Photo Credit: Goh Iromoto
South Eastern Ontario has a wide range of bicycle routes that take cyclists across the region through vibrant communities, alongside scenic waterways and to quiet rural and naturalized settings. Explore from Quinte West, Belleville and Prince Edward County, continue eastward via Kingston and Gananoque, the 1000 Islands and the Waterfront Trail, Brockville, the St. Lawrence Seaway to Cornwall and the Quebec border.
Additional road riding routes north of the lake and St. Lawrence take cyclists to the Rideau Heritage Route and Frontenac Arch Biosphere and connect with routes to Ottawa.
South Eastern Ontario Itineraries
Find 11 cycling itineraries and routes, for the south east region, available on-line and on printed map. These itineraries provide cyclists of all abilities with detailed information on routing, overnight accommodations, attractions and food services along the way. Routes include 10 routes for each sub-region and one 730km cross-regional route.
- St. Lawrence Seaway – 96km, Cornwall to Morrisburg return, 1 day or 2 day itinerary.
- Prince Edward County – 59km, explore Picton, Bloomfield, Wellington using this 1 day or 2 day itinerary.
- Sandbanks – 40km, cycle in Prince Edward County, Picton to Sandbanks Provincial Park.
- Rideau Canal West – 125km, more challenging looped route through Westport, Delta, Jasper.
- Rideau Canal East – 76km, challenging looped route through Kemptville, Merrickville, Jasper (can be combined with above route).
- Howe Island – 37km, a looped route from Gananoque that includes 2 ferry crossings to ride quiet island roads.
- Kingston & Wolfe Island – 54km, take the ferry from downtown Kingston to explore nearby Wolfe Island.
- 1000 Islands – 100km, ride from Gananoque to Brockville and back, following road route connecting to 1000 Islands Parkway and off-road trail.
- Hastings & Bay of Quinte– 163km, more challenging looped route through Napanee, Belleville, Trenton, alongside Bay of Quinte and north, 1 day or 2 day itinerary.
- Adolphustown and Amherstview– 89km route through Bath, waterfront and north, 1 day or 2 day itinerary.
- South Eastern Ontario Circle Tour – 730km looped route across region, recommended 8 day itinerary.
Road Routes near Lake Ontario and St. Lawrence River
- Prince Edward County – A number of road routes have been developed by the Bloomfield Bicycle Company and which are also published by the Visit the County / Prince Edward County Tourism. Visit www.visitthecounty.com/do/cycling or www.bloomfieldbicycle.ca for more information.
- St. Lawrence Parks – Designated part of the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail, this portion of the route takes cyclists away from roads and through scenic and historical parklands including Crysler Park, Upper Canada Village, Upper Canada Migratory Bird Sanctuary and Long Sault Parkway. Trails vary from hard-packed gravel to paved as well as quiet, paved park roads. For more information visit www.waterfronttrail.org. Detailed print maps available. Request copy from: www.cornwalltourism.com
- Wolfe Island Road Routes – Choose from four on-road routes traversing the island. Maps, route and ferry information online.
- Cornwall and the United Counties of SDG – The new 2020 Cornwall and SDG Adventure map features 19 different cycling routes within Cornwall and SDG Counties that let riders explore a variety of interesting landmarks, businesses and points of interest along the routes. A print map is available and can be found as a pdf version HERE. For even more road cycling options visit Where Ontario Began with over 30 routes in various lengths ranging from 6km to 82km
- Kingston and Area. 12 different routes can be found featuring various lengths in and around the Kingston Area and incorporate both paved and unpaved roads.
- Ontario By Bike Routes – Four routes developed by the Ontario By Bike Network. Starting from Wellington in Prince Edward County, routes vary in length (58, 27, 10 and 3km) with information on suggested stops along the Wine Route, Taste Trail & Arts Trail.
Road Routes North From Lake Ontario and St. Lawrence River
- Township of Rideau Lakes – Fourteen mapped cycling routes, varying in length. Routes 1 to 9 start from the Old Stone Mill in Delta; routes 10 to 14 start at either Crosby or Newboro. Information such as cycling surface, attractions, GPS coordinates and other useful touring details are included online.
- Cycle the Arch – Explore the Frontenac Arch Biosphere by bicycle, covering the area from Brockville and Gananoque, extending north of Kingston including Harrowsmith, Verona and Westport. Over 50 road cycling routes have been mapped to cater to different cycling abilities and interests.
- County Trails – Twelve suggested routes with individual, detailed maps and route information. Each rated for level of difficulty. The following 7 routes are centred in south eastern Ontario. Lennox & Addington and Frontenac Counties. The other routes are in Lennox & Addington north, Ontario’s Highlands area.
- Newburgh Route – This 30 km looped from Napanee through the communities of Newburgh and Camden East. A moderate ride with mix of flatlands and rolling hills.
- Napanee River Route – A shorter looped route at 24km offering picturesque views of the Napanee River and the Bay of Quinte.
- Camden Route – At 63 km this looped route circumnavigates the Camden Lake Wildlife Management Area and takes cyclists past rich farmland, charming rural villages with some rolling hills.
- Shoreline Route – This 71 km looped route follows the portions of shoreline of Lake Ontario with sections north to Napanee.
- Hay Bay Route – This 44 km looped route skirts much of Hay Bay and the Bay of Quinte, past farms, cottages and campgrounds.
- Odessa Route – At 28 km, this shorter route is considered a moderate ride, and takes cyclists through a part of the region rich in United Empire Loyalists’ heritage.
- Amherstview Route – This 24 km looped route allows cyclists to enjoy the stunning waterfront vistas of Lake Ontario with plenty to do along the way.
- New 2023: Backroads Cycling Routes – Ten loops that include a selection of country roads and rail trails. Find suggested itineraries for each route that range from 20km to 51km in length, 388km in all, on a combination of picturesque gravel and paved roadways as well as trails in Lennox & Addington.
Trails near Lake Ontario & St. Lawrence River
- Millennium Trail – This 49 km trail follows a disused rail bed, starting close to Trenton, passing through many communities in Prince Edward County and ending in Picton. Upgrades have been made to sections in and near Wellington, while the rest of the trail is rough, unpaved, multi-use trail, with usage also extended to motorized vehicles. The trail features a 2.5km long stretch through the Wetlands of Hubbs Creek Marsh and Slab Creek Swamp with a largely diverse ecosystem being home of many different species such as snakes, birds, and beavers.
- 1,000 Islands Parkway – Ride the 37 km off-road paved bicycle pathway that skirts the shoreline’s coves and bays on the waterfront. 1000 Islands Parkway and ride that does include some on-road segments connecting from Gananoque and Brockville is 50 km each way, and is also a part of the longer Great Lakes Waterfront Trail.
Trails North from Lake Ontario & St. Lawrence River
- Explore the Arch By Bike – Explore the Frontenac Arch Biosphere by bike. This 2700 sq. km biologically significant area has ample outdoor opportunities and many cycling routes mapped to explore the richness of biodiversity in wetlands, forests and fields; to marvel at the heritage in the region; and to savour local flavours along the way.
- Cataraqui Trail – 104 km four-season rail trail that traverses the region, from Strathcona to Smiths Falls. Note the trail is composed of various trail materials and thus may not be suitable for all bike types. Approximately 80 km of the trail is designated a part of the Trans Canada Trail system.
- Kaladar Trail – Part of the Trans Canada Trail, this 17 km multi-use, unpaved trail links westerly Tweed (via Hastings County Trail) to Sharbot Lake in the east (via Central Frontenac Trailway). For more info, use the Trans Canada Trail website’s “Explore The Trail” feature to find access points or visit the Eastern Ontario Trails Alliance website.
- K&P Trail – Part of the Trans Canada Trail, this 75 km gravel rail trail is now fully connected and travels north from downtown Kingston to the village of Sharbot Lake. The trail has numerous views of wild Canadian Shield landscapes and makes for the perfect weekend adventure by bike. An onward connection to Perth is mostly complete.
- North Grenville Rail Trail – The North Grenville Rail Trail is a 7km out-and-back trail that is flat and suitable for all skill levels. This trail provides access to a number of Kemptville neighbourhoods, and passes through Kemptville Campus. Parking is available at the south end of the trail off Bedell Road, however there are trail entrances throughout the length of the trail.
- The Pines – Enjoy the Lennox & Addington County Forest on 10km of single-track trails combined with logging roads, that incorporate the natural terrain of the forest.
- Limerick Forest Mountain Biking Trails – Multi-use trails with many single track options located north of Prescott, south of Kemptville. This large community-owned forest is managed by United Counties of Leeds & Grenville.
- Macaulay Mountain Conservation Area (Picton) – 7km of technically challenging trails with “passive biking” permitted. Passive Biking is recognized by Quinte Conservation as the activity in which individuals on bicycles traverse designated trails outlined by the Authority at a leisurely pace that would not pose a danger to trail users or wildlife, and would have minimal environmental impact. Bloomfield Bicycle Company also publishes a cycling map of the area’s trails HERE.
- Quinte MTB – QuinteMTB is an IMBA affiliated club based in the Quinte region of Ontario, Canada. They are riders and advocates of the sport, and actively involved in the development of Mountain Biking in the region, including trail development, maintenance and public awareness. Trail Networks Include:
- Vanderwater Conservation Area – Over 8km of trails mostly doubletrack with a few singletrack sections. Fairly smooth with some technical spots.
- Battawa Ski Trails – Approximately 15km of downhill, rough, rooty and rocky single track. Challenging climbs and fun descents.
- MacIntosh Mills Trails – Approximately 7km of cross-country trails located north west of Brockville.
- Charlottenburg Forest – Approximately 5km of downhill singletrack located north east of Cornwall.
- Summertown Trails – 20km of a variety of mountain biking trails for all abilities, 10km of groomed trails for winter fat biking, located north east of Cornwall.
- Trans Canada Trail (TCT) –
The TCT is a four-season, multi-use trail system with various surface types and users. A number of the region’s trails are incorporated within this larger, national trail system including: Cataraqui Trail, Kaladar Trail, Frontenac K&P Trail. Use the interactive map found on the “Explore the Trail” tab on the Trans Canada Trail website. - The Great Lakes Waterfront Trail –
Stretching over 3600km, the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail is a route connecting over 151communities 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 adventure. The Great Lakes Waterfront Trail traverses the entire South Eastern Ontario region, starting east of Brighton to the Quebec border. - Rideau Heritage Route – Follow any portion of the 202 km long Rideau Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, by bicycle. This is primarily an unsigned, on-road route and includes multiple options for cyclists to plan their own itinerary along quiet country roads. This route boasts many community, water and heritage attractions along the way.
- Great Lakes Seaway Trail – Leave from Wolfe Island, ON, for Cape Vincent, New York, to access this signed route that follows various roadways along Lake Ontario and the seaway on the US side.
- Ottawa Cycling Club – Rideau Lakes Cycling Tour – Now in its 49th year, this is an annual organized group tour hosted by the Ottawa Cycling Club with various routes to choose from. The routes take you through picturesque towns and villages along the Rideau Lakes waterway to the shores of Lake Ontario, cycling between Ottawa and Kingston, passing through many scenic areas in South Eastern Ontario. With the routes hosted online on Ride with GPS, cyclists can also follow the routes on their own time.
- South Eastern Ontario Cycling Map – Find 11 mapped routes including the 730km cross regional route in South Eastern Ontario. Available in print (English and French). Link to digital version of full map – Side 1 & Side 2 – limited print versions available in 2022. Find details and PDFs for print for each itinerary above, under Regional Road Routes.
- SDG – Cornwall Adventure Cycling Map (2020) – This new map features 19 different cycling routes within Cornwall and SDG Counties. The routes vary in length between 9km and 72km and take riders through a variety of interesting landmarks, businesses and points of interest along the way. A print map and badge honour system will be available soon.
- Cornwall Cycling Network Maps – The bike friendly community of Cornwall offers a network of over 75km of bike paths and trails throughout the city. There are two map versions available, an interactive online map and a PDF version for print.
- Visit the County / Prince Edward County Tourism – Cycling – Online landing page for all things cycling in Prince Edward County, including bicycle rental locations, tours, bike repair and service, plus route suggestions.
- Bloomfield Bicycle Company’s Guide to Cycling in Prince Edward County – Published by Bloomfield Bicycle Company, this cycling map and info brochure includes 11 cycling routes and ride ideas vetted by local cyclists, as well as information on local businesses of interest to cyclists. Map currently only available as online PDF.
- County Trails (Lennox & Addington) – L&A County Trails include 12 well-marked and easily accessible looping routes along 600km of paved roadway. Found in the heart of Eastern Ontario, stretching north from the shore of Lake Ontario.
- Download a PDF version of map Naturally L&A County Trails Cycling Map
- Backroads Cycling Routes (Lennox & Addington) – 10 new looped routes, mapped digitally and downloadable itineraries featuring picturesque gravel and paved roadways as well as trails.
- Download a PDF version of map Naturally L& A Backroads Cycling Map
- Cycling in Kingston – Interactive online map showing the city cycling lanes and trails.
- Wolfe Island – Experience the beauty and tranquility of island life – by bike. Choose to cycle any of the marked routes traversing the island. Maps, route and ferry information available online.
- Cycle North Grenville. Located a short, 30-minute drive from Ottawa and just half an hour north of HWY 401, the town of Kemptville offers fantastic rural cycling as well as trail and town tours.
- Cycling The 1000 Islands. Map 2011. Featuring multiple routes suitable for family/leisure and touring. Information on Brockville, Kingston, Gananoque and other destinations included.
- Belleville Trails Map – Online pdf map features major trail system in the city of Belleville
- Bay of Quinte Adventure Club – website and route library featuring adventure and gravel cycling routes in Hastings, Prince Edward, Northumberland, and L&A Counties for varying experience levels, from family rides to ambitious day and overnight rides. Website and routes developed by owners of The Brake Room bike shop & cafe in Belleville.
* Please note there are may be additional trails, routes, maps 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.
For more information on accommodation, attractions and activities within South Eastern Ontario visit www.southeasternontario.ca
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