Photo credit: Ontario Tourism Marketing Partnership Corporation (2015)
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.
Cycling in the region frequently offers stunning water views; whether discovering the vast trail systems or the countless kilometres of roads.
The trail and mountain biking options span the entire region from Mattawa to French River and give adventure seekers exactly what they are looking for. Whether it’s the hundreds of kilometres of rugged cross-country trails that make up the Voyageur Multi-Use Trail System or riding on the Laurentian Escarpment in North Bay, these experiences will leave memorable impressions and inspire riders to explore more of the region.
- North Bay Bike Route (Road) – With a variety of hill climbs and descents, this route is popular with experienced riders. Starting at around 30km, cyclists can also extend the length with a variety of route alternatives and smaller loops on paved roads.
- Powassan Circle Route (Road) – This 58km route starts in Powassan and brings cyclists on am mix of paved and gravel roads through the communities of Callander, Powassan and Nipissing, before looping back into Powassan. Suitable for cyclists with road riding experience.
- Corbeil Circle Bicycle Route (Road) – At 45km, this route takes cyclists from the Kate Pace Way in North Bay to the community of Callander. Sections of both Hwy 17 and Hwy 94 have paved shoulders. Suitable for cyclists with road riding experience.View online for alternative route extensions (50km).
- Kate Pace Way (Paved Trail) – Approximately 12km in length, this paved pathway winds along North Bay’s waterfront, as well as through residential and developed areas. As a multi-use trail, cyclists must be cautious and respectful of other users. Also part of the Trans Canada Trail.
- Kinsmen Trail (Paved Trail) – This paved, multi-use trail winds through North Bay, ending at Lake Nipissing. 7km in length, the trail is suitable for cyclists of all skill levels. At the south end of the trail is the Chippewa Ecopath, a nature trail that follows 3.2km of the Kinsmen Trail. For information visit www.chippewaecopath.ca
- Callander Trail (Trail) – Nearly 10km in length, this trail begins in southwest Callander. Heading northeast, the trail ends at Pinecreek Road, south of the town of Callander. With a surface of compact soil/gravel, the trail is suitable for mountain bikes. Also part of the Trans Canada Trail.
- Laurier Woods Conservation Area (Trail) – The 5.5km trail network surface is compact soil and accessible to cyclists. The trails are multi-use, so cyclists should be cautious of other users.
- Cranberry Trail (Trail) – This 2.5km trail on gravel/compact soil begins at the end of Cranberry Road in Callander and brings cyclists to the edge of Callander Bay on Lake Nipissing.
- Scenic Highway 630 (Road) – This route is a 60km roundtrip, linear route that begins off Hwy 17 near the west boundary of Samuel de Champlain Provincial Park. Cyclists ride through mixed forests with lake and river views along a quiet paved road. Camping is available at the Kiosk Campground at the northern edge of Algonquin Provincial Park.
- Mattawa Rural Road Route – This route traverses much of the quiet paved roads south of Hwy 17 between Bonfield and Mattawa. Approximately 25km in length, only a short portion is on Hwy 17 just before entering Mattawa.
- Nature’s Harmony Ecolodge Trails (Trail) – Located north of the town of Mattawa, there are 12km of backcountry trails located on and close to Nature’s Harmony Ecolodge. Trail passes required for visitors not staying overnight. A trail map and money drop box is located at the parking area.
- Voyageur Cycling Route: Monetville to Hagar – A 56km road route on the secondary highways that make up this section. The route has low traffic and take riders through the rugged landscape along the west arm of Lake Nipissing.
- Rainbow Routes Trail Network(Trail) – A network of community trails (for both hikers and cyclists) offering over 25km of cycling throughout the greater Sudbury area. These trails vary in length and surface type and present a variety of opportunities for cyclists to explore the city and area.
- Junction Creek Waterway Parkway (Trail) – Approximately 13km in length, this network incorporates a number of community trails and features natural and paved surfaces. The trail traverses the city from the northeast to the southwest and includes portions of the Trans Canada Trail. Part of the Rainbow Routes Trail Network.
- Killarney Provincial Park (Road & Trail) – Cycling in the park is permitted along several kms of park roads (paved and unpaved) and the Chikanishing Trail (natural surface). This trail (6km, ‘out and back’) winds along the park’s southern boundary and crosses a series of small ridges ending on the shores of Georgian Bay.
- Walden Trails – The Walden Mountain Bike Club maintains single track trails located in the Walden Trails Park off Municipal Road 55 in Naughton, which is in the west end of the City of Greater Sudbury. There is a total of 15 km of single track trails that are open from early June to Oct.
- Lake Laurentian Conservation Area (Sudbury) – Located on Conservation Sudbury land, this area features over 35km of trails, including trails suitable for more experienced riders. These trails connect to the Trans Canada Trail and a network of trails connecting back into the city of Sudbury.
- Kivi Park (Sudbury) – Located south of the city of Sudbury, this trail system is open in early June (or when dry) and closes as early as Oct 15th.
- Voyageur Multi-Use Trails System (Bonfield-Mattawa) – Located on crown land between the Algonquin Highlands and the Laurentian Mountains, this 300km multi-use trail network is suitable for mountain bikers, yet caters to both motorized and non-motorized trail users. Users must purchase trail pass in advance.
- Laurentian Escarpment Conservation Area (North Bay) – Ranging in length from 2km to nearly 6.5km, this trail attracts a variety of users including mountain bikers. The trails are owned by and operated by the North Bay-Mattawa Conservation Authority.
- Restoule Provincial Park (Northern Parry Sound District) – Angel Point Trail, rated as ‘easy’ is designed as a figure-8 loop. Gibs Trail (5km one way to park boundary) is rated ‘moderate to difficult’ and is a linear trail that eventually leads off park land. The park has a number of bicycles for rent ($5/hour or $20.day). Ask park staff about special rules that apply to bicycle riders.
Great Lakes Waterfront Trail – Stretching over 3000km, the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail is a route connecting over 140 communities and First Nations along the Canadian shores of the Great Lakes: Lake Ontario, the St. Lawrence River, Lake Erie, Detroit River and Lake St Clair, Lake Huron, Georgian Bay and the North Channel. The fully signed Trail uses the safest infrastructure possible, a mix of both on-road and off-road facilities, and is primarily paved, with sections of unpaved path and gravel roads. It can be enjoyed for as part of a day trip or on a multi-day long distance cycling adventureAlso referred to as the Lake Huron North Channel Cycling Route, this 450km northern addition to the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail, part of the Trans Canada Trail has recently opened. This fully signed, epic touring route crosses over countless waterways and through quaint rural towns and First Nations communities in Northern Ontario between Sault Ste. Marie and Sudbury. The route is mostly on-road, including roughly 49km of gravel roads and trails (the longest continuous stretch is 15km). There is also approximately 50km along new and wide paved shoulders of Highway 17, (the longest stretch is 23km along the Mississagi River).- Voyageur Cycling Route – Sections of this route that when complete will connect Sudbury to Ottawa are now open and have directional signage installed. Ride between Hagar and Sturgeon Falls, or North Bay and Mattawa, along quiet and scenic northern country back roads.
- Trans Canada Trail – A portion of this cross-Canada trail runs through the North Bay and West Nipissing areas. The TCT is a four-season, multi-use trail system with various surface types and users. Visit Trans Canada Trail “Explore The Trail” for information – www.tctrail.ca
- Kate Pace Way – Approximately 12km, this paved pathway winds along North Bay’s waterfront. (See North Bay – Regional Road Routes and Trail Information for more details
- Callander Trail– Nearly 10km in length, this stretch of the Trans Canada Trail begins in southwest Callander and ends south of the town of Callander. (See North Bay -Regional Road Routes and Trail Information for more details)
- Old Nipissing Road Trail – Also known as “The Ontario Ghost Trail”, this 70km stretch of the Trans Canada Trail runs north/south through the centre of the Parry Sound District between Highways 69 and 11. Accessed from a number of cross-highway intersections, this trail has limited services. Proper planning is advised. Trail surface includes gravel trails and paved roads, and is most suited for mountain bikes.
Discovery Routes Adventure Trails Map (2020) – This regional map includes information 16 bicycle touring routes, the Voyageur Route, Trans Canada Trail, mountain biking and fat biking, plus more paddling, hiking and cross country skiing. Order a copy by mail or find at North Bay area info centres as listed.- Trail Guide to Healthy Living – Available in print format for $10, this trail guide has a comprehensive collection of managed multi-use and publicly accessible trails of the Greater Nipissing and Near North regions of Ontario.
Rainbow Routes Trail Map (2015). – Trail map of Greater Sudbury Area with some road infrastructure indicated. Hardcopies available free of charge at all Public Libraries and Citizen Service Centres within Greater Sudbury. Request print copies by calling (705) 674-4455 x 4603 or by email rainbowroutes@sudbury.ca- Lake Laurentian Conservation Area. PDF Trail map. – Trail map of mountain bike trail network south of Sudbury
- Bike Sudbury – Online map showing a variety of community rides in Sudbury ranging in distances.
For more information on accommodation, attractions and activities within the greater region visit Discovery Routes Trails Organization, North Bay Chamber of Commerce , Mattawa Voyegeur County , West Nipissing and North Eastern Ontario
* Please note there are may be additional trails, routes, events and information resources for the region that may be of interest and useful to cyclists. Changes to the above links, listings and cycling routes may occur.
Workshop Partners:
