Ontario By Bike E-News: April

As of April 2021, and with renewed covid restrictions, we hope that you our valued readers and fellow cycling enthusiasts will make use of the info and resources below as well as online to inspire and plan your bicycle trips and outings whether that be locally, or when the time is right, and as restrictions allow, to destinations and bicycle friendly businesses around Ontario. Until we connect again, enjoy the read, visit our website,
stay in touch on social media and most importantly stay healthy and fit.

A Ride To Remember: The Cornwall Waterfront Trail

Photo Credit: Cornwall Tourism

Add Cornwall to your summer vacation list for a cycling experience unlike any other. Enjoy amazing off-road trails right along the mighty St. Lawrence River with easy access to restaurants, shops, attractions and much more. Whether you are looking for a family excursion or a longer ride, there are plenty of options for riders of all ages. Visit for a daytrip or spend a few days exploring the surroundings and spend the night at one of the many great bicycle friendly accommodations in the city.

Read our new blog and find out how to explore this waterfront town by bike.

Ontario By Bike Ride 2021

Destination: Sarnia Lambton

What do you know about Sarnia Lambton, the southwest Ontario destination for our July Ontario By Bike Ride? As we all look towards more localized travel join us for a ride to (re)discover a beautiful and culturally rich destination that you may not have visited before.

Test yourself on the following quiz and learn more by signing up to ride with us, before it is sold out.

Sarnia Lambton Trivia Quiz

What is the average width of the St. Clair River that separates Ontario from Michigan, USA?
What is the historical significance of Uncle Tom's Cabin, located in Dresdan, Ontario?
In what year and where were the first commercial oil wells in North America dug?
Who were the earliest inhabitants of Walpole Island and how did it get its name?
When open, how many international border crossings are there along the St. Clair River?

Find answers by scrolling to the bottom of our Ride page: OntarioByBike.ca/JulyRide2021

Consider joining us July 3 to 4, to tour this fascinating area and find out more about the natural and cultural heritage in Sarnia Lambton. Over 2 days, enjoy a flat ride on paved roads, follow the St Clair River, and delve deep into agricultural lands once the centre of Canada's oil industry.

Book soon as limited space still available.

New August Ride Date Added: Niagara Circle Route South

With many of our 2021 Rides now sold out, we have decided to add a new additional Ride date.
Come ride with us August 28 to 29, on this 2 day / 1 overnight, small group, 127km loop tour, almost entirely on paved trails, and discover the quieter side of Niagara. OntarioByBike.ca/Rides

Just bring your bike and ride!

With our TICO-licensed partner OK Cycle & Adventure Tours,

who offer a wide range of cycling tours in Ontario and world-wide!

Photo Credits: Tourism Sarnia Lambton; Martin Lortz/Waterfront Regeneration Trust

As our 2021 Rides are selling out early, we invite you to see and make use of our legacy itineraries,
so you can enjoy one of our rides independently and self supported at: OntarioByBike.ca/Itineraries

Top Mountain Biking Trails in

Kawarthas Northumberland

Photo Credit: Kawarthas Northumberland

Quiet backroads and well-maintained bike paths are a major part of the Kawarthas Northumberland region's charm. For some riders though, nothing beats the woodland immersion and physical challenge of a good mountain biking trail. We're happy to report that Kawarthas Northumberland also excels in the mountain bike department, offering dozens of easily accessible single and double-track trails for a variety of skill levels.

Check out our blog if you are looking for a great mountain bike excursion and find more information on some of the best mountain bike spots the region has to offer.

Announcing: 2021 Award Winners

Ontario's Best Bicycle Friendly Businesses

We are pleased to announce the 2021 Best Bicycle Friendly Business Award Winners. This is the third year of our awards, where we select one Ontario By Bike certified bicycle friendly business from each of the 13 tourism regions in Ontario.

Find a full list of all 2021 winners at: OntarioByBike.ca/2021AwardWinners

Over the coming months and in each enewsletter we will feature each award recipient. Consider stopping in at one of these locations on your next cycling adventure in their region as they have all taken the extra steps offering services and amenities to welcome cyclists.

Four Fathers Brewing Co.

Cambridge

On any given weekend, a large number of cyclists are finding their way to this welcoming brewery, its indoor and patio dinning and tasting areas, and making use of handy bike parking onsite. Welcoming both small and larger cycling groups they will also extend a 10% discount to cyclists in 2021.

Situated at a crossroad for a number of cycling routes including the shorter Mill Run Trail, GNR Bikepacking Route and the Waterloo Guelph Explorer loop, Four Fathers is an ideal spot to stop and refuel. FourFathersBrewing.ca

Ray's Cottages & Camping

Wellington

With Provincial Park campgrounds such as Sandbanks being booked solid for the coming summer months a nearby alternative for overnight
un-serviced camping and glamping accommodations can be found at Ray's.

Located close to Wellington restaurants and shops it is also easy to hop on and off the Millenium Trail that crosses Prince Edward County, much of which has been newly resurfaced. Use the trail to get to Bloomfield, Picton or visit wineries, arts studios and other attractions in the area. RaysCottages.ca

In addition to the award winning bicycle friendly places to eat, sleep and visit there are a number of bike businesses that provide services and/or tours located in each region. To recognize all they offer, in 2021, special mention and an award goes out to the following in the South Eastern Ontario area:

Wheels in Motion - Find this small but well stocked bike shop in Kemptville. Visit the welcoming women owned and operated location that gives back to the local community and prioritizes getting people out and about on safe bikes. It is also now one of the few remaining bike shops in the area.

Explore York Region by Bike

Photo Credit: Dabera Yu

On a nice day, riders from all across the GTA and beyond flock to York Region to experience some of the fabulous cycling routes the region has to offer. Thanks to a fantastic network of great cycling roads and well-developed trails that are close to urban centres and accessible both by public transit and car, the region has been a regular go-to for many cyclists. Whether you are looking for a quiet day on the trail cruising through the scenic parks and ravines or a road ride on the well paved roads featuring rolling hills and great vistas, there are plenty of options for each ride type. To find your way around, the region has published a variety of resources that assist with trip planning. The York Regional Cycling Tour Map features ten of the most popular routes for both on and off-road cycling as well as information about mountain biking and certified Ontario By Bike businesses to eat, visit and sleep. Here are two routes for you to explore.

Ride for Trail Adventurers:

The William Grange Greenway is part of an 8km section of the Humber Trail between Boyd Conservation Area trails in the south and the McMichael Canadian Art Collection in Kleinburg, where some of the magnificent work of the famous Group of Seven can be viewed. The crushed limestone trail meanders along the East Humber River passing through beautiful natural habitats. The trail is also a great starting point for a longer ride such as the Group of Seven Trails. Cycle around the city of Vaughan on to the Bartley Smith Greenway and through many of the city's parks and some stretches of roads before heading back towards Kleinburg.

Ride for Road Ramblers:

The York Century Ride is the ultimate road adventure in York Region. This popular 100km route can easily be accessed from the GTA. The ride starts out in Newmarket and takes you all the way up to Lake Simcoe over smoothly paved roads. Riders who are keen to take this challenge will be rewarded with a scenic route and some spectacular views over Lake Simcoe. If you want to take it easy, do it in two days and stay at the bicycle friendly Briars Resort.

How To Get There?

York Region is easily accessible by car or public transit. Many of the GO stations offer ample parking and you can bring your bike on the trains during off-peak hours. Take the train to Markham, Richmond-Hill, Aurora or even as far as Newmarket. Visit GO Transit to find out about schedules, stops and how to bring your bike.

Cycling in Ontario 2021

- NOW AVAILABLE! -

The 9th annual edition of our Cycling in Ontario guide is now available. On 48 pages you will find more than 50 day trips and multi-day ride ideas and itineraries for all different ride types, which will provide you with lots of inspiration and information for when we are able to get out and explore more of Ontario this cycling season.

Digital Copy Available at: OntarioByBike.ca/2021

To Order Print Copy

Click on our email address [email protected] and include your mailing address.
If you would like a French edition or multiple copies to share, let us know.
If you are a subscriber of Canadian Cycling Magazine or Vélo Mag you will receive a copy soon with their next editions, so you do not need to order directly through us.
If you have any additional distribution suggestions or can help us get copies to outlets in your area, let us know.

Please note that due to ongoing restrictions our processing times for individual mailouts may be longer than usual. We will send you a copy as fast as possible and thank you for your understanding.

Stay Connected with Ontario By Bike!

Share using the hashtag #OntarioByBike & #BikeON!

Ontario Cycle Tours - Watch YouTube Webinar

Late March we were pleased to be invited by our booking partners OK Cycle Tours to participate and make a presentation during their 'Ontario Cycling Tours' webinar. Close to 100 viewers joined in live online, and now with the presentation available on YouTube so you can watch it any time.

Learn more about bike tours around Ontario from 10 minute presentations by a number of our valued bike tour partners including: Humdinger Bicycle Tours, Manitoulin Island Cycling Advocates and Escape Bicycle Tours as well as one from us featuring the 2021 Ontario By Bike Rides and more. Youtube.com/watch?v=ciUQG8jubCc

Ebikes: The Future is Now!

As included in several articles in our 2021 Cycling in Ontario Guide, ebikes are increasingly popular with more cyclists choosing an ebike for both local rides on trails and road, and touring.

In fact, market research shows the sales of ebikes grew by 145% in 2020, compared to 2019, higher than the 65% increase in sales of all bike categories combined. (NDP)

Read about eNews, eAdventures, eBike Buyers Guide and more.

View the latest edition of Ebikes Internation online or download a copy today at: Ebikes-International.com

In The News: Bikes & Travel