Ontario By Bike Ride – August 2024

This ride is now over.

The detailed itinerary for this ride is available below for download. Enjoy great trail ride with a self-guided ride experience.

Railway City & Erie Ports Tour

When: Anytime. It’s a self-guided itinerary.
Duration: 2 days, 1 night
Ontario By Bike Ride Hosted: Saturday, August 17 to Sunday, August 18 – 2024

Total Distance: 122km

The Ride: Discover the charm and unique character of south western Ontario on this ride through Elgin County. Venturing out from St. Thomas, once an important railway hub and a celebrated heritage, explore the area along quiet farm roads through lush forests and picturesque countryside. Pedal scenic coastal routes and the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail to vibrant villages on the Lake Erie shoreline. Stop at the renowned beaches of Port Stanley and Port Bruce on this weekend full of fun and adventure.

Experience Level and Ride Guide: Moderate. Riders on this ride need to have some experience riding on roads with vehicle traffic. Not all roads have bike lanes or paved shoulders to ride on. Some of the road route is on very quiet country roads, other segments may be busier. Suitable for gravel, hybrid and mountain bikes plus road bikes that can handle a small amount of unpaved surfaces and trails.

View Digital Routes:
Day 1 – ridewithgps.com/routes/45465273
Day 2 – ridewithgps.com/routes/45465447
* Above links provide free navigation, when using RidewithGPS app

GT's on Port Stanley Beach

Photo credits: 1 & 2 – Ontario By Bike, 3 – Helene Pierard and Nancy Suzuki

Day 1 – 62km

Pedal out of the city of St. Thomas passing a collection of impressive old rail buildings and stations, to the trail a top of the impressive timber-trestle railway bridge and Canada’s first Elevated Park. Pay tribute to and learn more about Jumbo at the life-sized statue of the most famous elephant in the world. Wind your way through countryside and farmlands, to Fingal Wildlife area and nearby Southwold Earthworks, a National Historic Site with archaeological remains of an early indigenous village. Cap off the day at the long white sand beach and visit the shops in Port Stanley, before following Sunset Drive and the Whistlestop Trail back to accommodations in St. Thomas and a night to explore the colourful murals dotted around the city.

Day 2 – 60km

Making a quick exit east of the city, ride along quiet roads through lush green landscapes to the Highwheel Way cycling route with generous paved shoulders south of Aylmer towards the lake. Winding our way into the lakeside community of Port Bruce and lunch stop at the beach, see the mural that depicts Perry Doolittle, who in the 1870’s built the first high wheel bicycle in the County and went on to become a prominent Canadian cyclist. Get a taste of Elgin County, stopping at farm gate stands and small wineries on the loop back to St. Thomas and end of the fabulous weekend ride.

Additional Visitor Information:

Use below to find out more about ride areas and plan an extra day or two to see more.

Getting To/From Start:

St. Thomas is located 2.5 hours west of Toronto, 20 minutes south of Highway 401, and south of London. Exact start times and location will be sent to all riders two weeks prior to ride.

Arriving Early / Staying Late:

Consider an overnight option at certified bicycle friendly accommodations part of the Ontario By Bike Network in Ontario’s southwest.

For More Information Contact:

Ontario By Bike
Phone: 416-827-2772 / 1-866-701-2774
Email: booking (at) ontariobybike.ca

Presented in Partnership With:

CAASCO

®CAA trademarks are owned by, and use is authorized by, the Canadian Automobile Association

See our other 2024 Ontario By Bike Rides

www.ontariobybike.ca/rides