Ontario

From Sault Ste. Marie to Ottawa, the Ontario portion of the GNBR offers up a substantial diversity of geography and riding terrain. Gravel roads, dirt forest paths, rowdy unmaintained roads, and flowy singletrack are all on offer here.

This route across the Province of Ontario includes UNESCO Biospheres, National Historic Sites, National and Provincial Parks, Conservation Areas, well-designed cycling infrastructure (hello, Ottawa), a bounty of tranquil lakes, the largest freshwater island in the world (Manitoulin) and welcoming, bicycle-friendly communities. Along the way, you can fuel up on Ontario's famed butter tarts. The route traverses several of Ontario's established bikepacking routes, which have flourished in recent years as word spreads that the province is blessed with a wealth of backroads and trails worth exploring. 

​To obtain access to the detailed Ontario route files, go here.

Note: The Ontario segment is broken into two parts to allow for a smaller, more manageable route file. 

Need to Know

The Ontario segment of the GNBR can be tackled from May to October. Expect the hottest temperatures to occur from mid-June to mid-August. Bugs will likely be at their worst along the route from late May to the mid-July.

Some dirt road and trail sections can be fairly rugged, meaning a capable bike set-up is ideal.

Ontario does not have any lengthy climbs and mountains to traverse, but don't think you won't get a good workout. There are plenty of punchy inclines that require significant effort. This is not the prairie flatlands. 

For the most part, there are services at regular intervals on this route. So there is no need to carry provisions for multiple days.

There is one required ferry, to get from Manitoulin Island to the Saugeen (Bruce) peninsula.

The section east of Sault Ste. Marie involves the most highway riding. Luckily, most of this occurs where there is an adequate shoulder on the road.

There are several route alternatives provided using the Control point of interest symbol. These can provide an easier riding option or a more adventurous one.

If you have any questions about the Ontario segment of the GNBR get in touch with the contact page.