Ontario By Bike

02/11/2024

Do you have a great Ontario ride or tour story you would like to share with us? We are collecting stories from the road and trail, for possible inclusion in the 2025 Cycling in Ontario Guide and on our website.

Now’s your chance to share your favourite ride and inspire others to explore more of Ontario by bike! Deadline to submit is Nov 19.

See our website for more info
https://www.ontariobybike.ca/travellerstales/

Photo: 2023 feature, Lillian and Tiia on the G2G Rail Trail

25/10/2024

Did you know Ontario By Bike has an annual Photo Contest? It's time to send us your best Ontario ride photos of 2024!

Whether from the trail, the road, through open countryside, forests, lakes or cityscapes, we hope you snapped some great photos featuring you, your bikes and places you stopped.

The winning photo will be published in the 2025 - 13th annual edition of the Cycling in Ontario / Le vélo en Ontario guide.

You can find previous Photo Contest winners, honourable mentions and more info at https://www.ontariobybike.ca/bike-media/photo-contest/

Submit your photo/s by email to [email protected] before the contest closes on November 19, 2024. Be sure to include your name, where you are from and info on where in Ontario the photo was taken.

Photo: 2023 Photo Contest Winners - ‘The Fun Tour of Murals, St. Thomas’ by Helene Pierard and Nancy Suzuki. Mural artwork ‘Field of Dreams’ in St. Thomas by Meaghan Claire Kehoe.

18/10/2024

Our October and final e-newsletter of the year is out now! Check out the link below and explore some more fall ride ideas to round out a great 2024 cycling season - which is far from over! Make sure to subscribe to receive our first e-newsletter of 2025 in February.

https://conta.cc/3XZG2Z6

This month, read about:
- Blog - Ride 7 New Signature Cycling Routes in Wellington County
- Blog - Hydrocut MTB Trail Ride - Worth the Trip to Waterloo Region
- 2024 Photo Contest, Travellers' Tales - submit your ride photos and stories!
- OBB Ride Recap - Huron Coast Explorer
- Bicycle Friendly Award Winners - Silver Bean and B!KE Peteborough Community Bike Shop
- Ride Destination: The Great Canadian Wilderness: Muskoka, Parry Sound district, Algonquin Park, Almaguin Highlands and Loring-Restoule
- Blyth Tunnel Opening - G2G Trail
- Video: York Region Trails
- Petition: I Love Bike Lanes

County of Wellington Explore Waterloo Region GO Transit Tourism Barrie
Silver Bean Café B!KE: The Peterborough Community Cycling Hub
Bike Cottage Country G2G Rail Trail York Region (The Regional Municipality of York)


Photo: North Loon Lake Road, Gravenhurst, photo from Explorers' Edge

11/10/2024

Ready for some Thanksgiving weekend fall colours rides? Wellington County (Elora, Fergus, Rockwood, Erin, Town of Minto and more!) just launched seven new signature cycling routes for riders of all levels.

The new signature cycling routes make the most of the region’s rail trails (Kissing Bridge/G2G, Elora-Cataract, and more), take riders on scenic rural roads, to beautiful lookouts, and to unique businesses and destinations worth every pedal stroke to get there.

While technically not part of the county, but located at its centre, the City of Guelph is a gateway to the county and easily accessible via GO Transit and VIA Rail.

Read the full blog at:
https://www.ontariobybike.ca/7-signature-cycling-routes-wellington-county/

of Wellington

09/10/2024

Looking for some Thanksgiving weekend activities?
---
Explore Waterloo Region GO Transit Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest

We 💚 sustainable transportation!

GO Transit , is operating a special GO Train service from Union Station to Kitchener on Sat. Oct 12th for K-W Oktoberfest.

The GO Train will depart Union at 12:38, arrive KIT at 2:46 and then depart KIT at 10:05 pm. Upon arrival in KIT there will be a big Bavarian welcome and event goers will be guided to the event location at the Willkommen Platz in downtown Kitchener. They will have access to a special VIP area at the event, and then, at the end of the evening they will be walked back to the train station to catch the GO Train back to Union.

The tickets are $24.99 + tax and incl round trip on GO Train, and entrance to the VIP area at the event.

05/10/2024

Looking for a fall mountain bike ride? Make the trip to the Hydrocut Trails in Waterloo Region! Link to blog below.

"Having long heard about the Hydrocut Trails located in the western end of Kitchener, it wasn’t until recently that I got the chance to load up my mountain bike and head to this acclaimed trail system, renowned in the mountain bike community. The 35km of trails, that are diverse and appealing to a wide variety of riders, are certainly worth the trip, whether coming from near or far – for any time out on this spectacular trail system."

https://www.ontariobybike.ca/hydrocut-mtb-trail-ride-kw/

Explore Waterloo Region

03/10/2024

Bicycle Fall Blowout Sale - this Saturday - October 5 - in Toronto, 10am to 5pm. Don't miss out on the great deals, end of season or to ready yourself for winter riding. Look for the Ontario By Bike - Cycle Tourism Info Centre - and stop by to say hello.
All info at: https://bicycleshowtoronto.com/fall-show/

Toronto Bicycle Show and E-Bike Expo

26/09/2024

It's just over a week away - Saturday, October 5 - the Bicycle Fall Blowout Sale. 1 day only - Toronto, QEB/Exhibition Place - 10am to 5pm. Big sale on bicycles, bike parts and accessories, plus we'll be there so stop by to say hello, show us your deals, and tell us about your great season. Details at:
https://bicycleshowtoronto.com/fall-show/



Toronto Bicycle Show and E-Bike Expo

A once a year, bicycle and accessory sales show. Come take advantage of the amazing bike deals during the seven-hour sales blitz!

18/09/2024

Our September e-newsletter is now out! Check out the link below and make some cycling plans to see Ontario's beautiful fall colours this autumn! Make sure to subscribe to receive all our monthly updates throughout the year, including our final enewsletter of the year next month.
https://conta.cc/4dZJl9x

This month, read about:
- Blog - Three K&P Trail Town Starts & Stellar Rides in Eastern Ontario
- Blog - Cycle Guelph, Ontario!
- We Want to Hear From You! Photo Contest, Travellers' Tales, Cycling in Ontario Reader Survey
- Bicycle Friendly Award Winners - Trail Hub, Caledon Hills Cycling, Cadence & Volta Ltd.
- Ride Destination: Fall Rides in Simcoe County
- New Durham Region Cycling Loops
- Upcoming cycling events - Toronto Bike Show, Fall Blowout Sale

Visit Frontenac GO Transit Gather In Guelph South Eastern Ontario Basecamp Trail Hub Caledon Hills Cycling and Volta
Durham Region Experience Simcoe County Toronto Bicycle Show and E-Bike Expo Tourism London, Ontario


Photo: Fall cycling in Simcoe County, credit: Destination Ontario

12/09/2024

Cycle Guelph, Ontario!
Guelph is a cyclist’s dream with the natural beauty found in Guelph’s green spaces and it’s “big city, small town” vibe. Whether you’re a seasoned rider or a casual cyclist, Guelph has something for you!
Read more at:
https://www.ontariobybike.ca/cycle-guelph-ontario/

Gather In Guelph Flow State Bike Co Grand River Conservation Authority Guelph Off-Road Bicycling Association - GORBA KANOO Coffee Fixed Gear Brewing

09/09/2024

Doube's Bridge, Omemee. Saddened to hear that one of our favourite bridges to ride across on our Ontario By Bike Rides, between Peterborough and Lindsey, has been damaged by fire. Part of the Kawarthas Trans Canada Trail.
Detours to be posted.

Kawarthas Northumberland Explore Kawartha Lakes Peterborough & the Kawarthas Tourism Trans Canada Trail

09/09/2024

Doube's Bridge, Omemee. Saddened to hear that one of our favourite bridges to ride across on our Ontario By Bike Rides, between Peterborough and Lindsey, has been damaged by fire. Detours to be posted. More info at: https://www.thepeterboroughexaminer.com/news/it-s-just-a-real-shame-fire-causes-closure-of-historic-doube-s-trestle-bridge/article_248ccd61-4361-50c4-8c2b-d1215223abff.html

09/09/2024

Doube's Bridge, Omemee: Saddened to hear that one of our favourite bridges has been damaged by fire. We have enjoyed many a ride across this scenic viewpoint on our Ontario By Bike Rides between Peterborough and Lindsey on the Trans Canada Trail. Detours to be posted. More at:
https://www.thepeterboroughexaminer.com/news/it-s-just-a-real-shame-fire-causes-closure-of-historic-doube-s-trestle-bridge/article_248ccd61-4361-50c4-8c2b-d1215223abff.html

05/09/2024

Find three K&P Trail Town Starts & Stellar Rides in Eastern Ontario: Get to know the K&P Trail and immerse yourself deep into the heart of Frontenac County, eastern Ontario, riding through pristine wilderness, farmlands and Canadian Shield.

From three well situated trailside village start spots enjoy a cruisy day ride out and back from Sharbot Lake to Clarendon Station (north) or Verona and Harrowsmith (south). Or cut deeper into the treed forests and lake lands on extended gravel adventures and multi-day bikepacking adventures – the choices are boundless.

Read more at:
https://www.ontariobybike.ca/three-kp-trail-town-starts/

Visit Frontenac Ontario's Highlands South Eastern Ontario Back Forty Artisan Cheese Kick & Push Brewing Company Food Less Travelled Muddy Waters Restaurant



Photo credit: Jeffery Gee

19/08/2024

We loved our weekend Ontario By Bike Ride to Elgin County & St. Thomas for the Railway City & Erie Ports Tour.

Elgin County Tourism Railway City Tourism Ontario's Southwest Gay Lea Dairy Museum

16/08/2024

Our August e-newsletter is now out! Check out the link below and make some cycling plans for this summer and fall! Make sure to subscribe to receive all our monthly updates throughout the year.
https://conta.cc/3WNqXcP
This month, read about:
- Blog - Exploring Caledon, Ontario: A Haven for Road Cycling and Mountain Biking Enthusiasts
- Blog - Trent Severn Trail Tour: A Weekend to Remember
- 2024 Cycling in Ontario / Le vélo en Ontario - last call to order your free copy
- Bicycle Friendly Award Winners - Blue Moose B&B & Blyth Trailway Cabins & Ahoy Rentals
- Ride Destination: York Region
- Upcoming cycling events
- Videos - Get Inspired to Ride: 1000 Islands Parkway
And more...
Visit Caledon Kawarthas Northumberland York Durham Headwaters The Blue Moose B&B Blyth Trailway Cabins Ahoy Rentals South Eastern Ontario Visit Frontenac


Photo: 2021 Photo Contest Winner - Sunflowers in Whitchurch-Stouffville by Dabera Yu

09/08/2024

Choose-your-own adventure in Toronto and the GTA's backyard, with views of the Niagara Escarpment (including her infamous climbs), horse farms, former railways, and historic villages.

Caledon, just NW of Brampton, is a picturesque region that offers an unparalleled blend of scenic beauty and outdoor adventure, making it a prime destination for both road cycling and mountain biking enthusiasts.

If coming from the GTA, consider taking the train to Brampton GO Station on the Kitchener line, and riding the Etobicoke Creek Trail and country roads to connect to this beautiful region.

Read more at:
https://www.ontariobybike.ca/exploring-caledon-ontario-a-haven-for-road-cycling-and-mountain-biking-enthusiasts/

Visit Caledon

02/08/2024

This past June we brought a group of cyclists on a two-day 120km rail trail ride in the Kawarthas Northumberland region, on our Trent Severn Trail Tour, an Ontario By Bike Ride.

Starting in Campbellford and west to Peterborough, Lindsay and north to Fenelon Falls we cycled over suspension and trestle bridges, through historic waterside communities, and enjoyed wildlife viewings, delicious beverages, meals and warm welcomes along the way.

We had the pleasure of documenting the experience in a blog, which you can read at the link below. We've also published the itinerary online for you to follow or be inspired by on your own self-guided adventure!

Read more at
https://www.ontariobybike.ca/trent-severn-trail-tour-a-weekend-to-remember/

Kawarthas Northumberland Northumberland Tourism Explore Kawartha Lakes Peterborough & the Kawarthas Tourism Trent-Severn Trail Towns

26/07/2024

Looking for an itinerary for your next weekend overnighter or day ride in a part of the province you've been eager to explore?

Explore our Ontario By Bike Ride Guides & Itineraries webpage, where you can find nearly 50 overnight and day trip cycling itineraries for every skill level, from recreational rider, to experienced roadie.

Many of these are past Ontario By Bike Rides, and we've published the digital maps and detailed itineraries for you to follow on your own self-guided adventure.

Happy cycling!

16/07/2024

Our July e-newsletter is now out! Check out the link below and make some cycling plans for this summer and fall! Make sure to subscribe to receive all our monthly updates throughout the year.
https://conta.cc/3zT87Ja

This month, read about:
- Blog - Local Flavour on Ontario's West Coast: A G2G Rail Trail Adventure
- Blog -Cycling in Stratford: Life is Better on Two Wheels
- Ontario By Bike Ride Recap: Trent Severn Trail Tour
- 2024 Cycling in Ontario / Le vélo en Ontario - do you have your copy yet?
- NEW* Browse our Ontario By Bike Blog Collection by Ride Type
- Bicycle Friendly Award Winners
- Ride Destination: Ottawa Valley/Renfrew & Lanark County, New regional cycling route CycleMORE
- Videos - Get Inspired to Ride: Mountain Bike in Thunder Bay
And more...

Ontario's West Coast Kawarthas Northumberland Destination Stratford Ottawa Valley Travel Creemore Springs !Bicycles & Ottawa Rivers Experience Lanark County Tourism Association Visit Thunder Bay




Photo: Ottawa Valley Recreation Trail, between Carleton Place and Smiths Falls

12/07/2024

Cycling + Theatre? Yes, please!

Nestled in the heart of Perth County and best known as the home of the Stratford Festival, Stratford is quickly becoming a destination for cycling, boasting routes from easy in-town loops to back-country gravel adventures.

With a growing number of bicycle friendly businesses, the city offers a variety of unique accommodations, restaurants ranging from fine dining to quick eats, and services to support every cyclist’s needs. What a better way to explore Stratford than pairing your theatre experience with a ride around town?

Read more at:
https://www.ontariobybike.ca/cycling-in-stratford-life-is-better-on-two-wheels/

Destination Stratford
Perth County Tourism

Nestled in the heart of Perth County and best known as the home of the Stratford Festival, Stratford is quickly becoming a destination for cycling, boasting routes from easy in-town loops to back-country gravel adventures. With a growing number of bicycle friendly businesses, the city offers a varie...

05/07/2024

We recently had the opportunity to explore the G2G Rail Trail in Huron County (aka Ontario's West Coast) between the beautiful towns of Goderich and Blyth.

We were struck by the quality of and signage on the trail, the area's stunning beaches, rivers and forests, interesting architecture and history, the friendliness of the people, incredible food, artisan shops and locally-made goods and vibrant and active artistic communities.

We loved this peaceful stretch of the G2G Rail Trail and it’s such a fantastic way to see the natural beauty and unique communities in this part of Ontario.

Read the full blog at:
https://www.ontariobybike.ca/local-flavour-on-ontarios.../

Ontario's West Coast

We arrived in Goderich as the sky was opening up after a rainstorm on our drive in. It was glorious to see the pure blue skies unveil themselves as we rolled into the town’s unique downtown, known as ‘The Square’. We had come to explore all that the area and its trails had to offer

28/06/2024

Did you know you can now browse Ontario By Bike's Blog Collection by RIDE TYPE?

Whether you're looking for recreational trails and rail trails, paved road cycling, gravel rides and bikepacking routes, mountain biking or fat biking, bike and e-bike rentals, or urban bike rides, you can now filter our extensive collection of Ontario cycling stories to more easily find routes and itineraries that inspire your next great Ontario cycling adventure!

Give it a spin at https://www.ontariobybike.ca/bike-media/news/

17/06/2024

Our June e-newsletter is now out! Check out the link below and make sure to subscribe to receive all our monthly updates throughout the year.
https://conta.cc/3XkZ9y7

This month, read about:
- Blog - No Bike, No Problem: Rent a Ride in Kawarthas Northumberland
- Blog -Your Rural Ride Checklist: How to Prepare for a Gravel Ride in Hastings County
- Ontario By Bike Ride Recap: 1000 Islands St. Lawrence River Ride
- 2024 Cycling in Ontario / Le vélo en Ontario - do you have your copy yet?
- Bicycle Friendly Award Winners
- Ride Destination: Northern Ontario
- New 2024 Edition: eBikes International
- Visit the new Canadian Canoe Museum
- Videos - Get Inspired to Ride: Sarnia Lambton
And more...

Kawarthas Northumberland Discover Brantford Hastings County EcD South Eastern Ontario Flower Farm, Tillsonburg Ontario Ottawa Bike Cafe Bushtukah Destination Northern Ontario Ebikes-international The Canadian Canoe Museum Ontario's Blue Coast



Photo: Lake Laurentian, Sudbury. Credit: Destination Ontario

14/06/2024

A day spent riding backcountry gravel routes in Hastings County is tough to beat: you’re sure to encounter varied terrain, scenic vistas and small-town charm. But in order to have the best experience on your ride, some assembly is required: when you choose a rural destination for a gravel ride, self-sufficiency is part of the equation that leads to good times.

Hastings County is well set up for gravel cyclists with a Ride with GPS route library Tourism Account, allowing full free navigation of their curated collection of routes.

Read on to assemble your gravel ride checklist!

https://www.ontariobybike.ca/your-rural-ride-checklist-how-to-prepare-for-a-gravel-ride-in-hastings-county/

Hastings County EcD

A day spent riding backcountry gravel routes in Hastings County is tough to beat: you’re sure to encounter varied terrain, scenic vistas and small-town charm. But in order