2021 Best Bicycle Friendly Businesses – Award Winners
Congratulations to the 2021 “Best Bicycle Friendly Businesses”in Ontario.
The following businesses were selected to win the Ontario By Bike award for their efforts in and excelling at providing services and a welcome to cyclists visiting their locations as well as supporting cycling within their community. A winner was selected from each of the 13 tourism regions in Ontario, plus a recognition award was given to the best bike related businesses for each region, where nominated, as these businesses provide an important service supporting cycle tourists.
We encourage you to plan a visit, and cycle by to find out more yourself and first hand.
Ontario’s Southwest / RTO1
Best Bicycle Friendly Business:
HoriZen B&B – Located in Leamington, this beautifully appointed B&B, is well situated, close to the Pelee Island ferry docks, Point Pelee National Park, the 46km long Chrysler Greenway off-road trail and the EPIC (Erie Pelee Island Coast) wine route. Start the day off with a delicious and filling breakfast that will keep you satisfied for any length ride. End the ride day knowing your bike is safely stored overnight and visit the yoga loft where you can stretch and meditate to prepare your mind and body for another day of cycling.
Niagara Region / RTO2
Best Bicycle Friendly Business:
HI-Niagara Falls Hostels – This well-located hostel has been extending a warm welcome to cyclists for years and takes pride in the large range of amenities and services offered to visiting cyclists as well as its sustainability certification. Across the road from the Niagara Falls GO Station, bikes can easily be transported by train on weekends to a start close to the Falls using the 1.5km trail connector, or to the longer Niagara River Recreation Trail, a popular 56km stretch between Niagara-on-the-Lake, Niagara Falls and Fort Erie. Take advantage of their Bike Niagara package and if booked direct for weekdays, enjoy a 3rd night free.
Best Bike Business: County Cycle
Hamilton Halton Brant / RTO3
Best Bicycle Friendly Business:
541 Eatery and Exchange – This non-profit cafe offers locally-sourced homemade food at affordable prices, welcoming all community members including cyclists. While also hosting community programming, they focus on a pay-it-forward social mission where you can “buy a button” which anyone can use towards buying menu items. Cyclists can expect secure lock-ups and healthy food and beverages. Just 3km from the Hamilton GO Transit Station (take your bike on the weekend train), less than 2km to the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail route, (including the scenic Escarpment Rail Trail) and 7km from the start of the Hamilton – Brantford Rail Trail, the cafe serves as a great spot for a nutritious meal and a good starting or end point on a trail or road cycling exploration of the area.
Best Bike Business: Brantford Cyclepath
Huron, Perth, Waterloo & Wellington / RTO4
Best Bicycle Friendly Business:
Four Fathers Brewing Co. – On any given weekend, a large number of cyclists are finding their way to this welcoming brewery, its indoor and patio dinning and tasting areas, and making use of handy bike parking onsite. Welcoming both small and larger cycling groups they will also extend a 10% discount to cyclists in 2021. Situated at a crossroad for a number of cycling routes including the shorter Mill Run Trail, GNR Bikepacking Route and the Waterloo Guelph Explorer loop, Four Fathers is an ideal spot to stop and refuel.
Greater Toronto Area / RTO5
Best Bicycle Friendly Business:
Bike Share Toronto – A perfect way to explore the big city is to buy a day pass and hop on a bike share ride. Find over 625 bike docking stations across the city to check out one of the 6,850 bikes (or try one of the 300 new ebikes.) First launched in 2011, the growth in fleet size and sheer numbers of riders is a testament to its success.Download the handy app to get started, easily locate a bike and ride for free in 30 minute increments. Get deep into city neighbourhoods, stop at newly expanded sidewalk patios and discover parks and trails. To help plan your trip see Biking 101 in Toronto blog above.
York Durham Headwaters / RTO6
Best Bicycle Friendly Business:
The Second Wedge Brewing Co. – A well known destination for cyclists in Uxbridge and Durham Region, enjoy a warm welcome and tasty brews in the newly expanded outdoor beer garden. Hang up your bike nearby or make use of the parking lot to start your ride and return to brewery. Second Wedge supports many local cycling events and clubs including the Uxbridge Cycling Club, the Durham Mountain Biking Association and Uxbridge Race Team. Enjoy road riding nearby following the Greenbelt Route or mountain biking in Durham Forest.
BruceGreySimcoe / RTO7
Best Bicycle Friendly Business: 
Tucked Inn the Harbour B&B – Located just 1km from the beautiful Tay Shore Trail, a 28km paved route that hugs the Georgian Bay shoreline and is part of the longer Simcoe County Loop Trail, cyclists staying at this friendly B&B are guaranteed to find all they need. From loaner bikes to campfire sing songs, and an outdoor hot tub to rest any weary legs, this tranquil spot is well versed in meeting cyclists needs, with past guests hailing from Europe, USA, Mexico and across Canada. With extra bike tools on site, if you get stuck out and need more, a ride to the nearest shop is readily offered.
Kawarthas Northumberland / RTO8
Best Bicycle Friendly Business: 
The Pastry Peddler – Situated in the historic town of Millbrook, Pastry Peddler has been a favourite stop for cyclists for years. The cafe offers a shared love for both baking and cycling, with treats inspired by a family history in baking. Visitors can enjoy delicious homemade pastries, excellent coffee, healthy breakfast and lunch options, as well as cycling maps, a bicycle pump and water bottle refilling. Vintage bikes and cycling-inspired art decorate the walls, making for a unique and enjoyable stop. New this summer is an outdoor patio and picnic area behind the cafe. Starting from Peterborough or any point along the loop, try the Hills, Views and Pastries cycling route with two distance options, 65km and 85km. This route hits all the best views in southern Peterborough County, Rice Lake and rolling hills and vistas on the way to Millbrook, where you can rest and refuel at the cafe.
Best Bike Business: B!KE: The Peterborough Community Bike Shop
South Eastern Ontario / RTO9
Best Bicycle Friendly Business: 
Ray’s Cottages & Campground – With Provincial Park campgrounds such as Sandbanks being booked solid for the coming summer months a nearby alternative for overnight un-serviced camping and glamping accommodations can be found at Ray’s. Located close to Wellington restaurants and shops it is also easy to hop on and off the Millenium Trail that crosses Prince Edward County, much of which has been newly resurfaced. Use the trail to get to Bloomfield, Picton or visit wineries, arts studios and other attractions in the area.
Best Bike Business: Wheels in Motion
Ottawa & Countryside
Best Bicycle Friendly Business: 
Kichesippi Beer Company – Keenly supporting cycling events and clubs, the Kichesippi Beer Co. is a go to spot for cyclists in the Nepean/Ottawa area. With a large patio and on-site food trucks, no cyclist will go hungry or thirsty. Find plenty of bike parking and a bike repair kit available if needed. Well situated for a trailside stop, the off-road ride to/from downtown Ottawa is 26km or westward following the Ottawa Carlton Trailway/Trans Canada Trail to Stittsville 9km or all the way to Carlton Place 20km. Zooming in on the TCT map, layers of useful info can be found or click on our RidewithGPS map showing the full trail route.
Best Bike Business: A La Carte Shuttle and Tours
Ontario’s Highlands / RTO11
Best Bicycle Friendly Business: 
Hugli’s Blueberry Ranch – An ideal place to start and end a ride in Ottawa Valley, is Hugli’s Blueberry Ranch. Welcoming cyclists to use their large parking lot as a base, also find bike tools, washroom and water access at this seasonal country market and store. Work up an appetite riding the nearby 45km Beachburg Loop or explore Pembroke cycling the Kiwanis Way, Ottawa River waterfront trail. Back at the Ranch, make time to sample some of the tasty treats, ice creams and smoothies, blueberry milkshakes, coffee and fresh baked goods from their large scenic patio.
Best Bike Business: Heritage Bikes
Explorers’ Edge / RTO12
Best Bicycle Friendly Business:
Thrive Foods Cafe & Marketplace – Cyclists are finding their way out to Georgian Bay, via Honey Harbour and Thrive Foods Cafe. Located near the end of road and ferry dock to nearby park islands, enjoy healthy lunch time foods and snacks, smoothies and iced coffees from the patio. Owned and staffed by bike enthusiasts and occasional bike mechanic, be sure to stop by this seasonal business before one of these great rides: Georgian Bay Cycling Route #2, a 65km road route; Beausoleil Island a part of Georgian Bay Islands National Park, 15km of scenic unpaved trails and bike rentals.
Best Bike Business: The Bike Shop in Gravenhurst & Huntsville
Northern Ontario / RTO13
Best Bicycle Friendly Business: 
1886 Lake House Bistro – For many years this casual cottage bistro overlooking Callander Bay on Lake Nipissing has welcomed cyclists and outdoor enthusiasts as a great place to enjoy a meal while still dressed in your outdoor gear. Working with local farmers, they prepare classic bistro and comfort food fare using seasonal and fresh ingredients. Cyclists can use on-site bike parking, bike staging area, and a large patio. The bistro is situated less than 4km from the Kate Pace Way, a 12km paved trail connecting Callander and North Bay. For a longer ride, this trail also forms part of the 45km Corbeil Circle Bicycle Route, or try the 58km Callander-Powassan Cycling Circle Route, exploring neighbouring communities to the south of Callander.
2021 is the third year of the Ontario By Bike “Best Bicycle Friendly Business Awards”. The awards are given to showcase the efforts of all those businesses out there that are working hard on keeping Ontario a top destination for cyclists. We would like to thank everyone who has participated in this year’s contest as we received many outstanding nominations and heard lots of inspiring stories from all. We are proud to continue our partnership in promoting businesses across Ontario as top spot for cyclists to eat, visit, and sleep.
Ontario By Bike has awarded one business in each of the 13 tourism regions, as a winner for 2021. Additionally, a recognition award was given to best bike businesses for each region, where nominated, as these businesses provide an important service supporting cycle tourists.
Ontario By Bike’s bicycle friendly business network consists of over 1,500 certified tourism businesses across the province. The certification program has criteria that help ensure cyclists are welcomed at businesses they choose to stop at whether it be as a cycle tourist, on a longer trip, or while biking closer to home. The Network is free for businesses to participate in and the information on each location and much more about cycle tourism in the region is easily accessible on our website. Each winner is a certified bicycle friendly location, a part of the Ontario By Bike Network.
See 2020 Best Bicycle Friendly Business Award Winners here.
See 2019 Best Bicycle Friendly Business Award Winners here.
