15 Amazing Guided Bike Tours in Ontario

Whether you are gearing up for your very first cycle tour, or you’re a seasoned veteran in the saddle, a guided bike tour is an amazing way to experience the incredible diversity of landscapes and cycling routes in Ontario. The benefits of joining an organized tour are many. For starters, you’ll get insider knowledge on some of the best off-the-beaten-track bike trails, gravel rides and quiet back roads across Ontario.

Cyclists are a welcoming and friendly bunch, so you can enjoy great camaraderie while making lasting memories with your fellow riders. Best of all, many guided bike tours will shuttle your luggage and look after all meals and accommodation en route—all you need to do is sit back and enjoy the ride.

From peaceful country lanes to challenging trail rides, this collection of guided day tours, weekend events, and multi-day adventures is guaranteed to be a highlight of your summer cycling season. Find even more of the province’s finest rides at Ontario By Bike.

Manitoulin Alvar Cycle Tour Adventure

Come see for yourself why Manitoulin Island is one of the best-loved cycling destinations in Ontario. Surrounded by the sparkling blue waters of Lake Huron, this Northern Ontario gem is sprinkled with 108 inland lakes and imbued with a relaxed pace known locally as island time. Add a wealth of fascinating attractions, cozy accommodations and First Nations art and culture—all accessible from the island’s web of pastoral country roads—and it’s hard to imagine a better place for leisurely lake-to-lake riding.

With five all-inclusive rides planned for this season (starting on June 12 and 19, and September 4, 11 and 18), OK Cycle Tours’ Manitoulin Alvar Adventures are suitable for riders of all levels. These four-night, five-day guided tours explore the beautiful, quiet roads of the island, with your choice of a 284-km tour (40-73 km of riding per day) or 208-km tour (36-52 km per day). Luggage is shuttled for you, all meals are taken care of, and accommodation is provided in peaceful lakeside cottages and B&Bs. Highlights include visits to beaches, outdoor gardens and galleries, a stunning waterfall and alpaca farm tour.

• Not sure about riding these distances? An e-bike (electric motor-assist bicycle) is a great way to boost your range up to 65 km. Manitoulin Island Cycle Advocates now offers island-wide e-bike rentals with en route charging stations. Call 705-377-4471 for reservations.

Manitoulin Passage Ride

The Manitoulin Passage Ride offers a two-day introduction to the best of Manitoulin Island cycling, complete with great food, live music and free passage aboard the MS Chi-Cheemaun ferry. This fun weekend tour includes a range of route options, from 42- to 112 km of road riding per day. Cyclists must arrange their own accommodation, but luggage transport, mechanical support and meals are provided.

• For self-guided exploration, Manitoulin Island Cycling Advocates’ (MICA) comprehensive website maps 14 routes spanning 800 km of pavement and gravel, as well as bike-friendly accommodations, dining and attractions.

Red Pine Tours

Sault Ste. Marie is emerging as a prime cycling destination in Northern Ontario. The grassroots efforts of the city’s ardent and welcoming cycling community is a big reason for the area’s growing popularity—not to mention the wild Canadian Shield landscapes of the stunning Algoma region.

Red Pine Tours organizes rides for every type of cyclist, with custom gravel, mountain bike, bikepacking and road riding trips to cycling hotspots like St. Joseph Island and the Algoma Highlands. Join them for a half-day exploration of the Soo’s top sights, a full day of ripping some of Ontario’s most exhilarating mountain bike trails, or a bikepacking adventure with a unique glamping option at a secluded off-grid cabin.

• Sault Ste. Marie’s comfortably appointed Water Tower Inn offers spacious rooms and suites, four pools, spa and free bike storage for guests.
• Vélorution is Sault Ste. Marie’s go-to bike shop for rentals, cycling gear, trail maps and advice on the area’s best rides. Algoma Bicycle Company is another great local shop for last-minute gear and service.
• After your ride, head to OutSpoken Brewing on Queen Street to swap stories over pints of locally crafted pilsner, ale and lager.

Sault Cycling Club

Sault Ste. Marie’s Soo Cycling Club supports the city’s vibrant cycling community with a variety of events throughout the year. Local trail networks at the Hiawatha Highlands and Crimson Ridge play host to mountain- and fat-biking fun races, social rides and guided interpretive tours from spring through winter.

In June, the club will host the Sault Cycling Club Trails Fest weekend. This annual event includes gungle and double-track at Hiawatha Highlands, and wilderness mountain biking in the Algoma Highlands. ided tours of the city’s paved 23-km Hub Trail, as well as 50 km of well-maintained si

• Ever wanted to try bikepacking? If pedaling off into the wilderness with just your bike and camping essential sounds appealing, join the Soo Cycling Club for a guided overnight adventure ride in July or August.
• Local bike shop Vélorution organizes wildly popular weekly women’s mountain bike rides at the Hiawatha Highlands, just a short drive north of downtown.
• For the truly trail-obsessed, Sault Ste. Marie’s Crank the Shield is among eastern Canada’s most popular and demanding mountain bike stage races. This 3-day backcountry challenge is on hiatus for 2023, with plans to return better than ever in 2024. Start training now—plenty of elevation gain and loads of technical singletrack create a ride you won’t soon forget.

Walden Mountain Bike Club Group Rides

For trail riding enthusiasts, the mountain biking scene in Sudbury is not to be missed. The Nickel City is home to outstanding trail networks in the urban oases of Kivi Park and Lake Laurentian Conservation Area, where rocky outcrops of Precambrian Shield keep riders of all skill levels on their toes. Drive a short distance west and you’ll find 15 km of fantastic singletrack and an enthusiastic community of dirt-shredders at the Walden Trails.

Join the Walden Mountain Bike Club for a variety of guided weekly rides, including beginner, advanced and women’s evenings. In June, the club welcomes Collingwood’s Minii Adventures to lead a two-day Mountain Bike Skills Jam for riders of all abilities.

• Bike rentals are available from Sudbury’s Sessions Ride Company and Adventure365.
• Hungry for more than just miles? Sudbury’s food scene is first-rate, with options ranging from the delicious vegan and vegetarian fare at Tucos Taco Lounge, to the Italian favourites at Respect is Burning Kitchen & Bar.
• For a sweet buttery treat, head to Leinala’s Bakery for traditional Finnish pastries and cakes. Be sure to leave room for the Italian specialties at Regency Bakery & Deli (try the tiramisu cannoli)!

Cycle Canada

Cycle Canada has been organizing group rides across the country and throughout Ontario since 1988. Choose from a 2- or 3-day, one week or two week Ontario tour, or go all-in with the bucket list-worthy Tour du Canada. This epic 73-day ride travels 7,550 km from Vancouver to St. John’s, Newfoundland, taking in spectacular Northern Ontario landscapes at its mid-point.

For something shorter, check out Cycle Canada’s Great Spirit Ride, which features six days of cycling around the peaceful back roads of Manitoulin Island. Average daily distances are 70 km and accommodation in quaint island inns is included.

• Additional Cycle Canada itineraries in Ontario include tours in Prince Edward County, the Thousand Islands, Georgian Bay, Niagara Vineyards and more.

Humdinger Bicycle Tours

Specializing in two-wheeled travel through the regions of Georgian Bay, Muskoka and Haliburton, Humdinger Bicycle Tours make it easy to enjoy the best of cottage country back roads and lakeside accommodation. Dedicated tour guides look after route finding, dining options and luggage transport—as well as plan diverting trip enhancements like kayak excursions, boat cruises and craft brewery tastings.

For a fully guided, stress-free bike holiday, join Humdinger’s all-inclusive 6-day Bruce Peninsula-Georgian Bay tour, a 400-km greatest hits route past spectacular Lake Huron beaches, rugged Georgian Bay coastline and sweeping Niagara Escarpment vistas. They also offer custom tours and bike rentals.

• Humdinger Bicycle Tours also offers a range of 2- to 6-day, self-guided and partially guided tours throughout Ontario’s lake country. Check out their novice-friendly Pedal, Pints & Pubs Orillia (2 days) for a tasty combination of scenic recreational trails and craft beer.
• With dates in June, September and October, Humdinger’s women’s only gravel and bikepacking clinics are perfect for first-timers or those looking for a fun, small-group backwoods adventure. All clinics are lead by experienced women guides; locations include Haliburton Forest and Simcoe County.

Yours Outdoors

Based in the Haliburton region, Yours Outdoors hosts an enormous range of unique programs catered to people who like to mix outdoor activities, arts and culture in new and interesting ways. Their Pedal Your Arts lineup includes one-day guided cycling tours of various art studios in the region. Try your hand at glassblowing, meet with the artists, or simply shop for a special keepsake. Modest distances suit novice to experienced cyclists and e-bikes are available to rent.

• Yours Outdoors also offers an excellent one-day introduction to gravel riding, as well as similar packages for those interested in trying electric-assist bicycles. 
• Gravel riding enthusiasts looking for a fun and punishing (in a good way) challenge should check out September’s Hurtin’ in Haliburton 8-hour gravel relay race. This beginner- and family-friendly weekend event features a 27-km backcountry loop with flowy gravel roads and beautiful scenery, plus rockin’ after-party.

Algonquin Adventure Tours

Experts on all things Algonquin Park, Algonquin Adventure Tours offer daily 3-hour guided mountain bike tours along the park’s Old Railway Bike Trail from May to October. Learn about the natural and cultural history of Algonquin Park while keeping an eye out for the park’s abundant wildlife, including moose, fox, bald eagles, black bear, beaver and turtles.

Tours are led by a seasoned park guide and include bike rental, cycling instruction, free tour photos and a gourmet picnic meal from Algonquin’s landmark Henrietta’s Pine Bakery.

• Check out Algonquin Adventure Tours’ wide range of other park offerings, including guided bird hikes, wildlife canoe safaris and fishing trips.
• Algonquin Outfitters sells a wide range of outdoor equipment with convenient locations in Huntsville and Lake Opeongo. Bike rentals are available from their Lake of Two Rivers store on Algonquin Park’s Highway 60.
• The Bike Shop is Huntsville’s biggest little bike shop with everything you could need to get outfitted for your next adventure.

Pedal Pushers

Pedal Pushers is a female-owned coaching service for avid and aspiring cyclists of all disciplines, based in Collingwood. The company’s Diva Day Clinic is a fully supported, one-day road cycling clinic that includes a 50- to 60-km guided scenic ride; mini mechanic seminar; gear selection; climbing, descending and group riding drills; lunch and goodie bag; and optional spa pass. Custom tours and clinics in Collingwood or Muskoka are also available.

• Southern Georgian Bay offers spectacular road riding, gravel routes and mountain biking for cyclists of every skill level and appetite. Ride the 60-km Creemore Loop—where sweeping views of the Mad River pair beautifully with the mouthwatering restaurants and free tastings at Creemore Springs Brewery in historic downtown Creemore.
• Stop in at the Creemore Bakery for mind-blowing brioche donuts (go ahead, you earned ‘em) and refreshing cold brew coffee.
• Little Ed’s Bike Shop in Collingwood rents cruisers, hybrids and e-bikes from June through September. In Muskoka, rent hybrid and mountain bikes at Liv Outside. This Bracebridge-based outfitter also has an on-site trail network with 6 kilometres of forest riding.

Changing Gears

Changing Gears offers relaxed-pace, beginner-friendly guided tours around Guelph and the quaint Lake Huron town of Goderich. Tours include half-day rides on recreational trails and country roads, full moon and stargazing night rides, and a two-day ride through the picturesque Waterloo region. The company’s signature tour is a 3-day, end-to-end ride of the Goderich to Guelph (G2G) rail trail, spanning 132 km of tranquil rural Ontario countryside. Cyclists stay at B&Bs en route, with plenty of time off the bike for eating and exploring.

• Add a bonus day to your ride, allowing time to enjoy the charming heritage villages of Goderich and Blyth. Beautiful Lake Huron beaches and delicious refreshments at Cowbell Brewing Co. and Square Brew Craft Brewery await.
• Fill your bike basket with farm fresh goodies and locally made crafts at the Goderich Farmer’s Market in historic Courthouse Square (Saturdays from May to October).
• Based in the hamlet of Millbank, Explore Bike Tours offers guided rides on the G2G Rail Trail, including a fascinating 2-day Mennonite Experience with carefully curated glimpses into the region’s traditional communities.

Gravelocity

From social spins to full-on gravel grinds, Gravelocity organizes group rides for all appetites and abilities throughout central and southern Ontario. Keeping to their philosophy of bikes, bites and beds, riders can look forward to tasty mid-ride bakery breaks and cycling on quiet roads and trails, then ending each day at carefully selected boutique inns.

Popular packages include three-day tours of Peterborough County and explorations of the scenic Elora-Fergus area of southwestern Ontario. Gravelocity designs its trips based on fitness and proficiency, from Skills & Sights (55–75 km per day) to Scenic & Social (65–85 km per day) and Gravel Grinder (70–110 km per day). Custom tours and packages are also available.

• Gravelocity’s boutique accommodation partners include the 19^th-century gothic grandeur of the luxurious Elm Hurst Inn & Spa, set on 30 majestic acres in Oxford County; the intimate Scottish pub ambience of Fergus’ quaint Breadalbane Inn; and Goderich’s Benmiller Inn & Spa, a historic former woollen mill set along the Maitland River.
• For a unique stay in the Elora area, Irvineside Farm offers comfortable canvas glamping tents in an idyllic forest and farm setting. The owners are avid cyclists who can point you toward some of the region’s best outdoor adventures.

Valley Cycle Tours

On a mission to share the wonderful pedaling potential of the bucolic Ottawa Valley with the greater cycling community, Valley Cycle Tours offers guided and self-guided tours through the region. Choose from single or multi-day tours exploring winding back roads, racing rivers, old rail beds and hidden gems en route.

The all-inclusive Valley Signature Tour is a perfect introduction to the area with a relaxed, 5-day itinerary based out of the Whitewater Inn in the historic hamlet of Beachburg. Each day, cyclists will enjoy a van-supported, guided ride to diverse area highlights including scenic caves and waterfalls, returning in the afternoon for a delicious dinner and good night’s rest. This tour is novice-friendly with modest daily distances on paved, gravel and dirt roads.

• Valley Cycle Tours offers bicycle and e-bike rentals for guests who don’t have (or don’t want to bring) their own bike. Shuttles and luggage transfers are also available for self-guided riders.
• For quad-quivering climbs and panoramic views to match, eastern Ontario riding doesn’t get much better than the Madawaska and Bonnechere valleys. Join Madawaska Valley Cycling for guided tours of the Highlands’ finest back roads, forgotten trails and gravel grinds. The historic Fifth Chute Inn hosts cycle-and-stay packages.

Great Lakes Waterfront Trail Adventure

Each year, the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail Adventure (GWTA) explores a different section of this richly diverse cycling route spanning Ontario’s Great Lakes. This summer, from August 8 to 14, 2023, the tour travels the coastlines of Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River on a six-day ride from Trenton to Cornwall.

Cover 83–120 km per day on a mix of quiet paved roads, cycling paths and multi-use trails. This tour passes through the bucolic landscapes of Prince Edward County and the Thousand Islands, as well as the historic towns of Kingston, Brockville and Cornwall. Camp in scenic waterfront parks in these communities while taking advantage of daily luggage transportation and enjoying the incredible heritage, lakefront, islands and farmland for which the region is known.

• The Great Lakes Waterfront Trail website has outstanding resources for self-guided rides throughout Ontario’s Great Lakes region. Discover dozens of trip itineraries for riders of every taste and ability, download route maps and much more.
• Prince Edward County’s resident cycling specialists, Bloomfield Bicycle Co. can set you up with a high-quality touring bike for your ride (sales, tune-ups and route advice available).

Minii Adventures Ride Out Series

Dedicated to growing mountain bike communities throughout central and southern Ontario, the coaches at Minii Adventures offer a range of classes and workshops for riders of all abilities. Their Ride Out Series aims to introduce cyclists to the many unique trail systems around southern Ontario, while offering participants an opportunity to meet other like-minded people to ride with. Minii Adventures trail guides lead 2.5-hour rides in the Durham Forest, Don Valley and Batawa Ski Area. All Ride Outs are free to participate, with a small donation collected on behalf of the local trail association or club.

• Join the Durham Mountain Biking Association to discover the wealth of incredible trail riding on offer in Durham and York Region. Members enjoy free, guided group rides and access to exclusive skills clinics throughout the season.
• The mouthwatering menu and welcoming patio at Slabtown Ciderhouse & Eatery are perfect for refueling post-ride. Conveniently located next to Durham Forest and the community of Uxbridge, this family-owned cidery is surrounded by heritage apple orchards and the rolling hills of the Oak Ridges Moraine.

Experience guided cycle touring in Ontario

Planning your own cycle tour and finding the best routes among Ontario’s extensive back roads and scenic byways can be daunting. Guided bike tours are a great way to discover new areas to ride while connecting with a welcoming community of fellow cyclists. Plus, your guides ensure you’ll always take the safest, most scenic and quiet roads—without missing any of the fabulous roadside attractions and hidden gems that make an Ontario cycle tour so special!

For experienced cyclists looking to organize their own trip, Ontario by Bike is the ultimate source for all the bicycle-friendly information you’ll need, including routes and trails, accommodations, attractions and restaurants along the way, cycling events and suggested tours. 

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