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Throughout the year we collect photo submissions from cyclists across the province. Each year our winning photo is featured in our bilingual magazine, the Cycling in Ontario / Le vélo en Ontario guide.

From beginner-friendly lakeside loops to challenging climbs with spectacular fall views, these three new Hastings County gravel routes offer the perfect excuse to chase autumn's golden hour on two wheels.

Just west of Ottawa lies an undiscovered gem of recreational opportunities – the Ottawa Valley Recreational Trail (OVRT), a 300km multi-use trail following a former rail corridor from Smiths Falls to Mattawa. I am by no means an experienced cyclist – I’ve been on some long rides (the longest was 30km) but the day my husband and I set off for our OVRT adventure from Carleton Place to Pakenham would be only my second time on a bike this year. Here's what we learned about the route, what you need to know, and how to plan your own cycle trip on the OVRT.

Across Hastings County, tight-knit communities have a tradition of celebrating local food and ingredients, blending recipes passed down for generations with fresh ideas from young entrepreneurs. This has created a dynamic culinary scene from rustic bakeries to modern cafes. It’s well known that cyclists love cafes – they provide a window into a local community and are perfect places for rest and refreshments on bike rides. Given this natural connection, we wanted to share with you some of Hastings County’s most unique and delicious cafes paired with cycling routes from the county’s growing collection of signature gravel and adventure rides.

One of the allures of committing to a ride with a group of friends or a cycling club is that it often takes you to new places, roads, and trails, and motivates you to get going. So that’s why when the Peterborough, Trent-Severn and Lilac Ride date was set earlier this year, I was quick to sign up with my club friends for what I knew would be a good one.

If you’re looking for your next unforgettable cycling adventure, set your sights on the scenic K&P Trail. Stretching 180km from downtown Kingston to Renfrew, 90km of this multi-use recreation rail trail winds through beautiful Frontenac County. With its changing landscapes, from flat limestone through the St. Lawrence lowlands to rugged Canadian Shield rock cuts, the Frontenac K&P Trail is a dream ride for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

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.

I had the pleasure of visiting the charming town of Gananoque this spring, aptly named the ‘Gateway to the 1000 Islands’, a town and region that has drawn visitors for generations. I had so much fun discovering the area's unique businesses, historic charm and natural beauty, cycling the incredible 1000 Islands Parkway Trail.

Every trip I took to the beautiful region of Windsor, Essex & Pelee Island became easier as more and more resources were created to help cyclists like myself who were coming to explore and appreciate the region. All of this culminated with the establishment of the Cycle Tourism Map, which established six distinct trails that span a combined 354 kilometres.

The city of Cornwall is a quiet heavyweight of cycling in eastern Ontario, Canada with more than 40km of safe cycling along the St. Lawrence River, beautiful natural and historic sites, and a growing range of craft breweries, restaurants, cafes and unique accommodations to enjoy.

This summer skip the border crossing hassles and plan a cycling getaway in Ontario. Whether you prefer resort style accommodations or a more rustic setting, mountain biking, road riding or gravel and flat trails, there are lots of options to consider within 1 hour from Toronto in the York, Durham and Headwaters regions.

Shake off the winter blues with these three refreshing spring gravel routes in Hastings County. From lilac-lined paths to riverside rambles, discover the perfect cycling escape to welcome the new season.