Day 1: Campbellford to Peterborough – 54km

Set off from Campbellford with a spin through Ferris Provincial Park, crossing the epic Ranney Gorge Suspension Bridge, which spans the Trent River. Connecting to Northumberland’s portion of The Great Trail (aka Trans Canada Trail) just west of town, enjoy a relaxing and picturesque pedal on this off-road trail to the town of Hastings perched on the Trent River (further upstream) and the 2nd Trent Severn Waterway crossing of the day. Cross the river and connect to the Lang Hastings portion of the trail, with another 30km stretch of uninterrupted rail trail. Ride past working farms and rural landscapes that make this region one of the more popular for trail and road cycling. Take in a visit at the Lang Pioneer Village Museum before finishing the last stretch into Peterborough and the final destination for the day, the Best Western Plus Otonabee Inn. Later that evening, catch up with other riders at a group get-together and evening social.

Day 2: Peterborough to Lindsay or Fenelon Falls – 43km or 65km

The morning ride includes city paths and residential streets that cross the Trent Severn Waterway and the Otonabee River on a converted rail bridge, passing the world’s largest hydraulic lift lock, before connecting to trails leading west out of Peterborough. A quick return to rural riding along the Kawarthas Trans Canada Trail is a great reminder you’re still in cottage country. Enjoy a leisurely ride as it cuts through a variety of scenery on a fairly flat and straight line ride. Stop and marvel the views from the scenic sky high trestle bridge just a few kilometers east of the riverside hamlet of Omemee. Pedal west into Lindsay, where you can stop for the day and explore the downtown, Lock 33 of the Trent-Severn Waterway, rest your legs at a local restaurant or cool down with a post-ride ice cream at Kawartha Dairy’s Barn! Others looking to push on a little further can choose to ride on another 23km to Fenelon Falls. Leaving the Trans Canada Trail in Lindsay heading north on the recently resurfaced Victoria Rail Trail as part of the Toronto/Algonquin route you can enjoy a pedal through the scenic Ken Reid Conservation Area and rural scenery before arriving in town.  

Getting To/From Start:
Campbellford is located approximately 2 1/2 hours from downtown Toronto, 1 1/2 hours from Kingston, 3 hours from Ottawa. Campbellford is located appoximately 30 minutes north from Brighton/Hwy.401.

Arriving Early / Staying Late:
Consider an overnight option at one of Ontario By Bike’s certified bicycle friendly accommodations in the Kawarthas Northumberland Region here.

Photo Credits: Justen Soule, Kawarthas Northumberland Tourism; Parks Canada; Ontario By Bike