Sarnia Lambton Loop

Self Guided Ride Itinerary – Sarnia Lambton Loop

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This ride is now over.
The detailed ride itinerary for this ride is available below for download. Enjoy a great route with a self-guided ride experience.

When: Anytime. It’s a self-guided itinerary

Total Distance: 162km

The Ride: Head to Sarnia Lambton to explore Ontario’s Blue Coast on a 161km looped ride adventure. Enjoy plenty of scenic waterfront riding along the St. Clair River and shores of Lake Huron as well as long stretches of quiet hinterland cruising through southern Ontario’s flat farmlands. Slow down to explore the rich local heritage in Dresden at Uncle Tom’s Cabin and the terminus of the Underground Railway, to the historic towns of Petrolia and Oil Springs, riding by the still active rigs and the world’s first commercial oil wells. Discover Sarnia, a waterfront city perched on the narrows where Lake Huron begins its flow south to Lake Erie, with Michigan a close river crossing away.

Experience Level and Ride Guide: Moderate. Riders need to be comfortable riding on roads with vehicle traffic and limited paved shoulders. The majority of the ride is on quiet country roads with little traffic outside of Sarnia. The route includes segments of paved roads, gravel roads, the paved Bluewater Trail and a 7.5km stretch on the Howard Watson Trail, a hard packed stone dust gravel trail. Thanks to the flat topography of the area, there are limited elevation changes making this a suitable ride for hybrid bikes, mountain bikes and road bikes with wider tires.

View Route: RidewithGPS

Biking sarnia lambton — Photo Credits: Tourism Sarnia Lambton

1297449187173 ORIGINAL — Photo Credits: Tourism Sarnia Lambton

Day 1: Dresden to Sarnia – 78km

Starting from the small farming community of Dresden, the ride begins with a pedal westward along quiet country roads through the farmlands of south western Ontario. Enjoy the scenic views over rows of fields and dotted farmhouses along this easy and flat stretch. Shortly after Wallaceburg, the route starts its meander following the shores of the St. Clair River, and a relaxing 45km pedal upriver towards Sarnia. Savour unobstructed views over parkland and across the river passing through a number of small communities. Get immersed in local heritage making stops at small-town museums and reading historical plaques along the way. As the St. Clair River Trail connects to the Bluewater Trail ride into the waterfront city of Sarnia. Reward yourself with a treat and check out some of the local shops, funky microbreweries, or enjoy a meal and sunset along the waterfront before ending the day at one of the many great accommodations Sarnia has to offer

Day 2: Sarnia to Dresden – 84km

On day two, the ride will continue along the scenic and bike-friendly Bluewater Trail and connect to the Howard Watson Trail, leaving behind the city and heading back into the nearby countryside. Marvel at views over the southern most part of Lake Huron, cycling along the magnificent Great Lakes Waterfront Trail, and consider a swim stop at one of the sandy beaches along the way. Routing south after an easy 25km, the bucolic character of the area will fast reveal itself as you pedal through flat and pretty agricultural lands. Pulling into the town of Petrolia perfectly suited for a lunch break will reveal yet another side to Lambton County. Discover the county’s important place in the history of the oil industry with many wells around the area including North America’s oldest oil well dating back to 1858. Learn more about the fascinating history, with a stop at the Oil Museum in Oil Springs before tackling the last stretch south into Dresden and back to the start.