17 Easy Weekend Getaways Cyclists From Toronto Will Love

These short easy getaways are perfect for Toronto riders who want to escape the city. They're all within a 2 to 5 hour drive of the GTA. The further you go from Toronto, the less busy it gets and the more space you’ll have.

Want to explore quaint communities, their culture, local attractions and sample local flavours? You can just book and go with a guided cycling tour. Most or all the planning is done for you.    

Looking to connect with nature? Ramble along quiet country roads soaking in the scenic beauty around you. Breathe in fresh clean air. Listen to the birds. We’ve got just the right routes for you, all carefully planned and mapped by the locals who know best. It’s easy to create your own best cycling getaway. Just pick your adventure, book your accommodation and go.

Be amazed at how different you’ll feel after even just a weekend away.  

Just Book and Go Cycling Getaways

These all-inclusive, fully supported guided cycling tours and getaways are perfect if you want to just book and go. The locals who want to share the best-kept secrets of their area have done most or all of the planning and logistics for you. Just pack your personal items and head off for a vacation full of adventure. You can rent a bike or bring your own.   

Best Getaway #1: Orillia

Approximate Travel Time From Toronto: 1.75 hour drive  
Package: Pedal, Pints & Pubs Orillia  
Duration: 2 days/1 night  
When Available: Custom dates for group of 4+; Most Weekends.    
Cycling Distance/Skill Level: 50 km/Novice to Intermediate  
Why You’ll Love It:  This perfect weekend getaway for recreational cyclists starts with a sightseeing tour of Orillia’s waterfront and historic sites and ends with lunch and beer tasting at Couchiching Craft Brewery Co. Free time to explore during the evening. Overnight at Champlain Waterfront Hotel or Best Western Mariposa. On Day 2, cycle to Quayle’s Brewery in Oro-Medonte Township. Note: Rental bicycles can be added to the package.  
How To Make It Happen: Book this tour through Humdinger Bicycle Tours.

Best Getaway #2: Haliburton Highlands 

Approximate Travel Time From Toronto: 2.5 hour drive  
Package: Pedal Your Arts – 3 options  
Duration:  6 hours minimum  
When Available: May to mid-October  
Why You’ll Love It: Discover the world of art on a guided bike tour. The 10-12 km easy Tour du Village Tour takes you to the Rails End Gallery, Haliburton Sculpture Forest and School of Arts with a delicious lunch at the Haliburton Highlands Museum. Visit delightful artists on the 35 km moderate Gears for Guilford Tour. Meet local artists and watch as they demonstrate their craft while pedalling the scenic and hilly back roads on the 60 km Rolling Hills of Harburn Tour.  
How To Make It Happen: Book these tours through Yours Outdoors, who can also assist you to find the best accommodation for your needs. Bicycle and e-bicycle rentals may be added to the package.

Best Getaway #3: Manitoulin Island 

Approximate Travel Time From Toronto: 1.5 hour drive to Tobermory, 1.75 hour ferry ride to South Baymouth  
Package: Alvar Cycle Tour Adventure  
Duration: 5 days, 4 nights  
When Available: Select times in June and September  
Why You’ll Love It: This all-inclusive guided cycling vacation takes you to the most funky and interesting local places on the island. Tour on the world’s largest freshwater island’s serene and scenic country roads with spectacular views of Georgian Bay. Travel at a leisurely “Island Time” pace as you explore natural Alvars, Indigenous art and culture, local foods and drink. Stay in comfort at your cozy lakeside cottage or lodge. All meals and luggage shuttle included. Note: Bicycles are not included.  
How To Make It Happen: You can book this tour through Manitoulin Island Cycling Advocates.

Best Getaway #4: Windsor

Approximate Travel Time From Toronto: 3.75 hour drive  
Package: Wine Trail Ride Cycling Tour &/or Bikes and Beers  
Duration: 5 hours & 4 hours  
When Available: Various Weekends Spring to Fall  
Why You’ll Love It: On the wine trail tour, meander through the scenic farmlands along Lake Erie coastline at a leisurely pace. Enjoy world-class wines and tours at Essex Pelee Island Coast wineries on a progressive wine tasting and meal tour. The Beer Tour takes you through the streets of Windsor, sampling beers at local breweries and pubs.  
How To Make It Happen: Book these tours through Windsor Eats. Bicycle rentals may be added to the package. Find a great place to stay and more things to do.    

Best Getaway #5: Collingwood, Blue Mountain and South Georgian Bay 

Approximate Travel Time From Toronto: 2 hour drive  
Touring Package: Scenic Collingwood, Blue Mountain and more  
Duration: 3 to 4 hours  
When Available: Custom dates for groups of 4+, select dates.  
Cycling Distance/Skill Level: 20 km to 60 km/Novice to Advanced  
Why You’ll Love It: Enjoy the camaraderie that goes along with cycling in a group while sharing a unique cycling experience in the beauty of South Georgian Bay. Discover stunning views, a quaint coffee shop or butter tart shop, local craft beer, cider or wine tasting. Note: Bicycles not included in the package.  
Bike Rentals: Kamikazebikes, Blue Mountain Cross Country Bike Rentals,  
How To Make It Happen: Book the tour through Collingwood Cycling Tours. Book local accommodation and a bike or e-bike rental if required.  

Best Getaway #6: Haliburton 

Approximate Travel Time From Toronto: 2.5 hour drive  
Touring Package: Pedal, Pints & Pubs Haliburton  
Duration: 3 days/2 nights  
When Available: Custom dates for groups of 4+; Select weekends in July/August.    
Cycling Distance/Skill Level: 80 km/Novice to Intermediate  
Why You’ll Love It: Cycle through the spectacular Haliburton Highlands. See the local sights and end your ride with a well-deserved craft beer tasting. Stay in comfort at Bonnie View Inn. Note: Rental bicycles can be added to the package.  
How To Make It Happen: Book this tour through Humdinger Bicycle Tours.

Best Getaway #7: Manitoulin Island 

Approximate Travel Time From Toronto: 1.5 hour drive to Tobermory, 1.75 hour ferry ride to South Baymouth  
Touring Package: Manitoulin Passage Ride  
When Available: One weekend only in early June  
Why You’ll Love It:  This special two-day fully supported ride brings like-minded people together who enjoy great cycling, food, music and fun. The event includes three scenic route options each day, Saturday night dinner with live entertainment and Sunday lunch. Choose the accommodation best suited to your needs. Note: Bicycles are not included.  
How To Make It Happen: You can book this tour through Manitoulin Island Cycling Advocates.

Visit Ontario By Bike for a full list of cycling tours and events across Ontario.

Create Your Own Best Cycling Getaway

These self-guided cycling getaways will require a little planning on your part but allow you to customize your mini vacation. You can create a romantic getaway, a cheap weekend adventure or a fun long weekend cycling vacation to get away from it all.

Choose from challenging cycling routes in hilly terrain to leisurely scenic rambles in the countryside. Pick the accommodation that best suits your needs and budget. Rent a bicycle, e-bike or bring your own.

Best Getaway #1:  Manitoulin Island 

Approximate Travel Time from Toronto: 1.5 hour drive to Tobermory, 1.75 hour ferry ride to South Baymouth  
Touring Route Name: 14 Scenic Routes To Choose From  
Why You’ll Love It: Tour on quiet, scenic country roads with spectacular views of Georgian Bay and stops at local attractions. Learn about Indigenous art and culture, sample delicious local foods, explore quaint communities and incredible landscapes.  
How To Make It Happen: Pick a scenic route and order a map, book your stay at a bicycle-friendly accommodation and check out local restaurants, reserve a spot on the MS Chi-Cheemaun ferry between Tobermory to South Baymouth for you and your bicycle (and automobile).  
Bike Rentals: If you don’t have your own bicycle or e-bicycle, rent one in South Baymouth or Toronto.   
While You’re There: Be sure to check out the Great Spirit Circle Trail authentic Aboriginal experiences, visit Wikwemikong to learn about the culture and traditions of the people of Three Fires Confederacy, visit beautiful Bridal Veil Falls and the many other wonderful attractions and places.

Best Getaway #2:  North Bay & Mattawa 

Approximate Travel Time from Toronto: 4 hour drive  
Touring Route Name: Red Tuque Tour  
Why You’ll Love It: Explore the scenic landscapes and along the historic waterways of significance to the Anishinabek Nation and French Canadian fur traders. Visit the Voyageur Museum at Samuel de Champlain Provincial Park, La Vase Portages hiking trails and other cultural and heritage sites.   
How To Make It Happen: Review the suggested itinerary designed by Discovery Routes and select a local bicycle-friendly accommodation – Ramada by Wyndham Pinewood Resort, Comfort Inn Lakeshore or Cedar Gables Lodge.  
Bike Rentals: If you don’t have your own bicycle or e-bicycle, rent one at Cheapskates.  
Bike Sales and Service: Cycle Works, Wheelhouse Bike Shop, Cheapskates  
While You’re There: Explore the magnificent waterfront on the Kate Pace Way.     
Get refreshed at local brewpubs - New Ontario Brewing, Gateway City. Brewery.

Best Getaway #3: Port Severn, Muskoka 

Approximate Travel Time from Toronto: 1.5 hour drive  
Touring Route Name: Big Chute Cycling Loop  
Why You’ll Love It: The moderately-difficult 64 km Big Chute Cycling Loop weaves through Severn Falls, Port Severn and over to Picnic Island near Honey Harbour Park. It features rolling hills, stunning vistas and a stop at the Big Chute Marine Railway, the only marine railway of its kind in North America.  
Bike Rentals: The Crank & Sprocket (road, mountain and electric bicycles)  
Bike Sales and Service: The Bike Shop, Orillia or The Crank & Sprocket, Orillia  
How To Make It Happen: Book your stay at bicycle-friendly Rawley Resort or at all-inclusive Severn Lodge and reserve your rental bike if required.   
While You’re There:  Catch the Daytripper to Beausoleil Island, part of Georgian Bay Islands National Park where you can rent bicycles and explore the island’s three trails. There’s lots of other cycling routes in Muskoka.  

Best Getaway #4:  Sudbury 

Approximate Travel Time from Toronto: 4.75 hour drive  
Route Name: Kivi Park Mountain Bike Trails  
Why You’ll Love It: This 300+ acre multi sport recreation area is an incredible place to enjoy the great outdoors. It has an extensive network of trails ranging in altitudes and difficulty.  
How To Make It Happen: Check out the trail conditions then select a local bicycle-friendly accommodation – Canada’s Best Value Inn, Travelway Inn or TownePlace Suites By Marriott.  
Bike Rentals: If you don’t have your own bicycle or e-bicycle, rent one in Kivi Park at Adventure365.   
While You’re There: A visit to Science North and Dynamic Earth, home of the Big Nickel, is a must. Enjoy a stroll in Bell Park or a hike to the beautiful waterfalls at A.Y. Jackson Lookout.  

Best Getaway #5:  Mattawa 

Approximate Travel Time from Toronto: 4.5 hour drive  
Route Name: Nature’s Harmony Mountain Bike Trails  
Why You’ll Love It: Feel the weight of the world lift from your shoulders at Nature’s Harmony Ecolodge. Situated on 485 acres, overlooking the Laurentian Mountains, you’ll be immersed in nature. Stay in unique, off-grid accommodations such as the Ma’ayan Chalet or a Mongolian Yurt.    
How To Make It Happen: Book your visit with Nature’s Harmony Ecolodge.  
Bike Rentals: If you don’t have your own bicycle or e-bicycle, rent one at Cheapskates, North Bay.  
While You’re There: Be sure to visit the Mattawa and District Museum and snap a selfie with one or more of the larger-than-life wooden statues in the picturesque town of  Mattawa.  

Best Getaway # 6:  Magnetawan 

Approximate Travel Time from Toronto: 3.25 hour drive  
Touring Route Name: Ahmic Lake Cycling Route  
Why You’ll Love It: Explore quiet country back roads around Ahmic Lake. This 40.1 km route is a mix of paved and gravel roads. Enjoy scenic views of the Magnetawan River and Ahmic Lake. At the end of day, relax in the peace and tranquility of this beautiful area.  
How To Make It Happen: Book bicycle-friendly accommodation at Quiet Bay Log Motel, Ahmic Lake Resort, Tanners Inn & Dining or A Touch of Grace B&B.  
Bike Rentals: If you don’t have your own bicycle or e-bicycle, rent one at Algonquin Outfitters, Huntsville.   
While You’re There: Be sure to enjoy a glorious sunset. Visit the Magnetawan Heritage Centre and the Windows to the North Art Gallery. Explore the other cycling routes.

Best Getaway # 7:  North Bay & Area 

Approximate Travel Time from Toronto: 4 hour drive  
Touring Route Name: Cycle and Savour  
Why You’ll Love It: This farm-to-table and brewery-to-tap tour will quench your thirst, satisfy your palate and help you work it off. Visit Gateway City Brewery and New Ontario Brewing Company, North Bay’s award-winning Farmers’ Market and Board’s Honey Farm. Dine on farm-to-table local cuisine at the bicycle-friendly White Owl Bistro on the shores of Lake Nipissing.  
How To Make It Happen: Review the suggested itinerary designed by Discovery Routes and select a local bicycle-friendly accommodation – Ramada by Wyndham Pinewood Resort or the Comfort Inn Lakeshore.  
Bike Rentals: If you don’t have your own bicycle or e-bicycle, rent one at Cheapskates.  
While You’re There: Explore the magnificent Waterfront on the Kate Pace Way.   

Best Getaway # 8:  Sudbury 

Approximate Travel Time from Toronto: 4.75 hour drive  
Route Name: Walden Mountain Bike Trails  
Why You’ll Love It: Olympians have used these trails over the years for both the Ontario Cup Challenge and Canada Cup Races. Whether you’re a novice or advanced rider, you’ll love the challenge of these well marked single track trails built by mountain bikers, for mountain bikers.   
How To Make It Happen: Check the trail conditions then select a local bicycle-friendly accommodation – Canada’s Best Value Inn, Travelway Inn or TownePlace Suites By Marriott.  
Bike Rentals: If you don’t have your own bicycle, rent one at Sessions Ride Company.  
While You’re There: A visit to Science North and Dynamic Earth, home of the Big Nickel, is a must. Enjoy a stroll in Bell Park or a hike to the beautiful waterfalls at A.Y. Jackson Lookout.  

Best Getaway #9:  Mattawa 

Approximate Travel Time from Toronto: 4.5 hour drive  
Trail/Route Name: Voyageur Multi Use Trail System (VMUTS)  
Why You’ll Love It: The trails are nestled between two small mountain ranges, the Algonquin Highlands and the Laurentian Mountains. They offer all levels of mountain bike riding – gentle to extreme.  
How To Make It Happen: Obtain a trail map through VMUTS and select a local accommodation.  
Bike Rentals: If you don’t have your own bicycle or e-bicycle, rent one at Cheapskates, North Bay.  
While You’re There: Be sure to visit the Mattawa and District Museum and snap a selfie with one or more of the larger-than-life wooden statues in the picturesque town of Mattawa.  

Best Getaway #10:  West Nipissing 

> Approximate Travel Time from Toronto: 4.75 hour drive  
Trail/Route Name: Voyageur Cycling Route: Sturgeon Falls to Monetville  
Why You’ll Love It: Cycle along quiet country backroads through pastoral agricultural lands. Mashkinonje Provincial Park is a nature lover's dream and worth a stop to hike its rugged trails.  
How To Make It Happen: Check out the route and download a map from Discovery Routes, book a local accommodation – Memquisit Lodge, Panorama Cottages & Trailer Park or Joli Voyageur Resort & Campground.  
Bike Rentals: If you don’t have your own bicycle or e-bicycle, rent one at Cheapskates, North Bay.  
While You’re There: Be sure to eat at the Lavigne Tavern, known for the best pizza north of Toronto and best wings in West Nipissing.

It’s Easy To Escape The City

It’s so easy to escape the city on these weekend or extended weekend getaways. Just pick your adventure and go. Learn more.

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