With two pretty towns as bookends, cyclists will love the easy biking between Gananoque and Brockville on a section of Ontario’s Waterfront Trail. Plenty of access points ensure a whole lot of ways you can configure a trip. And with a 10 foot wide, newly paved (in 2014) mostly traffic-free trail, this is an outing the whole family can enjoy.

The approximately 45 kilometre section of the Waterfront Trail between the two towns parallels the 1000 Islands Parkway and the St. Lawrence River – one of North America’s longest rivers. As you cycle alongside the upper part of the St. Lawrence River, an especially scenic section, dotted with well over a 1000 islands, some of which are part of 1000 Islands National Park, you can gawk at the myriad of cottages. Many of them are eye-candy and great fun to admire – not only for their architecture but for the beautiful islands they sit on, some of which aren’t much bigger than the cottage itself.

But before you even get to the eye-candy you’ll have to decide in advance what kind of cycling experience you’re looking for. Do you want an out and back ride – in which case where should you start? Or would you rather just cycle a section between the start and end points of the 1000 Islands Parkway? There is also the option to cycle one way and overnight in either Brockville or Gananoque and retrace your steps the next day? Strong cyclists can certainly knock off the round-trip in about five hours but recreational cyclists might want to stop and swim, enjoy a picnic or admire the view from one of the lookout spots.

I’m partial to starting in Gananoque – as I love the waterfront and the choice of historic and very beautiful B&B’s to stay in before or after the bike ride. (It’s also a great place to take a boat tour post bike ride.)My inclination is to do and out and back trip.

In Gananoque you can park for a fee down by the marina on Water Street. Just be aware that the area can get congested on summer weekends so plan to arrive early. The actual car-free trail starts 2.5 kilometres east of town. Other places to start that are right on the trail include the Environmental Awareness Centre in Mallorytown Landing, picnic spots along the 1000 Islands Parkway and Brown’s Bay Day-Use Area (pay for two days if you leave your car overnight.)

There’s a short section of busy road you must contend with as you head east from Gananoque. Once on the parkway you pass through a pretty area around Ivy Lea before you head under the 1000 Islands Bridge to the US. This is one of the few areas where you need to exercise caution as there is a short section of narrow, busy road. From there continue to Rockport, a popular centre for boat tours. You’ll find a restaurant, fast food places and a store. Although it’s a good spot to buy cold drinks and food, especially since it’s at about the halfway point, picnickers would do well to stop at one of the many rest stops with picnic tables overlooking the river. If you’re like me and love slabs of pink granite and wind-swept trees with views of islands, then save your picnic for the 1000 Islands National Park further to the east and enjoy your picnic by the water. Don’t forget to buy your picnic supplies before starting out for the day.

Reach the Brown’s Bay Day-use Park six kilometres past the 1000 Islands Visitor Centre in Mallorytown Landing. The park is a great turnaround spot if you want to avoid cycling the nine kilometres of road into Brockville though there is the option to continue a further 2.8 kilometres on the car-free trail to Butternut Bay. And what better way to get refreshed for the return ride than a swim in Brown’s Bay Park. Just don’t forget your bathing suit.

Recreational cyclists can easily make a full day out of the bike ride. Everyone will enjoy not only the scenery but the prolific birdlife and the chance to experience the St. Lawrence River up close.

For detailed help in planning your trip check out the Waterfront Trail website with its interactive map that showcases places to stay, exact distances and the suggested bike route through towns along the way.

With more than 100 kilometers of trails, Frontenac Provincial Park offers a great challenge for trail runners looking to beat the summer heat. (Derrick Spafford)

The sultry dog days of summer are upon us in South Eastern Ontario, evident by our busy waterways and even busier ice cream stands! If you are a runner, you may find that as the mercury climbs, your motivation to stick to your regular running routine plummets – especially if you are in the region on vacation and you’d much rather hit the beach than hit the pavement!

Enter trail running: the best way to beat the heat and explore our naturally beautiful landscapes on foot.

With such diverse terrain throughout South Eastern Ontario – from the rugged Canadian Shield in the north to the flat sandy beaches in the south – there is guaranteed to be a trail that suits your running ability. So grab a buddy, lace up and  I hope to see you at one of these three amazing running trails!

Best for beginners: Cataraqui Trail

If you are new to trail running, the hard-packed and flat Cataraqui Trail is a great introduction to the sport. Following a section of abandoned Canadian National Railway that was discontinued in 1986, the 104 kilometer trail starts in Smith Falls and ends in Strathcona (just outside of Napanee). Lush green farmland, towering native trees offering shade and the cooling effects of the marshes and swamps make the Cataraqui Trail a pleasure to run on even the hottest days. Trail heads in friendly small towns offer a place to pick up snacks or drinks along the way. There is no charge to use the trail system, but frequent users should consider purchasing a $25 annual membership which supports trail improvements. Accommodations through the Land O’ Lakes region turn your trail run into a weekend retreat.

Beyond the basics: Cataraqui and Gould Lake Conservation Areas

If you’re ready to graduate from the rail trail, Little Cataraqui Conservation Area is the perfect next step. Just a short drive from Kingston, Little Cataraqui offers a good mix of trail surfaces for you to test out your trail running skills. The 394 hectare site has 5 interconnected loops varying from 1 kilometer to 7 kilometers in length, which means you can run as little – or as far – as you like. Keep your eyes open for wildlife that call the area home, such as herons and other migratory birds. At Gould Lake Conservation Area, the 20 kilometers of trails are a little more technical (meaning more hills, rocks and roots), but you can cool off with a rewarding dip in the lake itself. Daily admission is only $5 per car in July and August at Little Cataraqui and $14 per car at Gould Lake, so gather a group of friends to hit the trails together! B&Bs, inns and hotels in Kingston and the 1000 Islands make visiting these trails easy.

Runners ready for a challenge: Frontenac Provincial Park

Frontenac Provincial Park, near Sydenham, offers the ultimate trail running experience. Breathtakingly beautiful and serene, Frontenac boasts over 100 kilometers of trails for you to explore. Yarker-based running coach and trail runner Derrick Spafford names the trail systems here among his personal favourites. That said, he suggests that you first log time on more moderate trails before tackling Frontenac. “With the park being in the Canadian Shield, most of the trails are a little more technical in variety with plenty of rocks and roots to negotiate, in addition to some challenging hills,” says Spafford. Swap out your regular runners for trail running shoes as well. “You’ll need a little more protection and traction on these trails,” Spafford adds. Daily Vehicle Permit fees apply. Try a cozy B&B in Land O’ Lakes to extend your trial running visit.

Next, add some speed

Now that you’re hooked on trail running, try a local trail race this fall to test out your new skills. Extend your visit this fall by staying in one of the region’s many hotels and inns to enjoy the fall colours!

The County Trails in Land O’Lakes offers cyclists quiet back roads and spectacular scenery. (Jennifer Pinarski)

Quiet country roads, small town hospitality and scenic routes make the County Trails in Land O ‘Lakes a road cyclist’s dream come true! Located in the heart of historic Lennox and Addington County, the County Trails are comprised of 12 looped routes stretching from the peaceful shorelines of Adolphustown in the south of the region to Mazinaw Lake’s breathtaking and rugged beauty in the north. But don’t let the word ‘Trails’ mislead you! Most of these cycling routes boast wide paved shoulders, low traffic and courteous motorists who share the road, making them a pleasure to pedal. With distances ranging from 24 kilometers to 102 kilometers, each route is unique and rewards cyclists of all abilities an unforgettable day in the saddle.

Here are three routes which have quickly become favourites for locals. Each has the perfect combination of hills for a challenge, flat stretches to test your speed and of course, the gorgeous scenery Land O’Lakes is famous for.

Cyclists travelling along the County Trails will love the smooth roads with wide paved shoulders. (Jennifer Pinarski)

Route E, Camden

Lush farmland, friendly towns and the naturally beautiful Camden Lake Wildlife Management Area make this route a must-try for road cyclists this summer. Hear the haunting call of loons as you ride a circular loop around Camden and Varty Lakes. At 64 kilometers long, this route is short enough to ride self-supported, but with the lure of squeaky cheese curds in Wilton, or fresh produce at farm stands in Camden East, Odessa and Yarker, you’ll want to tuck a few extra dollars into your jersey to make this ride as tasty as it is tranquil.

Along the County Trails hilly Sheffield Route, cyclists are rewarded with views of the pristine wilderness at Puzzle Lake Provincial Park. (Jennifer Pinarski)

Route F, Sheffield

Be sure you have done your hill training before tackling the 78 kilometer Sheffield route! Granite outcrops tower over you as you push your way to the top of the hills on this challenging ride, where you are rewarded with sweeping views of rugged lakes and of course, descents which will take your breath away! Pristine wilderness, including Puzzle Lake Provincial Park, is the backdrop for this ride and it isn’t uncommon to spy deer, foxes or otters throughout the landscape.

Route G, Salmon River

At 54 kilometers long, the scenic Salmon River route is mostly flat and fast and rated easy. Novice road cyclists will love this route for leisurely weekend long rides and the opportunity to stop for freshly baked goodies at Abrams Bakery in Newburgh or Len’s Bakery in Napanee. Intermediate cyclists will appreciate the opportunity to let loose on the wide paved shoulders – but we recommend enjoying the serenity of Salmon River’s soothing waters.

Go the extra distance

As with all road cycling rides, keep safety top of mind. Always carry the tools you need to change a flat tire, as sections of some of these routes do have broken pavement and short gravel sections. Depending on your carrier, cell service may not be available at all times, so please leave your itinerary and estimated time of return with someone at home. Most of all, enjoy your ride – and we hope to see you on the Land O’Lakes County Trails!