8 Must-Ride Art-Inspired Cycling Routes

Riding bikes is such a wonderful way to explore an area. Travelling at a much slower pace than in a vehicle really lets you get immersed in your surroundings. You can see so much more, and enjoy the sights and sounds and the journey.

It’s the same with art. It’s always better to slow down to be able to really appreciate what you are viewing. To take it all in, to see it, to feel it, and enjoy the experience.

So why not combine the two? Bikes and art!

Here are my top picks for art-inspired cycling routes across Ontario.

Spirit of the Bay, North Bay

Starting from the North Bay Waterfront, the Spirit of the Bay bike route takes cyclists on a tour around the city. Riders can choose which sections of the route they want to do, from 30 km up to 84 km. This route is fairly easy, with all riding being completed on paved roads and trails.

Art Highlights: Along the way, cyclists will enjoy colourful murals, unique shops, and galleries celebrating local arts, and hand-crafted wares. The WKP Kennedy Gallery, NOVAH Gallery, and Alex Dufresne Gallery in Callander feature the works of different local artists throughout the year. A number of beautifully painted downtown murals and traffic boxes can be found throughout the city centre.

Scenic Spots: This route also passes popular city parks, including Lee Park and Centennial Park in Callander. A section also closely follows alongside the Lake Nipissing shoreline, which offers fantastic views and beautiful sandy beaches.

Logistics: Summer is a great time to visit. Enjoy a cool breeze off Lake Nipissing as you ride through the city. Fall is a beautiful time of year too, when the leaves have changed colour along the shoreline. The Wheelhouse, Cycle Works and CycleAlly Bicycle Repairs offer bike rentals and repair not far off the route. Stop for a meal at the unique The Boat restaurant, grab something quick at gd2go, enjoy the Callander Bay views at 1886 Lake House Bistro, or have a beverage at Gateway City Brewery.

Vive le Nord!, West Nipissing

Celebrating the region’s Francophone history and culture, the Vive le Nord cycling route is a 178-km long loop through the area west of Lake Nipissing. This is a road ride, with some short, hard-packed gravel sections, and can be completed as a day trip or multi-day trip. Cyclists can start at the Minnehaha Bay Marina in Sturgeon Falls or the Municipality of French River Municipal Office in Noëlville.

Art Highlights: The route follows along some of the West Nipissing Barn Quilt Trail. Barn quilts are eight-foot or larger, square-painted replicas of actual fabric quilt blocks installed on area barns. Some of the route also follows along the West Nipissing Mural and Sign Tour and the West Nipissing Downtown Art Walk. Cyclists will pass two galleries on the route. The Backstreet Gallery in Noëlville promotes the cultures and arts of the First Nations, Francophone, Anglophone, and Métis populations of the French River and Nipissing corridor. Located at the Tourist Information Centre in Sturgeon Falls, the Expressions! West Nipissing Art Gallery hosts exhibitions, facilitates workshops and promotes the networking of local talent.

Scenic Spots: Vive le Nord passes through Mashkinonje Provincial Park along Highway 64. The park offers a rest stop at the Loudon Peatland trailhead, and if you have the time, enjoy an easy hike to view the wetland.

Logistics: Behind Bars Bikes and Boards offers bike service, and AllCycles Bicycle Repairs and Services offers repairs and rentals, both located in Sturgeon Falls. Stop for a bite to eat at Lavigne Tavern, Twiggs Coffee Roasters, Crazy Cow Cafe, or one of Sturgeon Falls’ famous chip stands, The Riv or Monique’s. Enjoy a glass of wine at Boreal Berry Farm and Winery.

If you plan to turn this route into a multi-day trip, there are a range of different accommodations available, from campsites to cabins, B&Bs, and hotels, such as the Comfort Inn, Fishers' Paradise camping facility and Lakair Lodge.

Screaming Heads Cycling Loop, Burk’s Falls

The Screaming Heads Cycling Loop is a 48.24 km route that starts in the town of Burk’s Falls, makes its way over to the town of Magnetawan, and then loops back around by the Screaming Heads outdoor art installation, before arriving back in Burk’s Falls. Cyclists can start at the Burk’s Falls Welcome Centre. The route is located mostly along paved roads, except for a short 4.6 km section of gravel road, it has a total climb of 449 m, and is suitable for intermediate to advanced riders.

Art Highlights: The highlight of this route is the Screaming Heads. Make sure to allow plenty of time to explore this intriguing outdoor art installation. Screaming Heads and Midlothian Castle and Gallery were created by artist Peter Camani and located on his 310 acre farm. This is a growing art installation that Peter adds to every year. Members of the public are welcome to stop by and explore his creations. Peter has transformed his house into a castle. In addition to the 20-foot-tall Screaming Heads, other interesting and beautiful works of art can be viewed around every corner, and peacocks wander through the gardens. It’s an unusual and magical place.

Scenic Spots: The town of Magnetawan is located around the halfway point of the Screaming Heads Cycling Loop. While riding through town, take a break at the Magnetawan Centennial Park, check out the Magnetawan Locks, and visit the Magnetawan Historical Museum. The Heritage River Walk in Burk’s Falls is a great trail to stretch your legs after the ride. Starting at the welcome centre, the trail is only 1.4 km and offers scenic views along the Magnetawan River.

Logistics: If you want to stop and wander through the Screaming Heads, it’s best to visit during warmer and dry weather. Along the route, stop to pick up supplies or snacks at the Cornball Store or Algonquin Fine Foods in Magnetawan, a gourmet grocery store that is also home to the Blue Bus Fry Co. In Burk’s Falls, you’ll find the Pulled Smokehouse and Auntie Em's Donuts & Fritters at the welcome centre. Enjoy a meal at The Pub, and cool down with some ice cream at Scoop-A-Licious.

The Heritage Tour, Mattawa

One of the many things that the Town of Mattawa is famous for is its historic statues. Large hand carved wooden statues can be found all around the town by following The Heritage Tour. Cyclists can follow the statue numbers on the map and ride their way around the scenic town. The entire route is less than 10 km, depending on which direction you decide to take, and is entirely on paved streets. The Mattawa Waterfront offers lots of free parking and is a great place to start your ride.

Art Highlights: The wooden statues have been carved to look like different people from Mattawa’s and Canada’s history. You’ll see Samuel de Champlain, Grey Owl, Alexander Mackenzie, and many more. At the Mattawa Museum stands the tallest statue of them all, Big Joe Mufferaw, at 5.8 meters tall. After your ride around town, make sure to also visit the Mattawa Museum, which is packed full of local and Canadian history, and a gift shop featuring local arts and crafts.

Scenic Spots: Explorer’s Point, which sits where the Ottawa and Mattawa Rivers meet, is a must-stop spot to visit during your ride, offering stunning views along the rivers and the railway bridge. The Mattawa Island Conservation Area and Mattawa Lions Park are also very nice parks to enjoy a rest by the river.

Logistics: Cyclists can complete this tour anytime between mid-spring to mid-fall, but during summer, more local businesses and the museum will be operating longer hours. Enjoy a delicious meal at local restaurants, including The Moon Café, Valois’ Motel & Restaurant, or Le Voyageur Inn, and stop for a sweet treat at Wrights Bakery.

Prince Arthur’s Landing Public Art, Thunder Bay

An easy, short ride along a beautiful city waterfront area. The Prince Arthur’s Landing Public Art Walk in Marina Park is home to Thunder Bay’s largest series of public art installations. Technically designed as a walk, many people bike around the area as well. A map can be found on the website or by using the Thunder Bay Tours App. For a physical map, stop by the Baggage Building Art Centre or a local visitor centre. The marina at Prince Arthur’s Landing has multiple parking lots where you can start your ride.

Art Highlights: Art lovers will be captivated by the large art installations along the waterfront. Some of those include Traveller’s Return, larger-than-life aluminum water droplets, and Vessel, a powerful steel sculpture that shows the influence of the waterfront’s history. The Baggage Building Arts Centre is located in a renovated and expanded historic freight shed as part of the waterfront development. There are a number of art galleries and studios located throughout the city if you choose to ride your bike away from the waterfront area. Court Street, where some of the galleries are located, has paved bike lanes.

Scenic Spots: The City of Thunder Bay is located on a bay of the same name, which is a part of Lake Superior. There are several little parks and scenic spots all along the city’s waterfront area, beyond Prince Arthur’s Landing. There are also multiple short trails throughout Marina Park that you can ride.

Logistics: A nice spot for a ride anytime during the warmer weather seasons, cyclists can also stop and visit the Alexander Henry Museum Ship near the waterfront or go for a boat ride with Sail Superior. Bike rentals and service can be found at both Rollin' Thunder Bike & Ski and 3Ride Bicycle Co. While exploring the waterfront, spot for some lunch or dinner at Bight Restaurant & Bar or Anchor & Ore—both offer views of the bay. Ride a few blocks into the downtown area and enjoy a coffee at Café Ora or a slice of pizza at Tomlin Subdivision.

Anicinabe Park Route

The City of Kenora has six different bicycle routes to choose from, all of which are well suited for beginners or families, that start at the Lake of the Woods Discovery Centre. The 15 km long Anicinabe Park Route follows the Kenora Waterfront past the downtown area and loops through the Lakeside neighbourhood. In the downtown area and along the Lake of the Woods shoreline, cyclists will find iconic statues and art galleries.

Art Highlights: The highlight of this route, and any visit to Kenora, is Husky the Muskie. A large replica of a Muskie fish, this is the nationally known symbol for the city of Kenora. The fish is 40 feet tall and weighs 2.5 tons. Another must-stop spot is The Muse - Lake of the Woods Museum & Douglas Family Art Centre, the region’s premier art gallery presenting rotating exhibitions of contemporary and historical Canadian artists and international artists. Throughout the downtown area, cyclists can discover the 18 heritage townscape murals. Another well-known Kenora statue, Loonie Bear, can be found along the harbourfront. Take a selfie and place a donation in the box. All donations go to local children’s charities. The Fragile Glass Studio gift shop features artwork by local artists.

Scenic Spots: Located along Kenora’s Harbourfront is the Rotary Goodwill Geyser. The geyser spouts water approximately 75 meters high every day on the hour, from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Accessible by boat only is Devil's Gap Rock. Painted with a devil’s face as a prank in 1894 by two brothers, the rock has been repainted over the years and has become a popular attraction. You can view the Devil’s Gap Rock during a tour on the MS Kenora cruise.

Logistics: Visit the Lake of the Woods Discovery Centre before or after your ride. The centre features two Science North exhibits, North America’s largest outboard motor collection, a freshwater fish exhibit, and temporary local art displays. Bicycle sales and accessories can be found in Kenora at The Hardwear Company and Taggs Source For Sports. Enjoy a coffee and freshly baked pastry at Iron & Clay or dine at Boathouse Lakeside Grill, Kenora's only lakeside grill. Or grab a drink at Lake of the Woods Brewing Company, then pick up a Canadian favourite dessert at BeaverTails.

John Rowswell Hub Trail

The 22.5 km long, multi-use, non-motorized John Rowswell Hub Trail offers an interactive experience around Sault Ste. Marie. If you’re an art lover, then you will love the section of trail through the downtown waterfront area that boasts a large number of statues, murals, art installations and passes right by the Art Gallery of Algoma. Cyclists can start at any point along the trail loop but might find it best to start in the waterfront area where more parking is available. On The Hub Trail website, you’ll find several detailed maps of the entire route.

Art Highlights: Make sure to allow extra time when riding The Hub Trail as you will be making a lot of stops to view all of the beautiful public and community art around the downtown waterfront area. Cyclists can also follow the map for the Walking Tour of Sault Ste. Marie’s Murals to see large-scale murals by both globally renowned artists as well as talented locals from the community. The Art Gallery of Algoma maintains a visual library of over 5,000 pieces of art, and displays both work by local artists and work that depicts the local area. Awe-inspiring paintings of the Algoma wilderness by members of the Group of Seven and Anishinaabe artist John Laford can be admired at the gallery. There are also several art installations and statues right outside of the museum.

Scenic Spots: The Hub Trail makes its way through some quieter areas of the city, such as Finn Hill, the Northern Corridor, and the Fort Creek Conservation Area, where cyclists will travel through a forest, crossing bridges over little creeks, and might spot some amazing wildlife. The downtown waterfront area section of the trail follows along the shoreline of the St Marys River, with views across the border to the United States. Large canal locks are located on both sides of the river at this location, so you might even have the chance to see a huge cargo ship pass by while you are there.

Logistics: The John Rowswell Hub Trail is a paved trail that allows cyclists of all skill levels to enjoy. The trail can be used year-round but is not maintained between October 15th and May 15th, so use caution during the winter. Roberta Bondar Marina offers bike rentals during the summer months, and the Duke Of Windsor Sport Shop and Algoma Bicycle Company offer service and sales. Stop for a brew at the Northern Superior Brewing Co. and The Tap Room, which has been a part of the Sault Ste. Marie community for over a hundred years, and learn about Canada’s bush plane and forest protection history at the Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre across the parking lot. The Mill Steakhouse and Wine Bar, known for it's delicious corn bread and generous servings sizes, is located right off the trail at the St Marys River. Head into the downtown area to grab a bite at Ignition Eatery, Stackburger or the Peace Restaurant.

Pembroke Heritage Murals

The Pembroke Heritage Murals celebrate the region’s heritage and character through large-scale paintings. Hop on your bike and pedal along the downtown streets to view this colourful outdoor gallery. Cyclists can start the journey at the Pembroke Waterfront Park, where there is plenty of free parking, and make their way around following the mural map. This is an easy route along paved city streets. Depending on which direction you go, it may only be several kilometers of riding.

Art Highlights: The murals tell the story of Pembroke, an illustration of the changing landscapes and lifestyles over the years. In each mural, you’ll see different colourful scenes from the past. Cyclists can download a free audio tour to listen to on their devices as they travel from mural to mural. Postcards of each of the heritage murals are also available to purchase at the Downtown Pembroke Visitor Information Centre at 130 Pembroke St. W. While visiting Pembroke, cyclists can also view paintings created by local groups, classrooms, businesses, and individual artists displayed around the city as part of the Community Art Walk. Visit Bumpy Roads Studio, where they make and teach pottery. Their products are functional objects and home accessories beautifully handcrafted with porcelain clay.

Scenic Spots: The Algonquin Trail/Ottawa Valley Recreational Trail is a 296 km multi-use rail trail between the towns of Mattawa and Smiths Falls that passes directly through Pembroke. Follow the trail from the Pembroke Waterfront Park east or west to enjoy views of the Ottawa River, or scenic farmland outside the city. The Pembroke Waterfront Park is located on the Ottawa River and features a boardwalk, marina, amphitheatre, gardens, a playground, and the Portage Sundial created in 2007 by local Pembroke artist Barbara Blackstein with the assistance of her husband, Fred. This art piece is made out of black wrought iron, in the outline of a six-foot-tall canoeist carrying a 16-foot-long canoe. The Millennium Boardwalk and Kiwanis Way Waterfront Trail connect the waterfront park to Riverside Park located further up the Ottawa River shoreline. Another great place to take a break, featuring a campground, beach, mini golf, splash pad, playground, and sports fields.

Logistics: As all of the Pembroke Heritage Murals are located along city streets, you can visit any time of year, but it may be easier during the warmer months when there is no snow unless you are equipped with a bike suitable for winter riding. Yantha Cycle and also GearHeads in the nearby town of Petawawa both offer bike rentals, repairs, sales and accessories. The Loaf Artisan Bakery & Café is the perfect spot to stop for a latte and a bagel or sweet treat. Their delicious baked goods are made from scratch. The Butcher's Wife is a unique restaurant where comfort meets upscale dining. Or try Zaytouna, a Mediterranean restaurant with a colourful menu.

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