For the 10th anniversary of the launch of this site, I have compiled 3 lists that favour the better rides in the province of Ontario, Canada. One for each category I review, Park Paths, Rail Trails and Mountain Bike Trails. This is out of the 180 significant, signed, off-road trail locations I know.
I often get asked, “What’s your favourite trail?”
Not being a simple or short answer, I tend to reply that each bike trail has its unique qualities and it depends on what I feel like riding any given day. And this would be true for you as well, so this is not the definitive “best of list” but then again you can’t go wrong riding any of them.
They all are popular for good reason. Read my reviews and see what suits you. In no particular order, here is what comes to mind:
10 Best Park Paths in Ontario
- Granger Greenway- beautiful winding gravel trail, a few big hills but worth it
- Thames Valley – 3 river paths to follow in London
- Cornwall Waterfront – good riding along the mighty St. Lawrence River
- Rideau Canal – cycle by the calm waters of this old canal in Ottawa
- Island Lake – wooden bridges and boardwalks take you on a pleasant loop
- Guelph Royal – explore the riverside, woodlands, university and gardens
- Humber Valley – a long ride from the lake up to the 407
- Nokiidaa – a day trip and scenic ride through Aurora and Newmarket
- Niagara River – beautiful views, a perfect area for a weekend tour destination
- Ajax Waterfront – cruise this section along Lake Ontario and beyond
10 Best Rail Trails in Ontario
- Tay Shores – Georgian Bay views and cool breezes to Midland
- Lang Hastings – a winding trek through rolling farmland
- LE&N – head south to Lake Erie on this relaxing route
- Algonquin – cycling fun for the family by the campgrounds
- Caledon – close to Toronto, with town spots on the way
- Victoria – from farmland into cottage country, beautiful in the fall
- Millennium – a tourist getaway on the Prince Edward Peninsula
- K&P – the start of your bikepacking adventure
- Thronton – Beeton – a scenic, north of Toronto spin
- G2G – for those who want many km under their wheels
10 Best Mountain Bike Trails in Ontario
- Albion Hills – a Toronto favourite that has all the great qualities of mountain biking
- Hydro Cut – fast, hilly loops near Kitchener.
- Georgian – flat rock riding with gnarly bits and great views
- Laurentian – bare rocky hills and drops keep MTB riders happy, excited in Sudbury
- South March – a rockfest of fun and challenges near Ottawa
- Turkey Point – so many loops it will take you days to do them all
- Durham Forest (Dagmar, Glen Major) – tons of hilly, flowy runs with boardwalks
- Hardwood – $$ but worth a visit to fill your day with a variety of well-established loops
- Harold Town – assorted MTB tracks and structures for all levels
- Copeland Forest – plenty of loops, large climbs with fast long descents
Mansfield Outdoor Centre and Dufferin County Forest. HAFTA
Yup also a good one and the Agreement Forest just missed the cut.
You missed one , Prescott Russel recreational trail, flat and straight with farmers fields galore !
Glad you like it. Try a few Rail trails on my list they may end up on yours.
Have you ridden Trowbridge Forest in Thunder Bay. Ive ridden half of your list and say its better than almost all them.
That says a lot. I know it but the weather went bad when I tried to ride it a few years back.