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Winter Cycling & Fat Biking in Ontario
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.
Happy Stragglers: Gravel Ride Experience
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.
Locals Share Top Rides in Waterloo Region
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.
Seeing The Sites of the St. Lawrence By Bike
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.
5 Bike & Brew Rides in Toronto
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.
7 Incredible Simcoe County Waterfront Cycling Routes
For any cyclist, there’s nothing better than a quiet bike ride on nature-filled paths beside dazzling waters. Here in Simcoe County, we are blessed with a variety of beautiful bodies of water, and much of the Simcoe County waterfronts can be explored by bike!
Exploring the Ottawa Valley on Two Wheels
The Ottawa Valley in the Ontario’s Highlands region beckons cyclists to escape the hustle and bustle of urban centres and crowded streets and slow down the pace in a more rural setting. So what can a cyclist expect when choosing the Ottawa Valley for their next cycling adventure? Read on to find out!
Biking 101 in Toronto
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.
Great Places to Cycle
South Eastern Ontario
South Eastern Ontario has a wide range of bicycle routes that take cyclists across the region through vibrant communities, alongside scenic waterways and to quiet rural and naturalized settings. Explore from Quinte West, Belleville and Prince Edward County, continue eastward via Kingston and Gananoque, the 1000 Islands and the Waterfront Trail, Brockville, the St. Lawrence Seaway to Cornwall and the Quebec border.
Northwest Ontario
Cyclists in Northwest Ontario will find themselves immersed in a rugged and untouched environment, with many great trails and road routes to discover. Tear down the hills and mountainsides of the Canadian Shield, perfectly suited for mountain biking in the summer and fat biking in the wintertime. Head out on your road bike for long stretches of country roads through beautiful landscapes and small communities. A perfect destination for an off the beaten track cycling adventure.
Northeast Ontario
From the paved pathways through the city of North Bay and along its waterfront, to the quieter rural roads and trails that wind through dense forests, wetlands and the Canadian Shield; the region offers cyclists an array of experiences that are suitable for all styles and skill levels. The region features two designated Canadian Heritage Rivers; the Mattawa and French rivers, as well as the Ottawa River and Lake Nipissing.
Algoma Country – North Central
Cycling in North Central Ontario presents fantastic day trips and training options for road cyclists travelling through welcoming communities, beautiful forested areas and past sparkling waterways. Recreational cyclists will be thrilled with the shorter distance and urban cycling opportunities along established trails and quieter roads with plenty to do and see along the way. Long distance cyclists will find an epic overnight touring route stretching across the region, perfect for a bucket-list cycling experience.
Manitoulin Island & LaCloche Foothills
Manitoulin Island & the LaCloche Foothills are attractive destinations for both recreational and touring cyclists. On the island, quiet roadways take cyclists past scenic vistas, 108 inland lakes and lush forested areas allowing cyclists to experience unique attractions enroute and connect with the area's rich cultural heritage and First Nations communities.
Muskoka and Algonquin
Cyclists visiting Muskoka and Algonquin Provincial Park will enjoy a destination with a remarkably diverse range of cycling experiences. From trails to mountain biking to the fantastic road riding across the region, cycling in Muskoka and Algonquin connect the spectacularly scenic landscapes of dense mixed forests rich with wildlife, picturesque lakes and meandering rivers and rocky Canadian Shield outcrops.
Parry Sound & Almaguin Highlands
From excellent trails and mountain biking to fantastic road riding, cyclists in the Parry Sound District will enjoy the spectacularly scenic landscapes through lush boreal forests with frequent glimpses of picturesque lakes, meandering rivers, the rocky Canadian Shield and the UNESCO designated Georgian Bay Biosphere Reserve. Road riding in the Parry Sound District offers quieter roads criss-crossing through the rural landscape with opportunities to stop at quaint general stores, interesting cultural heritage sites, and welcoming communities along the way.
North – Hastings, Frontenac and Lennox & Addington
Stretching from the southern border of Algonquin Park to the northern shore of Lake Ontario, the counties of Hastings, Frontenac and Lennox & Addington offer a wide variety of road cycling experiences and number excellent regional and cross-regional trail systems and routes. The region's on-road cycling network and suggested routes incorporate a mix of landscapes from the flatter Lake Ontario basin north to the rugged Canadian Shield in the heart of Ontario's Highlands.
Ottawa Valley
The Ottawa Valley has a number of rivers and valleys interconnected throughout Ontario's Highlands. Criss-crossing the Ottawa River, Bonnechere and Madawaska Rivers, and skirting many lakes, the area has a number of mapped road riding routes. These routes include many options for stops at interesting heritage sites, artists' studios, swimming areas and communities while cycling quiet country roads and enjoying spectacularly scenic forested and often hilly landscape.
Lanark County
Cycling in Lanark County is a popular cycling spot. An increasing number of cyclists are finding their way to the County for longer road rides, short touring loops, trail riding, special cycling events and tours. A number of mapped bicycle routes provide cyclists with the option of following quiet country roads, off-road trails, or the Rideau Canal heritage waterway.
Haliburton Highlands
Explore the breathtaking scenery of the Haliburton Highlands through a network of on and off-road cycling routes. With over 600 lakes, numerous rivers, and the rolling hills of the Canadian Shield, there is ample topography and scenery to enjoy. Cyclists can also explore the area's flourishing artist studios and charming villages.
Ottawa
The city of Ottawa has a vibrant cycling culture and now boasts over 980 km of multi-use pathways, bike lanes, off-road paths and paved shoulders, as well as thousands of bike parking spaces making sightseeing stops around the city easy. While visiting Ottawa, cyclists shouldn't miss the opportunity to explore the Capital Pathway network, which offers scenic routes connecting world-class museums, art galleries, and other attractions.