Ontario’s Best Gravel Bike Events in 2026

Can’t choose between road or mountain biking? Gravel biking is gaining popularity as the perfect combination of both: escape the traffic on quiet country roads and venture into the woods while climbing challenging hills on flowing trails—gravel bikes can do it all. Organizers are catching onto the trend and offering more events and races every year. Ontario’s best gravel bike events offer the chance to test your endurance and meet some new riding friends on some of the most scenic backcountry roads in the province.

April

19 Clarence Rockland Classic, Ottawa

Located east of Ottawa in scenic Clarence-Rockland Township, this annual event involves a mix of paved and gravel roads with three route options: a 113-km open race and recreational, 52- and 23-km tours.

26 - Paris to Ancaster, Paris

Inspired by France’s Paris to Roubaix race, Ontario’s P2A began in 1994 and has become a classic for spring training and gravel lovers. The P2A joined the ranks of a qualifying event for the UCI Gravel World Series in 2025. The VIP category is reserved for professional athletes. Organizers recommend either mountain bikes, hybrids or cyclocross bikes for this race. This year’s event offers three categories: Centro (110 km), Classic (70 km) and the Breve (45 km). It’s not an easy race, and for anyone who's familiar with it, the final climb is legendary. There’s also a family race for the little ones. Many riders also stay the night before.

May

2 - Cannondale Scrappy Badger Baltimore: Cannondale Ontario Gravel Series #1, Baltimore

The first in a three-part race series, the Cannondale Scrappy is a relatively new race, but it’s a great start to the riding season. Choose from 40- and 80 km of rolling gravel roads, ATV tracks and general shenanigans on a bike. Finishers get a pint glass and a celebratory barbeque at the end.

9 - Creemore Springs Turas Mor, Creemore

Gaelic for “great journey”, this fun ride is a classic combination of live music, riding and deliciously local Creemore Springs beer. The rolling hills and backroads make for some epic gravel riding. The race spans from cruiser 20 km, challenger 40 km and classic 60 km—and now, the experts have an 85 km category. Expect more celebratory vibes with a Show & Shine vintage festival with old style bikes, live music and a giant after party. This one’s for 19-plus riders.

24 - Melrose Gravel Tour Boondocks, Belleville

Get your legs ready for the season with this early spring race. Choose from 50-, 80- or 100-km rides along country roads and challenging ATV trails on this epic gravel race. Lunch is provided when you finish. Be ready for the elements as this challenging race can be mucky, depending on the weather. At times you’ll ride in open meadows and then we shaded in the dense forest. Bug repellent is recommended!

24 - Red Rock Gravel Grinder, Sault Ste. Marie

Take on one of the best gravel rides in the Sault Ste. Marie area in a low-key event organized by the Sault Cycling Club. This 28-km event is open to racers and recreational riders alike, with an out-and-back course featuring gruelling climbs and a rocket-fast descent to Lake Superior’s shores.

30 - R3G3, Griffith

Come to the scenic Ottawa Valley for the Renfrew Rough Rider Griffith Grinder (R3G3) to ride the endless forest roads of the Opeongo Highlands, part of the Canada Gravel Cup.

30 - Tour of Kincardine, Kincardine

This hybrid ride mixes it up with 12 km of mud followed by technical singletrack, as well as a short paved portion, where you’ll roll on river- and lakeside routes with views of an iconic Lake Huron lighthouse. Choose from 10- or 35 km routes. It’s a challenging ride to get you ready for the summer. Riders describe it more like an adventure than a race.

June

6 - Naturally L&A Gravel Ride, Centreville

Starting at the Good Farm in Centreville, the Naturally L&A Gravel Ride is a scenic tour of Lennox and Addington County, including a 53-km mix of pavement and gravel roads in Stonemills Township. You’ll roll through charming rural eastern Ontario towns such as Croydon, Tamworth and Enterprise. Meander through bucolic farmlands and alongside the Salmon River. Rest stops include treats from local businesses and music. It all adds up to a really sweet event.

6 - Terry Fox Ride of Hope, Ottawa

Raise money for cancer research and take on a challenging 120-km gravel route through Ottawa’s Greenbelt, with a mix of gravel and scenic pathways—with minimal vehicular traffic. The route includes over 750 m of elevation gain and concludes with a waterfront section along the Ottawa River.

7 - Cannondale Screaming Squirrel: Cannondale Ontario Gravel Series Race #2, Mono Hills

If you liked the Scrappy Badger, come back for more in the second installment of the Cannondale Ontario gravel series, hosted in the Mono Hills. You can ride 30- or 85 km along rolling gravel roads north of Orangeville. Expect some river crossings and challenging climbs. The course is not closed to traffic and the gravel terrain will test your skills. Donations for the post-ride barbeque will go to the Canadian Cancer Society in memory of Emilia Tilson, a local rider who rode this course often with her family.

28 - Tour de Guelph, Guelph

The Tour de Guelph offers a 50-km multi-surface route. Join as a solo or team and give back to the community: this event raises funds for local initiatives such as much needed medical equipment. Over the past 10 years, Tour de Guelph has helped fund radiology equipment, IV pumps, ultrasound machines and more.

July

TBD - Reggie Ramble Gravel, Warkworth

Expect lots of prizes, swag, music and climbing at this fun event south of Peterborough. All courses (65-, 130- and 200-km), begin at the historic Warkworth Fairgrounds and amble through the backroads of the Trent Hills. Many riders stay overnight in Peterborough to extend the fun. It’s recommended to use a 35- to 45-mm tire with a bit of tread.

August

8 - Forest Lea Odyssey Gravel Race, Pembroke

Enjoy great Ottawa Valley scenery while riding the Forest Lea trails, near Pembroke, in this peak-summer event. Seventy- and 100-km routes are available, both featuring a mix of paved surfaces, gravel and unmaintained roads in the townships of Laurentian Valley and North Algona Wilberforce. This promises to be a fun, low-key event for seasoned cyclists, first-time racers and those looking for a challenging ride.

15 - Voyageur 200, North Bay

The Voyageur 200 harkens back to the days of fur traders and explorers who traversed watery highways centuries ago. You’ll need similar stamina to ride the rugged logging roads along the mighty Mattawa River and around North Bay. Choose from 60-, 100- or 200-km routes for this epic ride. Your registration fee goes to a good cause: this charity race supports people recovering from heart attack and stroke and suffering from aphasia. The ride includes photos taken throughout the race, as well as a post-ride celebration and barbeque.

29 - Cannondale Eager Beaver Gravel Race, Mulmur

Test your endurance on this epic 40- or 100-km race on gravel roads in and around the Mansfield Outdoor Centre. It’s known for its challenging climbs and it’s also part of the Eager Beaver Weekend, featuring enduro and cross-country mountain bike races as well. The 100-km gravel race includes a stout 2,000 m of elevation while the 40 km is 700 m. The ski club offers a great family atmosphere with vendors and food; many riders camp and take in the local swimming and outdoorsy vibe.

September

12 - TheBluMoose Alvar, Orillia

Choose from 100- or 140 km routes on a beautiful ride that traverses the quiet grasslands and meadows of the Carden Alvar Provincial Park, near Orillia. Be prepared with supplies and ready to change a tire, if needed, on this self-supported ride. Starting and finishing at the Tailwinds Bar & Grill in Orillia, you can anticipate a great post-ride party.

26 Wolfe Island Gravel Grinder, Wolfe Island 

Ride the ferry to Wolfe Island, near Kingston, then ride your gravel bike on a 40- or 75-km route on scenic back roads on this beautiful Lake Ontario island.

TBD - Hurtin in Haliburton, Haliburton

Come for the day, or make a weekend trip for this annual event in Central Ontario. Ride beside a plethora of lakes and the Haliburton Wolf Centre. Arrive Friday to pre ride, Saturday race, and finish with a barbecue and live music. There’s a category for solo riders on fat bikes (minimum 3.8-inch tires), too. The race follows a 27-km backcountry gravel loop. Ride solo or in teams. Aid stations are throughout the course.

October

4 - Bruce Peninsula Gravel Gran Fondo, Lion’s Head

Ride through some of the most picturesque regions of Bruce County. This includes backroads, trails climbing the iconic Niagara Escarpment then flat trails along the Georgian Bay Shoreline from Lion’s Head Lighthouse to Cabot Head. Starting at the Lions Head lighthouse, it’s a serene, yet challenging, ride. Choose from 30-, 56-, 80- or the big 115-km race.

TBD - Hastings Highlands Hilly Hundred, Bancroft

Don’t let the wide gravel roads fool you—this is a hilly endurance ride not for the faint of heart. The courses range from the hilly Canadian Century ride at 106 km, with 1,300 m of climbing and Dr. Brown’s feed station, which has been described as a “drive through breakfast.” Next up: a 130-km route with 2,000 m of climbing, known as the Hilly Gravel (recommended tire size is 36 mm or bigger). Finally, Ed’s Big Gravel is 150 km with an epic 2,000 m of climbing.

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