9 of the Best Cycling Getaways in Ontario

If your idea of a vacation includes blending authentic culture and cuisine with unique lodging and incredible cycling, Northern Ontario is packed with everything you crave. From the French Creole music of Hearst to exploring mysterious islands drifting off the waterfront of North Bay, there is plenty to do when you’re not pedalling.

We've put together some ideas for cycling vacations in Ontario, including where to stay, where to bike, and what to do afterwards. Whether you're into mountain biking, road cycling, gravel biking or leisurely rides, you'll find your perfect match below.

North Bay Getaway

Downtown North Bay is a network of paved bike paths, linked to a treasure trove of amenities and exciting excursions. The Kate Pace Way (named for a local Olympic ski hero) and Kinsmen Trail are multi-use paths that connect to traverse North Bay from one end to the other. For a 21-kilometre ride with spectacular views of Lake Nipissing, start at Airport Road and follow Chippewa Creek to the lake, then head south to the village of Callander. Fancy a longer ride? Continue on into the town of Corbeil and loop back to North Bay for a 45-kilometre circle tour.

If mountain biking is more your scene, check out the Three Towers Trail network, maintained by the North Bay Mountain Bike Association. The Laurentian Escarpment trails are also a favourite of local riders, boasting incredible views of the city.

Stay at the centrally located Sunset Inn on Lake Nipissing. The views are wonderful, and it’s also a good jumping-off point for a cruise aboard the Chief Commanda II to the Manitou Islands, which seem to float on the water’s surface about 10 kilometres offshore. The islands are shrouded in myth and legend—it’s said you can hear the voices of ghosts who haunt the archipelago.

Later, dine at The Portage, a North Bay institution serving up delicious comfort food—try the spicy wings and haddock.

Read our Guide to Cycling in North Bay for more ideas.

Waterfront Trail Getaway

From Sault Ste. Marie to Sudbury, the North Channel extension of Ontario’s Great Lakes Waterfront Trail follows the shores of Lake Huron—sample a section of the trail on an easy day trip, or enjoy the entire 380-kilometre route on a weeklong cycle tour.

“Cyclists enjoy visiting three First Nations that are part of the route—Garden River, Mississauga and Serpent River,” says Marlaine Koehler, the executive director of the Waterfront Regeneration Trust. Take a break at one of these communities, where Indigenous elders greet visitors and share stories of their heritage, describe traditional medicines and explain the role of powwows.

Consider basing yourself in culturally rich Sault Ste. Marie. Sit in the cockpit of an authentic bushplane at the Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre, the only facility of its kind in North America dedicated to these planes. Just up the street, The Art Gallery of Algoma exhibits the work of acclaimed Canadian artists, including the Group of Seven, and also features an excellent café and gift shop.

The Soo is full of mouthwatering options for international cuisine, but after a long ride it’s hard to beat a burger and fries from Chummy's Grill. 

Gravenhurst Getaway

Take a spin out of Gravenhurst—gateway to Muskoka’s famous lakes—for a memorable metric century. Travelling mostly on twisty, lightly trafficked back roads, this 100-kilometre loop takes in the hairpin corners and Canadian Shield landscape of Torrance Barrens, countless lovely lakes and waterways, and two craft breweries: Gravenhurst’s Sawdust City Brewing Company and Torrance’s Clear Lake Brewing Co. (located right next door to Pie restaurant’s wood-fired pizza patio). Cyclists can refuel again at the halfway mark—the village of Washago serves up Kawartha Dairy ice cream at Scoopz and scrumptious baked treats at Canoe Fresh Food Market.

This is cottage country, so it's only right that you stay lakeside. Try Taboo Muskoka or Pine Lake Cottages and you won't be disappointed.

St. Joseph Island Getaway

Life is slow when your boundaries are only 30 kilometres by 20 kilometres. A former British naval base, today St. Joseph Island is a laid-back cycling Nirvana and the perfect place for a cycling trip in Ontario. Pedal around the island and stop for visits at lighthouses and beaches, or treats at Black Bear Cafe & Eatery in the hamlet of Richards Landing. At the southern tip of the island, it’s well worth making the detour to cycle the trails and explore the ruins at Fort St. Joseph National Historic Site. 

For a unique experience, feast on a classic Canadian maple syrup pancake breakfast at Gilbertson's and tour their organic maple syrup orchard during the island’s Maple Syrup Festival in April. Or go in the fall during the St. Joseph Island Country Road Open House Tour, when local hosts welcome cyclists to their farms and studios, and spectacular fall colours adorn the island. Take home a taste of island life from Salamander Ridge Farms, makers of delicious rhubarb chutney.

The Sunnyside Bed & Breakfast is a great place to base your stay and you'll get a full breakfast to fuel your ride.

Manitoulin Island Getaway

Manitoulin Island is surrounded by the waters of Lake Huron, and holds the record for the world’s largest freshwater island. Add to this the 108 inland lakes that dot the island itself—and Manitoulin’s fervent cycle touring culture—and it’s hard to imagine a better place for laid-back, lake-to-lake riding. Manitoulin Island Cycling Advocates’ (MICA) comprehensive website maps 14 routes spanning 800 kilometres of pavement and gravel, as well as bike-friendly accommodations, dining and attractions. They also organize all-inclusive, five-day cycling vacations (featuring lakeside lodging) in June and September.

For overnight stays, don’t expect big box hotels. Instead, you’ll find cozy bed and breakfasts like Twin Peaks and cottage resorts like Bears Inn. Dine at the waterfront restaurant Dockside Social in Little Current or at the Big Mouth Fish and Chips food truck in South Baymouth.

Read our Guide to the Best Cycling Routes on Manitoulin Island for more ideas.

Burk’s Falls Getaway

Burk’s Falls is a little-known gem of a small town packed with art, food and cruisey cycling day trips. Travel here for a cycling getaway in Ontario you won't soon forget.

Road riding loops are prolific here: warm up on the Katrine Mini Loop (21 km), or head out for the day on the scenic Sand Lake Loop (63 km) or the popular AIM Triangle (63 km). Find more area rides (including loops to neighbouring Sprucedale and Magnetawan) here.

Northern Ontario’s own version of Stonehenge, The Screaming Heads Midlothian Castle outdoor art installation, featuring a surreal landscape of giant cast-concrete sculptures, is a mystery only the artist can unravel. Visitors are invited to walk the trails throughout artist Peter Camani’s 310-acre property and view his “castle” home, adorned with a two-headed dragon and warrior princess. Weird? You have to see it to believe it. Ride the Screaming Heads Loop (48 km) and be sure to include a refreshing swim in the Magnetawan River en route.

For more European flair, Burk’s Falls serves up authentic Polish favourites at Best Pierogi. Dine on classics such as borscht, cabbage rolls and, of course, homemade pierogis in just about every flavour you can imagine.

Base your vacation out of the Fern Glen Inn, an 1880 farmhouse turned four-season country B&B nestled on 120 forested acres just a few minutes south of Burk’s Falls. The owners of this relaxing retreat are full of cycling suggestions and more fantastic day trip ideas that are easily accessible from the inn.

Read our Guide to Cycling in Muskoka for more nearby ideas.

Algoma Getaway

Linking together the east Algoma communities of Elliot Lake, Iron Bridge and Bruce Mines, the 120-kilometre Deer Trail loop is perfect for a weekend lakes tour on roads less travelled. These secondary highways touch the shores of countless pristine lakes and rivers, and cyclists will pass through beautiful Mississagi Provincial Park. Stay in the Park campground on the shore of Semiwite Lake, swim and hike to a breathtaking clifftop lookout. Or treat yourself to the luxury of a lakeside lodge—like Lauzon East Cottages—there are loads to choose from en route.

Hearst Getaway

An award-winning spirits distillery, a vibrant art gallery and long, rolling stretches of riding make Hearst an unexpected home base for a cycling vacation. Plus, 10 kilometres of bike lanes and dedicated paths make it easy to get around town or enjoy a lazy afternoon along the Mattawishkwia River.

Local riders can suggest some nice, flat loops for an easy day trip, including a 35-kilometre ride that begins on the east end of town and takes in two lovely lakes. Follow Route 583 north to Lac Ste. Thérèse, then head west to Veilleux Camping & Marina on Lac Pivabiska before returning south on Cloutier Road (view a map here). En route, stop in at Rheault Distillery and bring home a taste of the north—this one-of-a-kind distillery crafts small batch whiskey, sweet-smelling vodka, and fruit liqueurs such as raspberry and cherry.

Back in Hearst, check out Galerie 815—a garage-turned-gallery where you can view the work of local landscape artists and enjoy events celebrating the town’s French Creole and Indigenous music. Choose from a variety of comfortable hotel or motel options in Hearst. Or opt for a more rustic stay outside of town at Veilleux Camping or nearby Fushimi Lake Provincial Park—both locations offer canoe, kayak and paddleboard rentals so you can explore these clean and clear northern lakes after your ride.

West Nipissing Getaway

Base yourself in Sudbury to take advantage of some of the best riding in the north, in addition to some amazing cuisine. Boreal Winery—Canada’s coldest-climate winery—is situated on the Voyageur Cycling Route, 55 kilometres east of Sudbury in the hamlet of Warren. Tour the farm’s organic boreal and Arctic berry orchards and sample the delicious spoils of all that sun-ripened goodness, then pedal south along the VCR to St. Charles, Noelville and Monetville. Circle back north through the wildlife-filled wetlands of Mashkinonje Provincial Park and watery reaches of Lake Nipissing’s West Arm. Crank out this century ride in a single day, or stay at the Memquisit Lodge or a campsite at Panorama Camp (wings and pints just down the road at the Lavigne Tavern) and make it a relaxing weekend tour.

Mountain bikers will love the trails at Walden Mountain Bike Club and Lake Laurentian Conservation Area. 

Read our Guide to Biking in Sudbury for more insight on all the riding offered in the area.

Explore Ontario by bike

Discover adventure, culture and cuisine along these fun-filled cycling routes. Plan your Ontario cycling escape this summer—but make sure to leave some room in your itinerary for fun you find along the way. Hidden gems abound in Northern Ontario.

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