The One Thousand Islands region in the state of Ontario is a beautiful, almost unknown area that is fantastic to explore on a bicycle. The area is sandwiched between the cities of Ottawa, Montreal and Kingston, and on the southern side, the part of the US also belongs to this region. The natural limitation of water ensures that the 'Urban Sprawl' seen in many other North American cities is absent here. There is room for nature and you notice it in everything. The region is, of course, all about the water. Everyone wants to be near the water and thus there is room for beautiful trails.
There is also plenty of history to be found, although to the average European it is history of 'only a few centuries old'.
1000 islands parkway
If you go cycling in this region then you really have to tick off this route. The parkway is about 45 kilometres long and runs entirely along the 1000 island waterway (they weren't very inventive with names). You have gorgeous views and along the way there are several stops where you can sit for a while and could even spend the night. If you want to make an adventure of it. The route itself is slightly hilly, but you won't climb higher than 200 metres in this region.
Also make a stop at Brown's Bay Beach. There are picnic tables, you can even take a shower and you have beautiful views over the water. This parkway is part of a larger network, also called The Waterfront Trail mentioned. If you follow the entire trail, you will drive hundreds of kilometres along the water, going from eastern to western Ontario (or vice versa).
Gravel paradise
Talk about beautiful trails. Of course, there are paved roads and you can totally lose yourself in the various routes around the water and along the quays, but this is actual gravel paradise. Because everyone wants to live by the water, an intricate web of access roads (from the main road) to residential destinations has been created. These roads are of course unpaved and therefore you can gravel to your heart's content, right down to the water's edge! As mentioned earlier, there are several campsites nearby, so you can turn your gravel ride into a bikepacking trip in no time.
Anyway, gravel roads outside urban areas are the norm, as asphalt requires more attention and they have quite a lot of asphalt to maintain in Canada.
Photogenic
In this region, the Indian summer is especially enjoyable in autumn. Do you know the specific colourful pictures of Canada? Right, they were taken in this region. The beautiful reds and yellows come through insanely here. Check out this stunning photo. This is where you just want to cycle, right?
Other routes
Several designated trails run through this area, including the 1000 Islands trail. You can also choose to ride the Morrisburg to Cornwall trail, for instance, or the Long Sault Parkway. The latter is very 'scenic'. You drive over several islands and bridges and you are constantly surrounded by water. The first trail also drives along the water again and you pass several harbours and stops along the way. Very ideal for chilling out and enjoying the scenery.
Inspiration
Should you want to go even further inland from here, there are plenty of gravel routes you could ride. Have a look at these site for more route inspiration. Want to know more about the area? There are several information sites on travel, activities and accommodation. Check out the 1000islands tourism agency and from there you can look further.
