Cycling in Frontenac County offers riders a chance to experience the region’s landscapes at a more connected pace. From historic rail trails and quiet rural concessions to waterfront roadways and island loops, the area provides a range of riding opportunities suited to both casual cyclists and seasoned riders. Whether you are planning a day trip, a trail ride with family, or a longer touring adventure, Frontenac’s mix of terrain, scenery, and community access makes it an ideal place to explore by bike.
Key cycling experiences include:
- Rail Trail Riding
- Gravel & Backroad Touring
- Waterfront & Island Cycling
- Community-Connected Routes
Signature Trails
Frontenac County is home to several established trail systems that form the backbone of the regional cycling experience. These routes offer accessible entry points for visitors while connecting to broader provincial trail networks.
K&P Trail
One of Eastern Ontario’s most recognized multi-use trails, the K&P Trail follows a historic rail corridor stretching north from Kingston through Frontenac County. Cyclists can access long continuous sections of crushed stone trail, passing through forests, wetlands, rock cuts, and rural communities. Multiple trailheads provide staging points for short rides or longer day excursions.
Cataraqui Trail
Running east–west across the region, the Cataraqui Trail offers another converted rail corridor well suited to cycling. The trail passes through agricultural land, wooded areas, and small settlements, providing a quiet and scenic riding environment with gradual grades and wide trail beds.
Great Lakes Waterfront Trail
This signed on-road route connects communities along Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River as part of a broader 3,000 km network. Within Frontenac, cyclists can experience this iconic route as it connects through ferry-linked extensions such as Wolfe Island—making it a distinctive segment of the provincial trail system.
Cycling Routes
ROUTE OVERVIEW
The Plevna Loop covers a portion of Hwy 506 and Hwy 509 and is a lovely ride of 96 km starting and ending in Plevna. The route takes you over the beautiful Canadian Shield with many rolling and steep hills. You will pass wetlands, lakes and rocky outcrops and may be fortunate enough to see wild turkeys, beavers, deer, bear as well as turkey vultures soaring overhead. May rides will deliver blackflies in abundance and the singing of thousands of wetland frogs. During the summer it can be hot as there are few breezes on this inland route. This area shines in the fall with the absence of bugs, cooler weather, sparse tourists and brilliant foliage.
There are few places to eat or replenish your water bottles so plan accordingly and consider including a basic bike repair kit. Cell service is limited along the route however, the locals and tourists are a friendly lot and can be easily flagged down for assistance. Plan your stops to include the ice cream and bakery stop at Crotch Lake, the Bakery and coffee shop in Plevna or the outdoor food truck/picnic area at Elphin, truly a cut above your average food truck. Locals hang out and will give you a warm welcome. As this route is winding and hilly the traffic is generally slower but respectful of bikers.
Map
Points of Interest
Lookout Home Hardware Building Centre – 7617 Road 509 / 613-479-5579
Double ‘S’ Sports and Marina – 9637 Road 509 / 613-479-2176
Palmerston Lake Campground – 1000 Park Hill Lane / 416-319-8845
West Palmerston Cottages – 1042 West Palmerston Drive / 613-479-2252
Silent Valley Alpaca – 1120 Donaldson Road / 613-858-8883
Mariclaro Sustainable Designs – 14259 Road 509 / 613-278-1631
Back Forty Artisan Cheese – 1406 Gulley Road / 613-287-7011
Tumblehome Lodge – 1090 Lodge Road / 613-279-2414
Land O’ Lakes Lodge – 1122 Lodge Road / 613-279-2530
Pine Lake Cottages & Trailer Park – 4635 Ardoch Road / 613-479-0077
Red Dragon Studio and Gift Shop – 1091 Ridge Lane / 613-479-2137
Ardoch Bed and Breakfast – 5599 Ardoch Road
North of 7 Restaurant and Market – 7325 Road 506 / 613-479-2603
Shamrock Bakery – 7414 Road 506 / 416-834-0988
ROUTE OVERVIEW
This is a hilly, but beautiful and scenic ride that starts and ends in the Village of Sydenham and is a great ride for all but the beginning cyclist who does not care for hills.
When you arrive, park at Point Municipal Park and head over to Sydenham Foodland to stock up on snacks, water or other supplies you might need for a longer ride through the remote back roads of South Frontenac Township.
You’ll start with a steady climb up Bedford Road and head north through agricultural lands before experiencing the ups and downs of this incredible ride through Canadian Shield. Eventually, you’ll come across Frontenac Outfitters, who may be able to refill your water bottle while you consider giving up your bike for a new kayak or canoe. If you like back country camping or hikes, you can also find Frontenac Provincial Park not far from here. Continuing North, you’ll turn onto Desert Lake Road and keep the theme of twisting hills through remote landscapes before landing at Desert Lake Family Resort, an ideal midway stop for snacks and a swim before heading back towards Sydenham.
After a rest at Desert Lake, continue west and south to return to Sydenham. If you love geology, be sure to take a look at the Holleford Meteorite Crater. This site is marked by a plaque on Holleford Road.
When you return to Sydenham, reward yourself with coffee or ice cream from Trousdale’s, Canada’s oldest general store. Then cool off in Sydenham Lake before calling it a day.
Map
Points of Interest
Trousdale’s General Store – 4395 Mill Street / 613-376-7622
Memory Lane Flowers – 613-376-6309
Sydenham Point Beach – Point Road
Foodland – Sydenham – 4476 Georgia Lane / 613-376-6609
Sydenham Lake Canoe Club – George Street and The Cataraqui Trail / 613-376-6613
Frontenac Outfitters Canoe & Kayak Centre – 6674 Bedford Road / 613-376-6220
Lazy Acre Cottages – 2466 Desert Lake Road / 613-374-2196
Desert Lake Family Resort – 2466 Desert Lake Road / 613-374-2196
ROUTE OVERVIEW
This journey begins at the INVISTA Centre in Kingston and continues along flat paved roads to Sydenham. In Sydenham, you will find Canada’s oldest general store, restaurants and a swimming area at Point Park. Stop by Limestone Organic Creamery for ice cream to cool down.
The return route takes you west through farmlands and back to your start at the INVISTA Centre.
Map
Points of Interest
Limestone Organic Creamery – 3127 Sydenham Road / 613-542-0732
Trousdale’s General Store – 4395 Mill Street / 613-376-7622
Memory Lane Flowers – 4400 George Street / 613-376-6309
Fat Chance Farmstead – 3711 County Road / 613-539-5569
ROUTE OVERVIEW
This pleasant ride on former rail trails begins at the INVISTA Centre in Kingston. Follow a short paved section of the K&P onto a crushed stone dust rail bed to the Cataraqui Trail, then follow it into Sydenham.
You will cross several roads with parking areas if you want to shorten the ride. Sydenham offers restaurants, Canada’s Oldest General Store and Point Park. Grades are gentle and the trail is in good shape. If you encounter someone on horseback, stop and ask the rider before passing.
Map
Points of Interest
Limestone Organic Creamery – 3127 Sydenham Road / 613-542-0732
Trousdale’s General Store – 4395 Mill Street / 613-376-7622
Memory Lane Flowers – 613-376-6309
Long Road Eco Farm – 3757 Road 38 / (613) 305-096
Fat Chance Farmstead – 3711 Road 38 / 613-539-5569
ROUTE OVERVIEW
Take the free Wolfe Island ferry from downtown Kingston and enjoy a quiet island ride. Check the schedule before you go.
This route begins in Marysville and follows Route 96 to the east end of the island and back. Spend time exploring local shops like Fishtale Shop or grab a meal at Wolfe Island Grill or the Wolfe Island Pub and Pizzeria. For a snack, stop at the Wolfe Island Bakery.
Main roads are paved, gravel roads are usually in good condition and views are great. You can also connect to the USA via Horne’s Ferry or reach Simcoe Island. Bring a passport for the US crossing.
Map
Points of Interest
Fargo General Store – 1202 County Road / 613-385-2323
Wolfe Island Bakery – 1213 Main Street / 613-385-1021
Café Tenango – 1212 Main Street
The Wolfe Island Pub and Pizzeria – 1223 Main Street / 613-385-1234
The Wolfe Island Grill – 1222 Main Street / 613-385-1515
Fishtale Shop – St Lawrence Avenue
General Wolfe Inn – 1237 County Road 96 / 613-385-2611
Blue Moose Bed and Breakfast – 1277 Main Street / 613-530-5228
Cycle Wolfe Island – 1291 County Road 96 / 613-385-2240
ROUTE OVERVIEW
Starting at the Trailhead in Verona, this ride follows the K&P Trail to Tichborne. The route then follows #38 to Parham for a grocery stop, then Fifth Lake Road to California Road. It is remote, so come prepared.
Next, follow country roads to Bellrock Road and return to the start. Expect quiet scenes of farmland and forest. Bring lunch because Parham is the only service stop.
Map
Points of Interest
Bear Root Gardens – 6812 Road 38
Asselstine Hardware – 6826 Road 38 / 613-374-3400
Toppers Market – 6834 Road 38 / 613-374-2394
L D Power Sports – 8109 Road 38 / 613-374-5604
Godfrey General Store – 8111 Road 38 / 613-374-2345
Parham General Store – 1095 Road 38 / 613-375-6335
Pineridge Family Resort and Campground – 1841 Fifth Lake Road / 613-375-6240
Muddy Waters Restaurant – 6557 Road 38 / 613-374-5444
ROUTE OVERVIEW
Starting at the north parking lot of the Invista Centre in Kingston, this route follows a path to the K&P trail and then heads north and east. You will notice limestone outcroppings near Elginburg and hit a steep but short hill before Perth Road. You can grab food at Paradiso Pizza or The Cookery.
As you head toward Battersea, you will pass Ormsbee’s Mercantile which is known for breakfast sandwiches and fresh baked goods. From there, continue toward the village of Battersea. For food, try Creekside Bar and Grill or Holiday Country Manor. A detour down Wellington Street brings you to Gilmour Point Beach for a swim.
Ride through farmland back to Kingston. If you need bike help near the end, Unique Cycle Kingston Inc is right on your way.
Map
Points of Interest
Paradiso Pizza – 4047 Perth Road / 613-653-9000
The Cookery – 3810 Perth Road / 613-653-3333
Ormsbee’s Mercantile – 3814 Battersea Road / 613-353-6990
Creekside Bar and Grill – 2261 Wellington / 613-353-1102
Holiday Country Manor – 5208 Battersea Road / 613-353-2211
Gilmour Point Beach & Rideau Canal National Historic Site – 1763 Wellington Street
Unique Cycle Kingston Inc – 1881 Sydenham Road / 613-542-9253