It doesn’t matter what time of year, regardless of your skill level or the type of riding you want to do—there are great cycling events happening in Ontario. This is the most comprehensive list of all fat bike, road, mountain, cyclocross, and BMX events in the province. Check out Ontario By Bike to find great local shops to enhance your experience with complete bike rentals, as well as a map of bicycle-friendly businesses, including accommodations, restaurants, and pubs.
Gather round for some great riding in Ontario, like this event hosted by the Sault Cycle Club in Sault Ste. Marie. Photo: Welcome to SSM // Randie Leanne
You can find more information on cycling clubs across the province through Bicycle Ontario. Also, don’t forget to check Ontario’s many great riding options on websites (and mobile apps) like AllTrails, MTBProject, and BikeMap.
TBD Stokely Creek Fat Bike — The Sault Cycling Club hosts this all-levels group ride in Goulais River, just north of Sault Ste. Marie. This is your chance to ride the famous nordic ski trails (and frozen lakes) of Stokely Creek Lodge. Rentals are available from Velorution. The date is weather-dependent—either March 8 or 15.
ou only get one chance to fat bike the frozen lakes at Stokely Creek. Photo: @reepger
April Ontario Cycling Events
12 Slush Fest Fat Bike Festival — Haliburton’s Sir Sam’s Ski and Ride celebrates the end of winter with a fun-filled day of fat biking in central Ontario. Demos and rentals are available from Algonquin Outfitters on site.
End the winter riding style with a whole lot of slush (and good times) at Sir Sam’s in Haliburton. Photo: Sir Sam’s Ski/Ride
26 Paris to Ancaster Race — Sign up for Canada’s spring cycling classic in southwestern Ontario, with 20-, 40 and 70-km course options, with gravel, farm lanes and trails, all finishing in Ancaster. The event supports Hamilton’s St. Joseph’s Healthcare.
2-3 The Weekender — Register for this new group road ride from Barrie to Midland and back, with distances ranging from 181 to 349 km. Meals are included; optional services include a shuttle bus from Toronto, luggage transfer and accommodations.
3 CN Cycle for CHEO — Events at Ottawa’s Canadian War Museum in LeBreton Flats support children with cancer at the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario. Bike routes range from 15 to 70 km.
9 BORCA Spring Chicken — This mountain bike event in Cobden celebrates Renfrew County’s outstanding mountain bike trails with 28- and 60-km races.
9 The Mother Ride — Kingston-based, all-levels group rides in Frontenac and Lennox-Addington counties raise funds for Interval House.
9 Gravel Road and Beer Sampling Clinic — This clinic in Creemore, Ontario, is a great opportunity to discover riding techniques for gravel roads, loose climbs and bumpy descents. Be sure to sample a beer at Creemore Springs Brewery when you’re done.
9 Epic 8 Hour — The Mansfield Outdoor Centre west of Barrie hosts this mountain bike relay on a 10-km course. Camping is available, as well as a kids’ event.
10 Hell of the North — Sign up for this 90-km spring cyclocross classic in Ballantrae, near Stouffville, if you’re looking to suffer on a tough course with difficult terrain. A shorter Heck of the North option is suitable for road bikes.
20 Ride of Silence — Cyclists in Niagara gather for a silent, slow-paced ride starting at 7 pm in honour of those who have been injured or killed while riding on public roadways.
22-24 Sault Cycling Club Trails Fest — A long-weekend of riding celebrates the Soo’s emergence is a cycling destination, with a full slate of events including an urban ride on the paved Hub Trail, a wilderness mountain bike experience in Batchawana, and demo day at the Sault Cycling Club trails at the Hiawatha Highlands. Pick up a rental bike at Velorution or Algoma Bicycles.
Shredding the single-track in Sault Ste. Marie. Photo: Welcome to SSM // Randie Leanne
23 Jack Ride — Group rides up to 125 km in Caledon raise funds for youth mental health.
23-24 Tour Du Canada Century Ride — Cycle Canada’s weekend of road riding north of Toronto includes 100- and 160-km options.
23-24 Spin the Lakes — There’s no better way to enjoy the scenery of Muskoka’s country roads than on a bike. Route lengths range from 20 to 170 km.
22-25 Canadian Tandem Rally — If you love riding a tandem bicycle, you’ll find plenty of companionship at this multi day event in Owen Sound.
23-29 7 Days in May — There are plenty of riding options along the Lake Ontario shore of Toronto and the Golden Horseshoe in this weeklong fundraising event.
24 Tour of Kincardine – Experience a wide range of cyclocross riding conditions in this 22-km event on the shore of Lake Huron in southwestern Ontario.
24 Villa Charities GIRO – Woodbridge, Ontario, commemorates the final stage of an Italian road biking classic with an event of its own, including a variety of lengths for all levels of cyclists, including families.
24 NewRoads LakeRide — This York region ride goes from Newmarket to Lake Simcoe and back, with multiple distances up to 100 km.
24 Rotary Lilac Ride — Experience the renowned scenery of southeastern Ontario’s Prince Edward County on this ride from the community of Picton.
30 Sault Ste. Marie Pump Track Festival — Come to the paved pump track in downtown Sault Ste. Marie for a day of family-friendly BMX and urban riding.
Enjoy some of the longest days of the year at Sudbury’s premier mountain bike event. Photo: Walden Mountain Bike Club
31 Elora Food Cycle Ride — Fight hunger in Wellington County with this family-friendly event on country roads and the Elora Cataract Trailway. All proceeds go to the Centre Wellington Food Bank.
31 Kitchener Bike Fest — Kitchener hosts a day of riding, with vendors and bike repair clinics.
NOKIA Bike Days — Sundays in Ottawa from late May to early September are all about cycling, with 50 km of roads in the National Capital Region closed to motor vehicles.
Friday Night Lights — Starting Friday nights in May and continuing all summer long, Windsor hosts biweekly rides to explore the city’s nightlife. Follow @WindsorEats to learn more about dates and meeting places.
Nightlife on two (bright) wheels in Windsor. Urban rides are scheduled Fridays throughout the summer. Photo: @windsoreats
June Ontario Cycling Events
6 Diva Day Road Cycling Clinic — This one-day women’s only clinic near Collingwood includes riding skills, repair workshops and lunch. Expect to ride about 50 km. Rentals are available from Kamikaze Bikes.
6-7 Manitoulin Passage Ride — There’s no better way to discover some of Ontario’s finest road biking on Manitoulin Island with this two-day supported ride. Registration includes ferry crossing, meals and entertainment.
7 West Nipission Cycle for Charity — Ride the new Voyageur cycling route from Sturgeon Falls, choosing from three routes and supporting children in need in northeastern Ontario.
7 Ride for Health — 25-, 60- and 100-km road rides highlight this fundraiser in York Region.
20 Cycle for Sight – Raise money for the Foundation Fighting Blindness and enjoy scenic cycling routes and gourmet food, near Toronto.
20-21 24 Hours of Summer Solstice — This popular mountain bike event at Caledon’s Albion Hills laps a 17-km loop and includes single, double and team categories. A no-night option is also available.
21 WHEELS — Experience the stunning Niagara Escarpment on two wheels with options from 25 to 100 km.
27 Bike The Creek — Peel Region hosts an all-levels bike ride exploring the natural and cultural heritage of southern Ontario.
27 Medics for Mental Health Ride — All cyclists are welcome to participate on a ride in support of mental health wellness for first responders in Oxford County.
27 Reggie Ramble — This challenging gravel grinder/cyclocross event includes 65-, 130-, and 200-km options, east of Peterborough.
28 Rael's Ride — This charity ride starting in Thornhill supports brain cancer research at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre.
28 Hairshirt Classic Double Century — This one-day ride is free... but it involves a gruelling 322-km road route from Mississauga to Niagara and back.
28 Tour De Guelph — This community bicycling event includes a host of riding options, ranging from 5 to 160 km, on a range of surfaces.
TBD Outspokin Gravel Growler — This event in Ontario’s cottage country includes many gravel road riding options, in support of the Fowler Kennedy Clinic and sponsored by Muskoka Brewery.
TBD Tour de Mississippi Mills — The road riding in eastern Ontario is outstanding and this event near Ottawa includes 30-, 60-, 80-, and 100-km routes.
TBD VÉLOCITY 2.0 — Options range from family friendly to expert only at this Caledon-based event.
1 Hub Trail Festival — Come to Sault Ste. Marie for a celebration of healthy living, including cycling on the paved 25-km John Rowswell Hub Trail. This urban route takes in greenspace, residential, and commercial neighbourhoods as well as the scenic St. Mary’s River waterfront.
The Sault Ste. Marie Hub Trail contains a mix of urban riding, including the spectacular St. Mary’s River waterfront. Photo: Welcome to SSM // Randie Leanne
3-5 Sea Otter Canada — This first-annual at Blue Mountain includes bike sales, demos, kids’ activities, entertainment, and food and beverage vendors. But the real draw is the riding, including a wide variety of road and gravel disciplines like hill climbs and a criterion.
5 PwC MS Bike — Prince Edward County — Make it a weekend and add a day of touring southeastern Ontario wine country on this one-day, fully-supported fundraiser road ride from Picton.
11 Tour de Whitewater — Eastern Ontario’s scenic Whitewater Region hosts a series of road and gravel rides.
11-12 Canadian Mountain Bike Championships/Ontario Cup XC — Watch the best mountain bike riders in the country compete at Hardwood Ski and Bike near Barrie. Canada’s top mountain bike event includes events for all ages and abilities of riders.
12 Fretori Gravel Ride — Warsaw, Ontario hosts a range of gravel rides, including a challenging 170-km route with 1,500 metres of elevation gain.
12 Butter Tart 700 — You can tackle this “open source” bikepacking challenge, but a common start to the 700-km route through the hinterlands of southwestern Ontario makes it a group event.
18 GranFondo Ottawa — The Ottawa Valley hosts a Euro-style “big ride” with great parties and non-competitive and competitive road rides ranging from 65 to 235 km.
TBD Ralph's Race Against Cancer — This family-friendly ride on Peterborough’s Lakefield Trail supports esophageal cancer research.
19 Le Tour de Norfolk — Scenic backroads with minimal traffic are the big draw for this ride in Norfolk County, near Lake Erie. Routes range from 40 to 160 km.
TBD Max's Big Climb — Sydenham Hill in Dundas, Ontario, is the big draw for this road biking event with individual time trials to award titles of King and Queen of the Mountain.
TBD Kitchener Twilight Grand Prix Criterium — Come race (or watch) this Cycling Canada sanctioned Criterium with categories ranging from beginner to elite, featuring high-speed racing on a 1.1-km course in Kitchener-Cambridge.
25-26 XTERRA Conquer the Crater — Back for another year, this off-road triathlon in Sudbury is a qualifier for the legendary XTERRA-Maui. Can you outlast the rugged Canadian Shield?
25 Summer Epic 8 Hour MTB Relay — This eight-hour mountain bike marathon at Hardwood Ski and Bike near Barrie is all about teamwork and fun, over some of Ontario’s finest trails.
TBD War on the Shore — Ride Southampton’s Lake Huron shore in this high-speed Criterium.
TBD Andy's Ride — This Port Carling-based road ride features three routes ranging from 35 to 135 km, in support of Hospice Muskoka.
26 The Noble Pursuit — About all organizers are willing to disclose about this road ride near Peterborough is that “it will be long.” Expect to put in at least 170 km on this self-supported team road ride.
A cycle-friendly shoulder on Highway 17 on the Great Waterfront Trail Adventure. Photo: @waterfront_rt
25-26 PwC MS Bike - Grand Bend to London — This two-day tour covers 150 km, from Grand Bend through the rural Southwestern Ontario to London’s Western University and return, with full support.
31-August 2 Maple Leaf BMX Nationals — Get wowed by some of Canada’s best BMX riders at the national championships in Milton.
Kinburn Kermesse — Starting in July, these bi-weekly 45-60 km group rides out of Ottawa include paved and gravel surfaces.
August Ontario Cycling Events
2 Bluewater International Granfondo — Experience southwestern Ontario’s Lambton County on this unique Granfondo in Sarnia, with route options ranging from 50 to 150 km.
7-13 Great Waterfront Trail Adventure — The southern half of the GWTA covers up to 517 km of paved roadway, including the scenic Bruce Peninsula, in a fully supported bike tour.
TBD Eager Beaver 100 2.0 — Ride up to 100 miles (over 160 km) on this gravel-dominated mountain bike race near Singhampton.
TBD Wheely Awesome Scavenger Hunt — Test your knowledge of the National Capital Region with this bike-based scavenger hunt in Ottawa—for a good cause.
TBD Ride4UnitedWay — Durham Region United Way hosts this fully supported road ride with distances from 60 to 160 km.
9 Northern Pass — Cycle Muskoka and raise funds for the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre.
Quiet roads in Muskoka region.
9-14 Friends For Life Bike Rally — Over 400 cyclists gather to ride the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail from Toronto to Montreal, raising funds for people living with HIV/AIDS.
16 Gran Fondo Lake Huron — Experience the Lake Huron scenery of Bruce County on this group Gran Fondo, starting in Southampton, Ontario and supporting the Saugeen Memorial Hospital Foundation.
TBD Mountainview 9 Lives Enduro — Midland, Ontario host this same-day mountain bike stage race on the Mountainview trails.
14-16 Tour for Kids — Ride up to 200 km daily in the Kawartha Lakes bike tour to support kids cancer camp programs.
15-16 Dunnville Grand Tour — The Lake Huron shores of Haldiman County host something for all levels of road riders on this weekend event, with routes ranging from 25 to 100 km.
15-16 PwC MS Bike - Ottawa to Cornwall— Experience the stunning scenery of the St. Lawrence River on this two-day fully supported bike tour from Ottawa to Cornwall. Routes range between 80 to 210 km.
16 Cycle for Sight – Support the Foundation Fighting Blindness on this one-day ride on some of Ottawa’s most scenic routes.
TBD 3 Port Tour — This fully supported ride links waterfront communities in Elgin County, taking in the splendours of Lake Erie’s north shore.
TBD Tour de Bonnechere — The quiet Ottawa Valley town of Eganville hosts this family friendly road cycling event. Tours range from 20 to 100 km, with spectacular views.
16 PwC MS Bike - Niagara — This fully supported one-day ride links the Niagara Parkway to the Friendship Trail on Lake Ontario’s western shore, passing some of Ontario’s best wineries and quaint small towns.
22 Cycle Camelot — Support the Georgian Bay Cancer Support Centre on this friendly charity group ride out of Penetanguishene, on Lake Huron’s Georgian Bay.
29 Kawartha Lakes Classic — You’ll find plenty of road cycling options at this Peterborough-based tour.
TBD The Sudbury Camino — Discover Sudbury’s portion of the Great Trail on this 28-km ride.
22 Gravel Road Clinic and Wine Tasting — This Creemore-based, one-day workshop will prepare you for all types of gravel riding and reward your efforts with a wine-tasting event.
TBD Ontario By Bike Ride — Ontario By Bike hosts two-day, self-guided and fully supported bike tours on some of Ontario’s most spectacular routes. Dates and destinations are announced in February.
TBD Ride For Karen — Cyclists gather in Markham to ride the countryside north of Toronto, in support of cancer research.
September Ontario Cycling Events
6 Tour di Via Italia —This long-standing event is the oldest street race in Ontario, held in Windsor.
TBD Caribou Charity Ride — Thunder Bay’s premier road cycling event traverses scenic Oliver Paipoonge Township, with road and gravel routes ranging from 50 to 100 km.
12 Prince Edward County Gran Fondo — The pastoral landscape of Prince Edward County in southeastern Ontario hosts 50-, 100-, and 150-km Gran Fonda rides.
nd they’re off! At southeastern Ontario’s Prince Edward County Gran Fondo // Photo: @countygranfondo
12 Peloton Ride — Get your group ride on in Halton County to support men’s mental health and suicide awareness, with distances up to 120 km and an after-party at the Milton Velodrome.
13 Barrie 2 Baycrest — This long-standing event on Lake Simcoe’s shores includes great scenery and post-ride festivities.
13 GTA GranFondo Epic Tour — While the longer distances (up to 165 km) are epic, this Gran Fondo-inspired event in Milton, Halton Hills and Burlington is designed for all ages and abilities.
13 PwC MS Bike - Toronto — Sign up for a 30- or 50-km, fully supported ride on the Humber River Trail and Toronto’s Lake Ontario waterfront.
13 Thousand Island Gran Fondo — Choose from three distances on this ride along the Thousand Islands Parkway between Ganonoque and Brockville.
15 The Healing Cycle Ride — This group ride in Mississauga supports hospice care throughout Ontario.
19 Wheels of Hope — Ride from London to Ingersoll to support the transportation program for cancer patients.
TBD Limestone Century Bicycle Tour — You’ve got three choices in this popular annual road riding tour starting in Kington: 50 and 100 km as well as a 100-mile route, all in support of the advocacy work of Kingston Cycle.
TBD lifeCYCLE — Wolfe Island hosts this charity ride for the University Hospital Kingston with three road-bike route options and some of the finest scenery in southern Ontario.
TBD Tour Paramedic Ride – This 550-km, fully supported road ride from Toronto to Ottawa is all about supporting the essential role of paramedics, and it’s open to everyone.
19 Tour de Headwaters — The Caledon Hills are the site of a fundraising ride suitable for all levels, in support of the Headwaters Health Care Foundation.
TBD Knobby Tire Trek for Kids — This family friendly event involves both mountain biking and hiking on Tecasy Ranch’s 50 km of trails, near Buckhorn, Ontario. On-site camping is available.
TBD Tour de Mississauga — You could be one of over 2,000 riders at this all-ages, all-levels event at the Mississauga Celebration Square. Rides range from 5 to 50 km.
19 Discover L&A Ride — This 58-km ride through eastern Ontario starts and finishes in the quaint, rural community of Bath.
19 8 Hours of Hurtin' in Haliburton — The title says it all, this marathon ride in the Haliburton Forest & Wildlife Reserve involves eight hours of gravel grinding. Race solo or in teams of two or three.
21 24h Mosport Velo — Can you ride for 24 hours? This relay event supports Special Olympics Ontario and involves laps of a closed course on pristine pavement, with smooth banked turns, near Bowmanville.
TBD Pedal for Portage — Centre Wellington plays host to 30- or 60-km road rides and a 20-km trail ride in the Grand River valley, with proceeds supporting the Portage Centre for youth battling substance addiction.
TBD Ride for Safe Streets — Join 400 other cyclists in the heart of downtown Toronto to ride for a safer biking experience.
26 Fall Epic 8 Hour — The third in a series of eight-hour relays at Barrie’s Hardwood Ski and Bikes takes advantage of crisp autumn conditions and allows you to put your mountain bike conditioning to the test.
26 Tour the Hills — A friendly, one-day ride in Halton Hills explores the scenic countryside of Ontario’s Green Belt.
28 FAB Trails Festival — The Frontenac Arch Biosphere Network’s Trails Festival celebrates the rich biodiversity of of Charleston Lake Provincial Park. Make it a multi-sport and combine cycling with paddling or hiking.
TBD Shred Cancer Mountain Bike Kivi — Raise donations in support of the Northern Cancer Foundation and ride Sudbury’s Kivi Park single-track trails in this late-September mountain bike event.
TBD Shuniah 40 Miner — Thunder Bay’s Black Sheep Mountain Bike Club hosts a one-day event in September on the Shuniah Trails, with options available for all levels of riders—including an epic marathon and the kid-friendly Mini Miner. Come to Thunder Bay to experience northwestern Ontario’s great cycling. Rentals are available at Rollin’ Thunder.
The big haul at THunder Bay’s Shuniah 40 Miner mountain bike race. // Photo: @officialblacksheepmtb
TBD The Beau's Oktoberfest Bike Ride — This fall event in eastern Ontario supports the United Way Ottawa’s efforts to assist youth in at-risk neighbourhoods.
TBD Gianni Giro — There are multiple options for road riding at the fourth installment of this ride, located north of Toronto.
TBD Greg`s Ride — This Dundas, Ontario-based event is all about promoting safer cycling.
TBD Ride the Vine — Check out this event if you love cycling and wine. Highlights include gourmet meals, winery tours and great cycling on a fully supported tour.
TBD Essex Region Conservation Bike Tour — Ride Essex County Road 50 or veer into off-road greenspace on this event that supports the Essex Region Conservation Authority, with rides beginning and ending at Mettawas Park in Kingsville.
TBD The Growling Beaver Brevet — Sign up for a social ride in scenic Grey County, exploring communities in the Beaver Valley and along Georgian Bay with distances of 40 to 200 km.
TBD Harvest Ride — Sign up for one of three guided rides in Northumberland County, east of Toronto. Registration includes a farm-fresh lunch at the Headwaters Community Farm and Education Centre.
TBD The Campfire Ride 2020 — This ride at Hockley Valley Resort supports Camp Oochigeas’ efforts to provide summer camp experiences for kids with cancer. Choose between 70 km or 10 km rides.
11 BORCA Butterball Thanksgiving Ride — Come to Wilderness Tours on the Ottawa River to experience some of the best single-track mountain bike trails in eastern Ontario on this Thanksgiving mountain bike event.
TBD Bruce Peninsula Lighthouse Gravel Gran Fondo — The scenic Bruce Peninsula plays host to this great gravel grinder, with rides from Lion’s Head Lighthouse to Cabot Head Lighthouse and return, as well as shorter options.
The big ride at the Bruce Peninsula Gravel Gran Fondo links two spectacular Lake Huron lighthouses. // Photo: brucegravelfondo.com
TBD Dam Cross — Enjoy two days of cyclocross racing at the Pittock Conservation Area in Oxford County, near Woodstock, Ontario.
TBD Everesting Bike Challenge — This Caledon-based relay ride involves plenty of climbing—about the total elevation of Mount Everest!
November Ontario Cycling Events
1-3 Canadian Cyclocross Championships — Cheer on Canada’s best at the cyclocross national championships, held at Peterborough’s Nicholl Oval Park.
Peterborough is ready to welcome Canada’s finest cyclocross racers in early November. // @peterborough.cc
8-10 The Silvergoose — If the races in Peterborough aren’t enough, travel to Midland’s Little Lake Park for the Pan American Cyclcocross Championship and Cyclocross Festival.
December Ontario Cycling Events
5 Global Fat Bike Day — Get your big wheels out for a spin on the worldwide celebration of fat biking.
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PAST EVENTS
February Ontario Cycling Events
6-9 Ice Road Challenge — This unique fat bike event in remote northwestern Ontario is for a good cause: Riders are challenged to raise at least $500 in support of a program that brings bikes to the community of Pikangikum First Nation. Participants ride 110 km of ice road from the town of Red Lake to Pikangikum, experiencing deep winter in Ontario’s wildest terrain.
The Ice Road Challenge raises funds to bring bicycles to the remote Pikangikum First Nation. Photo: New Hope Community Bikes
8 Wendigo Fat Bike Ultrafatbike — Not for the faint of heart, this fat bike event near the eastern Ontario town of Cobden includes 50-, 100- and 150-km divisions, with riders tackling the trails of Whitewater Township. The event is hosted by Whitewater Brewing’s Lakeside brewpub.
9 Fat Bike the Soo — The Ontario Winter Carnival in Sault Ste. Marie includes an all-levels fat bike ride, starting at Bellevue Park. Pick up rentals and learn more about the emerging cycling scene at Velorution.
22 BORCA Fat and Frosty — This all-levels fat bike event explores the Ironwood Hills trails in Pembroke, part of the scenic Ottawa Valley. Grab a rental bike from Gearheads in nearby Petawawa, Ontario.
It doesn’t matter what time of year, regardless of your skill level or the type of riding you want to do—there are great cycling events happening in Ontario. This is the most comprehensive list of all fat bike, road, mountain, cyclocross, and BMX events in the province. Check out Ontario By Bike to find great local shops to enhance your experience with complete bike rentals, as well as a map of bicycle-friendly businesses, including accommodations, restaurants, and pubs.
Gather round for some great riding in Ontario, like this event hosted by the Sault Cycle Club in Sault Ste. Marie. Photo: Welcome to SSM // Randie Leanne
You can find more information on cycling clubs across the province through Bicycle Ontario. Also, don’t forget to check Ontario’s many great riding options on websites (and mobile apps) like AllTrails, MTBProject, and BikeMap.
TBD Stokely Creek Fat Bike — The Sault Cycling Club hosts this all-levels group ride in Goulais River, just north of Sault Ste. Marie. This is your chance to ride the famous nordic ski trails (and frozen lakes) of Stokely Creek Lodge. Rentals are available from Velorution. The date is weather-dependent—either March 8 or 15.
ou only get one chance to fat bike the frozen lakes at Stokely Creek. Photo: @reepger
April Ontario Cycling Events
12 Slush Fest Fat Bike Festival — Haliburton’s Sir Sam’s Ski and Ride celebrates the end of winter with a fun-filled day of fat biking in central Ontario. Demos and rentals are available from Algonquin Outfitters on site.
End the winter riding style with a whole lot of slush (and good times) at Sir Sam’s in Haliburton. Photo: Sir Sam’s Ski/Ride
26 Paris to Ancaster Race — Sign up for Canada’s spring cycling classic in southwestern Ontario, with 20-, 40 and 70-km course options, with gravel, farm lanes and trails, all finishing in Ancaster. The event supports Hamilton’s St. Joseph’s Healthcare.
2-3 The Weekender — Register for this new group road ride from Barrie to Midland and back, with distances ranging from 181 to 349 km. Meals are included; optional services include a shuttle bus from Toronto, luggage transfer and accommodations.
3 CN Cycle for CHEO — Events at Ottawa’s Canadian War Museum in LeBreton Flats support children with cancer at the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario. Bike routes range from 15 to 70 km.
9 BORCA Spring Chicken — This mountain bike event in Cobden celebrates Renfrew County’s outstanding mountain bike trails with 28- and 60-km races.
9 The Mother Ride — Kingston-based, all-levels group rides in Frontenac and Lennox-Addington counties raise funds for Interval House.
9 Gravel Road and Beer Sampling Clinic — This clinic in Creemore, Ontario, is a great opportunity to discover riding techniques for gravel roads, loose climbs and bumpy descents. Be sure to sample a beer at Creemore Springs Brewery when you’re done.
9 Epic 8 Hour — The Mansfield Outdoor Centre west of Barrie hosts this mountain bike relay on a 10-km course. Camping is available, as well as a kids’ event.
10 Hell of the North — Sign up for this 90-km spring cyclocross classic in Ballantrae, near Stouffville, if you’re looking to suffer on a tough course with difficult terrain. A shorter Heck of the North option is suitable for road bikes.
20 Ride of Silence — Cyclists in Niagara gather for a silent, slow-paced ride starting at 7 pm in honour of those who have been injured or killed while riding on public roadways.
22-24 Sault Cycling Club Trails Fest — A long-weekend of riding celebrates the Soo’s emergence is a cycling destination, with a full slate of events including an urban ride on the paved Hub Trail, a wilderness mountain bike experience in Batchawana, and demo day at the Sault Cycling Club trails at the Hiawatha Highlands. Pick up a rental bike at Velorution or Algoma Bicycles.
Shredding the single-track in Sault Ste. Marie. Photo: Welcome to SSM // Randie Leanne
23 Jack Ride — Group rides up to 125 km in Caledon raise funds for youth mental health.
23-24 Tour Du Canada Century Ride — Cycle Canada’s weekend of road riding north of Toronto includes 100- and 160-km options.
23-24 Spin the Lakes — There’s no better way to enjoy the scenery of Muskoka’s country roads than on a bike. Route lengths range from 20 to 170 km.
22-25 Canadian Tandem Rally — If you love riding a tandem bicycle, you’ll find plenty of companionship at this multi day event in Owen Sound.
23-29 7 Days in May — There are plenty of riding options along the Lake Ontario shore of Toronto and the Golden Horseshoe in this weeklong fundraising event.
24 Tour of Kincardine – Experience a wide range of cyclocross riding conditions in this 22-km event on the shore of Lake Huron in southwestern Ontario.
24 Villa Charities GIRO – Woodbridge, Ontario, commemorates the final stage of an Italian road biking classic with an event of its own, including a variety of lengths for all levels of cyclists, including families.
24 NewRoads LakeRide — This York region ride goes from Newmarket to Lake Simcoe and back, with multiple distances up to 100 km.
24 Rotary Lilac Ride — Experience the renowned scenery of southeastern Ontario’s Prince Edward County on this ride from the community of Picton.
30 Sault Ste. Marie Pump Track Festival — Come to the paved pump track in downtown Sault Ste. Marie for a day of family-friendly BMX and urban riding.
Enjoy some of the longest days of the year at Sudbury’s premier mountain bike event. Photo: Walden Mountain Bike Club
31 Elora Food Cycle Ride — Fight hunger in Wellington County with this family-friendly event on country roads and the Elora Cataract Trailway. All proceeds go to the Centre Wellington Food Bank.
31 Kitchener Bike Fest — Kitchener hosts a day of riding, with vendors and bike repair clinics.
NOKIA Bike Days — Sundays in Ottawa from late May to early September are all about cycling, with 50 km of roads in the National Capital Region closed to motor vehicles.
Friday Night Lights — Starting Friday nights in May and continuing all summer long, Windsor hosts biweekly rides to explore the city’s nightlife. Follow @WindsorEats to learn more about dates and meeting places.
Nightlife on two (bright) wheels in Windsor. Urban rides are scheduled Fridays throughout the summer. Photo: @windsoreats
June Ontario Cycling Events
6 Diva Day Road Cycling Clinic — This one-day women’s only clinic near Collingwood includes riding skills, repair workshops and lunch. Expect to ride about 50 km. Rentals are available from Kamikaze Bikes.
6-7 Manitoulin Passage Ride — There’s no better way to discover some of Ontario’s finest road biking on Manitoulin Island with this two-day supported ride. Registration includes ferry crossing, meals and entertainment.
7 West Nipission Cycle for Charity — Ride the new Voyageur cycling route from Sturgeon Falls, choosing from three routes and supporting children in need in northeastern Ontario.
7 Ride for Health — 25-, 60- and 100-km road rides highlight this fundraiser in York Region.
20 Cycle for Sight – Raise money for the Foundation Fighting Blindness and enjoy scenic cycling routes and gourmet food, near Toronto.
20-21 24 Hours of Summer Solstice — This popular mountain bike event at Caledon’s Albion Hills laps a 17-km loop and includes single, double and team categories. A no-night option is also available.
21 WHEELS — Experience the stunning Niagara Escarpment on two wheels with options from 25 to 100 km.
27 Bike The Creek — Peel Region hosts an all-levels bike ride exploring the natural and cultural heritage of southern Ontario.
27 Medics for Mental Health Ride — All cyclists are welcome to participate on a ride in support of mental health wellness for first responders in Oxford County.
27 Reggie Ramble — This challenging gravel grinder/cyclocross event includes 65-, 130-, and 200-km options, east of Peterborough.
28 Rael's Ride — This charity ride starting in Thornhill supports brain cancer research at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre.
28 Hairshirt Classic Double Century — This one-day ride is free... but it involves a gruelling 322-km road route from Mississauga to Niagara and back.
28 Tour De Guelph — This community bicycling event includes a host of riding options, ranging from 5 to 160 km, on a range of surfaces.
TBD Outspokin Gravel Growler — This event in Ontario’s cottage country includes many gravel road riding options, in support of the Fowler Kennedy Clinic and sponsored by Muskoka Brewery.
TBD Tour de Mississippi Mills — The road riding in eastern Ontario is outstanding and this event near Ottawa includes 30-, 60-, 80-, and 100-km routes.
TBD VÉLOCITY 2.0 — Options range from family friendly to expert only at this Caledon-based event.
1 Hub Trail Festival — Come to Sault Ste. Marie for a celebration of healthy living, including cycling on the paved 25-km John Rowswell Hub Trail. This urban route takes in greenspace, residential, and commercial neighbourhoods as well as the scenic St. Mary’s River waterfront.
The Sault Ste. Marie Hub Trail contains a mix of urban riding, including the spectacular St. Mary’s River waterfront. Photo: Welcome to SSM // Randie Leanne
3-5 Sea Otter Canada — This first-annual at Blue Mountain includes bike sales, demos, kids’ activities, entertainment, and food and beverage vendors. But the real draw is the riding, including a wide variety of road and gravel disciplines like hill climbs and a criterion.
5 PwC MS Bike — Prince Edward County — Make it a weekend and add a day of touring southeastern Ontario wine country on this one-day, fully-supported fundraiser road ride from Picton.
11 Tour de Whitewater — Eastern Ontario’s scenic Whitewater Region hosts a series of road and gravel rides.
11-12 Canadian Mountain Bike Championships/Ontario Cup XC — Watch the best mountain bike riders in the country compete at Hardwood Ski and Bike near Barrie. Canada’s top mountain bike event includes events for all ages and abilities of riders.
12 Fretori Gravel Ride — Warsaw, Ontario hosts a range of gravel rides, including a challenging 170-km route with 1,500 metres of elevation gain.
12 Butter Tart 700 — You can tackle this “open source” bikepacking challenge, but a common start to the 700-km route through the hinterlands of southwestern Ontario makes it a group event.
18 GranFondo Ottawa — The Ottawa Valley hosts a Euro-style “big ride” with great parties and non-competitive and competitive road rides ranging from 65 to 235 km.
TBD Ralph's Race Against Cancer — This family-friendly ride on Peterborough’s Lakefield Trail supports esophageal cancer research.
19 Le Tour de Norfolk — Scenic backroads with minimal traffic are the big draw for this ride in Norfolk County, near Lake Erie. Routes range from 40 to 160 km.
TBD Max's Big Climb — Sydenham Hill in Dundas, Ontario, is the big draw for this road biking event with individual time trials to award titles of King and Queen of the Mountain.
TBD Kitchener Twilight Grand Prix Criterium — Come race (or watch) this Cycling Canada sanctioned Criterium with categories ranging from beginner to elite, featuring high-speed racing on a 1.1-km course in Kitchener-Cambridge.
25-26 XTERRA Conquer the Crater — Back for another year, this off-road triathlon in Sudbury is a qualifier for the legendary XTERRA-Maui. Can you outlast the rugged Canadian Shield?
25 Summer Epic 8 Hour MTB Relay — This eight-hour mountain bike marathon at Hardwood Ski and Bike near Barrie is all about teamwork and fun, over some of Ontario’s finest trails.
TBD War on the Shore — Ride Southampton’s Lake Huron shore in this high-speed Criterium.
TBD Andy's Ride — This Port Carling-based road ride features three routes ranging from 35 to 135 km, in support of Hospice Muskoka.
26 The Noble Pursuit — About all organizers are willing to disclose about this road ride near Peterborough is that “it will be long.” Expect to put in at least 170 km on this self-supported team road ride.
A cycle-friendly shoulder on Highway 17 on the Great Waterfront Trail Adventure. Photo: @waterfront_rt
25-26 PwC MS Bike - Grand Bend to London — This two-day tour covers 150 km, from Grand Bend through the rural Southwestern Ontario to London’s Western University and return, with full support.
31-August 2 Maple Leaf BMX Nationals — Get wowed by some of Canada’s best BMX riders at the national championships in Milton.
Kinburn Kermesse — Starting in July, these bi-weekly 45-60 km group rides out of Ottawa include paved and gravel surfaces.
August Ontario Cycling Events
2 Bluewater International Granfondo — Experience southwestern Ontario’s Lambton County on this unique Granfondo in Sarnia, with route options ranging from 50 to 150 km.
7-13 Great Waterfront Trail Adventure — The southern half of the GWTA covers up to 517 km of paved roadway, including the scenic Bruce Peninsula, in a fully supported bike tour.
TBD Eager Beaver 100 2.0 — Ride up to 100 miles (over 160 km) on this gravel-dominated mountain bike race near Singhampton.
TBD Wheely Awesome Scavenger Hunt — Test your knowledge of the National Capital Region with this bike-based scavenger hunt in Ottawa—for a good cause.
TBD Ride4UnitedWay — Durham Region United Way hosts this fully supported road ride with distances from 60 to 160 km.
9 Northern Pass — Cycle Muskoka and raise funds for the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre.
Quiet roads in Muskoka region.
9-14 Friends For Life Bike Rally — Over 400 cyclists gather to ride the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail from Toronto to Montreal, raising funds for people living with HIV/AIDS.
16 Gran Fondo Lake Huron — Experience the Lake Huron scenery of Bruce County on this group Gran Fondo, starting in Southampton, Ontario and supporting the Saugeen Memorial Hospital Foundation.
TBD Mountainview 9 Lives Enduro — Midland, Ontario host this same-day mountain bike stage race on the Mountainview trails.
14-16 Tour for Kids — Ride up to 200 km daily in the Kawartha Lakes bike tour to support kids cancer camp programs.
15-16 Dunnville Grand Tour — The Lake Huron shores of Haldiman County host something for all levels of road riders on this weekend event, with routes ranging from 25 to 100 km.
15-16 PwC MS Bike - Ottawa to Cornwall— Experience the stunning scenery of the St. Lawrence River on this two-day fully supported bike tour from Ottawa to Cornwall. Routes range between 80 to 210 km.
16 Cycle for Sight – Support the Foundation Fighting Blindness on this one-day ride on some of Ottawa’s most scenic routes.
TBD 3 Port Tour — This fully supported ride links waterfront communities in Elgin County, taking in the splendours of Lake Erie’s north shore.
TBD Tour de Bonnechere — The quiet Ottawa Valley town of Eganville hosts this family friendly road cycling event. Tours range from 20 to 100 km, with spectacular views.
16 PwC MS Bike - Niagara — This fully supported one-day ride links the Niagara Parkway to the Friendship Trail on Lake Ontario’s western shore, passing some of Ontario’s best wineries and quaint small towns.
22 Cycle Camelot — Support the Georgian Bay Cancer Support Centre on this friendly charity group ride out of Penetanguishene, on Lake Huron’s Georgian Bay.
29 Kawartha Lakes Classic — You’ll find plenty of road cycling options at this Peterborough-based tour.
TBD The Sudbury Camino — Discover Sudbury’s portion of the Great Trail on this 28-km ride.
22 Gravel Road Clinic and Wine Tasting — This Creemore-based, one-day workshop will prepare you for all types of gravel riding and reward your efforts with a wine-tasting event.
TBD Ontario By Bike Ride — Ontario By Bike hosts two-day, self-guided and fully supported bike tours on some of Ontario’s most spectacular routes. Dates and destinations are announced in February.
TBD Ride For Karen — Cyclists gather in Markham to ride the countryside north of Toronto, in support of cancer research.
September Ontario Cycling Events
6 Tour di Via Italia —This long-standing event is the oldest street race in Ontario, held in Windsor.
TBD Caribou Charity Ride — Thunder Bay’s premier road cycling event traverses scenic Oliver Paipoonge Township, with road and gravel routes ranging from 50 to 100 km.
12 Prince Edward County Gran Fondo — The pastoral landscape of Prince Edward County in southeastern Ontario hosts 50-, 100-, and 150-km Gran Fonda rides.
nd they’re off! At southeastern Ontario’s Prince Edward County Gran Fondo // Photo: @countygranfondo
12 Peloton Ride — Get your group ride on in Halton County to support men’s mental health and suicide awareness, with distances up to 120 km and an after-party at the Milton Velodrome.
13 Barrie 2 Baycrest — This long-standing event on Lake Simcoe’s shores includes great scenery and post-ride festivities.
13 GTA GranFondo Epic Tour — While the longer distances (up to 165 km) are epic, this Gran Fondo-inspired event in Milton, Halton Hills and Burlington is designed for all ages and abilities.
13 PwC MS Bike - Toronto — Sign up for a 30- or 50-km, fully supported ride on the Humber River Trail and Toronto’s Lake Ontario waterfront.
13 Thousand Island Gran Fondo — Choose from three distances on this ride along the Thousand Islands Parkway between Ganonoque and Brockville.
15 The Healing Cycle Ride — This group ride in Mississauga supports hospice care throughout Ontario.
19 Wheels of Hope — Ride from London to Ingersoll to support the transportation program for cancer patients.
TBD Limestone Century Bicycle Tour — You’ve got three choices in this popular annual road riding tour starting in Kington: 50 and 100 km as well as a 100-mile route, all in support of the advocacy work of Kingston Cycle.
TBD lifeCYCLE — Wolfe Island hosts this charity ride for the University Hospital Kingston with three road-bike route options and some of the finest scenery in southern Ontario.
TBD Tour Paramedic Ride – This 550-km, fully supported road ride from Toronto to Ottawa is all about supporting the essential role of paramedics, and it’s open to everyone.
19 Tour de Headwaters — The Caledon Hills are the site of a fundraising ride suitable for all levels, in support of the Headwaters Health Care Foundation.
TBD Knobby Tire Trek for Kids — This family friendly event involves both mountain biking and hiking on Tecasy Ranch’s 50 km of trails, near Buckhorn, Ontario. On-site camping is available.
TBD Tour de Mississauga — You could be one of over 2,000 riders at this all-ages, all-levels event at the Mississauga Celebration Square. Rides range from 5 to 50 km.
19 Discover L&A Ride — This 58-km ride through eastern Ontario starts and finishes in the quaint, rural community of Bath.
19 8 Hours of Hurtin' in Haliburton — The title says it all, this marathon ride in the Haliburton Forest & Wildlife Reserve involves eight hours of gravel grinding. Race solo or in teams of two or three.
21 24h Mosport Velo — Can you ride for 24 hours? This relay event supports Special Olympics Ontario and involves laps of a closed course on pristine pavement, with smooth banked turns, near Bowmanville.
TBD Pedal for Portage — Centre Wellington plays host to 30- or 60-km road rides and a 20-km trail ride in the Grand River valley, with proceeds supporting the Portage Centre for youth battling substance addiction.
TBD Ride for Safe Streets — Join 400 other cyclists in the heart of downtown Toronto to ride for a safer biking experience.
26 Fall Epic 8 Hour — The third in a series of eight-hour relays at Barrie’s Hardwood Ski and Bikes takes advantage of crisp autumn conditions and allows you to put your mountain bike conditioning to the test.
26 Tour the Hills — A friendly, one-day ride in Halton Hills explores the scenic countryside of Ontario’s Green Belt.
28 FAB Trails Festival — The Frontenac Arch Biosphere Network’s Trails Festival celebrates the rich biodiversity of of Charleston Lake Provincial Park. Make it a multi-sport and combine cycling with paddling or hiking.
TBD Shred Cancer Mountain Bike Kivi — Raise donations in support of the Northern Cancer Foundation and ride Sudbury’s Kivi Park single-track trails in this late-September mountain bike event.
TBD Shuniah 40 Miner — Thunder Bay’s Black Sheep Mountain Bike Club hosts a one-day event in September on the Shuniah Trails, with options available for all levels of riders—including an epic marathon and the kid-friendly Mini Miner. Come to Thunder Bay to experience northwestern Ontario’s great cycling. Rentals are available at Rollin’ Thunder.
The big haul at THunder Bay’s Shuniah 40 Miner mountain bike race. // Photo: @officialblacksheepmtb
TBD The Beau's Oktoberfest Bike Ride — This fall event in eastern Ontario supports the United Way Ottawa’s efforts to assist youth in at-risk neighbourhoods.
TBD Gianni Giro — There are multiple options for road riding at the fourth installment of this ride, located north of Toronto.
TBD Greg`s Ride — This Dundas, Ontario-based event is all about promoting safer cycling.
TBD Ride the Vine — Check out this event if you love cycling and wine. Highlights include gourmet meals, winery tours and great cycling on a fully supported tour.
TBD Essex Region Conservation Bike Tour — Ride Essex County Road 50 or veer into off-road greenspace on this event that supports the Essex Region Conservation Authority, with rides beginning and ending at Mettawas Park in Kingsville.
TBD The Growling Beaver Brevet — Sign up for a social ride in scenic Grey County, exploring communities in the Beaver Valley and along Georgian Bay with distances of 40 to 200 km.
TBD Harvest Ride — Sign up for one of three guided rides in Northumberland County, east of Toronto. Registration includes a farm-fresh lunch at the Headwaters Community Farm and Education Centre.
TBD The Campfire Ride 2020 — This ride at Hockley Valley Resort supports Camp Oochigeas’ efforts to provide summer camp experiences for kids with cancer. Choose between 70 km or 10 km rides.
11 BORCA Butterball Thanksgiving Ride — Come to Wilderness Tours on the Ottawa River to experience some of the best single-track mountain bike trails in eastern Ontario on this Thanksgiving mountain bike event.
TBD Bruce Peninsula Lighthouse Gravel Gran Fondo — The scenic Bruce Peninsula plays host to this great gravel grinder, with rides from Lion’s Head Lighthouse to Cabot Head Lighthouse and return, as well as shorter options.
The big ride at the Bruce Peninsula Gravel Gran Fondo links two spectacular Lake Huron lighthouses. // Photo: brucegravelfondo.com
TBD Dam Cross — Enjoy two days of cyclocross racing at the Pittock Conservation Area in Oxford County, near Woodstock, Ontario.
TBD Everesting Bike Challenge — This Caledon-based relay ride involves plenty of climbing—about the total elevation of Mount Everest!
November Ontario Cycling Events
1-3 Canadian Cyclocross Championships — Cheer on Canada’s best at the cyclocross national championships, held at Peterborough’s Nicholl Oval Park.
Peterborough is ready to welcome Canada’s finest cyclocross racers in early November. // @peterborough.cc
8-10 The Silvergoose — If the races in Peterborough aren’t enough, travel to Midland’s Little Lake Park for the Pan American Cyclcocross Championship and Cyclocross Festival.
December Ontario Cycling Events
5 Global Fat Bike Day — Get your big wheels out for a spin on the worldwide celebration of fat biking.
EXPLORE MORE
Events are a great way to enjoy your favourite activity. Why not enhance your fun by making it a multi-day getaway with family or friends? Spend an extra day or two exploring the local area of the event. FInd great places to stay.
PAST EVENTS
February Ontario Cycling Events
6-9 Ice Road Challenge — This unique fat bike event in remote northwestern Ontario is for a good cause: Riders are challenged to raise at least $500 in support of a program that brings bikes to the community of Pikangikum First Nation. Participants ride 110 km of ice road from the town of Red Lake to Pikangikum, experiencing deep winter in Ontario’s wildest terrain.
The Ice Road Challenge raises funds to bring bicycles to the remote Pikangikum First Nation. Photo: New Hope Community Bikes
8 Wendigo Fat Bike Ultrafatbike — Not for the faint of heart, this fat bike event near the eastern Ontario town of Cobden includes 50-, 100- and 150-km divisions, with riders tackling the trails of Whitewater Township. The event is hosted by Whitewater Brewing’s Lakeside brewpub.
9 Fat Bike the Soo — The Ontario Winter Carnival in Sault Ste. Marie includes an all-levels fat bike ride, starting at Bellevue Park. Pick up rentals and learn more about the emerging cycling scene at Velorution.
22 BORCA Fat and Frosty — This all-levels fat bike event explores the Ironwood Hills trails in Pembroke, part of the scenic Ottawa Valley. Grab a rental bike from Gearheads in nearby Petawawa, Ontario.
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About Conor Mihell
Conor Mihell is an award-winning environmental and adventure travel writer based in Sault Ste. Marie. Read his work in the Globe and Mail, Explore, Cottage Life, Canoe & Kayak, ON Nature, and other magazines and newspapers. He's been a sea kayak guide on Lake Superior for close to 20 years, and has paddled from Sault Ste. Marie to Thunder Bay.