Recreational Cyclist
CENTRAL ONTARIO
HAMILTON & BURLINGTON
The Hambur Loop is a 50km self-guided cycling route that is sectioned into two separate loops which pass through a variety of terrain, from the shorelines of Lake Ontario and the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail, to the Niagara Escarpment, affectionately known as the “mountain” to locals. As a recreational ride, the steepest climb is bypassed, without missing scenic lookouts, captivating waterfalls and the urban cores of Hamilton and Burlington. Cycling mainly on pathways, rail corridors and gravel trails, the Hambur Loop is an invitation to relax and enjoy unique eateries, craft brew locations, one-of-a-kind shops, historic sites and cool attractions. Navigate the route in a few hours, or stretch it out to a full weekend experience. Stay overnight at a bicycle friendly hotel and take the time to explore unique eco-systems, waterways and Carolinian forests. bit.ly/hamburloop
Mountain Biker
GEORGIAN BAY
LAKE SIMCOE
SIMCOE
DURHAM
BRANTFORD & BRANT COUNTY
Let the extensive trail system in Brantford both surprise and delight you. Much of the trail system, now paved, was originally built on top of dikes constructed to protect the growing city from springtime floods and overflow from the Grand River. With trails on both sides of the river, make a 19km scenic tour and loop starting from a downtown park as marked on the detailed cycling map and ending with a visit to a local attraction, such as Glenhyrst Park. Treat yourself to High Tea in the solarium, wander the landscaped gardens or view an exhibit at the gallery, all on-site. glenhyrst.ca & bit.ly/brantfordcyclingmap For a longer ride and weekend getaway, sign up for the Hamilton Brantford Port Dover Rail Trail ride with Ontario By Bike this summer. ontariobybike.ca/rides
Experienced Cyclist
YORK HEADWATERS LAKE ONTARIO
CALEDON TORONTO
HALTON
UNITED STATES HAMILTON
BRANT
HALTON REGION
CONNECT
BICYCLE FRIENDLY FERRIES Leamington & Kingsville to Pelee Island Pelee Islander — Welland Canal Crossing Port Robinson Ferry — Toronto Island Ferry — Tobermorey to Manitoulin Island MS ChiCheemaun — Prince Edward County to Adolphustown Glenora Ferry — Ottawa to Gatineau Traversiers Bourbonnais
Home to Canada’s only class one indoor velodrome, the Mattamy National Cycling Centre has become an iconic landmark, putting Milton in the spotlight for competitive cycling. First time users and cycling enthusiasts can use drop-in hours to access the indoor track after completing the certification course. More structured training is available to those interested in taking it to the next level, and includes programming geared to youth. With lots of parking during non-event times, and the option to rent road bikes, the velodrome is also a great starting location for cyclists exploring one of the many bike routes across Halton Region. bit.ly/mvelodrome The Limehouse Loop is a 60km cycling route along scenic farmland roads with a modest total climb of 356m. Running through the historic village of Limehouse, pass where limestone was once quarried and burned from limekilns back in the 19th century. Start your journey at Andrew’s Scenic Acres Farm Market and Winery and pick some fresh fruit to enjoy before or after the ride. Stop at Limehouse Conservation Area and take a rest
to enjoy the scenic creeks and deep rock fissures of the Niagara Escarpment before cycling south west on quiet county roads. The loop circles back on Sideroad 15, one of Halton’s most popular roads to cycle. bit.ly/haltoncycling & bit.ly/lhloop
CALEDON
The Caledon Trailway, a 35km multi-use trail, which is also part of the larger 475km long Greenbelt Route and Trans Canada Trail, features diverse landscapes from the Humber and Credit Rivers, to the Oak Ridges Moraine and Niagara Escarpment. Follow the old railway line as it bisects farm fields, woodlots and beaver dams. Take a short detour from the trail crossings in Inglewood or Cheltenham to visit the famed Badlands, a most unique geological sight with its striking red and grey shale, exposed and eroded Queenston Formations. Biking to the Badlands from a nearby start location really is the best option as parking on-site is very limited, and most surrounding roads have new bike lanes. While there, don’t miss a stop at Spirit Tree Estate Cidery for refreshment or tasty oven-fired pizza. caledon.ca/trails
ONTARIOBYBIKE.CA / CYCLING IN ONTARIO 2020
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