Waterways & Wheels – Cycling Through Ontario’s Heritage

What is one of Ontario’s best assets? Water, of course! Ontario is home to the Great Lakes (a mammoth 20% of the earth’s fresh surface water) and thousands of inland lakes. It’s also known as the province with the most canals and waterways, built originally for shipping and military reasons. So, it’s no surprise Ontario has a rich maritime history just waiting to be explored.

This relationship with water started thousands of years ago. Two Indigenous sources for Ontario’s name relate to water. The Haudenosaunee word ‘kanadario’ translates into ‘sparkling water’, and the Wendat word ‘Ontarí’io,’ translates into ‘great lake’ or ‘beautiful water’, which may have first been used for our province’s namesake lake. Lakes, rivers and canals were the original roads and trade routes of the province and today, much history flows alongside these waterways.

Cyclists seek out bodies of water both as ride destinations and follow shoreline cycling routes that often inspire a sense of wonder, as well as provide much needed relief on hot days. Much can be seen on short or longer sections riding one of our province’s signature cycling routes, the 3,600km long Great Lakes Waterfront Trail. There’s no better way to explore Ontario’s waterways than by bicycle, cycling through our province’s living history and maritime attractions.

Known as the Blue Coast for the turquoise waters of Lake Huron and the St. Clair River, Lambton County offers many human-powered outdoor adventure options, including paddling as well as cycling. Ride from Dresden to Sarnia on a two-day 161km loop, staying in Sarnia, where the Blue Water Bridge connects Ontario to the United States. The Waterfront Trail skirts the shoreline of the river – offering a mix of paved roads, off-road trails and gravel. Check out the signs near the Sarnia Bay Marina that commemorate the heroic actions of a local man when the Sidney E. Smith steamer went down in the St. Clair River, and stand on the sunken ship’s hull that forms the wharf along the trail. A lighthouse operates nearby.

Resources:

Great Lakes Waterfront Trail from Grand Bend to Tobermory
Discover 11 historic lighthouses along Lake Huron’s lengthy shoreline

Goderich to Guelph – G2G – Rail Trail

Port Elgin – Saugeen Rail Trail

Kincardine – Port Clarke – Inland Loop or Lighthouses South Route

Manitoulin Island – Gore Bay Lake Wolsey Circuit

Lighthouses North Route
On the Bruce Peninsula, 80km from Lion’s Head to Cabot Head Lighthouses, with some spectacular stretches of paved and gravel roads an arm’s length from the sparkling blue waters of Georgian Bay

Chi-Cheemaun Ferry
Bicycle friendly ferry service between Tobermory and Manitoulin Island

Sarnia Lambton Loop
161km two day itinerary from Dresden to Sarnia, the Blue Coast known for the turquoise waters of Lake Huron and the St. Clair River, Lambton County

Blue Water Trails – Sarnia Lambton

Battles & Forts

Maritime and military themes intersect along the Great Lakes. Pedal the flat, paved Niagara River Recreational Trail for 55km past wineries, restaurants and water, connecting Lake Ontario to Lake Erie. It’s a must-cycle in the Niagara-on-the-Lake area and it’s teaming with over 100 monuments and plaques that mark the stories of its military past. Spin your wheels on town trails, which link to the Niagara River Recreation Trail, and ride through the Fort George National Historic Site. The Fort welcomes visitors for tours, musket demonstrations and more. Mostly rebuilt post-war on its site at the mouth of the Niagara River, the reconstruction reflects its early beginnings from 1799 to 1813. The Powder Magazine, having survived the War of 1812, makes it one of the oldest standing military structures in the province. From the Fort, continue south along the Recreation Trail to Niagara Falls and beyond.

Another place known for its maritime and military days is Kingston. Rolling to Fort Henry on what is a natural extension of the K&P Rail Trail that terminates north of the city, ride city paths to the waterfront. Bike from the rural towns of Sydenham or Verona south towards Kingston, perhaps stopping downtown and before crossing the Cataraqui River to get to the Fort via the LaSalle Causeway or using the new separated bicycle lane on the Waaban Crossing. Once you enter the wooden gates, Fort Henry takes a step back in time; witness musical performances, drill squad demonstrations, re-enactments and guided tours to experience life in the 1800s.

While in Kingston also cycle to the Great Lakes Museum located along the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail which hugs the city’s shoreline on a mix of paved roads and pathways. Tour the S.S. Keewatin, the largest passenger steamer of its kind remaining in the world, then navigate exhibits on life in the Navy and photographs depicting the shipwrecks of the Great Lakes.

Further east, and where numerous battles during the War of 1812 took place, there are plenty of riding options alongside the St. Lawrence River. Roll along the 1000 Islands Parkway Trail, a 37km paved path from Gananoque to Brockville, stopping at port towns and historical plaques. Continuing on, discover battle sites, historic windmills and Fort Wellington near the town of Prescott. Stunning St. Lawrence River lookouts from battleground sites and seaway locks are dotted along the route towards the eastern terminus of the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail, where Ontario meets Quebec.

Resources:

Niagara River Recreational Trail 
55km off-road paved trail connecting Lake Ontario to Lake Erie past 100 monuments and plaques and Fort George National Historic Site

Cycling in Kingston
Interactive online map showing the city cycling lanes and trails.

K&P Trail
A 75 km gravel rail trail fully connected from downtown Kingston to the village of Sharbot Lake and beyond

1000 Islands Parkway
A 37km off-road paved path from Gananoque to Brockville

Great Lakes Waterfront Trail
East from Brockville, discover battle sites, historic windmills and Fort Wellington near the town of Prescott. Stunning St. Lawrence River lookouts from battleground sites and seaway locks are dotted along the route towards the eastern terminus of the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail, where Ontario meets Quebec

Additional cycling routes in Eastern Ontario – SDG Counties & Cornwall

Two Wheels & Flying Canoes

A scenic cruise on a multi-use path besides Little Lake in Peterborough drops you into the backyard of the Canadian Canoe Museum. Hard to miss, the new massive canoe-shaped museum has over 600 canoes, kayaks and paddle craft on display. On the Trans Canada Trail network, city trails connect to the 33km stone-dusted Lang Hastings Trail, for further exploration of the Trent-Severn Waterway and canals. You’ll pass horses, rivers, woodlots and benches, and ride through a 60 metre long tunnel near the quaint village of Hastings. With just a short detour near Keene, you’ll spot the Lang Pioneer Village. Here, learn about and see the recreated Michi Saagiig Indigenous encampment, dating back to the 1820s, plus other buildings from the early 1900s.

In northern Ontario discover the Canadian Heritage Bushplane Centre, located on the John Rowswell Hub Trail, a 25km multi-use trail that’s a must-cycle when you visit Sault Ste. Marie. This mainly paved path wanders across numerous bridges, passes a pump track and delivers superb sights of Lake Superior and the old waterfront. Through the interactive displays of 24 classic winged flying machines you can learn how wildfires are fought and the tales of the original adventurers of the skies. Nearby and also on the Hub Trail, go see the Sault Ste. Marie Canal National Historic Site – it was once the world’s longest lock in Ontario, and first to operate using electricity.

Resources:

Peterborough & the Kawarthas Cycling Map

Lang Hastings Trail
33km rail trail from Peterborough to Hastings and alongside the Trent River/Trent Severn Waterway

John Rowswell Hub Trail
25km road and trail system connecting all areas of Sault Ste. Marie

Not Just for Boats

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the 202km Rideau Canal offers plenty of biking routes to lock stations along the oldest continuously operating canal in North America, connecting lakes and rivers between Kingston and Ottawa. In the Rideau Lakes area find 14 road and gravel routes ranging from 23 to 120km, and in South Frontenac another 13 road and gravel routes ranging from 23 to 93km, many passing by canal-side waterways and locks. Rail trail enthusiasts will enjoy the Cataraqui Trail as it travels close to Chaffey’s Lock, a charming rest stop with a historic inn and one of 47 locks along the waterway. Many of the lock stations have informative plaques describing this 19th-century engineering feat, building the Rideau Canal.

Cycle along the Grand River in southwest Ontario and discover the rich Indigenous history of the Great Lakes region. The largest First Nations community in Canada is located along this heritage river – the Six Nations or Haudenosaunee, a nation of nations including the Mohawk, Cayuga, Onondaga, Oneida, Seneca, and Tuscarora peoples. Along the 32km stone-dusted Hamilton to Brantford Rail Trail you’ll find the Mohawk Chapel, the oldest surviving church building in Canada built in 1785, and the Woodland Cultural Centre. Both are must-visit places to hear stories, see art and exhibits, and appreciate the cultures of nations who have lived near the Great Lakes for millennia.

At 386km long, the Trent-Severn Waterway connects numerous lakes and rivers with 44 locks between Georgian Bay and Lake Ontario. Where to ride? A unique initiative called ‘Trail Towns’ encourages people to stop and enjoy time alongside the Trent-Severn. Follow the well-shaded 22km section of the Victoria Rail Trail between Lindsay and Fenelon Falls, to visit both Trail Towns, their unique locks and choice of ice cream and patio stops. Another route, the ‘Lakes, Rivers and Cafes,’ a 60km loop out of Peterborough, also includes destinations on the Trent-Severn and promises hills, country roads and plenty of photo-worthy views.

Resources:

Rideau Canal Waterway
Cycling itineraries for the west (121km route) and east (84km)

Rideau Lakes
14 road and gravel routes ranging from 23 to 120km

South Frontenac
13 road and gravel routes ranging from 23 to 93km

Grand River
Cycling in the Brant/Brantford/Six Nations areas

Hamilton to Brantford Rail Trail
32km stone-dusted rail trail, connecting in Brantford north to Paris and Cambridge, south to Port Dover

Victoria Rail Trail
22km section between Lindsay and Fenelon Falls, along the Trent Severn Waterway

Lakes, Rivers and Cafes
A 60km loop out of Peterborough that includes destinations on the Trent-Severn and promises hills, country roads and plenty of photo-worthy views

Trains & Tracks

Smiths Falls is where two rail trails meet; the 104km Cataraqui Trail heading south from town all the way to Napanee, and the Ottawa Valley Recreational Trail, which travels north to Carleton Place and onwards to Petawawa. Drop by the Railway Museum of Eastern Ontario, explore exhibits and a gift shop or spend the night in a 1940s caboose using Smiths Falls as your base. You’ll learn about the dental car and the telegraph system and enjoy a ride in a diesel-electric locomotive.

On the 28km stone-dusted Oro-Medonte Rail Trail between Orillia and Barrie, stop to read and learn from the many historic plaques that share a glimpse into the past. Originally named the Toronto Simcoe and Muskoka Railway, it opened in 1871 to move people, mail and essentials between the two areas. It’s also part of the Simcoe County Loop Trail, a 160km circuit that links several rail trails and a historic military road with three major bodies of water and communities.

Known as Railway City, St. Thomas once had over 100 trains passing through town per day. Today, ride the paved 15km Whistlestop Trail starting downtown as it heads south with 24 different stops that chronicle its former glory. Shoot a selfie with Jumbo, the Elephant or visit the Elgin County Railway Museum before following the road route, with extra wide paved shoulders, to Port Stanley and its beautiful beach on Lake Erie.

Cycle the Georgian Trail, a smooth 34km pathway that parallels Georgian Bay, cuts through forests nestled under the Niagara Escarpment and has lots of beach and water lookout opportunities. Starting in Collingwood, passing by the Blue Mountains, and nearby village, and on to Meaford, don’t miss the Craigleith Heritage Depot and Museum for interesting facts and tales about the area. The Georgian Trail, opened in 1989, was one of the first rail trails in Ontario and is also part of the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail. For more local lore and railway history check out the Collingwood Museum, housed in the old train station, and the ideal staging area for riding the Train Trail south or further explorations in the area.

Resources:

Cataraqui Trail
104km rail trail from between Smiths Falls and Napanee

Ottawa Valley Recreational Trail
62km section from Smiths Falls, north to Carleton Place and onwards to Petawawa

Oro-Medonte Rail Trail
28km along the western flank of Lake Simcoe, from Barrie to Orillia

Simcoe County Loop Trail
A 160km circuit that links several rail trails and a historic military road with three major bodies of water and communities

Whistlestop Trail
From St. Thomas, Railway City, a 15km paved road route with extra wide paved shoulders, to Port Stanley and Lake Erie 

Georgian Trail
A smooth 34km pathway that parallels Georgian Bay on stone dust between Collingwood and Meaford

Clearview Collingwood Train Trail
12km stone dust trail from Collingwood to Stayner following an abandoned rail line

While there is certainly more to write about with so many bike routes and trails connecting cyclists to Ontario’s heritage waterways, we hope you enjoy exploring our lakes, rivers, roads and trails by bicycle this summer. Wherever your ride leads to, be sure to stop and learn more along the way.

Photo credits: 1 – Martin Lortz/Great Lakes Waterfront Trail; 2 – Ontario By Bike Ride 2024; 3 – Erika Jacobs/Great Lakes Waterfront Trail; 4 – Ontario By Bike Ride 2024; 5 – Martin Lortz/Great Lakes Waterfront Trail; 6 – Ontario By Bike