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Trip Code: OTK
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Embark on a gentle cycling journey that uses a multitude of historic rail trails maintained by the communities between Ottawa and Kingston. Our multi-day bike ride starts in the nation’s capital, exploring the historical sites and picturesque Parliament buildings. Leaving the city behind, soak in the tranquil rural landscapes to reach Carleton Place, known for its historic shops and fine dining experiences. The itinerary follows some sections of the Rideau Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site which connects these great cities, including the lovely Chaffey’s Lock. As you make your way between selected charming bed & breakfasts or fancy inns, our team will take care of your luggage transfer. Enjoy the lush greenery surrounding the trails on this refreshing ride as you make your way to Kingston, once considered to be Canada’s capital in the mid-1800s.
Introductory
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19kg of CO2-e PP per day
(113kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)
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Day 1
Arrive Ottawa
Make your way to the joining hotel in Ottawa to get settled for the evening. Tonight you will be staying in the famous Byward Market, one of the city's tourist hubs where you can find opportunities to dine, shop and enjoy the city's vibrant nightlife.
Meals: Nil
Day 2
Ottawa to Bells Corners (30km/18.6miles)
You will be fitted for your bicycle downtown near your accommodations after breakfast. We recommend doing a scenic but optional out-and-back detour of the Rideau Canal Locks, a national historic site. You'll be riding alongside the Ottawa River next where you can admire the Parliament buildings of Canada's capital city. Discover Ottawa's enthralling and enduring features before heading to your hotel in Bells Corners for the evening.
Meals: B
Day 3
Bells Corners to Carleton Place (33km/20.5miles)
After breakfast, hop on your bike and cycle to the historic town of Carleton Place. Today's ride follows the Trans Canada Trail, which runs across Canada. This section, known as the Ottawa Carleton Trailway, was a railroad line abandoned in 1990 before it's conversion to a multi-purpose trail. Keep an eye out for deer and a variety of birds as you pass by wetland areas, wooded areas and farmlands. In Carleton Place, you will have opportunities to shop, dine and stroll along beautiful streetscapes, scenic trails and a picturesque waterfront.
Day 4
Carleton Place to Portland (56km/35miles)
This morning you may have breakfast at your hotel or one of the many cafés nearby. Cycle through the woods as you leave town along the trail, with many more tree-lined paths ahead. You will also pass by serene marsh or wetlands, wildflowers and gorgeous rolling farmlands on your way to Smiths Falls and beyond. Smiths Falls has a rich heritage, and its early growth and popularity were attributed to the Hershey chocolate factory, which closed by 2007. In town, there are restaurants, museums and multiple lock stations on the Rideau Canal that you can view before joining the Cataraqui Trail for the rest of the day. The farmlands near this section of trail are fed by waters of the nearby Rideau River and a few lakes. Tonight you will stay in Portland, best known for the pristine waters on Big Rideau Lake, where enchanting hospitality and refreshments await your arrival at your bed and breakfast. This small town is ideal for relaxing and viewing the stars before retiring for the night. Please note that there is an unavoidable section of road cycling leading into Smith's Falls.
Day 5
Portland to Chaffey's Lock (21.4km/13.3miles)
Hop back onto the Cataraqui trail after a delicious European style all-you-can-eat buffet breakfast. Today is a shorter cycling day, but keep an eye out for herons in flight, ospreys nesting and perched eagles. You will notice that the trail becomes even more serene and remote as you approach Chaffey’s Lock. Lovely Chaffey’s Lock is another fascinating feature of the Rideau Canal. It features a Lockmaster’s House Museum that celebrates the town’s heritage.
Meals: B,L
Day 6
Chaffey's Lock to Kingston (65km/40.4miles)
The path continues where you left off the day before and travels west along the Cataraqui Trail before splitting off to follow the K&P Trail. Both trails feature wetlands or bodies of water that make for prime habitats for the local wildlife, including nesting turtles. You will also pass through more woods and open fields as you head into Kingston. Historic Kingston is also known as the 'Limestone City' due to the massive limestone beds located under the topsoil. It is rich in history and cultural significance. This is partly due to its military value in protecting trade along the Rideau Canal and its presence close to the Canada-United States border. Today's route also winds through Kingston on the way to the lively waterfront near your hotel. You might spot some of the city's famous historical sites as well.
Day 7
Return to Ottawa
Your trip concludes in Kingston where a shuttle will pick you up with your gear and bring you back to Ottawa. Kingston is a great place to extend your stay for an extra night so that you can enjoy a day excursion to Wolfe Island. The ferry offers regular service from the Kingston waterfront during the day to and from Wolfe Island. Enjoy riding through rural landscapes with a stop in Marysville to visit a cluster of charming shops and eateries before retiring for the evening back at your accommodations in Kingston.
What's included
What's not included
Accommodation on this trip is a combination of 3-star hotels and B&B's. Each has been chosen for its convenient location, local character, and quality. The trip price is based on 2 people per room. Please indicate if you prefer to share a bed, or have separate beds. A single supplement is available for those wishing to secure their own rooms, subject to availability.
Modern hybrids suitable for road and mild off-road use with eighteen to twenty-four gears. They are provided with bike bag, helmet, lock, and basic tool kit.
E-bike upgrades are possible upon request, subject to availability.
The trails in question are generally well maintained but include sections with everything from nice surfaces of fine gravel or stone dust to rougher surfaces of grassy dirt. The trail surfaces on the old rail lines between Ottawa and Kingston that are intended for cycling use are mostly flat. Though the trail authorities do work on the trail regularly, please be prepared for rougher sections including potholes and other potential obstructions.
Introductory. The rail trails are easy, mostly flat, stone dust/packed gravel surfaces. Distances each day are short, so this itinerary is suitable for beginner cyclists. In wet weather, parts of the trail may be muddy. Please note that there is an unavoidable section of road cycling leading into the town of Smith's Falls on this tour. Self guided walking or cycling requires individuals to use problem solving skills, be adaptable and have a keen eye. It is recommended that you are comfortable map reading, referring to route notes and that you have a good sense of direction (or are willing to work on improving this!). Cyclists will be expected to know how to fix a flat tire and make basic adjustments to their bicycles using the included repair kit. Sometimes route finding, losing your way, finding it again and asking the locals for help is all part of the adventure. If you’ve never been on a self guided trip, after the first couple of days you will get the hang of it as the vast majority of our first time travellers will attest. Please be assured that our written material issued to you for route finding is updated regularly and we provide a 7-day service hotline in the event of any problems.
Per Person, Twin Share
Yes, though you are encouraged to bring your own bike helmet if possible.
Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
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Everyone who works with us, from our office staff, ground staff and guides is the ‘’real deal’’. Our team is comprised of actual hikers and cyclists who have explored or live in the region in which you will be travelling. Our entire network is highly-specialised in active travel.
Quality services at the best price make our adventures great value for money. Having essential items included like National Park fees, charming accommodations, most meals, bikes for cycling trips, maps and support for peace of mind. Our inclusions allow you to better budget for your big adventure.
We look beyond the horizon to find new and exciting adventures. We’re passionate about shaping the next generation of outdoor travel in Canada, and constantly seek different ways, routes and alternatives to exceed our clients’ dreams.
We are committed to responsible travel and true sustainability, formed when the company was established, and in the face of a multitude of threats to the environment, our commitment is stronger than ever. We aim to "leave no trace" in both an environmental and cultural sense.
6Days
7Days
8Days
Introductory to Moderate