Hey Steve another great Video…. “Quality Content “ and CONGRATS on over 13k views and 1000 Subscribers! I remember chatting with you about that when we meet on The Rouge Urban Trail…. Definitely a lot of interest in good Ontario Trails!
Great video. One note about the Ottawa Valley / Algonquin Trail - it's not fully completed all the way to Mattawa. It's currently done as far as Wylie Road near Deep River, and the section from Petawawa to Chalk River was only recently completed. Not sure when it's supposed to be done the whole way up (there apparently is an issue with one overpass near Stonecliffe or Bissett's Creek).
I've done 4/7 of those!! I've got plans to check out the millennial trail this July. I was thinking of staying at sandbanks provincial park but I'll find your videos and get some more accommodation ideas. Thanks for the reminder of how wonderful summer is. I can't wait to get out there again
@@Pedals_and_Pathways I think so.... I did the full length from Orillia then during fall I started at Cold Water... There's a big parking lot next to the beer store. The views from the Martyrs Shrine church during fall are spectacular! Worth a try ! 🤙🚴
Thanks for this great video! I have done quite a lot of cycle touring, and enjoyed it immensely, but been away from it for a few years. Your video has inspired me to return to my roots, and I plan to explore these trails in 2025. Subscribed.
great observations, thank you! Wrt the Millennium trail, the pot holes are getting worse, I rode it in 2023 and then in 2024 on a gravel bike, and the amount of holes has significantly increased. ATVs destroy the rail trails, especially during the rainy seasons. Personally, I categorize all trails into no ATVs allowed and ATVs.The no ATV trails offer much safer conditions. Wrt the Georgian trail, one could actually start in Stayner and add 15 km to the overall trip, making it 50 km one way.
Plenty of non ATV trails or dual trails around. ATVs bring in a lot of tourism into small communities and ATV clubs take great care of the trails/rail beds they use.
@@Pedals_and_PathwaysI’ve done the Stayner Section quite a few times and it’s a great addition to to the ride. …. Very quiet and a really nice ride into Collingwood…. They are currently working on extending the Stayner section down through Creemore and into Angus … but no ETA yet. Really looking forward to it
The section in Wellington is all tore up for the water treatment construction project and a small section in Wellington is closed as they are using it for emergency vehicles while Main St is closed
Have only been on 2 of the 7 so this is very valuable info for our summer biking plans! Two more to add to your list, if you haven’t already been on them: The Elora-Cataract Trailway 50k (my local rail trail) and the Guelph to Goderich Rail trail, 140k, nearby as well.
🇨🇦 Great video! I’ve been on sections of a few of your suggestions including completing your number 1. If you would like another suggestion be sure to check out and ride the G2G rail trail. It goes from Guelph to Goderich.
Thank you very much for posting this video. I plan to visit Southern Ontario this year and would love to explore some of the trails featured in your video. Could you advise on the best time of year to visit, especially for the Cambridge to Paris trail?
I have only done it once and it was in the summer and it was nice. It can get a bit muddy so spring and late fall might be a bit messy. It has lots of tree cover and would be pretty when the leaves change
Did the Georgian Trail in 2020 which was excellent and the Cambridge to Paris Trail in 2023 as part of a one-way ride from Kitchener to Hamilton. You may want to give the Hamilton to Brantford and Brantford to Port Dover (LE&N) rail trails a try in that area as well. As for the others, the Caledon Trail is on my bucket list - maybe this year (?) - while the other four would have to wait until VIA Rail allows bringing bikes on board again. You may want to look into doing the Uxbridge to Lindsay Trail (which I did last year), while the Doube's Trestle Bridge between Omemee and Peterborough offers very picturesque views. Cheers! -RZ
Don't hold your breath too long on the VIA/Bicycle thing. The new trains they're rolling out don't have the baggage cars/capacity to take on the bulky bikes. This was a conscious decision by the organization.
Very nice overview of your 2024 gravel season and Ontario rail trails. If there is an Ontario map showing all the rail trails could you point me towards it? I am wondering if one could stitch a number of trails together for a nice long two-week ride, say from South Western Ontario or Georgian Bay to Ottawa. Do you know if this would be possible without having to do much road/pavement riding between the trails?
That would be amazing. Most of the trails I do are pretty tame. The Trans Canada Trail goes mostly west to east but in some cases (at least some of the trails in eastern Ontario are really rough and remote. You could connect some of the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail (pavement) which has a lot of good shoulder and water views (they have a map on their website). Check out this website for a map ontariobiketrails.com/rail-trails/
@@Pedals_and_Pathways thank you very much for the reply and the link. I will definitely be checking that out tonight (and planning a late summer/early fall trip!). Cheers!
Great list! Love this! When I lived in Cobourg I loved the Millennium Trail! I also rode Hastings to Peterborough, Trans Canada Trail to Lindsay, Then up the Victoria through Fenelon Falls, Kinmont then Up the Halibuirton trail to Haliburton and back down. I rode Trenton to Bancroft on the 'Hastings Heritage Trail' DO NOT RECOMMEND!!! Endless 'Water features' (flooded sections due to Beavers), remote with little food and ATV's have torn up the trails. The sand just below Bancroft nearly killed me. Surprised you didn't mention my favourite in my new home town of Hamilton: The Hamilton Brantford (which links/continues to Paris-Cambridge which you mention) I did Hamilton to Cambridge camping at Brant Conservation Area and Pinehurst Lake Conservation areas. I also did Goderich to Guelph this year and it was awesome! Also fun this year was Hamilton to Brantford, then looping South on the L.E..&N (Lake Erie and Northern) down to Port Dover which is mostly PAVED!! Great channel! I'm subscribed. Cheers!
Thanks! You get around, love it! I have done PTBO to Hastings but the others are on my to do list but unless I have actually been on the trail I didn't include 😃 I tend to stick to trails that are a bit tamer as you mentioned there are some rough ones. I did the TCT from Madoc to Kaladar for example and although it was pretty it was so rough that it took away from the fun for me at least.
@@Pedals_and_Pathways Ya, when we lived in Cobourg, I once traveled up to Peterborough then down the TCT to Hastings which was a dream but when I continued on from Hastings to Campbellford I thought I would have to bail since the 'gravel' was the size of golf balls. I did carry on through Stirling to Madoc Junction which is quite a bit below Madoc, then south to Belleville. Not for the faint of heart and I much prefer trails that could take a road bike! Thanks again for Alerting me to these cool trails. Between yourself and Andrew from The Cardiac Cyclist, I feel like I have some great preview/reviews!
Hi there. I have seen some of your videos too. KP trail is a gem but I haven't been farther north yet. Yes, a Kona Rove. I have a review on my channel if you're interested
@@Pedals_and_Pathways The Escarpment Rail Trail is roughly 10 km and literally runs down the edge ( top to bottom ) of the Escarpment with spectacular views of the city and lake. The Hamilton-Brantford trail is ok, relatively flat with not much scenery though. Nice video, thanks!
Hi there. I did a section of it and the Gap from Cumberland, Maryland and loved it, out and back and the other way on the C&O Towpath but never the whole thing as I haven't really done bike packing but that would be a good one to do.
I am most familiar with the eastern Ontario trails and for most you can find a way to make a loop but all the rail trails are linear. For the OVRT- google MORE cycling route. Millennium trail I often do the trail one way then use hwy 33 (waterfront trail system) on way back
Since they are all mostly crushed fine stone they dry pretty fast so May to October is best. My personal fav riding months in Ontario are June and October. I don't seem to have much issues with bugs anywhere these days but I don't camp which might be different.
Come back to central and western Ontario. I think we are the same level of riders and I can show you the great trails you haven’t done yet. G2G, Brantford to Port Dover and Simcoe County loop. I did them all in 2024 and they are great! Hit me up anytime.
At most you get a few sections of a few km of mild incline 2-3% typical of rail trails. There are a couple.of short steep sections leading to crossroads ie. Caledon and Cataraqui trails
Nice list. But why not include the Simcoe Loop Trail? It’s almost all rail trail. 160km. Def top trail in Ontario. You can check out a video I posted on it. Cheers! th-cam.com/video/CTokRRM0MRQ/w-d-xo.htmlsi=5Ws7YRli5SZBI8O2
I have seen your video 👍 I hear great things but the reason I didn't include it is because I haven't done it. All the trails on the list are ones I have actually ridden
That would be amazing Owen. I would love to get back there for sure
Thanks for the inspiration... new trails to ride this year!
We all need it this time of year! 🙏
Hey Steve another great Video…. “Quality Content “ and CONGRATS on over 13k views and 1000 Subscribers! I remember chatting with you about that when we meet on The Rouge Urban Trail…. Definitely a lot of interest in good Ontario Trails!
Thanks Owen. You just never know. Thx for following along
Great video. One note about the Ottawa Valley / Algonquin Trail - it's not fully completed all the way to Mattawa. It's currently done as far as Wylie Road near Deep River, and the section from Petawawa to Chalk River was only recently completed. Not sure when it's supposed to be done the whole way up (there apparently is an issue with one overpass near Stonecliffe or Bissett's Creek).
Thanks for the information. Amazing resource to have for sure
Nice summary Steve, I have been on a few of these. We are truly spoilt for trail and gravel riding in Ontario!
Bob...
Thanks Steve...really enjoy your videos
Thank so much!
I've done 4/7 of those!! I've got plans to check out the millennial trail this July. I was thinking of staying at sandbanks provincial park but I'll find your videos and get some more accommodation ideas. Thanks for the reminder of how wonderful summer is. I can't wait to get out there again
You will love it. Sandbanks is nice to cycle through as well and finish with a dip at the beach! 😁
The Uhthoff Trail from Orillia to Midland is amazing. Did a round trip last fall. Amazing views!
Is that part of the Simcoe County Loop? I would like to do that one too
@@Pedals_and_Pathways
I think so....
I did the full length from Orillia then during fall I started at Cold Water... There's a big parking lot next to the beer store.
The views from the Martyrs Shrine church during fall are spectacular!
Worth a try ! 🤙🚴
KP trails sure looks like one I would like to explore. Thx for the video. I enjoy looking forward to cycling also.
Thx. It is really nice. It also connects with the Cataraqui Trail to give lots of options
Thanks for this great video! I have done quite a lot of cycle touring, and enjoyed it immensely, but been away from it for a few years. Your video has inspired me to return to my roots, and I plan to explore these trails in 2025.
Subscribed.
That is so great to hear. Thanks for following along. Comments like this inspire me to explore more as well.
Done a few of them, and others on my bucket list for the upcoming ride season. Thanks for the share. Always enjoy your content
Thanks so much. It is always great this time of year scheming for what's next.
Great video. I look forward to checking out some of those eastern trails next year.
Thanks Andrew and thanks for your Intel. Let me know if you are in this area maybe we could get out together
@@Pedals_and_Pathways That sounds great.
@ Hey Steve, I left you a message in your Instagram.
great observations, thank you! Wrt the Millennium trail, the pot holes are getting worse, I rode it in 2023 and then in 2024 on a gravel bike, and the amount of holes has significantly increased. ATVs destroy the rail trails, especially during the rainy seasons. Personally, I categorize all trails into no ATVs allowed and ATVs.The no ATV trails offer much safer conditions. Wrt the Georgian trail, one could actually start in Stayner and add 15 km to the overall trip, making it 50 km one way.
I agree completely. I heard that about Stayner maybe next time.
Plenty of non ATV trails or dual trails around. ATVs bring in a lot of tourism into small communities and ATV clubs take great care of the trails/rail beds they use.
@@Pedals_and_PathwaysI’ve done the Stayner Section quite a few times and it’s a great addition to to the ride. …. Very quiet and a really nice ride into Collingwood…. They are currently working on extending the Stayner section down through Creemore and into Angus … but no ETA yet. Really looking forward to it
The section in Wellington is all tore up for the water treatment construction project and a small section in Wellington is closed as they are using it for emergency vehicles while Main St is closed
Have only been on 2 of the 7 so this is very valuable info for our summer biking plans! Two more to add to your list, if you haven’t already been on them: The Elora-Cataract Trailway 50k (my local rail trail) and the Guelph to Goderich Rail trail, 140k, nearby as well.
Glad you liked it. Yes I am aware of those two and they are on the list for sure.
🇨🇦 Great video! I’ve been on sections of a few of your suggestions including completing your number 1. If you would like another suggestion be sure to check out and ride the G2G rail trail. It goes from Guelph to Goderich.
Thanks you. Yes G2G is on the list. I particularly want to checkout Cowbell brewery in Blyth 😉
@@Pedals_and_Pathways And don't miss the @beachstreetstation restaurant for sunset on the patio when you get to Goderich. Love the video Steve!!
Thanks for the video. You’ve given me a couple new routes to try. Have you done the G2G trail yet? It’s one of my faves so far.
I am aware of the G2G and is on the list! 🙏
Thank you very much for posting this video.
I plan to visit Southern Ontario this year and would love to explore some of the trails featured in your video. Could you advise on the best time of year to visit, especially for the Cambridge to Paris trail?
I have only done it once and it was in the summer and it was nice. It can get a bit muddy so spring and late fall might be a bit messy. It has lots of tree cover and would be pretty when the leaves change
Include kayaking the Grand River. Rentals in Paris and transport you to start in Cambridge.
@@MrSchattka any of these trails prime season IMO is June to October. July and August can get hot but this trail has lots of tree cover
Did the Georgian Trail in 2020 which was excellent and the Cambridge to Paris Trail in 2023 as part of a one-way ride from Kitchener to Hamilton. You may want to give the Hamilton to Brantford and Brantford to Port Dover (LE&N) rail trails a try in that area as well. As for the others, the Caledon Trail is on my bucket list - maybe this year (?) - while the other four would have to wait until VIA Rail allows bringing bikes on board again. You may want to look into doing the Uxbridge to Lindsay Trail (which I did last year), while the Doube's Trestle Bridge between Omemee and Peterborough offers very picturesque views. Cheers! -RZ
Thanks for that. I am aware of all of them for sure and hope to get there at some point along with G2G.
Don't hold your breath too long on the VIA/Bicycle thing. The new trains they're rolling out don't have the baggage cars/capacity to take on the bulky bikes. This was a conscious decision by the organization.
Nice video. I’ve done 4 of them.
Thx. Is there one you haven't done that is in your list for 2025?
@@Pedals_and_PathwaysK & P trail maybe.
Very nice overview of your 2024 gravel season and Ontario rail trails. If there is an Ontario map showing all the rail trails could you point me towards it? I am wondering if one could stitch a number of trails together for a nice long two-week ride, say from South Western Ontario or Georgian Bay to Ottawa. Do you know if this would be possible without having to do much road/pavement riding between the trails?
That would be amazing. Most of the trails I do are pretty tame. The Trans Canada Trail goes mostly west to east but in some cases (at least some of the trails in eastern Ontario are really rough and remote. You could connect some of the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail (pavement) which has a lot of good shoulder and water views (they have a map on their website).
Check out this website for a map ontariobiketrails.com/rail-trails/
@@Pedals_and_Pathways thank you very much for the reply and the link. I will definitely be checking that out tonight (and planning a late summer/early fall trip!). Cheers!
Great list! Love this! When I lived in Cobourg I loved the Millennium Trail! I also rode Hastings to Peterborough, Trans Canada Trail to Lindsay, Then up the Victoria through Fenelon Falls, Kinmont then Up the Halibuirton trail to Haliburton and back down. I rode Trenton to Bancroft on the 'Hastings Heritage Trail' DO NOT RECOMMEND!!! Endless 'Water features' (flooded sections due to Beavers), remote with little food and ATV's have torn up the trails. The sand just below Bancroft nearly killed me.
Surprised you didn't mention my favourite in my new home town of Hamilton: The Hamilton Brantford (which links/continues to Paris-Cambridge which you mention) I did Hamilton to Cambridge camping at Brant Conservation Area and Pinehurst Lake Conservation areas.
I also did Goderich to Guelph this year and it was awesome!
Also fun this year was Hamilton to Brantford, then looping South on the L.E..&N (Lake Erie and Northern) down to Port Dover which is mostly PAVED!!
Great channel! I'm subscribed. Cheers!
Thanks! You get around, love it! I have done PTBO to Hastings but the others are on my to do list but unless I have actually been on the trail I didn't include 😃
I tend to stick to trails that are a bit tamer as you mentioned there are some rough ones. I did the TCT from Madoc to Kaladar for example and although it was pretty it was so rough that it took away from the fun for me at least.
@@Pedals_and_Pathways Ya, when we lived in Cobourg, I once traveled up to Peterborough then down the TCT to Hastings which was a dream but when I continued on from Hastings to Campbellford I thought I would have to bail since the 'gravel' was the size of golf balls. I did carry on through Stirling to Madoc Junction which is quite a bit below Madoc, then south to Belleville. Not for the faint of heart and I much prefer trails that could take a road bike! Thanks again for Alerting me to these cool trails. Between yourself and Andrew from The Cardiac Cyclist, I feel like I have some great preview/reviews!
@geoffreyhoney122 Andrew is great. I am hoping we can get out together this year
Thanks for the nice reviews Steve. I’m out on the K&P and Cat Trail a lot but need to see some of these others. Is that a steel bike you are riding?
Hi there. I have seen some of your videos too. KP trail is a gem but I haven't been farther north yet.
Yes, a Kona Rove. I have a review on my channel if you're interested
Thanks very much. I will check out your review. Do you also ride a Trek sometimes? Or perhaps I’m thinking of someone else.
@hervedelnorte7928 no I don't only the one bike for now.
I agree that the trail from Collingwood to Meaford is one of the best in Ontario. Check it out !
You’re probably familiar with the Escarpment Rail Trail in Hamilton. Not as long as the ones in this video but with exceptional scenery. Thanks.
I have heard of it but not familiar but always looking and I guess the Hamilton to Brantford trail is nice too
@@Pedals_and_Pathways The Escarpment Rail Trail is roughly 10 km and literally runs down the edge ( top to bottom ) of the Escarpment with spectacular views of the city and lake. The Hamilton-Brantford trail is ok, relatively flat with not much scenery though. Nice video, thanks!
@nickarrizza ok thanks 🙏👍
Have rode the G To G trail, Goderich to Guelph ?
No I haven't but I would like to.
Have you ever done the Great Allegheny Rail Trail? I would love to do that at some point. My goal is to get out more to ride!
Hi there. I did a section of it and the Gap from Cumberland, Maryland and loved it, out and back and the other way on the C&O Towpath but never the whole thing as I haven't really done bike packing but that would be a good one to do.
Great video, thank you! May I ask where did you get the picture with a canoe?
Thanks. I got it at Home sense 😃
What are the bugs like? What is the best time to ride? Any way to make loops back to the start locations for each trail?
I am most familiar with the eastern Ontario trails and for most you can find a way to make a loop but all the rail trails are linear. For the OVRT- google MORE cycling route. Millennium trail I often do the trail one way then use hwy 33 (waterfront trail system) on way back
What would be the best time of year to ride these? Weather, bugs, etc.
Since they are all mostly crushed fine stone they dry pretty fast so May to October is best. My personal fav riding months in Ontario are June and October. I don't seem to have much issues with bugs anywhere these days but I don't camp which might be different.
Come back to central and western Ontario. I think we are the same level of riders and I can show you the great trails you haven’t done yet. G2G, Brantford to Port Dover and Simcoe County loop. I did them all in 2024 and they are great! Hit me up anytime.
That would be nice as there are a lot of trails in that area I would like to do. 🙏👍
Your video is truly beautiful and inspiring. As a fellow creator, I appreciate the effort you put into it. Sub & 👍484
are e-bikes allowed on these trails?
I ride them all on my E-bike (class 1) no problem just be respectful
@@owenoiffer thanks for the reply. It is a little e-bike that has enabled me to get back out there. I look forward to expanding my horizons. cheers.
Most of the rail trails are destroyed by ATV’s. 😢
These trails look fairly flat from your videos. Are there sections with hills?
At most you get a few sections of a few km of mild incline 2-3% typical of rail trails. There are a couple.of short steep sections leading to crossroads ie. Caledon and Cataraqui trails
@Pedals_and_Pathways thanks for the info as well as the video. Looking forward to riding some of these trails this summer.
@georgedodwell1721 your welcome. Is there over most interests you?
@Pedals_and_Pathways Prince Edward County and the one to Sharbot lake
@@georgedodwell1721 excellent choice
Nice list. But why not include the Simcoe Loop Trail? It’s almost all rail trail. 160km. Def top trail in Ontario. You can check out a video I posted on it. Cheers!
th-cam.com/video/CTokRRM0MRQ/w-d-xo.htmlsi=5Ws7YRli5SZBI8O2
I have seen your video 👍 I hear great things but the reason I didn't include it is because I haven't done it. All the trails on the list are ones I have actually ridden
@ you’re welcome to join us when we ride it if you’d like. A few of us do it a couple times each year.