EXPLORE ON TWO WHEELS
Biking & Cycling
With over 600 lakes, numerous rivers, and the rolling hills of the Canadian Shield, there is ample topography and scenery to enjoy. Cyclists can also explore the area’s flourishing artist studios, local eateries and charming villages. Whether you prefer On-road Cycling, Gravel Routes or Mountain Biking Trails, the Haliburton Highlands has it all!
On-Road Cycling Routes
The Haliburton Highlands is a great place for road riding. We have an extensive road network, low traffic volume, beautiful scenery and great destinations! Some great resources for finding information about routes, maps and hint & tips are Cycle Haliburton and the Haliburton Real Easy Ryders Cycling Club.
Please note that road cycling routes are all shared-used roads that do not have cycling lanes or paved shoulders.
local recommended route
Cycle Haliburton has mapped dozens of routes, but a good one that’s perfect for a half-day on the road is the Haliburton-Tory Hill-Wilberforce-Haliburton loop, which stretches 65 kilometres in total on mostly paved roads. If you want to challenge yourself even further, try the Haliburton Highlands South Loop that’s a slightly more challenging 109 kilometres.
Gravel Biking Routes
A little more remote, a little more adventure, a lot more scenic. Gravel biking is for people that want to get really ‘out there’, maybe on some decommissioned service roads or just really chunky, hard to access roads or paths that can take you somewhere really remote and special. We have a collection of 20 routes covering over 700 Km of of some of the best places to get away from the traffic of road biking.
Local recommended route
Kingscote/Cauliflower Lake Loop
Looking for a unique backcountry gravel-riding adventure? The “Kingscote/South Cauliflower Lake” loop offers 70 kms of almost pure gravel through the park. This is not southern Ontario gravel; you are more likely to see a moose than a café. You need to be mechanically self-sufficient as cell coverage is spotty and long stretches are not accessible to motorized vehicles… Learn More
If you are looking for an entry level gravel ride, try out the “Kingscote Lake Short Loop”… Learn More
Mountain Biking Trails
Sir Sam’s Ski & Bike – Located on the hill overlooking Eagle Lake, north of the town of Haliburton, Sir Sam’s has 13 km of cross country trails plus 9 km of downhill trails. Ride up and down, or purchase a lift pass along with the trail pass that is required to access trails suited to all levels of riders.
Haliburton Forest and Wild Life Reserve – Mountain biking trails and many other outdoor adventure experiences are available on 70,000 acres of privately owned and sustainably managed forest. There are over 300 km of forest access roads and multi-use trails with detailed trail maps to assist with route selection. Trail passes are required and available at Kennisis Lake Base Camp.
Glebe Park – The Haliburton Highlands Mountain Bike Club has developed a network of single track trails that, combined with existing double track trails, offer over 10 km of riding. Trails start at Glebe Park Haliburton Sculpture Forest and are open for members or day users with purchase of trail pass.
Silent Lake Provincial Park – Located in the southeastern corner of Haliburton County, this provincial park has a cross-country trail network wih two loops; 13 and 19 km in length. The 13 km loop is moderately difficult, while the 19 km loop is considered difficult.
Byers Lake – Located in the south end of Algonquin Park, this 7 km mountain biking trail is easy for the first 4 km with hills and some wet areas for the rest. The journey takes about an hour to cycle and is open from June to Thanksgiving. The side trail to the Gut Rapids Canyon on the York River is a must see.
Facebook review from Darryl - July 2020
Rentals, Repairs & Guided Tours
Algonquin Outfitters - Service & Rentals
FR Tours- Bicycle Tours & E-Bikes
Haliburton Bike Share
Humdinger - Bicycle Tours
Offering guided and supported tours in Ontario’s cottage country, including outstanding road and gravel riding in beautiful Haliburton. Challenge yourself on a point to point 6-day Muskoka to Haliburton tour that can be all paved roads or a combination of pavement and gravel. Learn about bikepacking and gravel riding at a Women’s-Only Weekend Gravel Riding Clinic while glamping at an off-grid lodge in Haliburton Forest. Or, let us put together a custom trip just for you and your group. Learn More.
Sir Sam's Ski & Bike - Service & Rentals
Yours Outdoors - Guided Tours
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