region’s easily accessible countryside.
  • Take the GO Train to Kitchener with your bike or rent one while you’re there from River City Cycle Rentals.

Regional Road & Trail Cycling Routes

Numerous rural and urban roads have been mapped or signed throughout the region of Waterloo. These have been published by Explore Waterloo Region Tourism, Region of Waterloo as well as by municipalities in various cycling and/or trail maps. See Information Sources Published Maps for more details.

Explore Waterloo Region – Signature Cycling Routes

Explore Waterloo Region Tourism (EWR) has published a collection of new signature cycling routes exploring the region. Whether you prefer trails close to urban amenities or quiet country roads, there is something for every type of rider.

Three of the signature routes are currently available on the EWR cycling webpage, and some are exclusively available through the  Waterloo Region Cycling Guide App, a cycling navigation mobile app specific to the Region.

Additional Signature Cycling routes found in Cycling Guide App 

  • Uptown Waterloo to Downtown Kitchener Loop – 7km
  • Waterloo to St. Jacobs Village and Market Ride – 22km
  • Cambridge Ayr Loop – 45km
  • Waterloo Region Four Rivers Bikepacking Route – 212km, suggested 3 day itinerary

Additional Regional Road & Trail Cycling Routes

City of Cambridge – Neighbourhood Cycling Routes – The Cambridge Cycling Focus Group has mapped 6 cycling routes designed for all ages and skill levels. Routes are generally comprised of dedicated bikes lanes, low volume roads and multi-use trails. See Information Sources Published Maps for more details.

Woolwich On-Road Cycling Routes – The Township of Woolwich has identified 13 on-road bike routes and published them online with route information and maps.

  • Walter Bean Grand River Trail (Waterloo/Cambridge/Kitchener/Woolwich) – This paved multi-use trail is 11km in length and suitable for cyclists of all abilities. The trail runs close to the Grand River through the cities of Waterloo, Cambridge, Kitchener and the Township of Woolwich. Multiple parking and access points available.
  • Iron Horse Trail (Kitchener/Waterloo) – This trail provides a scenic and historic route linking the cities of Waterloo and Iron Horse Trail LogoKitchener along a former railway corridor. The Iron Horse Trail is more than 5km in length. Part of the Trans Canada Trail.
  • Market Trail – newly constructed in 2022, the Market Trail  is a paved, off-road section of the Trans Canada Trail route through uptown Waterloo and north into the Township of Woolwich, connecting Waterloo to the St. Jacobs Farmers’ Market and the Township of Woolwich trail system. Future trail construction will see a fully paved and off-road trail connection between Downtown Kitchener and St. Jacobs.
  • Laurel Trail (Waterloo) – This 9km trail is a mix of stone dust and asphalt and follows Laurel Creek through Uptown Waterloo, continuing north through the University of Waterloo to Columbia Lake. Part of the Trans Canada Trail.
  • RIM Park Community Trails (Waterloo) – This trail system has over 7km of paved, multi-use paths that make exploring the area easy for cyclists of all abilities. The facilities here offer access to washrooms, food and drink. The trails also feature a connection to the Walter Bean Grand River Trail.
  • Schneider Creek Trail – Homer Watson Trail (Kitchener/Cambridge) – This 11km gravel trail takes cyclists south from the city of Kitchener along the Grand River to the village of Blair, north of Cambridge. Part of the Trans Canada Trail.
  • Grand Trunk Trail (Cambridge) – This multi-use trail is over 10km and has a mixed surface of asphalt, concrete and stone dust. The trail connects the village of Blair and travels southeast into the city of Cambridge along the Grand River. It eventually connects to the Living Levee Trail (3km), which connects to the Cambridge to Paris Rail Trail into the County of Brant. Part of the Trans Canada Trail.
  • Cambridge to Paris Rail Trail (Cambridge) – Running south out of Cambridge, this 19km trail is a converted rail bed that follows the Grand River through beautiful Carolinian Forest. The trail is level with a stone dust surface. Food and washrooms are available in Glen Morris, Paris and Cambridge. Part of the Trans Canada Trail.
  • Mill Run Trail (Cambridge) – This 6km trail in Cambridge runs along the Speed River between the two neighbourhoods of Preston and Hespeler. Connecting to the Linear Trail in the south (an additional 3km), this trail is multi-use and has surface of stone dust and boardwalk.
  • Kissing Bridge Trailway/ Goderich to Guelph Rail Trail (Wellesley) – The western portion of this 45km of trail runs through the Region of Waterloo and Township of Wellesley. The trail surface is stone chip, primarily flat and suitable for cyclists of all skill levels. The trail starts outside of Guelph and ends in Perth County. Part of the Goderich to Guelph Rail Trail and Trans Canada Trail. (See Regional Published Maps and Tools).
  • Wellesley Township Trans Canada Trail (Wellesley) – This trail is nearly 7km of gravel and starts in the community of Wallenstein, continuing south to Hawkesville. Part of the Trans Canada Trail.
  • Woolwich Township Trans Canada Trail North and South (Woolwich) – Combined these gravel surface trails total 13km in length. Starting east of Hawkesville and running through the village of St. Jacobs, they end in the city of Waterloo. Sections of these trails are on road. Part of the Trans Canada Trail.
  • Health Valley Trail (Woolwich) – Approximately 5km in length, this multi-surfaced trail connects the communities of St. Jacobs and Waterloo. The trail surface varies and includes areas of compact soil, stone dust and wood chips.

  • Hydrocut select finThe Hydrocut – Located east of Kitchener and Waterloo, this trail system has 22 distinct sections that total 25km of well-maintained single track. Managed through a legal stewardship agreement between the Region of Waterloo and the Waterloo Cycling Club. Downloadable PDF map available.
  • Petersburg Regional Forest – a woodlot with approximately 25km of single track mountain biking and hiking trails, just east of the town of Petersburg.
  • Dumfries Conservation Area – Managed by the Grand River Conservation authority, this trail system has 4km of single and double track and is located just north of Cambridge.
  • Cambridge Bike Park – Located in the city of Cambridge within Riverside Park, this BMX park is open from dawn until dusk, weather permitting. Helmets must be worn; while elbow, knee, and wrist guards are strongly recommended.
  • McLennan Bike Park – A specialized cycling facility geared to mountain biking, BMX and free-riding cyclists of all ages. Facilities include four dedicated courses for beginners, intermediates and advanced riders. Located in McLennan Park in the city of Kitchener.

  • Trans Canada Trail – This cross-Canada trail runs through the Region of Waterloo. The TCT is a four-season, multi-use trail system with various surface types and users. A number of the Region’s trails are incorporated within this larger, national trail including: Kissing Bridge Trailway, Wellesley Township Trans Canada Trail, Woolwich Trans Canada Trail (North & South), Iron Horse Trail, Laurel Trail, Schneider Creek Trail, Grand Trunk Trail and Cambridge to Paris Rail Trail. Connecting Trans Canada Trails in neighbouring regions include the Cambridge to Paris Rail Trail that connects to the communities of Brantford, Hamilton and Port Dover. Kissing Bridge Trailway connects to the community of Guelph.
  • G2G Trail Goderich to Guelph (G2G) Rail Trail – The Goderich to Guelph Rail Trail, which has become known as G2G, runs 127 km along the former CPR railway line, which stretches from downtown Guelph to the waters of Lake Huron. The G2G Rail Trail officially opened in July 2015 and consists of 3 regional trails, the Kissing Bridge Trailway, the Perth Harvest Pathway and the Lake Huron Route. The G2G connects through 13 communities and many other beautiful trails, including the Trans Canada Trail, the Grand Valley Trail, the Elora Cataract Trailway, the Avon Trail and the proposed Port to Point Trail. Trail surface varies along the 127km route, with a mix of hard pack stone dust suitable for hybrid bikes, to grass covered sections. Development continues to improve trail surface from end to end and construct bridges to connect the gaps. An interactive map on the G2G website has the most up to date information on trail conditions, connecting trails and communities.
  • Ontario By Bike Self Guided Ride Itinerary – Waterloo Guelph Explorer – In 2020, Ontario has hosted a small group tour that lets riders explore the well-developed road and trail cycling network spanning through the regions of Waterloo and Wellington. This two-day self-guided ride itinerary starts and ends in Guelph. It features a multitude of trails including portions of the Goderich to Guelph Trail, Iron Horse Trail, Laurel Trail, and more. Find detailed digital maps and additional information here.
  • Bikepacking Ontario Routes – BT700, Grand Nith Ramble (GNR), Farmer’s Folly: For experienced cyclists seeking multi-day adventures on gravel roads and rough off-road trails, there are three routes developed by Bikepacking Ontario starting from the village of St. Jacobs near Waterloo. All routes are provided with Ride with GPS files and notes and are unsupported and should only be attempted with caution and preparation, plus the awareness that route conditions can change seasonally and without notice.

  • Waterloo Region Cycling Guide App – this mobile app specific to Waterloo Region helps local and visiting cyclists navigate to safe cycling routes in the Region and give riders options and information about the type of infrastructure enroute. Also included in the app are bicycle friendly businesses, bike parking locations, and a collection of signature urban and rural rides.
  • Region of Waterloo Bike Map (2021) – A summary of all bike infrastructure in the cities and townships of Waterloo Region. The digital and print map highlights public art, scenic historic bridges, the Hydrocut trails (a premier mountain bike destination) and Ontario by bicycle friendly businesses. Printed maps are available at many local bicycle friendly businesses in partnership with Explore Waterloo Region. A limited supply of maps can be found at Regional buildings open to the public.
  • City of Kitchener Bike Map – This digital and print cycling map was produced by the City of Kitchener and features signed bike routes and trails throughout the city.
    • Print copies available for free at any City of Kitchener community centre or at Kitchener City Hall.
  • Hydrocut Mountain Bike Map – Produced by Waterloo Cycling Club this map provides routes for 25km of trails.
  • Cambridge Trails Map – This map features 7 trail systems, including portions of the Trans Canada Trail. On-road bikeway and trail linkages, points of interest and other services are listed.
  • Waterloo Cycling Map – Digital PDF maps are available for download and represent various areas throughout the city of Waterloo. Maps include signed cycling routes and trail information.
  • City of Cambridge Neighbourhood Cycling Routes – The Cambridge Cycling Focus Group has mapped 6 cycling routes designed for all ages and skill levels and downloadable as PDF files.
  • Woolwich On-Road Cycling Routes – The Township of Woolwich has identified 13 on-road bike routes and published them online with route information and maps.
  • G2G Trail Interactive Map – An interactive Google Map with details including trail kiosks, connecting trails and other rider information helpful to explore the trail, including the Kissing Bridge Trailway.
  • Hamilton – Brantford – Cambridge Trails Map (2007) – This map includes the trail network from Cambridge to Hamilton, including regional conversation areas, trailhead and parking information.
  • A Guidebook to Woolwich Trails – This guide includes foldout maps, photographs of trails within Woolwich Township. Price: $10. Guide available at a variety of locations.

    • Grand River County Trails – This printed guide is spiral bound and features illustrated maps, including a fold-out map and route details for regions surrounding the Grand River. The price of the guide is approximately $14.95 and can be purchased online.
    • PingStreet – This mobile application available on Apple iOS, Android and Blackberry, PingStreet is a free mobile app that offers one-touch access to listings and maps of trails that run throughout parts of the region.

    For more information on accommodation, attractions and activities within the greater region visit Explore Waterloo Region, or Destination Ontario

    * Please note there are may be additional trails, routes, events and information resources for the region that may be of interest and useful to cyclists. Changes to the above links, listings and cycling routes may occur.

Waterloo Region – Related Blogs

Urban Cycling Adventures in Waterloo Region Beckon

July 1, 2026|

Urban bicycling in Waterloo Region with its extensive bicycle trail network is a delightful revelation that merits exploring. The region with city centres that include Kitchener, Waterloo, and Cambridge has developed an amazing network of on-road cycling infrastructure that will take you to all the top spots to visit and is as extensive as what can be found in some European cities.

Scenic Cycling in Waterloo Region: A Journey Through Fields & Flavours

July 1, 2025|

One of the most memorable bike rides I’ve had this season was a visit to Waterloo Region, cycling from Kitchener’s bustling urban core to the pastoral backroads of Woolwich Township surrounding the village of St. Jacobs. Waterloo Region is such a unique cycling destination as it combines big-city amenities – like bike infrastructure, transit, and a rich food scene – with the charm and bounty of surrounding farmland. It’s all easily accessible in a day or weekend.

  • Hydrocut Trails

Hydrocut MTB Trail Ride – Worth the Trip to Waterloo Region

October 1, 2024|

Having long heard about the Hydrocut Trails located in the western end of Kitchener, it wasn’t until recently that I got the chance to load up my mountain bike and head to this acclaimed trail system, renowned in the mountain bike community. The 35km of trails, that are diverse and appealing to a wide variety of riders, are certainly worth the trip, whether coming from near or far – for any time out on this spectacular trail system.

Explore Seven New Rides in Waterloo Region

October 12, 2023|

Waterloo Region is emerging as a really interesting ride destination and cyclists around the province are taking note. The Region has put a lot of work and resources into developing trails and cycling infrastructure and more recently has developed a collection of signature rides to explore for everyone from locals to day trippers, to overnight bikepackers.

Destination and Renewal Partner