Cataraqui Kingston Cruiser

Photo credit: Destination Ontario

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

Enjoy this brand new tour in south eastern Ontario, experiencing some of the top rail trails in the region, waterfront vistas and stops in pretty small and large communities along the way. Ride the well-groomed Cataraqui and K&P rail trails following creeks, past marshes and lush agricultural land into Kingston. Enjoy an overnight stay in downtown Kingston, close to all the action, cafes, shops and the city’s scenic lakeside trail. On day two enjoy the spectacular views following the shores of Lake Ontario and stopping at historic sights along the Loyalist Parkway. From the village of Bath enjoy riding inland through flat farmlands on quiet country roads, returning to Napanee.

Total Distance/Duration: 116km – Suggested 2 days, 1 overnight

Start Time and Location: Napanee, ON. This is a looped route. If in a group and parking overnight, ensure you receive permission or permit. For our group tour we parked at the County of Lennox & Addington Building parking lot, 97 Thomas St East, Napanee.

Experience Level and Ride Guide: Moderate. The route incorporates parts of the Cataraqui and K&P Trail systems with mixed, unpaved surfaces of gravel and stone dust as well as segments on the paved Great Lakes Waterfront Trail. Other stretches include quiet country roads with limited paved shoulders and some busier connectors and crossroads with more traffic, cycling into Kingston. Riders should be comfortable cycling on roads with shared vehicle traffic. A hybrid, gravel or mountain bike is recommended due to mixed surfaces but the ride can also be done on a road bike with appropriate tires.

View Route on RidewithGPS – Full Route, Day 1, Day 2

Day 1: Napanee to Kingston – 66km

Your ride adventure will start in downtown Napanee, with just a quick 8km ride before turning onto the Cataraqui Trail. What follows is a fantastic 47km trail ride on converted and well maintained old railroad beds through largely flat agricultural lands known as the Napanee Plains. Pedal at your own pace and enjoy the car-free scenery as you experience the natural beauty along the route. After a lunch stop in Harrowsmith, the trail intersects the K & P trail and the ride route turns south through the Frontenac Arch Biosphere into the city of Kingston. An easy cruise following a 7km stretch of pathway, both on and off-road, along the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail will lead you into the vibrant downtown area and overnight accommodation at the Residence Inn by Marriott Kingston Water’s Edge.

Photo Credits: County of Frontenac and Lennox and Addington Tourism

Day 2: Kingston to Napanee – 50km

From Kingston, we ride west, following the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail, for an easy morning 30km ride following the scenic shores of Lake Ontario. As the shared on-road route with generous paved shoulders continues along the Loyalist Parkway, learn more about the early settlers stopping at the numerous heritage landmarks and marveling at the well preserved old limestone farmhouses. With countless waterfront parks enroute to admire the views, set a slow pace before a group stop for a picnic lunch. Approaching the small village of Bath, make sure to load up on some local goodies at Schell’s market or visit the local museum before a turn northwards. Enjoy the last 20km of the route on quiet country roads with options to visit the rurally set local breweries and cideries (MacKinnon Brothers Brewing Company, Hard Way Cider Co.) before the ride ends back in Napanee.

Getting To/From Start:

Napanee is conveniently located off of Highway 401 approximately 2 hours east of Toronto and 2 hours southwest of Ottawa.

Arriving Early / Staying Late:

Consider an overnight option at one of Ontario By Bike’s certified bicycle-friendly accommodations in Southeastern Ontario HERE.

  

Additional Visitor Information:

Use below to find out more about ride area and plan an extra day or two to see more.

• Ontario By Bike Southeastern Ontario – for more detailed information visit www.ontariobybike.ca/southeasternontario
• Southeastern Ontario – www.southeasternontario.ca
• Lennox & Addington Tourism – www.naturallyla.ca/explore/cycling
• Kingston Tourism – www.visitkingston.ca

For more information contact:
Ontario By Bike
Phone: 416-827-2772 / 1-866-701-2774
Email: info (at) ontariobybike.ca

This route was a part of an Ontario By Bike Ride and small group weekend tour in September 2021. Find out more about this years ride destinations and consider joining us. We’ve got all the details covered, just bring your bike and ride.  www.ontariobybike.ca/rides

Disclaimer: This route is a suggested route only. The route incorporates both multi-use trail and on-road riding. All cyclists are responsible for their own safety and must use both trails and streets with caution and do so at their own risk. Always wear the proper safety gear when cycling, ride sensibly and abide by all laws. Each route should be evaluated by each individual cyclist based on their level of experience, comfort level in cycling on trails and roads, weather conditions, time of day, and any road obstacles. Ontario By Bike / Transportation Options and all others involved in the development of this route do not assume any liability whatsoever for cyclists using this information and travelling upon this route.