Perth County, St Marys & Stratford

Cycling in Stratford. Destination Stratford.

Photo credit: Destination Stratford

The County of Perth and the two independent municipalities of Stratford and St. Marys within its census division are a quaint agricultural area in southwest Ontario where cyclist can find scenic countryside routes passing through farmlands and along the Avon River as well as idyllic and charming communities filled with local culture and small businesses that warmly welcome visitors.

Rural roads, both paved and unpaved traverse the area, alongside farms and fields, often with little traffic, making it perfectly suited for great cycling adventures. Cyclists heading into the communities of St. Marys and Stratford will find the charm and culture of buzzing destinations that are home to many great businesses offering local products and unique culinary delights. Visiting Stratford between April and September offers the chance to experience the world-famous Stratford Festival renowned for the fantastic Shakespearean plays. For those who are looking to hit the trails, a number of wetlands and conservation areas such as the Thames Nature Trail & Wetlands or Wildwood Conservation Area are located within the county borders, all of which can be explored by bicycle. Cyclists coming from the surrounding areas can cycle into Perth County on the cross regional G2G Trail traversing the northern part of the county.

Find bicycle friendly businesses to eat, visit and sleep

Perth County Cycle Routes & Trails Information

Perth County Signature Routes – Find scenic cycle routes passing by farmlands, natural areas, and charming small towns while exploring Perth County by bike. Rural roads, both paved and unpaved, traverse the area offering minimal traffic and incredible views.

The following routes are published at www.perthcounty.ca/cycle along with points of interest and Ride with GPS route maps. They are also found on the 2023 Perth County, St. Marys & Stratford Cycling Map.

Perth County South West Ride – 75km – 54% paved, 46% gravel
Stratford – Brocksden – Airport Loop – 28km – 100% paved
Stratford – Wellesley Countryside Explorer – 63km – 63% paved, 37% gravel (online only)
West Perth Road Loop – 60km – 100% paved
- Stratford – Mitchell – Dublin Extension Loop – 81km
North Perth & Perth East Road Ride – 64km – 93% paved, 7% gravel
Perth County Adventure & Gravel Circuit (Multi-Day Ride) – 230km – 44% paved, 56% gravel
Stratford – G2G Milverton Link – 29km – 48% paved, 52% gravel
Stratford – St. Marys Link – 22km – 73% paved, 27% gravel

Cycle Stratford – Stratford and Perth County Cycle Routes– Created by local cycling club Cycle Stratford, these routes begin and end in Stratford, and lead on longer journeys through the nearby areas of Perth County. The routes are plotted on paved roads. There are nine routes available varying in distance between 26km and 59km. Note there is some overlap between Perth County and Stratford signature routes.

West Perth Thames Nature Trail – West Perth consists of about 10km of tails that are ideal for walking, hiking, jogging or biking. The trails wind through wetlands and follow along the Thames River with scenic landscapes, lush green space and natural animal habitats.

West Perth Wetlands Nature Trail – The West Perth Wetlands include 65 acres featuring 3 rehabilitated ponds, 10kms of walking trails of which some are also accessible by bike.

North Perth Trail System – This trail system is approximately 22km long and can be used in all four seasons on foot or by cycling, horseback riding, skiing, snowshoeing or snowmobiling. Trails stretch from Gowanstown to Listowel (currently under construction) and from Listowel to Henfryn.

St. Marys Cycle Routes & Trails Information

The following routes connect to St. Marys and are published on the 2023 Perth County, St. Marys & Stratford Cycling Map and are found online at www.perthcounty.ca/cycle

Perth County South West Ride – 75km – 54% paved, 46% gravel
Perth County Adventure & Gravel Circuit (Multi-Day Ride) – 230km – 44% paved, 56% gravel
Stratford – St. Marys Link – 22km – 73% paved, 27% gravel

The Loop Trail – A 13km route starts and ends downtown and takes riders past natural and historic sites throughout the town of St. Marys on mixed surfaces. Also on RidewithGPS.

PCCT 2021 Stratford, St Marys Return – This mid-length 60km route uses paved regional roads. The route also passes through downtown St Marys, up close to the falls and the GTR trestle bridge.

Grand Trunk Trail – 3.2km of paved, accessible trail. This historic walking/cycling trail was once operated as the Grand Trunk Railway.

Stratford Cycle Routes & Trails Information

The following routes are based in or travel through Stratford and are published on the 2023 Perth County, St. Marys & Stratford Cycling Map and online at www.perthcounty.ca/cycle

Perth County South West Ride – 75km – 54% paved, 46% gravel
Stratford – Brocksden – Airport Loop – 28km – 100% paved
Stratford – Wellesley Countryside Explorer – 63km – 63% paved, 37% gravel (online only)
West Perth Road Loop – 60km – 100% paved
- Stratford – Mitchell – Dublin Extension Loop – 81km
Perth County Adventure & Gravel Circuit (Multi-Day Ride, passes close to Stratford) – 230km – 44% paved, 56% gravel
Stratford – G2G Milverton Link – 29km – 48% paved, 52% gravel
Stratford – St. Marys Link – 22km – 73% paved, 27% gravel

Stratford City Cycling Routes – Explore 4 curated cycling routes inside Stratford city limits that range from 7 to 9km and visit the city’s historic theatres, riverside roads and trails, and quiet residential streets. Routes have been curated by local cycling club Cycle Stratford and include Ride with GPS route maps.

T.J Dolan Trail – A network of 17 trails near Stratford, which are suitable for mountain biking. Total distance: 9km

Regional Mountain Biking Trail Systems

Wildwood Conservation Area Trails – Wildwood’s four hiking and biking trails range in length from 1.2km to the 24km lake trail. All trails are multi-purpose and can be used by both hikers and cyclists. Find a bike wash station, bike maintenance and repair station and camping on-site. Entry permit required.

Wildwood Conservation Area Mountain Bike Itinerary – This mountain bike itinerary for includes trail information as well as nearby restaurants, cafes and accommodations.

Cross-Regional Routes and Trails

Goderich to Guelph Rail Trail – Known as the G2G, this 127km multi-use linear trail runs along the former CPR railway line stretching from the waters of Lake Huron in Goderich to downtown Guelph. It is overseen and maintained by volunteers and steward groups who are passionate trail enthusiasts and continuously work on improving the trail.

In Perth County, In Perth County, the trail passes the northern part of the county between the communities of Millbank and Monkton.

Regional Published Maps and Tools

Stratford, St. Marys & Perth County Cycle Map – 2023 print map with cycling routes around the county and in communities of Stratford and St. Marys.

Perth County Digital Cycling Routes – Digital route guidance that shows information about cycling trails within Perth County and points of interest along the routes.

Explore Stratford and Perth County Map – This print map features on-road cycling routes, off-road trails and multiple points of interests across Perth County.

St. Marys Trails Map – This trail guide features over 25km of trails and parklands of which some are suitable for biking. There are a number of points of interest within the town of St. Marys.

* Please note there 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.