Ontario By Bike Blog

Anyone who’s cycled longer distances knows the thrill of approaching the next town. All nine Kawarthas Northumberland Trent-Severn Trail Towns are packed with attractions natural and cultural.

The Grand River is a beautiful and scenic heritage waterway that spans all the way from the highlands of Dufferin County to the mouth of Lake Erie. While these trails exist along the Grand River, there has never been a single route that links them together to provide a network of trails from end to end. Until now.

With a large number of gravel roads that bisect the county’s endless farms and agricultural greenspace, an easy to navigate grid system of roadways, well situated sizeable towns north, south, east and west, plus a smattering of small hamlets and unique destinations scattered about – Oxford County earns the bragging rights as a top gravel riding destination in Ontario.

Planning a cycling adventure in Ontario is challenging in the best possible way. There are so many options to choose from – touring routes, bike packing adventures, mountain bike trails, gravel loops – so much to explore, so little time. The impressive Great Lakes Waterfront Trail is one route worthy of any cyclist's bucket list.

Come join us this summer to explore more of Ontario by bike on a weekend long ride, with hotel accommodations and more included. Enjoy a group ride option or ride at your own pace using detailed maps and information provided. We make it easy – Just bring your bike and ride!

Until this winter, I’d never been on a fat bike. I’d cycled Kawarthas Northumberland thoroughly in the warmer months—then I was invited to ride some Northumberland County trails on a borrowed fat bike, and my conversion into an all-season rider happened almost instantly.

While many Canadian cyclists may be fair weather riders, there is a large and growing contingent of cyclists that actively bike 12 months a year. Whether it is for transportation or recreation, getting outside and being physically active, in a safe manner, is more important than ever. Here are some top tips for winter cycling plus info on fat biking in the snow, rentals and trail destinations.

When my partner Natalie and I decided to sign up for the Reggie Ramble, a self-described “gravel grinder” event, we were admittedly both a little nervous. While we are pretty experienced cyclists (both having done overnight tours and long day rides over the years), the sustained output required to participate in a bike “race”, especially on gravel, combined with the amount of climbing required (1000m) had us questioning our decision.

If you are a keen cyclist chances are you know the best routes in your neighbourhood, city and surrounding area. Hence who better to ask for ride suggestions than a local. We reached out to a few connected friends to ask them to share some insider tips, their favourite rides and destinations in and around Kitchener, Waterloo and Cambridge areas.

The St. Lawrence River boasts some of the richest history, culture, and scenery in all of Ontario. As someone who has been an avid road-tripper for his entire life, I was used to seeing this spectacular scenery through the windshield of my truck. But it took a three-day ride with Ontario by Bike for me to gain a deeper appreciation of the beauty of eastern Ontario.

Get inspired to ride with these five routes that will take you to a number of uniquely set craft breweries, discovering new neighbourhoods, trails and bike routes across Toronto.