Ontario By Bike Blog

If you are new to cycling or find yourself riding more than ever before, you are not alone, as the number of cyclists out and about in the past year has skyrocketed. Getting comfortable and being confident on two wheels will help take you to new places safely. Like Driver’s Ed, practice and knowing the rules of the road are necessary. If you are ready to roll, there is no better learning course than the bike trails and bike lanes in Toronto.

When cycling enthusiast and photographer Martin Lortz learned of the nine cycling loops showcasing the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail and the Greenbelt Route, he first thought, that's pretty cool. A bit more research and a goal for next season solidified, to ride and check all these loops off the list. Discovering that one of the rides can be practically accessed from his front door and with riding season just around the corner, hey, no better time than now; let's do it.

Late last year I got the idea to cycle one large loop on a nearby old railroad bed before the leaves turned and the snow closed in. I love setting goals on the bike; It seems like this happens on a micro and macro level constantly. So this became one of my goals: a 380km counter-clockwise loop that I planned to tackle over three days.

Summer hits Toronto hard, sending Torontonians out into the streets and parks to eat, drink, and be merry, making the most of the season. And there’s usually a bike in there somewhere, too.

Quiet backroads and well-maintained bike paths are a major part of the Kawarthas Northumberland region’s charm. For some riders, though, nothing beats the woodland immersion and physical challenge of a good mountain biking trail. We’re happy to report that Kawarthas Northumberland also excels in the mountain bike department, offering dozens of easily accessible single and double-track trails for a variety of skill levels. Here are a few of our top picks for off-road enthusiasts.

Add Cornwall to your summer vacation list for a cycling experience unlike any other. Enjoy amazing off-road trails right along the mighty St. Lawrence River with easy access to restaurants, shops, attractions and much more.

Small town Ontario: there’s nothing better. Where most of the shops close on Sunday and traffic jams generally involve farm equipment rambling down a back road, you’ll also find beautiful rolling hills of golden crops, cows gently grazing in fields and culinary delights that can only be found this close to where the ingredients are grown. This summer, discover the heart of Ontario’s agricultural hub in Oxford when you ride one of the loops through the southern part of the county.

Calling cyclists of all experience levels — add Stratford to your vacation bucket list this summer. There are a variety of cycling routes you’re bound to love, mixing the best of art and culture with gorgeous scenery, Stratford has so much to offer for all ages.

Over the last few years, bikepacking has become increasingly popular. It allows for some epic cycle touring and while it can take many forms, it often gets riders out on a more challenging experience exploring exciting areas off the beaten track. With its diverse landscapes and large network of old railway lines, trails and gravel roads, Ontario is an ideal location for a bikepacking adventure.

Bicycle storage doesn’t have to break the bank. There are many options available to suit everyone. Whether you’re a casual rider, a daily commuter, or a weekend warrior, your bicycle will benefit from a dedicated storage solution. It is important to know how to store your bicycle. Here are some considerations when thinking about bicycle storage for your needs.

There is always a thrill in travelling to somewhere new, something we were keen to experience this summer with travel keeping us all closer to home. Having long heard about the excellent bike trails, quiet country roads, small town charm and modern city amenities we enthusiastically began research mid winter on the ultimate looped two day ride itinerary to explore the Waterloo Guelph area.

Gravel roads have a beauty all their own. Choosing a less-trafficked route lets cyclists enjoy the sights and sounds of the countryside with little or no intrusion from cars, making for a more contemplative ride. Perhaps the only downside is the difficulty of finding routes close to town, but fortunately that’s an area where the Kawarthas Northumberland region excels.

Caledon, Ontario is a cyclist’s destination, right next to metropolitan Toronto. Characterized by rolling hills, lush river valleys, the steep Niagara Escarpment, amazing views and farmers’ fields, it is an impressive place to escape the confines of the city and explore by bike.

We are fortunate in Ontario to have both National and Provincial park systems, providing residents and visitors with access to treasured and protected outdoor recreational spaces, many with historical significance. In Ontario there are 6 national parks and 39 historic sites under the stewardship of Parks Canada. One of the best ways to explore some of these parks and sites is on two wheels.

If its been a while since you visited Stratford you may want to consider exploring the great outdoors this summer, starting on your bike! Create your own path to experience Stratford, or discover one of the many road cycling routes and trails nearby.

Orillia-based Humdinger Bicycle Tours has expanded its trip options to meet the growing interest in summer vacations that can accommodate physical distancing.

Along with a new 6-day Bruce County tour, Humdinger has added some shorter, affordable options including more day trips and an Orillia Pedal, Pints & Pubs tour featuring two recently opened craft breweries.

Looking for a way to safely explore a new area while on two wheels? Whether it be within the city or out in the county green spaces, Windsor Essex has plenty of ways for you to plan your next cycle-friendly adventure. Cyclists of all sorts can explore this region at the southern peninsula of Ontario via six established cycling trails, mapped out by Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island and their partners.

If you are looking to get back into nature after an extended period of staying at home, and once travel restrictions are lifted, why not plan a ride and day trip to an Ontario Provincial Park in the near future. 

With over 330 park locations across the province, it was recently announced that Ontario Parks will be open again for use, with limitations on facilities. 

To get you rolling, here are some of our top picks for exploring Ontario Parks by bike. 

While many of us were itching to get out on our bikes, looking forward to warmer temperatures and riding with friends, our daily lives have been drastically changed in the last few weeks as COVID-19 requires us to practice social-distancing and limits our ability to travel and get around. To keep the spring ride excitement growing and make sure you are ready to ride when we can, Ontario By Bike has created a list of activities and suggestions to keep your wheels rolling.

Summer weekends are precious, and it can be hard to fit everything you want to do into a busy schedule. That’s why bike routes that pair prime cycling with unique destinations are so appealing - you can have your cake and eat it too. Read on if matching a day’s ride with birding, spelunking, or a visit to a living museum sounds intriguing.

For those who love to cycle but who also love food, we hear you, we see you and we are you. Plan a trip to Oxford County that pairs your love for cycling with first class culinary and farming experiences. Whether you aim to spill on your spandex or change into clean clothes post-ride and enjoy something a bit more luxurious, there’s a ride for you. We’ve got it all: routes for gravel riders, trail lovers and road warriors. Now you just have to pick which one to do first.

The beginning of autumn in Southern Ontario is signaled by crisp, cool weather and spectacular colours, the perfect conditions for a scenic ride.

There is no better place to enjoy the beauty of autumn than in Haldimand County, located a short drive from Hamilton and other major urban centres in Southern Ontario.  The peaceful beauty of this rural area makes it the perfect get-away for a day ride or weekend adventure.

Even with an estimated quarter of a million lakes in Ontario, there are likely only a very small percentage that make for a compelling round the lake ride and achievable challenge limited to a day or two max. One to certainly add to the 100km+ bucket list is around Rice Lake. Straddling Northumberland and Peterborough Counties, this 32km long and relatively shallow lake is a part of the Trent-Severn Waterway.

Over the past couple of years, we have spent a fair bit of time exploring and riding the network of interconnected rail trails, a part of the Trans Canada Trail through the Kawarthas Northumberland area. The Ontario By Bike Rides we have hosted on these trails have proved to be popular, perhaps due in part to their close proximity to the Greater Toronto Area, just 1 to 2 hours northeast, depending on your chosen ride start location.

Trail ride suggestions are something we are often asked for at the shows and events we are at with our Ontario Cycle Tourism Info Centre. Time away from traffic, the quieter and often more natural settings that trails travel through are just some of the appeal. Most likely you are well acquainted with the trails close to home, but the following are some of our top trail suggestions to help you get out there and explore more by bike this summer. Happy trails, as they say.