Want a fun way to explore Ontario with your partner? Let two wheels and some pedaling power take you through urban areas or near undiscovered country towns. There are so many trail types to trek through from recreational paths to paved roads, to rugged mountain biking trails. Whichever one you choose, you’re bound to discover something new while enjoying the great outdoors with your love. Here are our Top 9 Cycling Trails for Couples in Ontario.
The Great Lakes Waterfront Trail
One of the best ways to explore Ontario on a bike is to cycle the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail. This extensive signed route stretches over 3600 km of breathtaking scenery, connecting 155 communities and 3 Great Lakes. Pick up the trail for a few hours wherever you are along the way or set out on a multi-day adventure. You’ll want to check out https://waterfronttrail.org/ for maps and trip ideas to make the most of your couples’ excursion.
Niagara River Recreation Trail
The Niagara River Recreation Trail takes you through the picturesque countryside of beautiful Niagara. Starting at historic Fort Erie, the trail takes you through Niagara Falls and along the Niagara River to the lovely town of Niagara-on-the-Lake. You’ll pass restaurants, historical sites, shops, and of course, those impressive Horseshoe Falls along the way.
Trails of Prince Edward County
Prince Edward County’s trails offer the most perfect landscape for cycling as they are mostly flat. The Millenium Trail includes nearly 50 km of routes and cars are not allowed on most of the trail. Best of all, you can access many of PEC’s best wineries from this trail. The Cressy Loop is 60 km long and is the marquee trail in the county with a few good climbs. Make sure to check out the County Cider Company along the way. The 65 km (or 50 km with the shortcut) Park Route will take you to beautiful Sandbanks Provincial Park.
Niagara Wine Route
For the couple that loves to sip from the saddle of their bike, the Niagara Wine Route is nothing short of perfect. The trail loops and juts out to connect over 80 wineries and surrounding communities. You’ll travel along the south shore of Lake Ontario and the Niagara Escarpment. Exploring the entire trail will take you through communities such as Grimsby, St. Catharines and Niagara-on-the-Lake. The two of you can head out on your own, or if you prefer, take one of many organized cycling tours throughout the Region.
Ottawa Region
Ottawa has a beautiful trail system that is the perfect combination of biking and hiking. Many of the trails are close enough to the city but you can quickly find yourself enveloped by old-growth forests, rocks and lush greenery, just minutes from the rush. The South March Highlands is a great trail structure with several interesting loops to explore. Considered Intermediate level, local mountain bikers have been coming here for the past 20 years! Another great trail used primarily for biking is the Larose Forest trail system. It’s great for beginners as well as more advanced riders. These trails even cater to fat bikes for winter riding.
Check out the Western & Eastern Greenbelt trails as well as the Watts Creek Pathway, all part of The Great Trail of Canada. Most have asphalt paths and vary in elevation and intensity, but they all feature beautiful views and exciting rides.
Crystal Creek Mountain Bike Trail, Sault Ste. Marie
Looking for a bit of a challenge? Check out the Crystal Creek Mountain Bike Trail in the Hiawatha Highlands Conservation Area in Sault Ste. Marie. Enjoy 35 km of spectacular trails known for their changes in elevation, gorgeous waterfalls and woodland scenery.
Hastings Heritage Trail, Bancroft-Mamora-Quinte West
This 191 km trail located in Quinte West has something for everyone! A multi-use trail for hiking, snowshoeing and running, it also lends itself well to biking. With multiple access points, you don’t need to worry about covering all 191 klicks in one go! Fun Fact: The trail follows the old Central Ontario Railway line.
Voyageur Cycling Route, Sudbury to Ottawa
Experience Northern Ontario to Ottawa on this extensive 645 km bike route. The Voyageur Cycling Route meets up with the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail, Québec’s La Route Verte and the Great Trail of Canada. Reconnect with the Ontario wilderness and the beautiful small towns of the North. You can travel through Callandar and North Bay along Lake Nosbonsing and Lake Nipissing, Mattawa and Sudbury. The trail has various elevations and terrain for riders of all skill levels.
The Caledon Trailway
This trail is a lovely 35 km flat stretch of easy ridin’. It runs through some lovely little towns such as Terra Cotta, Cheltenham, Inglewood and Palgrave. The Caledon Trailway is a relatively relaxing and pretty trail that is great for a leisurely ride with your partner.
Pro Tip: Check out Ontario By Bike for bike-friendly spots to eat, sleep and visit.
Try these Top 9 Cycling Trails in Ontario soon. They are perfect for couples who want to get out and explore their surroundings and the countryside. And big bonus – you’ll also get to see the beautiful changing colours of the Fall all around you.
