Explore Rideau Lakes on two wheels! The rolling landscapes and waterfront views are an unforgettable experience by bike.
The country roads and secondary highways in the township offer a beautiful ride for cyclists of all levels. Check out these bike tours, events and cycle-friendly businesses in Rideau Lakes
Cycling Routes
Experience Rideau Lakes and the Municipal Heritage Advisory Committee has developed 14 self-guided cycling tours encouraging visitors to explore our township and local attractions at their own pace. These routes range from 20 km to 120 km with varying levels of difficulty and road surface. Routes 1 to 9 start from the Old Stone Mill in Delta while routes 10 to 14 start at either Crosby or Newboro. Distances and road conditions are noted for each route. Visit the Township of Rideau Lakes website to download a route or print it and take it with you!
Photo: Rideau Lakes Cycle Tour Facebook Page
Looking for more cycling routes in Rideau Lakes?
South Eastern Ontario Tourism showcases a fabulous route and itinerary for 1000 Islands Rideau Canal Waterways which includes stops in Rideau Lakes.
There’s also a Rideau Lakes route featured on the Ride Gravel blog, encompassing quiet and beautiful Summers Road, Lockwood Lane and roads around Portland while showcasing the easy-to-navigate gravel and country pavement south of Big Rideau Lake.
Cycling Events
Roll Round the Rideau
Start training for next June! Choose from 62kms, 100kms, and 163 kilometre routes that travel through Rideau Lakes. Tell your friends and start the countdown. Learn more at https://rollaroundtherideau.ca/
Rideau Lakes Cycle Tour
The Ottawa Bicycle Club’s Rideau Lakes Cycling Tour is an annual event taking place the second weekend of June - and it’s more than 50 years old! As such, the Rideau Lakes Cycling Tour is the longest running cycle event in Canada and attracts cyclists from across North America. Two lengths offer one-way distances ranging from 106 km to 220 km. Enjoy the beauty and hospitality of Rideau Lakes villages, meet other cyclists, and have a weekend you won’t forget! Full details on the Ottawa Bicycle Club website.
Cycle - Friendly Businesses in Rideau Lakes
Bichelangelo
Spare time bike repairs in North Crosby-Westport! Owner Kristof is highly knowledgeable and very skilled, with a passion for cycling. In his spare time, Kristof offers Basic, Advanced and Custom Bicycle Services. Appointments required. Check out their Facebook page for more information.
Bastard Coffee House
Canadian iced coffee, you say?! Yes please: cream and maple syrup in their famous cold brew with coffee cubes. With many of the Rideau Lakes Cycling Routes including Delta, be sure to swing by the Bastard Coffee House for a coffee, latte, sweet treat or locally-sourced wholesome breakfast or lunch option. This cozy community spot, set in the historic Jubilee Block, provides a welcoming place to recharge or start your cycling journey in the township. Also a great launch point to check out the Old Stone Mill National Historic Site across the road, or spend a waterfront moment in the new Millstream Park! Don’t forget to take your memory photo in the Delta heart-shaped photo frame here.
Forfar Dairy & Sunflower Bake Shop
Located near the Cataraqui Trail at Forfar, you can often see cyclists with scooped ice cream cones on the streetside patio. Refuel with lunch, grab one of their famous artisan sourdough bakes, pack a treat for your next pit stop or find your favourite flavour of ice cream - and be sure to try the delicious curd at this historic Forfar Dairy, too.
Hotel Kenney Rideau
Some of our Rideau Lakes Cycle Routes take in Jones Falls so be sure to stop for ice cream, some homemade gourmet cookies or brunch overlooking one of the most impressive series of locks on the canal. This vintage Canadiana waterside resort is a perfect stop for local history, exploring and watching the UNESCO World Heritage Rideau Canal in action.
Miller's Bay Farm
A pleasant stop for fresh home grown produce! This fully-loaded farm stand is located along Rideau Ferry Road (County Road 1) which has paved shoulders and has proven to be a popular, scenic route with local cyclists. Miller’s Bay Farm has been serving the area for more than 125 years!
Portside Pub & Eatery
This pub on Highway 15 in Portland is ideal for a stop over and a rest mid-way through a ride - or at the end as a relaxing reward! With elevated pub fare and a happening bar, go inside to cool off in the air conditioning or enjoy the patio which often hosts live music.
Recess Cafe
A great rest spot along Highway 15 with lots of room to park your bike, stretch, and replenish your energy. Kick start the next leg of your ride with espresso drinks or choose from the menu of fresh, healthy options. Hot day? Finish with a gourmet popsicle! Patio tables are a popular choice with cyclists.
Rideau Tours
Find local bicycle rentals here, perfect for cycling up to The Opinicon for a chef-made ice cream cone after a jaunt along the Cataraqui Trail in Chaffeys Lock! The trail bikes available here are also super for discovering the gorgeous, peaceful secondary roads in the township.
Stagecoach Bistro in Newboro
Check out the gelato bar at the historic Stagecoach Bistro and Fine foods in the beautiful village of Newboro. Try house made gelato featuring weekly flavours and all your favourites.
Photo: Stagecoach Bistro's Cheese Bar by Tim Forbes | RTO9
Stoodley’s in Elgin
With a wonderfully large patio, it’s a great spot to grab a bite while being able to watch over your bike. Relax under the shade umbrellas, cool down with a drink and enjoy Elgin’s hospitality with a full menu - and brand new scoop shack next door. Watch here for live music on the patio, too!
Photo: Stoodley's Patio by Matthew Liteplo
Sub Zero in Delta
This is the home of hearty handmade sub sandwiches, ice cream, dinner solutions and downhome delicious. Stop in to see their rotating menu and scooped ice cream flavours - but we hear the Reuben sub is out of this world!
The Opinicon
Bike racks are conveniently located at the Ice Cream Shop, right next to the pub and dining room overlooking stunning grounds in the charming waterfront hamlet of Chaffeys Lock. Near the Cataraqui Trail, too! Check the website for live music events.
Photo: Ice Cream Shop at The Opinicon by Tim Forbes | RTO9
Grab your helmet and some friends and get ready to explore Rideau Lakes by pedal power!
