Conquering Ontario’s Blue Coast by Bike

Great Lakes Waterfront Trail in Sarnia

Less than three hours’ drive from Toronto, southwestern Ontario’s Blue Coast offers some of the best waterfront cycling in Ontario, with over 200 kilometres of waterfront to explore. Discover two internationally renowned Blue Flag beaches as well as awe-inspiring natural scenery, impressive local art, and sumptuous local food and drink.

Credit: www.ontsbluecoast.com

From the shores of the St. Clair River to Lake Huron, this spectacular route totals 140km up the coast, following the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail, and is ideal for adventurous cyclists with experience and comfort in riding longer distances and on roads. Swap city streets for lakeside trails and enjoy plenty of sun, sand, and scenic routes. View Digital Mapping and Downloadable PDF Maps (starting from Map #27):

Here’s how to get the most out of your cycling journey along Ontario’s brilliant Blue Coast:

Must-Sip Stops

• Alternate Grounds Dockside This dockside restaurant in the Sarnia Bay Marina might just have the best patio in town. Watch the sun sink into the water as you dig into much-loved dishes like delicious fish and chips, hearty burgers, and cajun and creole inspired feature items.
• Refined Fool Brewing Co. This hidden gem located downtown Sarnia offers carefully crafted microbrews in a trendy and welcoming atmosphere. Relax in the friendly taproom and sample fresh cream ale, vanilla porter, German wheat beer, grapefruit IPA and much more! Visit the Refined Fool retail shop and grab some growlers or bottles to go.
• Judith & Norman ALIX Art Gallery No trip would be complete without stopping at the JNAAG. Discover contemporary art exhibits featuring the finest Ontario artists in downtown Sarnia. The permanent collection showcases paintings by iconic Group of Seven artists, as well as Canadian national treasures.
• Bike Shops in Town: There are two bike shops in town if you need to pick up supplies – The Bicycle Shop and Blackwell Cycle.
• Where To Stay Rest your head at one of Sarnia’s reliable, quality hotels located along Venetian Blvd. Hampton Inn, Holiday Inn, and Best Western are the best tried-and-true hotel picks.

Day 2: Sarnia to Grand Bend

Jump back in the saddle and head north along the scenic cycling route through the bedroom community of Brights Grove. This tiny town was once a dance hall destination that drew stars including Louis Armstrong and Guy Lombardo. Riding east, you’ll be following portions of the Bluewater International Gran Fondo route, an event that draws several hundred cyclist each August. This is also a section of the signed 2,100km Great Lakes Waterfront Trail. Dig into a hearty lunch at Camlachie’s Sawmill Creek Golf Resort & Spa, which offers a cozy dining lounge with wood-burning fireplaces, big screen televisions, and panoramic golf course views, before making a short detour inland to visit the certified bicycle friendly Alton Farms Estate Winery, where owners Marc and Anne Alton are pioneering Ontario’s newest Huron Shores wine region.

Credit: Bluewater International Gran Fondo

Journey another 48km north to reach Grand Bend. This quintessential beach town comes alive in the summer, and the sumptuous stretch of sugar sand beaches is the true star of the show. Grand Bend’s clear, turquoise waters and powder white sands make many visitors feel they’ve discovered a slice of the Caribbean in Lake Huron country. Grand Bend has earned a reputation as one of Canada’s best beach towns, and its Blue Flag certified beach draws people of all ages. The main strip, anchored by the town’s large beach, is buzzing with patio restaurants and friendly bars to choose from. Enjoy a scenic lakeside dinner at certified bicycle friendly Smackwater Jack’s Taphouse or indulge in flavourful Japanese cuisine at Midori Sushi, set right in the heart of the village. Swing by Grand Bend’s new beachfront stage and catch some live weekend entertainment as the sun sets.

Must See Stops

• Pinery Provincial Park If you have time during or after your cycling tour, be sure to explore the pristine Pinery Provincial Park. Just down the road from the village, you’ll find 21 magnificent square kilometres of rare forests and rolling dunes with over 14km of scenic , crushed stone biking trails winding in between. Hike one of ten gorgeous nature trails, explore the Old Ausable Channel by canoe, kayak or paddleboat, and sink your sand into the ten kilometres of sandy lakefront beach. Sunsets here are ranked by National Geographic as among the “Top 10 Best in the World”, so don’t forget your camera.
• River Road Art Galleries Lambton County is home to a thriving community of incredibly talented artists. River Road hugs the Ausable River and it’s here that you’ll see original works from the area’s most established artists. Discover award-winning local photography, painting and sculpture at Sunset Arts Gallery, as well as the Castaway Art Studio located right next door.
• Where To Stay Grand Bend has a range of friendly, family-owned hotels, motels and resorts to choose from. In the warmer months, be sure to book ahead to avoid disappointment. The Pine Dale Motor Inn and Oakwood Resort offer the best accommodations in town.

Looking for more? Try this 3-Day Self-Guided Cycling Adventure

For more information on cycling and tourist information, visit www.ontbluecoast.com/