Photo Credit: Valley Cycle Tours
The Ottawa Valley/Renfrew County 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.
Across the Valley, there are numerous rugged mountain biking trails to challenge oneself, with many of the snowmobile trails converting to multi-use trail systems beyond the winter season. Cyclists can also enjoy off-road recreational riding along abandoned railway beds that include the K & P Trail and new Ottawa Valley Recreation Trail.
The powerful and lengthy Ottawa River has a rich history of both First Nations and early settlers. With tributaries flowing in from Algonquin Park, Quebec on the eastern river bed, and the city of Ottawa not far south, it is easy to get to the many cycling and outdoor adventures nearby.
The following cycling routes can be found on the Ottawa Valley Cycling Map. With over a dozen cycling routes of varying lengths and riding surfaces, the Ottawa Valley is a favourite of many on two wheels. The Cycling Map will guide your way with route descriptions to help you pick and plan your adventure. Some routes shown on the Cycling Map (not listed below) explore the neighbouring Pontiac Region in Quebec.
- The Cyclotron – 29 km – Cycle among the towering forests of the Petawawa Research Forest before meandering through the back roads of Chalk River to the sandy beaches of the Ottawa River in Deep River. Mostly paved roads with some gravel sections and light traffic. Food, accommodations and retail services available in Deep River.
- Pembroke-Petawawa Commuter (Trail Route) – 26 km – This multi-use active transportation route follows the Ottawa Valley Recreational Trail/Algonquin Trail between Pembroke and Petawawa. Stone dust surface. Food, accommodation, retail and bike repair services available in Pembroke and Petawawa.
- The Whitewater Rush – 81 km – Discover the heart of Whitewater Region and the famous Ottawa River rapids. Access the BORCA trail system or stop for a break at the Westmeath Lookout. Paved roads with some widened shoulders and light to moderate traffic. Food and accommodations available in Beachburg and Foresters Falls.
- Loop the Lakes – 188 km – Follow this route as it loops around Round Lake, Golden Lake and Lake Doré. Stop at a beach for a picnic and swim. Paved roads and some high traffic areas on Round Lake Road and Highway 60. Food and accommodation services available in Deacon, Killaloe, Golden Lake and Cobden.
- Barry’s Bay-Quadville Quadbuster – 146 km – True to its’ name this route challenges riders with various elevation gains and a number of challenging hill climbs throughout the Madawaska Highlands. Beaches and picnic areas provide rest stops along the way. Paved roads and some high traffic areas along Highway 60. Food, accommodations and retail services available in Barry’s Bay, Combermere, Palmer Rapids and Wilno.
- The Opeongo Loop – 80 km – Stone and split rail fences lead cyclists to tackle the Foymount Hill Climb Challenge and historic Opeongo Road for sweeping views of the Bonnechere Valley. Paved roads, challenging hills and elevation gains with light to moderate traffic. Food, accommodation and retail services available in Eganville and Lake Clear.
- The Renfrew Ramble – 48 km – This ride climbs Pinnacle Road to scenic farm country then descending into Whitewater Region and Horton Township before meandering back to Renfrew. Paved roads with some widened shoulders and moderate traffic. Food, accommodations and retail services available in Renfrew.
- Madawaska River Randonee – 127 km – Travel through the Madawaska Highlands as this route winds through picturesque communities and quaint villages along the Madawaska River. Paved roads and some widened shoulders. High traffic areas along County Road 508. Food, accommodations and retail services available in Arnprior, Burnstown, Calabogie, Pakenham and White Lake.
- The Voyageur Cycling Route – 269 km – Connecting eastern and northern Ontario, the Voyageur Route follows the Ottawa River through a combination of road and rail trail riding. Mix of paved roads, some widened shoulders and stone dust surface. Extreme caution should be taken when traveling in high traffic areas along Highway 17. Food, accommodations and retail services located in Arnprior, Beachburg, Pembroke, Petawawa, Deep River, and Stonecliffe.
Ottawa Valley Cycling and Active Transportation Alliance (OVCATA) – Find large a collection of paved and gravel road routes published by OVCATA available on Ride With GPS – HERE.
Lumberjack Loop – Departing from Calabogie, this three day gravel road tour travels on quiet gravel roads originally used by the lumber industry. The vast network of roads traverses the beautiful Madawaska and Bonnechere Valleys, in the broader Ottawa Valley region. Optional stops include microbreweries, a natural cider distillery, farm to fork farms, local cafes, caves, waterfalls and artisan shops. You can choose to ride the individual day rides one their own or link them together for a three day adventure, staying in agro-tourism farms overnight, Air BnBs, motels/hotels, or camping. The Ontario’s Highlands website itinerary (linked above) adds to this itinerary a fourth day of cycling on the Ottawa Valley Recreational Trail.
Madawaska and Ottawa Valley – Two Day Itinerary (Paved) – With 179 km combined over two days, slip into Valley time and get your ride on setting up base with rides out of Barry’s Bay and through some of the most stunningly beautiful scenery that Ontario has to offer. Get to know the area intimately with these paved routes that climb some challenging hills and drop down in and out of quiet hamlets surrounded by forested wilderness.
- K-and-P Rail Trail (Ottawa Valley) – The 23 km section of multi-use trail between Calabogie and Renfrew is mostly flat with a stone-dust surface, following a scenic abandoned railway bed built in the mid-1800s. While the trail runs south to Lake Ontario at Kingston for a total of 175 km, beyond this section, not all sections of the trail are fully developed yet and maintained. However through Frontenac County (Sharbot Lake south to Kingston is fully maintained and a relatively smooth stone dust surface). For information on the K&P Trail in Kingston and Frontenac, visit K-and-P Rail Trail (Kingston/Frontenac Area)
- Ottawa Valley Recreational Trail (Algonquin Trail) – Ride from Arnprior to Petawawa on this multi-use unpaved rail trail, also known as the Algonquin Trail. Through Pembroke a road connection is required. Trail upgrades are underway, consult map for latest.
- Chalk River to Deep River – Also known as The Cyclotron, this trail runs between these two northern Ontario towns on mixed surfaces, including a section of snowmobile trail. Check Renfrew County website for current trail condition and status.
- Petawawa Research Forest – North of Petawawa, this 11 km interpretive loop through the forest has signage that describes some of the research activities currently underway.
- Millenium Trail (Town of Renfrew) – This 4 km rail trail on crushed stone surface runs along an abandoned CN corridor through the heart of historic Renfrew. At the western end it joins the County of Renfrew K & P Trail (above), which links to Calabogie and Greater Madawaska Township. The eastern end joins the Horton Township Rail Trail, which connects to the McNab/Braeside Rail Trail, which connects to the Arnprior CN Rail Trail.
- Opeongo Heritage Trail – Along an abandoned railway bed with a scenic and safe off-road ride option from Wilno, a thriving artisan community, to Barry’s Bay. Return the same way or loop back on roads to Wilno for a 35 km ride.
- Forest Lea Trails – Embedded in 600 acres of MNR crown land west of Pembroke, these trails are used by cross-country skiers during winter. They are rocky and rooty, purpose built singletrack in a stacked loop system and are constantly being improved. Managed by OVMBA.
- Beachburg Off Road Cycling Association (BORCA) – BORCA creates purpose-built singletrack for mountain bikers and do not allow horses or motorized vehicles on trails. BORCA has maps available to members ($25/year). Maps are detailed of each area.
- Beachburg Tract – This forest tract near the Ottawa River is a short 12 km and managed locally by BORCA to ensure conditions are maintained and appropriate for all to use. Watch for hunting season.
- Beachburg County Forest – Consists of three main loops. 1st loop is the Original Red (2.2 km), 2nd loop is Original Blue (4.4 km) – both built by the MNR in the ’70s and BORCA’s perimeter loop (8 km) of twisty singletrack at the intermediate ability level.
- Brewery Trails – Located behind the Whitewater Brewery lies 7 km of Advanced, rocky and rooty singletrack.
- Little Lakes Trails – Park at the Little Lakes swim hole (corner of Beachburg Rd and Pappin Rd) and enjoy a 5 km loop of intermediate singletrack with the advanced option to ride Thrasher Lane.
- Crown Land Trails – New in 2016 and located closer to Wilderness Tours (7 km from brewery), is some of BORCA’s best singletrack with much more to come. Advanced singletrack riding in an open mixed forest with many hills, roots and rocks.
- Ottawa River Whitewater Corridor – On crown land in the Whitewater Region between Beachburg and Foresters Falls, there are 10 km of single-track carved along the world-class whitewater kayaking and rafting section of the Ottawa River. Challenging terrain through towering forests, over rugged Canadian Shield and across farmland and wood lots, featuring spectacular whitewater viewing.
- Wilderness Tours Adventure Resort – This adventure playground includes 25 km of mountain biking trails, on private property in the same Whitewater corridor, with stunning views of the Ottawa River. Ride gravity and xc style trails all machine and hand built by a dedicated trial team and connect to nearby BORCA trails. A range of accommodations are available, along with bike rentals and repairs, and pavilion with food, drinks and live music on seasonal weekends.
- Eagle’s Nest – The 19 km of trails through the forest behind Calabogie Peaks are picturesque and challenging for mountain bikers, and known for scenic vistas from the Eagle’s Nest escarpment. Snowmobile trails in winter, as mountain biking trails they will test intermediate to advanced riders.
- Madawaska Snowmobile Loop – Located near White Lake, east of Calabogie, there are 24 km of double track trails used by mountain bikers in season.
- Deep River Trails – There are various unmarked and unmapped trails and loops suitable for mountain biking, hiking and ATV during the season and located just minutes outside of the town of Deep River.
- Pakkotinna Recreation Trail – On the north shore of Golden Lake, about 8 km west of town, this 6 km singletrack loop gets narrower as you gain elevation. Pakkotinna means “high hilly ground”. Best to bring a compass, as trail is not well maintained.
- Petawawa Bike Park – Located at the Petawawa Civic Centre, this relatively new bike park was designed by legendary Jay Hoots. It includes pump-tracks and has something to offer for all skill levels.
K&P, Cataraqui, Ottawa Valley Recreational Trails – 380 km Loop – This loop explores the best of rail trail riding in eastern Ontario, on what may become a signature route for Ontario’s eastern highlands. Starting in Sharbot Lake, the route follows the K&P Trail south to the Cataraquai Trail, following that trail all the way to Smiths Falls. Next, riders join the Ottawa Valley Recreational Trail (OVRT) from Smiths Falls to Renfrew and then head south on the K&P again to Calabogie, then following the K&P trail back to Sharbot Lake. Riders should be cautious as long sections of the route lack supportive infrastructure and towns and some sections of rail trails can be quite rough, though rewards are beautiful wild and rural scenery, unique small town eateries and coffee shops, and fascinating history and heritage.
Cycle MORE (Mississippi & Ottawa Rivers Experience) – A new cycling route developed by cyclists that leads adventure seekers on trails alongside the waterways of the Ottawa and Mississippi Rivers. Cyclists can begin anywhere on the 200 km loop that ties the National Capital Region’s famous bike paths to picturesque Lanark and Renfrew counties rail trails and backroads.
- Ottawa Valley Cycling Map (2026). PDF and Print Map. Printed map featuring 17 cycling routes ranging from 18 km to 186 km that incorporates cycling along both the Ontario and Quebec side of the OttawaRiver.
- To order a copy, email info@ottawavalley.travel
- Ottawa Valley Biking Trail Guide. Website. Excellent resource for cycling information across Ottawa Valley, split into three geographical sub-sections. The guide also shows and maps road touring routes of various lengths, off road trails and mountain biking locations.
- Ottawa Valley Tourist Association (OVTA). Website. Excellent source of information for trails of all types, including road tours and mountain biking. Also calendar of events, festivals, farmers markets and information about accommodations, services, attractions and all sorts of things to do in addition to cycling.
- Ottawa Valley Cycling and Active Transportation Alliance (OVCATA) – A large a collection of paved and gravel road routes mapped on Ride With GPS.
- Beachburg Off Road Cycling Association (BORCA) – This non-profit group develops and maintains multi-use trails in the Beachburg region.
- Ottawa Valley Recreational Trail – Site maintained by trail group with useful map showing current status of trail.
- Bonnechere Cycling Group – Meet and ride with the locals – every Wednesday at the McRae Lookout Mill in Eganville in June, July and August at 5:30. All welcome.
Please note there are many additional map guides for the region that cyclists may find interesting or useful. New maps and guides are produced yearly, and the information listed here may change.
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