Bikepacking is a popular outdoor activity that combines cycling and camping, allowing adventurers to explore remote areas while carrying their gear on their bikes. Ontario, Canada offers a variety of stunning bikepacking routes that showcase the province’s natural beauty and rich culture. In this discussion, we will explore some of the best bikepacking routes in Ontario and what makes them worth the ride.
The Beauty of Bikepacking
Bikepacking is a unique way to explore the great outdoors while getting a good workout. Unlike traditional bike touring, bikepacking involves traveling light and venturing off-road on trails and unpaved roads. This allows you to get up close and personal with nature and experience the thrill of adventure.
Ontario is an excellent place for bikepacking, with its vast wilderness areas, beautiful forests, and scenic lakes. There are many bikepacking routes in Ontario to suit different skill levels and preferences. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best bikepacking routes Ontario has to offer.
What is Bikepacking?
Before we dive into the best bikepacking routes in Ontario, let’s discuss what bikepacking is. Bikepacking is a combination of biking and camping. It involves traveling long distances on a bike and carrying all the necessary gear, including food, water, and shelter, on the bike. This allows you to explore remote areas and experience the great outdoors in a unique way.
Unlike traditional bike touring, which usually involves following paved roads and staying in hotels or hostels, bikepacking routes usually involve off-road trails and campsites. Bikepacking is a great way to challenge yourself physically and mentally, and it’s an excellent way to explore the great outdoors.
the best bikepacking routes in Ontario
Ontario is a vast province with a wide variety of landscapes, from rugged mountains to dense forests and scenic lakes. Here are some of the best bikepacking routes in Ontario:
The Haliburton Highlands Loop
The Haliburton Highlands Loop is a 300-kilometer bikepacking route that takes you through some of the most beautiful and rugged terrain in Ontario. The route starts and ends in Haliburton, a small town in central Ontario, and takes you through dense forests, scenic lakes, and rolling hills.
The route can be completed in three to five days, depending on your skill level and pace. There are many campsites and accommodations along the way, so you can choose to camp or stay in a hotel or hostel.
The Lake Superior Circle Tour
The Lake Superior Circle Tour is a 1,300-kilometer bikepacking route that takes you around Lake Superior, the largest freshwater lake in the world. The route takes you through some of the most beautiful scenery in Ontario, including rugged coastlines, dense forests, and scenic waterfalls.
The route can be completed in two to four weeks, depending on your pace and skill level. There are many campsites and accommodations along the way, so you can choose to camp or stay in a hotel or hostel.
The Algonquin Park Loop
The Algonquin Park Loop is a 300-kilometer bikepacking route that takes you through the heart of Algonquin Provincial Park, one of the most beautiful wilderness areas in Ontario. The route takes you through dense forests, scenic lakes, and rugged mountains.
The route can be completed in three to five days, depending on your skill level and pace. There are many campsites and accommodations along the way, so you can choose to camp or stay in a hotel or hostel.
The Bruce Peninsula Loop
The Bruce Peninsula Loop is a 350-kilometer bikepacking route that takes you through the beautiful Bruce Peninsula, a narrow strip of land that separates Lake Huron from Georgian Bay. The route takes you through dense forests, scenic lakes, and rugged coastlines.
The route can be completed in three to five days, depending on your skill level and pace. There are many campsites and accommodations along the way, so you can choose to camp or stay in a hotel or hostel.
The Beaver Valley Loop
The Beaver Valley Loop is a 150-kilometer bikepacking route that takes you through the beautiful Beaver Valley, one of the most scenic areas in Ontario. The route takes you through dense forests, scenic lakes, and rolling hills.
The route can be completed in one to two days, depending on your skill level and pace. There are many campsites and accommodations along the way, so you can choose to camp or stay in a hotel or hostel.
FAQs for Bikepacking Routes Ontario
What is bikepacking?
Bikepacking is a type of cycling adventure that combines camping and off-road cycling, typically using mountain bikes or gravel bikes. Unlike traditional bike touring, which usually involves traveling from point A to point B along paved roads, bikepacking often involves multi-day trips on gravel roads or off-road trails, carrying camping gear and supplies on the bike.
Where can I find bikepacking routes in Ontario?
Ontario has a variety of bikepacking routes that offer amazing scenery, challenging terrain, and opportunities to camp in the great outdoors. Some of the most popular bikepacking routes in Ontario include the Georgian Bay Explorer, the Sault Ste. Marie Loop, the Algonquin 100 Trail, and the Rideau Lakes Cycle Tour.
What kind of bike do I need for bikepacking?
It is recommended to use a mountain bike or a gravel bike for bikepacking since it provides stability and control while riding off-road. It is advisable to equip your bike with accessories like racks, panniers, and bikepacking bags to carry your gear.
What kind of equipment do I need for bikepacking?
The essential equipment for bikepacking includes a tent, sleeping bag, sleeping mat, cooking equipment, clothing suitable for the weather, food, and water. It is essential to pack efficiently to keep the weight down and ensure that the bike balances well when riding.
What are some useful tips for bikepacking in Ontario?
First, before embarking on a bikepacking trip, be sure to research the route and weather conditions. Second, always carry a bike repair kit and spare parts in case of any mechanical issues. Third, be mindful of Leave No Trace principles, pack out your trash, and respect wildlife. Fourth, carry enough food and water and plan for resupply opportunities along the route. Fifth, always carry weather-appropriate gear and appropriate emergency supplies such as a first aid kit, a map, and a compass.
Can I bikepack in Ontario during the winter months?
Yes, winter bikepacking is possible in Ontario, but it requires additional gear to keep warm and navigate snowy and icy terrain. Riders should research routes carefully, choose gear suitable for cold weather, and be knowledgeable about winter survival skills. It is essential to pack appropriately and carry sufficient nutrition and hydration supplies.