Creating Memorable Cycling Experience using Multi-Modal Travel in Ontario
Not just a buzzword or an option in other destinations, combining cycling with different modes of travel in Ontario can be both convenient and add to your next bike adventure.
Train
With GO Trains operating in and around the greater Toronto area, weekends and off-peak travel times offer a lot of options for bike transportation. Ride out from, or into Toronto and take the GO Train Lakeshore line (East or West) back to your start for a one-way ride. Niagara weekend service runs June 24th to September 5th, with special bike coaches on each train (no extra charge). This makes planning your cycling getaway easier, and more memorable! Head north as far as Barrie on summer weekend service, making a weekend or day trip to Lake Simcoe with a bike a possibility with space for four bicycles on each GO coach. Bring your bike on any Sat / Sun / holiday train to Barrie.
Ferry
A ferry ride is often the start of a great getaway. Bicycle friendly ferries operate in a number of locations around the province, connecting cyclists to some of the best cycling out there. Take theChe-Cheemaun Ferry from Tobermory to Manitoulin Island and experience quiet island roads, stunning natural scenery and welcoming island communities. In Ontario’s southwest, Pelee Island also offers great rural cycling and is connected by ferries from Kingsville or Leamington in Essex County, and from Ohio on the U.S. side.
(Photo credit: Rob Boyce – Overyonderaerial.com)
Bus
Looking to get out of urban areas and don’t have your own vehicle? Parkbus runs buses to provincial and national parks, several with bike rental locations. From Toronto, travel to Algonquin Park, where the bus drops passengers at Algonquin Outfitters, a one-stop shop for all your rental needs. Connect to the Georgian Bay Islands and enjoy car-free trail riding on Beausoleil Island with camping and bike rentals on-site. Up to two bikes per bus can be transported to all other overnight destinations, with bike reservations made in advance. parkbus.ca
GO Transit and many public bus services provide another option with bike racks on the front of most vehicles.
Pedal and Paddle
Take a break from the bike and add a canoe, kayak or whitewater experience to your day. From Blue Mountain Village, enjoy guided or self-guided ride options to Free Spirit rentals in Heathcote and paddle Beaver River (Grey County). In Ottawa Valley, enjoy the road riding routes or nearby mountain bike trails and add to an outdoor adventure with whitewater rafting on the Ottawa River. Go from mellow trail riding to a Grand River rafting or paddling experience in Paris (County of Brant) or near Lake Erie in Dunnville (Haldimand County). Launched in 2016, Rideau Tours threw a 3rd P into the mix and offers Pedal-Paddle-Picnic experiences along on Ontario`s only UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Rideau Canal (South Eastern Ontario & Ottawa).
If this isn’t particularly your cup of tea and you can’t find what you’re looking for, perhaps we can help. Call toll-free (1-866-701-2774) or email info (at) OntarioByBike.ca for more information.
Also, if you’d like more information cycling experiences in Ontario, request a copy of our annual Cycling in Ontario / Le velo en Ontario guide. View a copy online or order a print copy at ontariobybike.ca/2016
(Photo Credit: Grand River Rafting Company)
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