There’s something special about hitting the open road on two wheels, the rhythmic hum of tires, the rolling rhythm of hills, and the thrill of discovering corners of Ontario that most travelers simply drive past. Whether it’s cruising along one of the Great Lakes shorelines, tracing forested ridges in the north, or chasing art installations hidden in the countryside, Ontario’s road cycling scene has its share of bucket-list rides.
Here are five rides that have earned their place on every roadie’s radar, a mix of epic adventures, soulful landscapes, and uniquely Ontario moments that’ll leave you hungry for the next turn of the pedal.
Manitoulin Island — The Island That Feels Like Time Forgot
The first time I pedalled off the MS Chi-Cheemaun ferry onto Manitoulin Island, it felt like stepping back in time. The world’s largest freshwater island isn’t just about the stats; it’s about the feel. Roads roll through open farmland, dip into cedar-lined valleys, and brush so close to Lake Huron’s turquoise water you can smell the cool breeze off the bay.
Everywhere you look, there’s something to pause for: a roadside church, a butter tart bakery, a view that seems to stretch for miles. Cars are few and far between, and the locals wave as you pass. It’s cycling the way it’s meant to be. Slow, quiet, and full of wonder.
The best way to explore the island is along the MICA (Manitoulin Island Cycling Advocates) 850 km of cycling routes, loops, and quiet back roads connecting villages like Mindemoya, Gore Bay, and Little Current. You can ride for a day or take your time over several days, stopping to swim, eat, or enjoy the view of the horizon. Pick up a map and explore on your own or join one of the guided tours offered by Alvar Cycle Tour Adventure.
If you’re after an island rhythm, one that encourages you to linger, Manitoulin is the perfect place to start your Ontario bucket list.
Great Lakes Waterfront Trail (Algoma Section) — Where the North Begins
Departing from Sault Ste. Marie, along the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail, resembles crossing a border, shifting from urban to a more authentic and unfiltered experience. The Algoma segment follows the Lake Huron North Channel, a 370-kilometre route that combines adventure with reflection.
The terrain rolls and curves as it hugs the lake, passing through towns like Bruce Mines, Thessalon, and Blind River, each with its own diner, general store, or lakeside lookout perfect for a mid-ride break. Between towns, the road quiets down. Sometimes for an hour, you’ll see nothing but rock, pine, and sky. It’s a reminder that northern Ontario is as big as it looks on the map.
You’ll want to plan this one carefully; accommodations can be spaced far apart, and cell service can be spotty. But that’s also what makes it magic. It’s a real ride, one that rewards self-sufficiency, stamina, and a love for the wild side of the province.
Waterfront Trail from Sarnia to Tobermory — The Lake Huron Coastal Classic
If you’re after a ride that combines beach-town charm, endless horizons, and a healthy dose of wind off the lake, the Waterfront Trail from Sarnia to Tobermory is your kind of adventure.
Stretching more than 450 kilometers along Lake Huron’s eastern shoreline, this section of the trail is pure summer cycling joy. Blue water to your left, golden fields to your right, and enough small towns along the way to keep things interesting (and caffeinated).
The route meanders through Grand Bend, a classic beach stop that feels straight out of a surf movie, before heading north past Bayfield and Goderich, where heritage downtowns and lakefront parks make perfect mid-day stops. North of Goderich, the traffic thins out, and the riding gets better with every pedal stroke.
By the time you reach Kincardine and Southampton, the rhythm of the road takes over. The lake seems to change shades hourly from blue, to turquoise, then to slate, and the sunsets along this stretch are worth every kilometer.
The final approach to Tobermory is the stuff of cyclist dreams. The route climbs gently through Lion’s Head and along the Bruce Peninsula, where limestone cliffs drop into Caribbean-blue water. When you roll into Tobermory, the gateway to Fathom Five National Marine Park, you’ll feel like you’ve earned every breathtaking view.
This is a ride that represents everything great about summer in Ontario: beaches, craft breweries, country bakeries, friendly people, and roads that seem designed for two wheels. You can do it over four to six days, staying in lakeside inns or campgrounds, or tackle sections as weekend getaways.
Screaming Heads Loop — A Ride Through the Surreal
Not every bucket-list ride needs to be epic in distance. Some are memorable because they’re just plain weird, in the best way. The Screaming Heads Loop, starting in Burk’s Falls, is that kind of ride.
The loop itself is a tidy 48 kilometers, a mix of rolling paved roads and a few gravel sections, but it’s what you find along the way that makes it unforgettable. Hidden among the trees and meadows just outside of town sits Peter Camani’s Screaming Heads, a massive outdoor art installation where giant concrete faces rise from the earth, mouths agape in silent protest or awe.
The loop continues through quiet backroads, past shimmering lakes and sleepy cottages, then winds back into Burk’s Falls just in time for coffee and a butter tart. It’s a perfect half-day ride, ideal for anyone exploring Muskoka or Almaguin Highlands. If you are interested in exploring the area further, Missing Link Adventure Tours will be happy to show you around.
Voyageur Cycling Route — Ottawa to Sudbury and Into the Wild
Every cyclist needs one long, point-to-point, ride that defines a season. A route that challenges both legs and mindset. The Voyageur Cycling Route, linking Ottawa to Sudbury through 645 kilometers of winding roads, forest corridors, and lakeside towns, is just that route.
Heading west from Ottawa is gentle, passing through farmland and rolling hills, the Ottawa River never far away. But by the time you hit the Ottawa Valley, the scenery starts to shift, the forests close in, the roads narrow, and the adventure deepens. Towns like Renfrew, Mattawa, North Bay, Lavigne, and many more offer a chance to rest and refuel.
By the time you reach Sudbury, you’ve ridden through three distinct landscapes: valley, shield, and northern rock country. It’s not an official trail in the same way the Waterfront Trail is, but it connects a series of mapped routes that make it possible to cross half the province under your own power. It’s a ride that builds not just fitness, but character.
The beauty of these rides lies in how varied they are, each unveiling a new layer of Ontario’s cycling spirit. Manitoulin offers tranquil island charm. The Sarnia-to-Tobermory route provides coastal colour and beach vibes. The Screaming Heads Loop introduces a quirky touch of artistry. And the Discovery Route connects it all in a long, satisfying line from east to north.
Tips for Your Ontario Cycling Bucket List
Season: Late June to early September offers the best mix of weather and open services.
Bike choice: A road bike with 32–38 mm tires is ideal — fast on pavement but ready for light gravel.
Navigation: Download GPX files or use apps like RideWithGPS. Service can be spotty in northern areas.
Pack smart: Water, snacks, and basic tools are essential. Many northern sections have long gaps between stops.
Take your time: The best rides in Ontario aren’t about speed — they’re about discovery.
When you look back at the kilometers you’ve logged across Ontario, it’s not the fastest rides or the biggest climbs you will remember; it’s the ferry crossings, the roadside chats, the smell of pine and lake air, and that feeling of freedom only a bike can give.
So pick a route, pack your bags, and start pedaling. Ontario’s open road is waiting, and it’s calling your name.
NOTE: This is sponsored content produced in partnership with Destination Ontario