The Great Waterway

The Great Waterway Cycling Itineraries – In spring 2012, The Great Waterway launches a number of new cycling itineraries and routes, available on-line. These itineraries will provide cyclists of all abilities with information on routing, overnight accommodations, attractions and food services along the way. With a new route for each sub-region and one new cross-regional route, these itineraries are sure to be a great addition to the cycling assets of the region.
• For more information and to view itineraries: www.thegreatwaterway.com/cycling

Lake Ontario & St. Lawrence Seaway

Waterfront Trail – Following Lake Ontario’s shoreline from Niagara-on-the-Lake to Quebec, this well-mapped and well-signed route offers a mixture of on- and off-road paved trails covering 780 km+. The trail through south eastern Ontario is an excellent touring option, taking cyclist across the region, with options to connect to the trail at many community start points or continue through as part of a longer itinerary. 
• Detailed route information is available at: www.waterfronttrail.org
• Additional information: Waterfront Trail & Greenway Mapbook. New compact edition. Mapmobility Corp. 2011. Order print version from: www.mapmobility.com
• Cornwall & the Seaway Valley section of the Waterfront Trail, from Iroquois/Morrisburg to Cornwall to Quebec border: www.cornwalltourism.com/outdoor.htm
St. Lawrence Parks – Designated part of the Waterfront Trail, this portion of the route takes cyclists away from roads and through scenic and historical parklands including Crysler Park, Upper Canada Village, Upper Canada Migratory Bird Sanctuary and Long Sault Parkway. Trails vary from hard-packed gravel to quiet, paved park roads.
• Local information at: www.stlawrenceparks.com
• Detailed print map available. Request copy from www.cornwalltourism.com
• Additional map and route information as above: www.waterfronttrail.org
Wolfe Island – Experience the beauty and tranquility of island life – by bike. Choose to cycle any of the marked routes traversing the island.
• Maps, route and ferry information on-line: www.wolfeisland.com/mtarchives/000137.php
Great Lakes Seaway Trail – Leave from Wolfe Island,ON, for Cape Vincent, New York, to access this signed route that follows various roadways along Lake Ontario and the seaway on the US side. 
• For more information: www.seawaytrail.com

Prince Edward County (PEC)

Cycle Prince Edward County Map – There are six suggested on-road bike touring routes, plus mountain biking trails, all published on this useful map.
• Available for $2 at: PEC Chamber of Commerce, 116 Main Street, Picton; PEC area bike stores; and many local businesses
Guide to Cycling in the County – Published by Bloomfield Bicycle Company, this information brochure maps several PEC road routes and gives information on the other services the bike company offers, including rentals, repairs, tours and club rides.
• Contact Bloomfield Bicycle Co.: www.bloomfieldbicycle.ca  or call 613-393-1060
Celebrate Cycling in Prince Edward County – Four routes developed by the Welcome Cyclists Network for 2011 cycling event. Starting from Wellington, routes vary in length (58 km, 27 km, 10 km and 3km) and include information on suggested stops along the Wine Route, Taste Trail & Arts Trail. Link to pdf here.
Millenium Trail – This 49 km trail follows a disused rail bed, starting close to Trenton, passing through many communities in Prince Edward County and ending in Picton. It is a rough, unpaved, multi-use trail, with usage also extended to motorized vehicles. Trail map and more information available on-line: www.pecounty.on.ca/government/rec_parks_culture/parks_arenas/trails.php
Mountain Biking Trails – Macaulay Mountain Conservation Area, Picton – 20 km of technically challenging trails marked for a variety of skill levels, single and double track routes and special features. Also 50 km of additional trail riding on-site. More information can be located on local-area cycling maps or at local bike stores.

Routes & Trails North from Lake

Rideau Lakes Heritage Route – Follow any portion of the 202 km long Rideau Canal and UNESCO World Heritage Destination route by bicycle. This is primarily an unsigned, on-road route and includes multiple options for cyclists to plan their own itinerary along quiet country roads. This route boasts many community, water and heritage attractions along the way.
• For more information, including maps: www.rideauheritageroute.ca  
North Grenville Trails – Growing number of multi-use trails and route network that are suited to various types of cyclists – leisure and family rides, road, trail and mountain biking. 
• More information and downloadable maps: www.ngtrails.ca
County Trails – Twelve suggested routes with detailed individual, detailed maps and route information. Each rated for level of difficulty. Routes centred in Lennox & Addington and Frontenac Counties.
• For maps and trail info: www.countytrails.com
Township of Rideau Lakes – Fourteen mapped cycling routes, varying in length. Routes 1 to 9 start from the Old Stone Mill in Delta; routes 10 to 14 start at either Crosby or Newboro. Information such as cycling surface, attractions and other useful touring details are included. 
• For more information, and downloadable PDF maps: www.twprideaulakes.on.ca/cyclingtours.html    
Cycle The Arch – Explore the Frontenac Arch Biosphere by bicycle. Various routes have been mapped to cater to different cycling abilities and interests.
• For more information and downloadable maps:   www.cyclethearch.ca
• Cycling the Arch & 1000 Islands (pdf)     
Limerick Forest Mountain Biking Trails – Multi-use trails with many single track options located north of Prescott, south of Kemptville. This large community-owned forest is managed by United Counties of Leeds & Grenville.
• For maps and trail info:   www.limerickforest.ca 
Cataraqui Trail – 104 km four-season rail trail that traverses the region, from Strathcona to Smiths Falls. Note the trail is composed of various trail materials and thus may not be suitable for all bike types. Approximately 80 km of the trail is designated a part of the Trans Canada Trail system.
• For maps and trail info:   www.cataraquitrail.ca  
K&P Trail – The long-abandoned Kingston to Pembroke rail bed is intended for a variety of recreational uses, including cycling. Trail plans include connecting Kingston to Harrowsmith, using portions of the Cataraqui Trail to eventually connect on to Sharbot Lake and beyond.
• To learn about the trail plans, go to www.frontenaccounty.ca and search for "Frontenac K&P Trail"
Trans Canada Trail – A portion of this cross-Canada trail runs through the region. Multi-use trails with various surface types.
• Use the Trans Canada Trail website's "Explore The Trail" feature to find access points.   http://tctrail.ca/explore-the-trail/ 
Kaladar Trail – Part of the Trans Canada Trail, this 17 km multi-use, unpaved trail links westerly Tweed (via Hastings County Trail) to Sharbot Lake in the east (via Central Frontenac Trailway).
• For more info, use the Trans Canada Trail website’s “Explore The Trail” feature to find access points.   http://tctrail.ca/explore-the-trail/
KFL&A Trails-at-a-Glance – Maps and inventory of trails for biking, hiking and more in Kingston area and surrounding counties of Frontenac and Lennox & Addington.
• For more info:   www.trails-at-a-glance.ca 

Other Route Options

Country Roads – Many cyclists may choose to plan their own itineraries and rides on a variety of roadways. For experienced cyclists with specialized road bikes, cycling on paved roads allows for increased speeds and provides for a more challenging ride. Many roads across the region are known for hilly sections that give experienced cyclists additional desirable challenges. Quiet roads with paved shoulders are preferred for safety reasons.
Mountain Biking Trails – An increasing number of cyclists are looking for mountain biking tracks and trails. Many conservation areas and parks are adding trails to complement their hiking and other non-motorized trail options. While mountain bikers have a range of skill levels, a number of areas are adding special technical features to attract the more advanced rider. Many unmarked and unofficial trails exist in every region and are often published by on-line special interest groups. The number of mountain biking events in Ontario grows yearly, and so too do the crowds they attract.

* Please note there are may be additional trails, routes, events and information resources for the region that may be of interest and useful to cyclists. Changes to the above links, listings and cycling routes may occur.

The Great Waterway Funding Partners:   
   

Event Partners:  Tourism Kingston, Brockville Chamber of Commerce, Cornwall & Seaway Valley Tourism, Taste the County, Municpality of North Grenville, 1000 Islands Tourism, 1000 Islands Gananque Chamber of Commerce