Where to go gravel biking in Ontario

Simcoe County

South Georgian Bay in Simcoe County, between the quaint towns of Creemore and Mono Mills, offers some of the province’s best gravel bike rides thanks to undulating hills and backcountry roads.

Local cyclists have created loops that can be ridden in full or in parts, with many highlights—including bakery stops and scenic blends of hills and farms.

A two-hour drive north of Toronto, Collingwood is the perfect staging point for gravel cycling adventures.

The Cruisin for a Brewsin’ route is a favourite in the region. The original 184-kilometre version route starting in Creemore is meant for advanced riders looking for a long-distance challenge. Meanwhile, a shorter 65-kilometre loop showcases the area’s best climbs and gravel roads, passing through Pretty River Provincial Park, the Bruce Trail, the top of the Niagara Escarpment, the Kolapore Uplands and a panoramic view of the valley.

The Simcoe County Loop Trail is a 160-kilometre adventure linking rail trails, country roads and scenic waterfront paths for a burly single-day ride or friendlier multi-day route. It winds through forests, farmland and charming towns like Barrie, Midland and Orillia and features a mostly hard-packed gravel surface. Its mix of rolling terrain, flat stretches and plenty of great stops along the way make it a favourite route for Ontario cyclists.

More info and resources:

• Find gear, rentals and expert route advice at Collingwood bike shops like Kamikaze Bikes, Little Ed’s, Squire John’s and Skiis and Biikes.
• Connect with the Collingwood Cycling Club or Collingwood Offroad Cycling Club for organized rides and a plethora of routes.
• For comprehensive trail information, the South Georgian Bay Road & Trail Map by Cycle Simcoe details extensive multi-use trails and scenic cycling routes. 

Ottawa Valley

The Ottawa Valley region has quiet, secluded gravel rides with easy access from the nation’s capital.

Thanks to an active local community, the routes are plentiful, often tracing the shores of the Ottawa River—and accessible to beginners and expert gravel bike riders.

The Ottawa Valley Rail Trail has many access points along its 296 kilometres. Expect bridges, shorelines and stops in historic towns. The trail traverses three counties: Lanark, Renfrew and Papineau Cameron Townships. Meanwhile, the Greenbelt loop is a 45-kilometre ride through thick, secluded forests and past farms and wetlands, starting in downtown Ottawa.

The Ottawa Area Gravel Growler is also accessible from Ottawa’s city centre. This 92-kilometre route stops by three craft breweries, if you wish to indulge, as well as rail trails, sections of the Trans Canada Trail and the Ottawa Valley Rail Trail. It’s mostly smooth, crushed gravel with rolling hills suitable for 35 mm tires, but always bring a spare as this region is remote between the towns.

More info and resources:

• Phat Moose Cycles, Bushtukah and Kunstadt Sports provide gear, repairs and expert local advice in the Ottawa area.
• If you’re looking for riding partners, join a group ride with the Ottawa Cycling Club.
• For those feeling competitive, the Ottawa Valley hosts the three-race Gravel Cup Canada series, offering a challenge for riders of all levels.

Oxford County

Two hours west of Toronto and just outside London, Oxford County countryside is another hotspot for Ontario gravel bike rides, with an idyllic blend of winding rural roads, forested trails and charming small towns.

The local cycling community has created easy-to-follow routes for beginner gravel cyclists. Many of these scenic rides wind past artist studios, delicious bakeries and the mighty Thames River.

The aptly named Gravel King ride is a moderate 32-kilometre route with rolling hills that follows rural roads through small farmsteads, overhanging trees and lowland forests. It includes an optional stop at a cheese shop, and finishes at the Trails Edge Tavern, the perfect place to toast your ride.

For more challenge and climbing, the Heritage Ride starts in tobacco-producing Tillsonburg and then climbs steadily to Norwich. Almost a third of this ride is entirely car-free. The restored African Methodist Episcopal Cemetery, just north of Otterville, is a must-stop for history buffs. It is the resting place for 140 Black pioneers, many of whom fled slavery via the Underground Railroad.

For the ultimate gravel adventure, start in the historic Mennonite town of St. Jacobs and take on the legendary BT700—a 700-kilometre multi-day gravel bike trail named for the eight bakeries and restaurants serving butter tarts along the way.

More info and resources:

• First Cycleworks, London Bicycle Café and Outspokin Cycles provide expert bike sales, repairs and accessories in the region.
• Check out the London Cycling Club for group rides and events.
• Visit Ride Oxford and Ontario By Bike for trail maps and cycling resources.
• Gravelocity offers cycling getaways and guided gravel tours.

North Bay

North Bay is a bucket list destination for gravel biking, with hundreds of kilometres of scenic routes weaving along historic trails through breathtaking landscapes.

Several rides follow sections of the legendary Voyageur Cycling Route and the Old Nipissing Road, blending heritage, adventure and gravel. The Voyageur Cycling route spans 645 kilometres from Ottawa to Sudbury, linking iconic cycling corridors, such as the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail, Georgian Bay Cycling Route, and the National Capital Region.

Local Discovery Routes offer a variety of two-wheeled itineraries with options for all skill levels. The routes range from 30 kilometres for the family up to epic distances with technical climbs on ATV trails and more. In particular, the Farmstand 40 is a 38-kilometre route on smooth roads through rolling hills and farm country near Powassan that’s quite manageable as a family ride. Explore the rolling countryside and link up markets and farm stands; bring your panniers to stock up. Pick up preserves and pastries at Groulx Acres, local maple syrup at Matthews Maple Syrup and custom cakes, preserves and baked goods at JH Farms.

Locals love the Ghost Gravel Route as an intermediate- to advanced-level gravel ride. Distances range from 60- to 250 kilometres, tracing parts of the historic Old Nipissing Road south of North Bay. Settlers used this colonial road in the mid-1800s and it features an intriguing tapestry of cemeteries and remnants of century homes set in a rocky Canadian Shield landscape.

More info and resources:

• CycleAlley and Cycle Works provide expert bike sales, repairs and accessories in the North Bay area.
• Check out the North Bay Mountain Bike Association for group rides and events. Voyager 200 is the premier gravel race in the region. 

Sault Ste. Marie

The Algoma region is a must-visit for gravel riders. An eight-hour drive north of Toronto, Sault Ste. Marie is the gateway to stunning landscapes and epic gravel bike trails, including historic copper mines, an abundance of rural roads and encounters with Great Lakes shores. Bring your binoculars, as the area’s coastal wetlands, mixed wood forests and fallow fields are sanctuaries for rare birds.

A family-friendly, Sault Ste. Marie route that’s suitable for most riders follows the beautiful St. Marys River, then traverses the lock at the Sault Ste. Marie Canal to South St. Marys and Whitefish Islands. Set alongside powerful rapids, these islands have a rich history as an Indigenous Anishinaabe fishing and trading site. Cyclists enjoy a small network of hard-packed dirt trails, paved paths, gravel and maybe a few easy water crossings, depending on the weather. The area is also a birding hotspot with an impressive species list.

A good sample of Algoma’s terrain and sights are packed into a fun ride called The Dirty Bruce, starting from the village of Rydal Bank on Highway 638, about a 45-minute drive east of Sault Ste. Marie. A local cyclist created three routes covering rolling hills, pine forests and farm fields. The rides include 34-, 65- to 108-kilometre options, with various terrain—a little pavement, some sand and a lot of gravel. The hamlet of Little Rapids has an old-time general store for refueling, but pack well as these routes are remote. This route gives you a glimpse of the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail.

More info and resources:

• Start with Velorution or Algoma Bicycle Co. for gear, rentals, repairs and expert route recommendations in the Sault Ste. Marie area.
• Connect with the vibrant Sault Cycling Club for gravel intel and events, including the 38-kilometre Red Rock Gravel Grinder in late May.

Kawarthas

This region of Ontario is a gravel rider’s dream, with quiet country roads, rolling hills and countless lakes. Located just 90 minutes from Toronto, the Kawarthas are a top cycling destination, pairing rugged adventure with small-town charm. Cyclists will ride along historic rail trails, past shimmering lakes and into welcoming communities where ice cream cones and delicious post-ride meals await.

For those craving a smooth, car-free ride, Victoria Rail Trail offers a scenic, beginner-friendly route. This converted rail bed between Lindsay and Fenelon Falls has been resurfaced with crushed stone gravel and features 22 kilometres of marshes, forests and a picturesque boardwalk section. Fenelon Falls welcomes riders with a beach, Lock 34 of the Trent-Severn Waterway and plenty of spots to grab lunch before retracing the route back to Lindsay.

For a more adventurous ride, the Iron Mine Meander delivers a challenge with 90- or 120-kilometre options starting in Balsam Lake Provincial Park. In spring, expect to hop off and hike through the occasional flooded section. The route features a cliffside lookout over the Burnt River, a stop at the World’s Smallest Bookstore near Minden, and a chance to cool off with a swim in Clear Lake. Terrain ranges from paved roads, unmaintained gravel and rough-and-tumble ATV tracks; spare tires are recommended. Rolling climbs near Kinmount provide an exhilarating finish.

More info and resources:

• Check out The Bike Garage in Lindsay or Wild Rock Outfitters in Peterborough for gear, rentals and expert route recommendations.
• Peterborough’s Community Bike Shop is worth a stop, too, offering DIY repairs with instructors.
• Challenge yourself at the annual Kawartha Lakes Classic Cycling Tour or join rides with the Kawartha Cycling Club to discover the region’s best-kept secrets.

Ontario By Bike is also an excellent resource for finding routes and cycling friendly accommodations

Almaguin Highlands

Ontario’s Almaguin Highlands offer a vast network of quiet back roads north of Muskoka, stretching up from the city of Huntsville and the western edge of Algonquin Provincial Park to the communities of South River, Sundridge and Magnetawan.

This region is a gravel bike riding gold—expect punchy climbs, rugged Canadian Shield terrain, minimal traffic and the occasional chunky bits of ATV trails. A three-hour drive north of Toronto, it’s a great long weekend excursion for gravel riders looking for peace and quiet.

The region’s numerous river systems intersect and often run parallel to many gravel routes, allowing for wonderful views, beaches and swim spots. The Novar Gravel Loop travels from the village of Novar to Burk’s Falls and back in a 110-kilometre loop on mostly municipal gravel roads. The annual Greystone Gravel Grinder is a local race traversing the same territory with 100-, 80-, 50-, and 20-kilometre options.

The 48-kilometre Burk’s Falls Gravel Loop is another local favourite, featuring a unique blend of art and adventure. This route travels through Canadian Shield landscapes and past Screaming Heads, an eerie, large-scale outdoor art installation that makes for a one-of-a-kind stop.

More info and resources:

• Parry Sound Bikes, The Bike Shop, Muskoka Bicycle Pro Shop and Algonquin Outfitters in Huntsville provide gear, rentals and expert route recommendations to get you rolling.
• For guided trips, Burks Falls-based Missing Link Adventure Tours offers customized cycling retreats for riders of all levels. This operator also hosts specialized events, such as Gravel Camp, to enhance endurance gravel racing skills. Guests can stay at an organic farm and enjoy fresh meals tailored to a cyclist’s hearty appetite.

Manitoulin Island

With a vast network of 850 kilometres of roads, the cycling possibilities on Manitoulin Island seem endless. Manitoulin is the world’s largest freshwater island and has been home to Indigenous people since time immemorial, so it’s no surprise the “Island,” as the locals call it, has a sacred vibe.

Getting to Manitoulin requires about six hours of travel from Toronto, but it’s well worth the effort. Cross over the Little Current Swing Bridge on Highway 6 from Sudbury (a two-hour drive) or catch the Chi-Cheemaun Ferry from Tobermory, and enjoy a relaxing two-hour crossing on Lake Huron.

Expect rolling farmland, dense forests and sweeping lake views. With 108 inland lakes and hundreds of kilometres of Lake Huron shoreline, water views are never far. The island forms part of the northern terminus of the Niagara Escarpment, with an impressive limestone geology that’s been worn away over the eons. The terrain is a mix of pavement, hard-packed crushed gravel and chunky stones. The interior of the island is hillier, with a maximum elevation of 240 meters, while flat-riding conditions prevail along the lakeshore.

Riding in and around Tehkummah Township is a local favourite. Once you get off the main highways, most roads are gravel, making Manitoulin Island one of the best places for gravel bike rides in Ontario.

More info and resources:

• Visiting cyclists can gear up at Breakaway Sports and Cycles in Little Current or join the Alvar Cycle Tour, a five-day, fully supported adventure with e-bike rentals available.
• Manitoulin Island Cycling Advocates (MICA) offers detailed cycling maps, organizes the annual Manitoulin Passage Ride and provides route suggestions covering over 850 kilometres of scenic backroads.
• Find more cycling routes and events at Ontario By Bike.

Know before you go

When to go gravel biking in Ontario

The best season for gravel riding in Ontario starts in spring once the trails dry out and extends through late fall when the air is crisp and the colours are spectacular.

What to bring on a gravel bike ride

Extra tire tubes, a pump and a repair kit are essential—you also need to know how to use them.

Ride sturdy tires—at least 38 mm, or wider if the route is especially rocky. Tire pressure matters, too. Run lower pressure on soft, fresh gravel for better traction and pump up tire pressure for hard-packed surfaces.

Many of Ontario’s best gravel rides are in remote areas, so pack plenty of snacks and water, or bring a water filter for refilling at lakes, rivers and streams.

Cycling etiquette and safety

Some gravel routes traverse multi-use trails, so be mindful of hikers and other cyclists. Stay to the right, and when you’re passing give a friendly heads-up — “On your left!” — before moving around. Some routes also share space with ATVs, so keep an ear and eye out for fast-moving vehicles.

Finally, stick to marked trails. Even though gravel riding can feel like it is in the backcountry, off-trail land may be privately owned. Stay on route and keep the adventure where it belongs.