Ontario’s Best Cycling Loops: Full Circle Adventures

Out-and-back or a loop? When planning a two-wheel adventure, you have a choice. Both are appealing for different reasons. 

While there is no empirical evidence, and it is really a matter of personal preference, logistics and choice of ride destination – there is a common love for cycling a looped route. With all new views around every turn, the scenery is never the same, building a sense of exploration and excitement into the ride. Plus a loop certainly makes for a convenient start and finish location. On the other side, out-and-back routes have some appeal too. As one friend mentioned, ‘An out-and-back is predictable, I know exactly where I’m going.’ Another said, ‘You know where you will turn around, and you see things you missed on the way out.’ 

Whatever your reason, if you are looking to ride some looped routes, we have compiled a collection of diverse must-ride road and gravel loops in Ontario. With all the planning resources and map links available below, discover weekend getaways, afternoon loops and more for all.

Vacation Worthy Two-Wheel Adventures

Sometimes, you just need to get away. If you enjoy a beach vibe, both Niagara’s South Coast and Manitoulin Island deliver.

The 140km Greater Niagara Circle Route, a flat loop with 90% off-road, paved trails, can begin at any point, with Niagara Falls or St. Catharines offering GO Transit connections. Pedal on and connect to the Welland Canal, Niagara River, Friendship and Waterfront Trails. 

‘We’ve cycled the loop 11 times. It’s fairly well signed, there’re picnic tables along the route and our favourite way to ride is counterclockwise,’ explained John, a cyclist who lives in the region, who usually cycles it with a friend over two days. ‘We swam a little bit in Lake Erie, but generally we go in the fall; it’s very beautiful with the leaves.’

Highlights along the 30km Lake Erie stretch include holiday beach zones like Crystal Beach, Sherkston and Nickel Beach in Port Colbourne, along with bicycle friendly stops at the Smokin’ Buddha Restaurant located in the old train station, and the Crystal Ball or Chandelier cafes at Crystal Beach. 

Another worthy bike getaway is Manitoulin Island. A loop to start, and one of 14 mapped, try the Providence Bay 2 Beach 74km loop, which winds along quiet paved roads, past farms, cedar groves and lakes, beginning in Providence Beach. Along the way explore Mindemoya’s shops and lakeside beach. Looping back, pedal the rolling but never too hilly route and stay in Providence Bay at the On The Bay B&B or other bicycle friendly accommodations scattered around the island.

Steeped in history, the following two loops in Eastern Ontario spoil riders. 

Starting in Napanee, the 121km Cataraqui Kingston Cruiser easily connects onto the Cataraqui Trail, which once served as the main rail line between Ottawa and Toronto. It’s a quiet, forested gravel path bisecting the K&P Rail Trail, which travels south into Kingston underneath Highway 401. Overnight in Kingston, then follow the bike lanes westwards to Bath before ending in Napanee. If needing refreshment and nourishment along the way visit Schell’s Market, Bergeron Estate Winery and Cider Company or MacKinnon Brothers Brewing Company.

Called the Mississippi and Ottawa River Experience (MORE), the 180km CycleMORE loop is a mix of stone-crushed gravel rail trails, (the Ottawa Valley Recreation Trail and the Ottawa-Carleton Trailway,) rural roads and bicycle paths leading into downtown Ottawa. Pass by two ancient waterways, stop at Keepers Coffee in Pakenham and snap a picture of the 1903 five-span stone bridge. Meander along paved paths beside the Ottawa River and stop at bicycle friendly cafes or brewpubs downtown before tucking in for the night.

Venture to Ontario’s southwest to pedal the 190km Essex Windsor Loop. With lush farmland, a bird migration route and farm-to-table gems, pedal 70% on mainly quiet roads and a mix of paved and hard-packed flat trails. Park in Comber, wander up to Belle River for a stop at Cafe Amor, then on to Windsor. Follow the Detroit River through the city, and try the bike lanes on the new international bridge crossing into the U.S. Follow the trails for 67km and choose from a handful of bicycle friendly wineries close to the Chrysler Greenway Trail to sample some local wines and foodie treats in the Kingsville area. Book your last night in Leamington and visit Point Pelee National Park – a migration route with a stunning observation tower and so much more to explore. 

Turning north to the land of big waterbodies, the Simcoe County Loop Trail is a 160km route that connects rail trails and bike paths between Lake Simcoe and Georgian Bay. Start in either Barrie (accessible by GO Transit) or Orillia, then head north to Midland or Penetanguishene for a night along the waterfront in a B&B or hotel or camp nearby.

‘I loved that the Simcoe Loop was entirely on a bike route, I felt safe,’ explained Beth from eastern Ontario, and a rider always up for an adventure. ‘I would say don’t overthink it, take your credit card and a change of clothes, and you’re good to go.’

Resources:
Greater Niagara Circle Route
– Full map on Ride with GPS – www.ridewithgps.com/routes/40990686
– Great Lakes Waterfront Trail, Niagara River Recreation Trail, Friendship Trail, Welland Canal Trail
– Niagara’s South Coast & Visit Niagara – Visitor information
– GO Transit – Connect to route by train
Manitoulin Island
– Cycling routes and map – Including Providence Bay Two Beach loop and 13 others on Manitoulin Island
– Bicycle friendly accommodations and On the Bay B&B
Eastern Ontario
– Cataraqui Kingston Cruiser – 121km past Ontario By Bike Ride route and loop
– CycleMORE loop – 180km Mississippi and Ottawa River Experience
Ontario’s Southwest
– Essex Windsor Loop – 190km past Ontario By Bike Ride route
– Gordie Howe Bridge – New international bridge crossing with bike lanes
– Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island – Visitor information
Simcoe County Loop Trail
– Cycle Simcoe – All info including maps for Loop Trail and other cycling in Simcoe County

Gravel Goodness

Immerse yourself in the wilds of Ontario, with nearly traffic-free gravel roads and small towns. Both Haliburton and Hastings Counties developed itineraries ranging from a mild mix of gravel to extra spicy. 

With a beer named after this loop, the 69km Blairhampton Ramble has a little bit of everything – gravel, hills, pavement and fuel. The route starts in Haliburton Village, meanders north around Maple Lake, then heads south towards Minden. Poke around Haliburton, stop at Rails End Gallery located near the Community Bike Hub in a caboose, and stay at the Bonnie View Inn or Pinestone Resort – perfect places to lounge post-ride overlooking a lake. There are also 25 more gravel loops in Haliburton Highlands to try. 

Hastings County has a number of looped routes ranging from 15km to spicier 110km+ options. Cycle the Lollygagging in Lonsdale 26km loop – it’s a mixed surface route that spins around the Salmon River, launching from Kingsford Conservation Area. With plenty of photo ops of the limestone landscape, all the blooming lilacs will brighten an adventure in late spring. 

If you are a cyclist who prefers their gravel on the mild side, the 47km Four Village Tour rambles around Burnt River, Coboconk, Kinmount and Norland. This loop is 38% gravel, with mild elevation changes and a stretch along the Victoria Rail Trail. Over 100 years old, don’t miss a post-ride nibble at the Riverside Inn in nearby Norland, as it serves the best fish and chips.

Resources:
– Haliburton Highlands – Gravel and Road cycling routes and map, including free navigation on Ride with GPS – including Blairhampton Ramble loop
– Hastings County – 25 primarily on-road gravel cycling routes, including Lollygagging in Lonsdale loop
– Kawartha Lakes – 47km Four Villages Tour and other rides plus the Victoria Rail Trail 

Pedallin’ The Pavement

Roadies are spoiled for choice with these outstanding paved road loop options. Cheese and wine are a theme for these two loops: the 55km Big Island Loop and the 97km or 32km Oxford Cheese Trail. 

A local favourite in Prince Edward County, the Big Island Loop, launches from Bloomfield, heads north then roams along 8km of the Bay of Quinte shoreline on almost traffic-free roads, lined with lilacs in spring. Visit the Waring House, perfect for post-ride wine tastings, and stay overnight to pedal one of the many other loops to choose from in The County. 

Wheels of cheese is the theme as you pedal a loop through Ingersoll, Tillsonburg and Woodstock, breaking the 97km loop into a two-day adventure. Pack your pannier and visit Gunn’s Hill Artisan Cheese, Makkink’s Flower Farm and Bakery Cafe and stay overnight at The Mill Inn, an 1878 grist mill in Tillsonburg. 

The Muskoka’s 74km Lake of the Bays Loop circumnavigates the Lake, offering a mix of mild to challenging terrain and several incredible vistas. Park in Dwight and plan for food stops in Baysville and Dorset. Be sure to check out the Bike Shop in nearby Huntsville for more local route ideas. 

Durham and Norfolk Counties deliver the farm experience. Divided into leisure, intermediate, and advanced routes, Durham has more than 10 looped ride suggestions just northeast of Toronto. The 55km all-road Experience Uxbridge Loop begins and ends in Uxbridge and while it may seem short for some roadies, it packs a punch in elevation. Stop in nearby Goodwood and Aninna’s Bakeshop along the way, or consider visiting the Urban Pantry, a farm-to-table experience, or the Second Wedge Brewing Company post-ride.

Nestled along Lake Erie, Norfolk County is known for its lush-green extended growing season and its paved roads. The Silver Spokes Cycling Club has developed numerous routes through the area, and recommends their 104km loop as a lovely farmland century ride. Take in the sights of lavender, vegetable and fruit fields. In Port Rowan, along the Lake Erie waterfront with its lighthouse and boat houses, spend the night at the Rowan Nights B&B, or visit Front Road Cellars, a family-run winery and farm for tastings, light snacks on the patio, or indulge in their freshly-picked blueberries.

Resources:
– Prince Edward County – 55km Big Island Loop route Ride with GPS map
– Oxford County Cheese Trail – 97km Oxford Cheese Trail by bike loop and Ride with GPS map with free navigation
– Bike Cottage Country & Muskoka – 74km Lake of Bays Loop and Ride with GPS map
– Durham Recreational Routes – 55km Experience Uxbridge Loop and Ride with GPS map with free navigation
– Norfolk County – 104km loop on Ride with GPS, recommended by the Silver Spokes Cycling Club 

The Unexpected, Quirky and Fun!

These loops are for the curious, ready to adventure to destinations across the province. 

In eastern Ontario, the 100km paved Monarch of the Mountains two-loop route starts in Eganville and includes a climb to a former radar station from the Cold War. Rumour has it that Al Capone had a hideaway in nearby Quadeville. You will also cycle on the quad-busting Letterkenny Road – not to be confused with the town of TV show fame, although signs do go missing regularly. Back in Eganville, refuel at Fifth Chute Cafe with sourdough and coffee. 

The Carp and Country Debunker 46km loop is a treat with ice cream, restaurants, and a brewery with a few hills. Be sure to take the time to tour the Diefenbunker, a four-story underground cavern full of curiosities, built during the Cold War. 

West of Algonquin Park, the 48km Screaming Heads Loop starts in Burk’s Falls at the Welcome Centre Barista and Bakery. The loop through this rugged area will pass the surreal outdoor art installation featuring over 100 giant cast-concrete screaming head statues. After this unexpected art stop, be sure to sample butter tarts at the Cornball Store along this 80% paved loop.

To take a tour around the southernmost inhabited island in Canada head to Pelee Island – accessible by ferry from Leamington and the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail. Two-wheel the 31km level paved and hard-packed gravel loop on a rental bike from the Pelee Shop. Stop for lunch at the Pelee Island Winery or Stonehill Estates for a farm tour.  

Apples and ice cream? These next two loops promise treats. The 28km and oh so sweet Apple Capital Route starts in Tyrone Mills, northeast of Oshawa. ‘Tyrone is anchored by an old mill and it’s a real destination spot for cyclists,’ explained Jim who frequently rides in the area. ‘It’s one of a kind, and inside it is like an 1800s ancient store.’

Prefer a longer loop in the region? Ride the almost 200km Highland Hustle, perfect for a multi-day adventure rolling by Lake Ontario, up the Oak Ridges Moraine, through the Greenbelt and past hundreds of apple orchards.

Resources: 
– Monarch of the Mountains loop information and Ride with GPS map in Eastern Ontario
– Carp and Country Debunker loop information and Ride with GPS map in Eastern Ontario
– Screaming Heads Loop loop information and Ride with GPS map, west of Algonquin Park
– Pelee Island loop information and Ride with GPS map, in Southwest Ontario
– Apple Treats & Bike Routes in Durham Region including the Apple Capital looped route with Ride with GPS map
– Highland Hustle route information and Ride with GPS map, for 200km loop through the Greenbelt and Oak Ridges Moraine 

Super Challenge Loops

Two of these loops are isolated and not your average southern Ontario bikepacking route. The 260km Haliburton 50/50 loop and the 450km Central Ontario Trail Loop (COLT) will both test your mettle. Starting in Bancroft, the Hastings-Haliburton 50/50 loop promises butter tarts, burritos and places to stay, whether camping or indoors, with a mix of pavement, hilly gravel and rail trails. Whereas the COLT links rail trails, the Ganaraska Forest, country roads and a few gnarly ATV and snowmobile trails. 

‘We really wanted to do a local ride. And this one (COLT) put you in the backwoods of the most beautiful countryside,’ shared Laurel, an avid cyclist from Ottawa. ‘It’s not bananas hilly. And it’s easy to restock because you do hit lots of little towns.’  

At 640km long, the supersized Tri-Lake Great Lakes Waterfront Trail route connects Lakes Ontario, Huron and Erie. This loop includes part of the Greenbelt Route, the Goderich to Guelph Rail Trail, and you are rarely more than 30km away from a town at any time. 

And lastly, with names like Farmer’s Folly and Bruce on the Loose, there are those and far more loops that are sure to inspire a bikepacking trip of any type on the Bikepacking Ontario website. 

Discover what’s around the next turn and enjoy two-wheeling these loops this year! 

Resources: 
– Haliburton 50/50 loop – 260km loop
– Central Ontario Trail Loop (COLT) – 450km loop

Photo credits: 1 – Maja Mielonen; 2 – Lesley Cassidy; 3 – Ontario By Bike Ride 2025; 4 – Bob Peltzer/Tour de Bonnechere; 5 – Explorers’ Edge