The Ultimate Guide to Cycling in Waterloo Region, Ontario
Whether you’re looking for prominent paved paths or gravel rail trails, quaint cafes or community museums, there’s a little something for everyone when you’re cycling in Waterloo Region - very much including cycle friendly accommodation and businesses as far as the eye can see (or should I say, the “rider can ride”). Few regions have invested more into their cycling infrastructure in Ontario in recent years and, suffice to say, it’s paying dividends.
On the trails near Landgon Hall! Photo Credit: Bri Mitchell
Bri and I have spent years driving to and fro to Waterloo Region from Toronto, and that’s an attestation to the fact that, this is a region on the move. There is quite literally always a reason to head in that direction for us, whether that’s a visit to a beautiful town like St. Jacobs, a stop by one of Waterloo Region’s breweries, or to ride on the Farmers’ Market Trail.
More often than not, along with the luggage we throw into our car, we also have our bikes on the back, and that was exactly the case most recently, where our goal was to experience Langdon Hall Country House Hotel & Spa, including Langdon Hall’s world renowned dining options, and then to comprehensively explore cycling routes in the region, and to add yet another guide to our now well known cycling category on our site.
It did not disappoint, and beyond thetr being any number of communities worth getting off the saddle for to explore, what was also noticeable to us was the diversity of cycling opportunities available. If you wanted to ride on the road, you could. If you wanted to cruise along some well established and maintained paved trails that many locals use to get to and from jobs, then you certainly could as well. If you wanted to put away those work clothes, and put on something that might be a little more appropriate to get some mud on, then there was also ample mountain biking and trail riding to be appreciated.
With a trusty gravel bike (I’m a big fan of Trek’s options, personally, especially the Checkpoint ALR-5), the world was our oyster, because we could do it all, and see the region’s cycling options at large. There are over 500 kilometres of trails in Waterloo Region, so I’d urge you to think of this as a multi-day affair. Stay somewhere nice, and plan out multiple days of routes that will suit your needs.
It’s also worth mentioning that there’s no barrier here when it comes to skill level. You can design the trip that suits you best. If you have a road bike, you could do a day of riding on that bike, and tackle more dirt and mountainous terrain the next day on another bike (even by renting from an excellent provider like River City Cycle Rental).
Notable Routes to Cycle in Waterloo Region
Before I get into specific routes, it’s also worth highlighting the investment that Waterloo Region has made in cycling from an information perspective. Their Cycling Guide App is a handy tool to both envision and plan your trip, as well as execute it upon arrival. I’m going to start with some classic routes that you should consider, but know that, for the most part in Waterloo when it comes to cycling, if you can dream it, then you can do it.
If you’re cycling on the weekend, you’ll be pleased to know that there is free weekend day parking available in a variety of City of Waterloo lots.
Finally, I’ve done my best to include particular businesses, attractions and so forth, but know that Waterloo Region has put out a list of bicycle friendly businesses in Waterloo Region, so that list is always worth cross referencing when you’re planning your trip. You’ll find that right here.
*Please note that this article contains affiliate links. Simply put, this means we may receive a small commission for some of our honest recommendations, at no additional cost to you.
The Classic Grand River Loop
This is a 40 kilometre route that is probably the best known starting point for cyclists who haven’t yet explored the region in-depth. It’s an intermediate route, and is about a 50/50 mix when it comes to paved/unpaved.
Start your journey in the lively Waterloo Public Square. If art is your thing, you may want to get a little taste of culture before your ride at the Candian Clay and Glass Gallery, which isn’t far away.
From the Waterloo Public Square, you’ll head south on the Iron Horse Trail, riding alongside the ION light rail as you slowly slip into greener and greener corridors. Rest assured, if you’re feeling tired, you’ll pretty much always have an excuse to pop into a local cafe, restaurant, or brewery along the route (the Graffiti Market, TWB Brewing, and Smile Tiger Coffee all come to mind!)
I’d also make a stop at the Ken Seiling Waterloo Region Museum – which happens to be Ontario’s largest community museum. You quickly come to learn with travel in this province that we’re ultimately responsible for gathering and telling our own stories. It’s something of a duty we have to the next generation, and that’s why this museum aims to offer multiple perspectives, both in the sense of how this land was settled, and the Indigenous Peoples who called this land home long before that aforementioned settling.
Later in the route, you’ll whip by the Pioneer Memorial Tower, then you’ll follow the Walter Bean Trail back along the Grand River, and before you know it, you’ll be back on Waterloo’s residential streets (as well as the Dom Cardillo Trail & Spur Line Trail) and eventually in downtown Kitchener.
Kissing Bridge-Woolwich Countryside Tour
Ah, I just love this route, and honestly, is there any better feeling that being able to ride with your partner and roll past the “Kissing Bridge?” Where cycling and romance meet, one could say!
This route is a little longer than the former, coming in at 44 kilometres, and it’ll be 60% unpaved roads and trails and 40$ paved. There are some higher speed country roads here, but again, for most of these routes I’m a big advocate of riding on a gravel bike, as a good gravel bike can do it all.
Begin your ride in the charming village of St. Jacobs (a village not to be missed, especially for photographer’s who love street art, beer lovers (hey there Block 3 Brewing), coffee lovers (EcoCafe) or folks who want to experience the St. Jacobs Market, Canada’s largest year-round market). This route will loop, so you can also do all of this on the other side of your ride!
You’ll be in Woolwich Township, where you can simultaneously embrace the pace of a slower life in Mennonite Country, while having the space on the roads and trails to go as quick as you like.
On this route, you’ll come across one of Ontario’s last covered bridges – the iconic “Kissing Bridge” in West Montrose. Along the route, consider making strategic stops to get a feel for country life in places like Elmira, Wallenstein, and Hawkesville.
For most of this ride, you’ll enjoy some awfully peaceful ride along the Kissing Bridge Trailway (which is technically part of the Guelph to Goderich Rail Trail, a route I’ve written about extensively), a trail that exemplifies Ontario cycling along a stone-dust path to a tee.
You’ll follow the historic Mill Race Trail out of St. Jacobs before hitting scenic, tree-lined gravel roads that roll along the Conestogo River. Personally, I’d strongly recommend keeping an eye out for farm stands along the way. I’ve seen everything from fresh fruit to baked goods, and a little bit of sugar goes a long way on a day of riding!
After connecting with the Kissing Bridge Trailway at Wallenstein, this is where I would take a detour to Elmira. If you’re looking for a cup of coffee and a quick bite, Kitchen Kuttings is bike-friendly, and a very worthy stop!
From here, you’ll more or less head south along both paved and gravel roads until you get back to St. Jacobs!
The “Kissing Bridge” in West Montrose. Photo Credit: Christopher Mitchell
Hespeler Village-Mill Run Trail Ride
This route is only 14 kilometres, but it’s mostly taking place on unpaved trails, so note that.
To me, this is the ideal chance to explore Hespeler Village in Cambridge, since it starts and ends here.
You’ll start on the the Mill Run Trail, which offers a beautiful out-and-back ride that takes you alongside the Speed River as it flows into the beautiful Grand. It’s a forested-hard packed rail trail (the kind you can really get some speed on), but don’t let that get in the way of noting the scenic river views and the charming foot bridges that seem to appear everywhere.
Midway, you’ll pass over a pedestrian bridge, where you’ll see the remains of a dam and the mill. These were once powered Pattison’s Mill are still visible.
In terms of Hespelere itself, this bike-friendly village boasts a bustling business district filled with heritage buildings, local craft breweries, inviting restaurants, and sights that make it easy to linger. Don’t miss the Fashion History Museum (recognized as having one of the finest collections in Canada), but I would honestly just walk up and down the main strip and see what catches your eye. The Hespeler Bridge and Hespeler Heritage Centre are neat, and my “can’t miss” item here would be to stop at Four Fathers Brewing Co. just outside of town near the Hespeler Mill Pond.
The Cambridge-Ayr Loop
This is the route that you want to do if you’re keen to explore downtown Galt, which is the historic centre of Cambridge, and pretty and picturesque by any standard.
This is a 45 kilometre route is an invitation to hop on the lovely Cambridge to Paris Rail Trail, taking you south through some of Ontario’s finest Carolinian forests that ever so kindly hug the Grand River.
You’ll leave the trail at Glen Morris, then cross the river, where a nice mix of country paved roads and gravel await.
After crossing the river, you’ll head into the riverside town of Ayr. I’d recommend doing what I did on this route, and planning a stop at Willibald Farm Distillery & Brewery. I’ve stopped here both to try new beers, as well as a perfect lunch option. Their beer (and branding, quite honestly) is excellent, and the staff have always been ready to ensure that I can get a quick beer and meal if I’m in the midst of a longer ride.
Waterloo to St. Jacobs Village and Market Ride
On my previous visit to the region, I actually rode this 22km or so out-and-back ride in full, and wrote all about it for my sister site, Ultimate Ontario. Specifically, I covered “The Farmers’ Market Trail: The Exciting New Connection Between Waterloo and the St. Jacobs Farmers’ Market.”
This route too begins at the Waterloo Public Square, then heads north out of the city centre (along bike lanes) to the wonderful St. Jacobs Market District. The St. Jacobs Farmers Market is open Thursdays and Saturdays all year, as well as Tuesdays between June and August.
From here, you’ll continue north from there along the Trans Canada Trail, where you should stop at a cafe or brewery in St. Jacobs (as I alluded to previously, I’d really recommend Block 3 Brewing or EcoCafe). You’ll then take the same paths right on back to Waterloo.
When I was just starting cycling, a route that was over 20 kilometres felt difficult, but this is the perfect route to pad your confidence, since it’s really two seperate segments of 10 kilometres, with ample stops. If you’re an average cyclist, you probably ride around 15 - 20 kilometres per hour, so the whole route, with stops, shouldn’t take you much more than a morning or afternoon of your choice.
Blair - Blenheim
This is a 14 kilometre route that is a mixture of paved and stone dust trails and country roads, but the real highlight here is the opportunity to cycle through the old neighbourhoods of Galt.
You can see the full route here, but I’ve ridden this myself, and it’s a route I wanted to include because you’ll get a nice taste of what makes this area such an enticing place to ride in the first place, as you’ll get a taste of it all, to some extent.
The General Store Tour
I love this 37 kilometre route put together by the Woolwich Cycling Club. Again, it’s a mixture of paved and unpaved, and the idea here is that you roll through pasotral Mennonite countyside, and then onwards to the rolling hills of the Woolwich and Wellesley Townships, respectively.
Your goal? Visit the old general stores, bakeries, cafes or pop into any enticing shops in the 5 rural villages you’ll pass — Elmira, Floradale, Yatton, Wallenstein, and Hawkesville.
You’re also in for some nice views of the Conestogo River when you find yourself near Hawkesville. You can see the full route here.
Riding along the Conestogo. Photo Credit: Christopher Mitchell
St. Jacobs to Millbank
Coming in at 66 kilometres, this is a route for the rider that is looking for a day out on the roads (and gravel paths, of course).
You’ll enjoy those rural roads of Woolwich, essentially riding backroads to and from St. Jacobs and Millbank. The joy here though is your ability to set eyes on the villages of Kingwood, Wellesley, Poole, St. Clements, Heidelberg and Crosshill.
Full details of the route here.
Waterloo Region Four Rivers Bikepacking Route
This, more than any other route, is the one that I have my eyes on for my next big ride. How big? Well, I’m happy you asked.
On this route, which comes in at a whopping 212 kilometres, and covers, in many respects, the best of the region in terms of cycling, you see it all. Ultimately, you’ll embark on a three-day adventure along Waterloo Region’s trails and gravel roads situated right beside beside the beautiful Conestogo, Grand, Speed, and Nith Rivers, respectively.
It’s actually inspired by the Grand Nith Ramble (another route I’d like to do). It’s long, but it’s not particularly difficult as long as you pace yourself appropriately over several days. If you’re a newer rider, and haven’t yet tackled routes of this size, I’d consider adding an extra day on this, and tackling it in 4 days, in roughly four, 50 kilometre sessions.
Get ready for an off-the-beaten-path journey, where you’re never far from delightful cafes, inviting restaurants, local breweries, vibrant farmers’ markets, and quaint urban centres. As with all of the routes to some extent, you want to plan your breaks around the communities that you’ll visit.
If you see a cafe, get a coffee or a tea, and if you see a brewery, why not try a flight (while, of course, being mindful of consuming responsibly while you’re operating a bike).
Check out the full GNR ride (coming in north of 350km+) to see where this trail will take you.
Other Cycling Routes to Have on Your Radar
Cycling in Waterloo can mean a day out on the roads, or simply commuting to and from a place of work! It’s for everyone. Photo Credit: Christopher Mitchell
In the above section, I’ve primarily focused on larger cycling routes, for cyclists that might be inclined to spend a weekend or some more significant time in the region. Here are some other routes to consider, many of which are a little smaller and more manageable, and perhaps these might have some appeal if you’re a little newer to cycling.
Uptown Waterloo to Downtown Kitchener Loop: A 7km loop that starts in Uptown Waterloo, then heads towards Downtown Kitchener via the Spurline Trail. On the way back, you’ll take the Iron Horse Trail. Almost all of these trail is on dedicated multi-use paths, so you won’t be battling traffic.
Elmira- Hawkesville - Yatton: A 25 kilometre route which is almost entirely on rural paved roads that roll past scenic farms. This is another route where you really won’t have to contend with much traffic. If you’re looking to extend this ride, consider the 40 kilometre Elmira - Hawkesville - Yatton - Floradale Route.
Grand River Loop: Want to keep things nice and easy? This route comes in around 9km, is for all ages and abilities, and basically sticks to the Paris Rail Trail and local streets, while offering some lovely views of the river.
When in doubt, look for the trail signs. There’s always good riding to be had on the Walter Bean Grand River Trail, the Iron Horse Trail, the Market Trail, the Laurel Trail, the RIM Park Community Trails, the Grand Trunk Trail, the Cambridget to Paris Rail Trail, the Health Valley Trail, and the Mill Run Trail.
Mountain Bikers - Take Note of the Hydrocut
The Hydrocut is one of Ontario’s most popular mountain biking trail systems, and, as you might have guessed, it’s located in the heart of Waterloo Region. It offers mountain riders a network of over 35 km of single-track trails.The Hydrocut is divided into two main trailheads—Landfill and Glasgow—each easily accessible and well-marked, making it a top destination for mountain bikers throughout Ontario.
There are around 30 interconnected routes, it has something for everyone: trails like “Stinky Girl” and “Adam’s Run” offer an exhilarating, approachable experience for beginners and intermediate riders with smooth berms and gradual inclines, while more advanced trails like “Killer Frog” and “Rocky Mountain High” present technical challenges, jumps, and drops that excite seasoned riders.
The trail design is celebrated for its “flow,”or the ability to hop on and off trails to create your own route without all that much stopping — not dissimilar from how you might combine routes on a ski hill!
The Hydrocut now sees about 100,000 visitors per year — and why not add to that number?
Access to The Hydrocut is free, though donations are welcomed to support ongoing maintenance. If you’re keen to donate, you can learn more information here.
There are convenient parking areas at both the Landfill and Glasgow trailheads, by the way, so it’s easy to drop in for a quick ride or make a full day of it. Despite its popularity, the trail system’s expanse keeps it from feeling crowded, making it an enjoyable and accessible destination for riders seeking some of Ontario’s very finest mountain biking.
Staying in Waterloo
If you’re looking for an elevated experience, consider staying at Langdon Hall! Photo Credit: Christopher Mitchell
If you’re planning a multi-day affair, you’re going to want a place to rest, relax, and restore after a long day of riding. Here are some bicycle friendly accomodations to consider (in alphebetical order):
Apple Inn Bed and Breakfast, Wellesley
Baumann Haus Bed & Breakfast, St. Jacobs
Bingemans Camping Resort, Kitchener
Courtyard by Marriott St. Jacobs, Waterloo
Delta Hotel, Waterloo
Holiday Inn Express & Suites, Waterloo
Homewood Suites by Hilton Cambridge Waterloo, Cambridge
Homewood Suites by Hilton St. Jacobs, Waterloo
Hotel Laurier, Waterloo
Langdon Hall Country House Hotel & Spa, Cambridge
Leisure Estates Bed & Breakfast, Elmira
Hampton Inn & Suites St. Jacobs, Waterloo
Maryhill Inn Bed and Breakfast, Maryhill
Puddicombe House, New Hamburg
Residence & Conference Centre – Kitchener-Waterloo, Kitchener
Staybridge Suites St. Jacobs, Waterloo
The Blue Spruce Bed and Breakfast, St. Jacobs
The Laundry Rooms Gaslight District, Cambridge
The Laundry Rooms Circa Waterloo, Waterloo
University of Waterloo Summer Accommodations, Waterloo
Here’s a map of properties throughout the region in case that’s easier for you to visualize.
Waterloo Region in a Cycling Stronghold in Ontario
Who doesn’t want to ride a little gravel when you’ve got a gravel bike?! Photo Credit: Christopher Mitchell
As someone who has been cycling for years, it’s been sort of incredible for me to see how, as my passion for cycling has grown, so to has Waterloo Region’s dedication to making trails, safe bike lanes, as well as educating the non-cycling community and supporting cyclists.
Cyclists tend to be exploratory by nature, and so I can only hope that you’ll see that you can ride while getting the full cultural and gastronomic experience, and I’ve always loved that, on a cycling day, you’re fully entitled to eat whatever captures your eye, since you’ll likely be running at a calorie deficit anyhow.
There’s an incredible mixture here of paved and gravel roads, trails where you feel far removed from traffic and the stresses of daily life, and where you can legitimately connect with the communities you’re riding through.
For your next cycling adventure - think Waterloo Region!
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