Your next cycling adventure could allow you to discover an important part of Canadian history while enjoying beautiful scenery along the way.
That is exactly what a route between Ottawa and Kingston, Ontario, has to offer.
Cyclotourists ride along a combination of bike paths, roads and more rugged trails.
Over the course of several days, they can stop in places such as Smiths Falls and Chaffey’s Lock, two communities that showcase the richness of the Rideau Canal corridor, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The canal stretches 202 kilometres between Ottawa and Kingston.
Leaving Ottawa for the Ontario countryside
Starting in Ottawa means taking advantage of the capital’s many cycling routes. Gradually, however, the urban environment gives way to woodlands, farmland, wetlands and small villages.
Carleton Place
Part of the route follows the Ottawa-Carleton Trailway, a former railway line that has been converted into a multi-use trail. For cyclists, it is a pleasant way to leave the capital without having to deal with heavy traffic for too long.
As its name suggests, the trail leads to Carleton Place, a town with plenty of historic charm that takes pride in welcoming cyclists.
A stop in Smiths Falls
After leaving the urban areas behind, Smiths Falls makes for an interesting stop. The town can be reached via the Ottawa Valley Recreational Trail.
Smiths Falls
Smiths Falls is closely linked to the history of the Rideau Canal, which winds its way through the region. The canal facilities are still very much present and offer a glimpse into the workings of this lock system, built in the 19th century.
It is also a good place to take a break before continuing the ride.
Chaffey’s Lock: the charm of the canal
Continuing toward Kingston, the route allows cyclists to discover several small communities and different lock stations.
Chaffey’s Lock is certainly one of the places worth taking the time to explore. Here, cyclists find themselves surrounded by a landscape where water, woodlands and historic canal infrastructure come together.
That is one of the great attractions of this ride: you are not simply covering the distance between two cities. You are travelling through a genuine historic corridor.
Worth a stop: at Chaffey’s Lock, don’t miss the chance to enjoy an ice cream from the Ice Cream Shop at The Opinicon. This retro ice cream counter, inspired by the 1950s, is a true local institution located along the Rideau Canal. It is a popular stop for boaters, cyclists and visitors passing through.
The route then continues along the Cataraqui Trail, heading south toward Kingston. The trail is particularly well suited to gravel bikes. It passes through wild areas of lush forest and runs alongside beautiful lakes.
The farther you ride along the trail, the more the scenic viewpoints multiply. You will discover a true haven of peace, far from the hustle and bustle of the big cities.
Chaffey’s Lock
As you get closer to Kingston, the landscape is another reminder that southeastern Ontario is about much more than its major cities.
Forests, bodies of water, farmland and quiet country roads give the route a very different atmosphere from the one found at the start in Ottawa.
This is a route particularly well suited to cyclists who enjoy taking their time and appreciating the scenery rather than simply trying to rack up the kilometres.
Along the way, cyclists can choose from numerous accommodations, including hotels, bed and breakfasts and inns. And after a day in the saddle, there is no shortage of good places to stop and refuel.
Arriving in Kingston
After several days on the roads and trails of the Rideau Canal corridor, arriving in Kingston provides a fitting conclusion to the journey.
The city also has an important historic heritage and serves as a gateway to Lake Ontario.
Travel light
A roughly five-day cycling trip between Ottawa and Kingston obviously requires some preparation. You need to think about clothing, personal belongings, cycling equipment and everything else you will need during the trip.
But do you really need to carry all of it on your bike?
The principle is simple: enjoy the journey between Ottawa and Kingston to the fullest, without turning your bike into a luggage rack.