Best Bikepacking Routes in Ontario

Get off the congested urban paved roads and hop onto rural Ontario backroads for a truly exhilarating and secluded ride. Connect them together and you’ve got a multiday excursion that reveals a whole new perspective from the saddle. Whether bikepacking from Toronto or venturing onto a northern bikepacking loop, Ontario is full of gravel trails, former rail lines and quiet country roads to explore on two wheels.

Bikepacking is essentially riding gravel trails with your gear on your bike and setting up camp along the way, or staying at hotels, if you prefer. New to bikepacking? Discover everything you need to know to get started in our Beginner’s Guide to Bikepacking.

Ready to roll out? See below for what we think are Ontario's best bikepacking routes.

Best Bikepacking Routes in Ontario

Bikepacking in Algonquin 

Bikepacking around Algonquin Park is the second-best way to see the Park (canoeing being the first). Stopping on serene lakeshores for lunch, taking pictures of wildlife and tackling the climbs are new ways of seeing beloved Algonquin Park. There are limited bike trails within the Park boundaries (you can read our Guide to Cycling in Algonquin Park to learn more), but many quiet country roads surround the Park and are ripe for exploration. One option within the Park is to cycle along Highway 60 and camp at the various frontcountry campgrounds along the way—for a portion of this route, you'll be able to get off the highway and bike along the Old Railway Bike Trail.

Bikepacking Stores and Rentals Near Algonquin 

Algonquin Outfitters tunes, repairs, custom builds and offers weekly rides. In Huntsville, Fred and Caroline can tune up or repair your bike at Muskoka Bicycle Pro Shop and offer advice on local trails. Stock up on local farm fresh goods at Farmer’s Daughter. Need a place to stay pre or post trip? Try one of these: Blue Spruce Resort, The Pines Cottage Resort and Lakewoods Resort.

Bikepacking Hastings to Haliburton

Just south of Algonquin Park, this Ontario gravel route follows some varied terrain including sandy stretches, lots of loose stones and temporary construction gravel. Starting in Bancroft, expect steep climbs to ramp up at the end. Fuel up at Bancroft Brew Pub.

The scenery is gorgeous: bogs, wooden trestle bridges and lakes makes it truly one of the best bikepacking trails in Ontario. A few highlights include going into Glebe Park in Haliburton to see outdoor sculptures. Tons of bakeries and quaint general stores, including Agnew's in Wilberforce, sell everything from candy to sewing needles. See the route.

Bikepacking near Sault Ste. Marie

With a bounty of local gravel and trail options around town, Sault Ste. Marie is a prime location for launching for your bikepacking adventure. Ride a stunning, multiday odyssey and get local insight when you join a guided ride with Red Pine Tours—they’ll tailor the ride to the skills and interests of your group.

In one offering, Red Pine has teamed up with Blaq Bear Tours and the Algoma Highlands Conservancy. Riders’ gear is brought in by the staff of Blaq Bear, while the Red Pine Tour guides take guests through the rugged landscape of the Algoma Highlands to overnight at a cabin known to all as "Norm’s."

Red Pine also offers self-supported bikepacking excursions—one- or two-night trips with various types of terrain. Based on riders' abilities, the route distances can total 60 kilometres up to 300 kilometres. If you want to ride all day and sleep out under the stars, Red Pine can help make that happen.

Sault Ste. Marie Bike Outfitters 

Other Sault Ste. Marie bike rental locations include: Vélorution (mountain, electric-assist and fat bikes—year-round); Algoma Bicycle Company (urban hybrid—summer only); and Parks Canada-Sault Ste. Marie Canal National Historic Site (fat bikes—summer only).

Central Ontario Loop Trail (COLT) Bikepacking

The COLT bikepacking loop is a 450-kilometre mix of rail, ATV and snowmobile trails with some good climbing on loose gravel roads. Historical signage en route explains how the railroad was established to support the logging and mining industries. Campbellford has the spectacular Ranney Gorge Suspension Bridge and Doube’s Trestle Bridge is near Omemee. 

The route is also home to some of the province’s best camping, including Presqu'ile Provincial Park. There are two route options: the original 450-kilometre route and a revised 445-kilometre route.

Central Ontario Loop Trail Bikepacking Outfitters 

Tri & Run Sports has a part-time mechanic. Frog Cycles in Lindsay doubles as a coffee and pastry shop; Eric can repair, restore or modify your bike. Cycle Transitions in Cobourg recommends calling ahead for an appointment.

Bikepacking the Burk's Falls Loop

An avid cyclist created this 115-kilometre loop, which makes for a good two-day trip. It passes through Sundridge and the northern edge of Algonquin on ATV tracks, with a great stop at the Screaming Heads Midlothian art before heading towards Kearney. Stock up on butter tarts and sandwiches at The Cornball General Store at the intersection of Nipissing Road and Midlothian. See the route.

Burk's Falls Bikepacking Outfitters 

The Missing Link is a one-stop-shop in Burk's Falls offering pre-packaged and custom cycling tour itineraries in the Almaguin Highlands, Parry Sound and Muskoka regions. There’s also a bike mechanic on premises. The Lake Bernard Bicycle Repair Shop also offers servicing.

Bikepacking Timmins to Matachewan 

On this remote bikepacking route in Northern Ontario, wildlife outnumbers people. Stock up on food, water and supplies in Timmins—Pick of the Crop is a delicious gourmet grocer—for this epic 125-kilometre bikepacking route on gravel logging roads. Forty percent is hard packed, 40 percent is loose over hard, and 20 percent is loose gravel—which may have to be walked depending on your setup.

Cell service is spotty, so share your itinerary and when to expect you back before leaving. Siva’s serves amazing steaks and veggie options. Once alongside the Montreal River, take in the plethora of historical homes, and stay at the Pioneer Park campground for the night, then return to Timmins the next day.

Timmins Bike Outfitters 

O’Reilly Sports has servicing, gravel bikes and parts.

Park to Park Bikepacking Trail 

This 230-kilometre multi-use trail connects Killbear to Algonquin Park. One of the most popular sections is the Seguin Trail, which runs from Hwy 69 through to Hwy 11 largely along the bed of an old railway with iconic views of Central Ontario. The other popular section is the Rose Point Trail, which is an extension of the Seguin Trail and is primarily a non-motorized section used by hikers and cyclists.

Buy a pass online to support local volunteer trail building. The trail passes through Parry Sound, Muskoka, Almaguin Highlands and Algonquin regions along old rail beds and interior roads that take you back to fur trading days. Stay in provincial parks, or, about halfway, hunker down at Bear Lake Resort.

Parry Sound Bike Outfitters 

Parry Sound Bikes offers tune ups and repairs.

Griffith Highland Overnighter 

It’s hard to choose just one bikepacking loop in Eastern Ontario as gravel roads are everywhere! Only 90 minutes from Ottawa, the Griffith Highland Overnighter is a great introduction to bikepacking in Ontario. This 70-kilometre route is ideal for two nights and ensures lots of climbing on hydrocut line roads, camping near streams and views along the Madawaska River. There are a handful of campsites en route. Ensure you register with the Eastern Ontario Trails Alliance before heading out. Starting in Griffith, Calvyns is a bikepacking Ontario favourite.

Ottawa Area Bikepacking Outfitters 

Tall Tree Cycles in Ottawa has an extensive collection of bikepacking bags and bikes.

Bikepacking The Great Trail

For cyclists interested in going the distance, the The Great Trail offers a continent-crossing 24,134 kilometres of adventure. One of the most scenic sections travels along the northern shore of Lake Huron, running through North Bay, Sudbury and Sault Ste. Marie. And there’s no shortage of gravel for those who want to get off the signed paved route and explore quieter roads.

This 570-kilometre section can include side trips to St. Joseph Island and Manitoulin Island. Pedallers will pass by picturesque Mennonite and Amish farms along Northern Ontario roads on the Canadian Shield, as well as 12 heritage rivers and 16 beaches along the clear waters of Lake Huron. Explore the official route here, including recommendations for restaurants and accommodations.

Lake Simcoe Loop Bikepacking

For a two-day introduction, this 160-kilometre easy route is a good first taste of bikepacking in Ontario and only an hour’s drive from Toronto. This loop should be on everyone's Ontario bikepacking routes to-do list. Starting in Barrie, ride counter-clockwise along Lake Simcoe past the Minesing Wetlands, one of Ontario's largest remaining wetlands, into Penetanguishene for a lunch at the World Famous Dock Lunch. Then, continue into Orillia for an apple fritter at Mariposa Bakery and a visit at the Leacock Museum National Historical Site. Midland is a good camping stop.

Barrie Area Outfitters 

Barrie has no shortage of bike shops. Giant Bikes offers repairs and bikepacking bikes and accessories—their LIV Devote model and H2PRO collection of panniers is made for Ontario bikepacking conditions. MEC in Barrie also has bikepacking gear as well as bikes.

Bikepacking the BT700 (Butter Tart 700)

This is one of Ontario’s most popular bikepacking routes—maybe because it’s named after a butter tart. Starting and ending in St. Jacob’s near Guelph (enjoy a beer finish at Block Three Brewing), this 760-kilometre route is an epic journey through Mennonite country, hilly Mono Cliffs, markets full of fresh pastries and the scenic shoreline along southern Georgian Bay.

Download the GPS map, along with the map of amenities, to ride the self-supported route along rail trails, farm roads and some singletrack bike paths at the official BT700 website. Cycle for just a few days or tackle the entire route over an epic week.

The wine and craft beer en route are undoubtedly big reasons for bikepacking the BT700. Be sure to enjoy stops at Mudtown Station in Owen Sound, Collingwood Brewing, Coffin Ridge Vineyard and Winery in Annan, Northwinds Brewery in Collingwood and Hockley Beer in Orangeville.

BT700 Bikepacking Outfitters 

Martin’s in Southampton offers rentals and quick servicing. Smitty’s in Thornbury has weekend rentals, servicing and espresso. In Owen Sound, Forks Bike Shop can help get you serviced. Tune ups and servicing are also available in Caledon.

Bikepacking The Northwestern Ontario Rambler

The Northwestern Ontario Rambler, an 800-kilometre route meticulously designed over four years, winds its way over quiet gravel roads, bumps along forgotten trails, and disused rail beds, offering a trip that will challenge you physically yet leave you feeling fulfilled with every Northern Ontario sunset you gaze upon during your tour. You can ride the whole thing or pedal sections of the figure eight-shaped route.

The route was designed by Glen Quinn, and requires training and careful preparation to complete. Learn everything you need to know by reading Glen's Guide to Bikepacking the Northwestern Ontario Rambler.

Best Weekend Bikepacking Routes in Ontario

Here’s a rundown of six awesome bikepacking routes in Ontario that are great for beginners and perfect for experienced riders looking for a quick weekend trip.

This section was compiled by writer Josie Dinsmore.

The Red Toque Tour

Follow in the footsteps of the voyageurs by riding the Red Toque Tour, an 86-kilometre linear route between the cities of North Bay and Mattawa. The Red Toque Tour is a part of the 645-kilometre Voyageur Cycling Route which connects communities across Northeastern Ontario and the Ottawa Valley, following closely along the original fur traders and Indigenous Peoples’ waterway route.

Starting at Lee Park in North Bay you’ll ride south along a section of the Kate Pace Way paved multi-use trail and Trans Canada Trail until you reach Callander. Enjoy a rest at Centennial Park, and take in the view at the Lake Nipissing Lookout, before turning east and riding the backroads to Bonfield. Take a break at another Centennial Park located on scenic Lake Nosbonsing. Mr. D's Convenience Store in Bonfield is the last store on the route for over 45 kilometres, so make sure to stock up on supplies before you leave town.

The route continues along paved roads through beautiful farmland, across creeks and rivers, and past forests of tall pine. Stop at the Eau Claire Gorge Conservation Area if you have the time and hike a short distance down the trail to view a spectacular waterfall. There is a section of gravel road just before Eau Claire and another section before you arrive in Mattawa, but besides that the rest of the route is paved.

Spend the night downtown at Le Voyageur Inn, or camp along the Mattawa River in Sid Turcotte Park. Le Voyageur serves authentic Thai cuisine; you can enjoy a poutine at the Riverview Snack Bar along the Ottawa River. A visit to Explorer’s Point is a must stop when in Mattawa; the stunningly beautiful confluence of the Ottawa and Mattawa rivers played a key role in Canada’s history.

After a peaceful night’s rest, jump on your bike and ride back to North Bay, enjoying the views along the route from a different perspective heading west.

North Bay Area Outfitters

Bike Fix Stands are located along the route in North Bay, Callander, Astorville, Bonfield, Eau Claire, and Mattawa. North Bay bike shops Wheelhouse, Cheapskates, Cycle Alley, and Cycle Works offer repairs, supplies, and rentals.

Manitoulin Island Loop

Manitoulin Island is becoming a popular part of the province for cyclists for good reason: the island features a gorgeous mix of pastoral, Great Lakes coastal and wilderness scenery, and there are many different bike routes across the island. Combining the Little Current to South Baymouth and Providence Bay and back to Little Current routes creates an excellent 190-kilometre two-day cycling tour that covers a large part of the island.

Starting in Little Current, make your way down the east side of the island. Stop at the Strawberry Lookout to enjoy a view of the La Cloche Mountains in the distance. You’ll find some stores and restaurants in both the towns of Sheguiandah and Manitowaning, but not a lot between, so make sure to fuel up as you pass through.

Take some time to look around South Baymouth. There are a few gift shops, restaurants, a museum, the South Baymouth Range Front Lighthouse, and you might see the MS Chi-Cheemaun ferry picking up or dropping off passengers. From there you ride back up and east to Providence Bay.

Providence Bay is a lovely town on the edge of Lake Huron, famous for a large beach and sand dunes, so make sure to pack your swimsuit! Spend the night camping at the Providence Bay Tent & Trailer Park, or enjoy a stay at On The Bay Bed & Breakfast. Grab an ice cream lakeside at Huron Island Time and enjoy a delicious dinner at Lake Huron Fish & Chips Co.

On day two you’ll start heading north east back across the island. Make sure to stop at the town of Mindemoya for supplies and lunch as there are not a lot of other options after. Day two’s ride will take cyclists closely by two of Manitoulin Island’s largest lakes, Mindemoya Lake and Lake Manitou. There are a few picnic spots and boat launch areas where you can stop and enjoy the views.

Once you are back to Sheguiandah, it’s just a short ride north to Little Current and the end of the route.

Manitoulin Island Outfitters

Breakaway Sport & Cycle in Little Current offers repairs and supplies.

Vive le Nord

Vive le Nord is a 178-kilometre-long loop located alongside the West Arm of Lake Nipissing, that celebrates the region’s Francophone history and culture. It follows mostly paved roads with a few short, hard-packed, gravel sections, along quiet country roads, through forests, and along a section of the Voyageur Cycling Route.

Starting in the community of Noëlville, ride north across an area covered in scenic wetlands, exposed Canadian shield, and two channels of the West Arm. The landscape begins to turn into farmland as you approach the town of St. Charles. Here you’ll find your first chance to refuel, with a couple stores to buy supplies at, as well as the Crazy Cow Café for a hit of caffeine.

Continuing northeast you’ll pass by the Boreal Berry Farm and Winery, one of the largest ice cider producers in Canada. After crossing the Trans Canada Highway you’ll arrive in the community of Warren. The Rustic Cafe & Variety on Rutland Avenue is your last chance to grab a bite to eat for the next 37 kilometres.

If you enjoy solitude, then you’ll love the next section along the route. You’ll find yourself in what may feel like the middle of nowhere, a quiet road surrounded by trees. Once you cross the Sturgeon River, you will follow it closely to the town of Field, which offers a riverside park to rest at, a couple chip stands, and the RiverView Market.

Continue south until you arrive in Sturgeon Falls where you will spend the night. The recently built Comfort Inn provides a comfortable night stay, or if you’d like to camp out, try the Sturgeon Falls KOA Holiday campground. There are dozens of options for dining while in town. Try the famous RIV Chip Stand, enjoy a cozy pub style atmosphere at McMacken's, or pick up some sweet baked goods at Chez Jean-Marc Bakery.

The second day of the route is a lot shorter and starts off with cyclists heading west across farmland once again for the first part. Pick up some snacks at Chez Courchesne General Store or have lunch at Lavigne Tavern before reaching the West Arm. The next section of the route passes between Mashkinonje Provincial Park. This is an excellent spot to stop for a break and enjoy a short 2.9-kilometre hike along the Loudon Peatland Trail, featuring a provincially significant peatland with its fen border and central bog. From here you’ll make your way southwest back to Noëlville.

Sturgeon Falls Area Outfitters

Bike Fix Stands are located at Minnehaha Bay Municipal Marina in Sturgeon Falls, in Noëlville, and Lavigne. Bike accessories and parts can be purchased at the Sturgeon Falls Canadian Tire.

Espanola to Chutes Provincial Park

Cyclists who are new to bikepacking camping trips will really enjoy the short 30-kilometre linear bike route from Espanola to Chutes Provincial Park. This easy Ontario bikepacking route on the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail is perfect for beginners, with basic terrain and flat paved roadway. It's a great place to try riding your bike with the extra weight of camping gear for the first time.

Pack up your tent and sleeping bag and hit the road starting in Espanola. For most of the journey you’ll follow along the quiet Lee Valley Road. There are no services along this route, so make sure to be prepared.

After a lovely countryside ride, you’ll cross the Spanish River and find yourself in Massey, where just a short ride across town will bring you to Chutes Provincial Park. This small park has a lot to offer with beautiful treed campsites, a waterfall at the edge of the campground, a sandy beach to cool off at, and the Twin Bridges Trail along the Aux Sables River.

Chutes is located just at the edge of town so it’s easy to jump on your bike and ride back into Massey for supplies or dinner. Dine at The Dragonfly Ristorante or The Little Brew Café, or grab a pizza at Poirier's Confectionery & Pizza. Poirier's Clover Farm offers a variety of fresh foods and grocery items if you’d rather purchase your own ingredients and cook a meal at your campsite.

Want to spend more time at the park? Book two nights at Chutes and enjoy a rest day exploring the park before riding back to Espanola.

Espanola Area Outfitters

Bike accessories and parts can be purchased at the Espanola Canadian Tire.

New Liskeard to Elk Lake

The most northern route on this list is New Liskeard to Elk Lake. This 65.9-kilometre linear route is #7 on the South Temiskaming Bicycle Routes list, and features long stretches of flat paved roadway that makes its way through farmland and forested areas.

Starting at the Waterfront Pool and Fitness Centre in New Liskeard, you’ll head northwest out of town. Only a few kilometers into the journey you’ll come across the road to Historic Pete’s Dam Park. Pete’s Dam is a four-kilometre hiking or mountain bike trail that winds around a section of the Wabi River to a pretty waterfall. From there continue on west. You’ll pass the Triangle Hill Hiking Trail, which climbs to the top of a cliff overlooking the surrounding farmland. Both Pete’s Dam and Triangle Hill are great little spots to stop along your ride if you have the time on your way to or from Elk Lake.

The Kenabeek General Store is the only store located along this route and it makes a perfect halfway point to stop and stock up on snacks and beverages. They also serve real milkshakes and hand-dipped ice cream.

As you get closer to Elk Lake, you’ll start to see views of the mighty Montreal River, which flows through the middle of the quiet community. Although Elk Lake is small, there are many options for accommodations. You can camp at Elk Lake Tent & Trailer Park, or Lakeside Leisure Farm. The Moosehorn Motel and Campground has rooms, cottages, and campsites, and the Elk Lake Lodge and Eco Centre offer lodge and chalet amenities.

Dine at the Elk Lake Lodge’s fully licensed restaurant and bar, or fuel up on poutine at Josee’s Fries.

After a peaceful night’s rest in Elk Lake, stop by the Elk Lake Heritage Museum to learn the history of the area, before making your way back to New Liskeard.

New Liskeard Area Outfitters

Bike accessories and parts can be purchased at the New Liskeard Canadian Tire.

More Resources

Need more inspiration? Try these resources and start dreaming about your next adventure: Bikepacking.com and RideGravel.ca.

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