The One Thousand Islands region in the province of Ontario is a beautiful, almost unknown area where you can get around on a bike fantastically. The area is located between the cities of Ottawa, Montreal and Kingston and on the southern side, part of the USA also belongs to this area. The natural restriction of the water ensures that the ‘Urban Sprawl’ that can be seen in many other North American cities is absent here. There is space for nature and you can feel that in everything. In the region, it is of course all about the water. Everyone wants to be by the water and therefore there is room for beautiful paths.
There is also plenty of history to be found, although for the average European it is history that is ‘only a few centuries old’.
1000 Islands Parkway
If you are going to cycle in this region, you really have to check this route off your list. The parkway is about 45 kilometers long and runs entirely along the water of the 1000 island waterway (they weren’t very inventive with names). You have stunning views and along the way there are several stops where you can sit down and even spend the night. If you want to make it an adventure, though. The route itself is somewhat hilly, but you won’t climb higher than 200 meters in this region.
Make a stop at Brown’s Bay Beach as well. There are picnic tables, you can even take a shower there and you have beautiful views over the water. This parkway is part of a larger network, also known as the The Waterfront Trail If you follow the entire trail, you’ll travel hundreds of kilometers along the water, from east to west Ontario (or vice versa).
Gravel paradise
Speaking of beautiful trails. Of course, there are paved roads and you can get completely lost in the various routes around the water and along the docks, but this is truly a gravel paradise. Because everyone wants to live by the water, a dense network of access roads (from the main road) has been created to reach the residential areas. These roads are of course unpaved, so you can go graveling to your heart's content, right up 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.
In any case, 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, it is definitely a great time to enjoy the Indian summer in the fall. Do you know the specific colorful pictures of Canada? Yes, those were taken in this region. The beautiful red and yellow colors are incredibly vivid here. Check out this stunning photo. You really want to cycle here, don't you?
Other routes
There are several marked trails through this area, including the 1000 islands trail. You can also choose to ride the Morrisburg to Cornwall trail or the Long Sault Parkway, for example. The latter is very scenic. You drive over various islands and bridges and you are constantly surrounded by water. The first trail also runs along the water and along the way you pass by various harbors and stops. Very ideal for relaxing and enjoying the surroundings.
Inspiration
If you would like to venture further inland from here, there are plenty of gravel routes you could ride. Check out these site For more route inspiration. Want to know more about the area? There are several information sites about travel, activities, and accommodation. Check it out. 1000islands tourism bureau and from there you can look further ahead.
Questions & tips
Do you have any questions about this route, or have you been there yourself? Share them here. We read everything and usually respond within a few days.