Celebrate the Cycling Season in Perth County, Stratford & St. Marys

You’re invited to discover our unique cycle regions this season!

Celebrate the cycle season within the beautiful regions of Perth County, Stratford and St. Marys! With so many opportunities for exploration both on and off the trails, you’ll need a few days away to soak it all in.

Perth County

Get ready to experience Perth County by bike all year round! Find scenic countryside routes passing through farmlands, natural areas, and charming small towns with local businesses who warmly welcome visitors. Bike across rural roads, both paved and unpaved, offering minimal traffic with incredible views for all seasons.

Discover all that Perth County has to offer and bring your bikes to one of the many trails around the county, including the 132km G2G Rail Trail. This linear, accessible, multi-use trail stretches from the 401 corridor at Guelph to the shores of Lake Huron at Goderich, with three trail heads passing through the Perth County communities of Millbank, Milverton, and Monkton. While in Millbank, make sure to stop in for a bite at the famous Anna Mae’s Bakery and Restaurant. Milverton’s charming main street is a great place to take a cycle break – fresh locally baked goods and a variety of local shops await you! The lovely village of Monkton offers delicious meals at their charming local diner, located just steps off the trail. Perth County’s welcoming restaurants, shops, and cycle-friendly destinations make the perfect break while cycling along the G2G Rail Tail!  Explore the 22km North Perth Trail System that stretches from Listowel to Hefryn, experiencing world-class restaurants, shopping, golf, and views while on your adventure!

Come explore our region and create your own bike routes, or follow one of our many premade routes that pass a variety local eateries and night accommodations. Visit perthcounty.ca/cycle to find out more and to explore the Stratford, St.Mary’s and Perth County Cycle Map.

Stratford

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.

Does picturesque cycling routes, mouth-watering cuisine, and cultural events sound like the weekend getaway of your dreams? Great. Because we’ve got just that and more.

No matter if you prefer easy trails, difficult routes, mountain biking, or paved roads, we’ve got a variety of trails for everyone listed below. Pick your pace, and get ready to make your visit to Stratford one that’ll keep you coming back again and again. Check out our previous blog post to view 8 unique cycling routes in Stratford.

There is no shortage of sites to explore in Stratford and its surrounding areas. In addition to all of the natural, cultural, and historical scenes, Stratford is a city full of entertainment and dining to die for.

Visit for the cycling routes and stay for the experience — you’ll enjoy one-of-a-kind shopping, excellent food, live music and art from Stratford’s local artists, and so much more. From arts, to culture and heritage, you’ll be thriving from the Stratford experience.

Additional Information:

• Destination Stratford – visitstratford.ca & visitstratford.ca/cycling
• Cycle Stratford – cyclestratford.com
• Local bike shops: Ross’ Bike Works, Totally Spoke’d
• Bike Rentals at The Boathouse

St. Marys

Get spoked about cycling in St. Marys!

Cycling in St. Marys begs the question: how much of a challenge would you like today?  Our town’s rolling landscape features engaging routes for every speed of cyclist – accept your challenge and be rewarded with incredible scenery and wildlife, local history and a great workout!

Looking for an easy, level pedal with views? The Grand Trunk Trail or Riverview walkway are both approximately 2.5 km, with new scenery to discover no matter how many times you traverse. Find bike stands at the east end of the Victoria Bridge on Queen Street, or at Snapping Turtle Coffee Roasters to lock your ride and enjoy our downtown!

Intermediate cyclists should check out the 13-kilometre L Trail. Enter at one of many points and see historical sites along variable surfaces. This trail uses streets so please be aware of traffic.

Some of our hills are easier than others to climb. Use the gradual slope of Park Street in the south end of town to travel east or west and connect with the Riverview Walkway. In addition to the Grand Trunk Trail, with its exceptional views of the Thames River and downtown, the new Glass Street extension serves as a handy east-west connection.   Queen Street, Water Street and James Street each provide north and south access to paved rural routes into Perth South and beyond.

Whatever your ride, there are local services available for cyclists. There’s a bike repair station at The Sunset Diner in the west end of town, plus the St. Marys Public Library has a bike repair kit, public washrooms, a water refilling station and more, right in the heart of our downtown. Pick up a convenient Z-card at municipal buildings or from our Ontario by Bike members to plan your route!

Visit www.discoverstmarys.ca/cycling for details!

Plan Your Perth County, Stratford & St. Marys Cycling Getaway

• Perth County – Cycling – Find scenic countryside routes passing through farmlands, natural areas, and charming small towns while exploring Perth County by bike.
• Stratford – Cycling – Check out city road cycling routes, itinerary ideas, places to stay, and bicycle friendly businesses in Stratford
• St. Marys – Cycling – Check out cycling trails and routes, and places to eat and drink while visiting
• Ontario By Bike, Great Places to Cycle – Perth County, St. Marys and Stratford – Find certified bicycle friendly businesses and more route and ride ideas.

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Sponsored Content Partner: Destination Stratford
Photos credits: All photos courtesy of Destination Stratford