The city of Cornwall is a quiet heavyweight of cycling in eastern Ontario, Canada with more than 40km of safe cycling along the St. Lawrence River, beautiful natural and historic sites, and a growing range of craft breweries, restaurants, cafes and unique accommodations to enjoy. Besides the well-loved Riverside Trail, there are a number of road cycling loops that can connect you to more attractions in the surrounding countryside.
Ontario By Bike has hosted a number of weekend tours riding in Cornwall. One of our riders said it best:
“Riding through the Cornwall area was an unforgettable experience”, said Ewa from Alliston, Ontario. “There was something magical about pausing by the riverside, soaking in the fresh air, and feeling connected to both the history and nature of the region. And the best part? The separated trails made it easy to relax and truly enjoy the ride without worrying about traffic. It was one of those rides that left us with stories to tell and a longing to do it all over again.”
Situated on the beautiful St. Lawrence River at the crossroads of the provinces of Ontario and Québec, just over an hour’s drive (103km) from Ottawa, and an hour and a half (114km) from Montréal, Cornwall is emerging as a major hub for cycle tourism in the region, especially being on the popular Lake Ontario-St. Lawrence River section of the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail.
For visitors from Québec, being so close to the provincial border, the Cornwall area makes a perfect first stop on an Ontario bike or road trip, and they will find a large portion of the population in Cornwall is bilingual.
For Americans, Cornwall is a gateway to exploring Canada, with an international bridge crossing right downtown, and only 1 hour and 40 minutes’ drive from Plattsburg, 2 hours from Lake Placid, and under three hours from Burlington, Vermont.
Cornwall Riverside Trail
For cyclists looking for a destination trail and basecamp for scenic waterfront riding on the St. Lawrence River, the Cornwall Riverside Trail is a must pedal.
The Riverside Trail itself is 18km of stunning, paved, off-road waterfront cycling, and connects to over 40km of safe recreational waterfront cycling, west to the Long Sault Parkway chain of islands, with a wide paved shoulder leading cyclists to scenic beaches, picnic areas, and campgrounds, and more separated trails through the Upper Canada Bird Sanctuary to Upper Canada Village.
From the Ride Eastern Ontario Cycling Map, available at www.whereontariobegan.ca/ride-eastern-ontario
If you’re visiting for the day, park your vehicle for free at the Cornwall Civic Centre at Lamoureux Park, 100 Water Street East, immediately next to the Riverside Trail on Cornwall’s waterfront. If you didn’t bring your own set of wheels, rent a bike from Marina 200. The Cornwall Civic Centre also offers free overnight parking, so it’s the perfect spot to also launch a multi-day bike tour or bikepacking trip.
Heading west from Lamoureux Park, you will quickly be cruising past picturesque sites like the Seaway International Bridge (under it!), and along a scenic narrow strip of trail with water on both sides, the St. Lawrence River and the Cornwall Canal. It’s really a unique riding experience. Make sure to stop at the Saunders Hydro Dam Visitor Centre, showcasing the remarkable history of the St. Lawrence Seaway and Power Project and the massive impact this project had on the communities and peoples of the region.
Pedalling on, enjoy this paved trail as it passes through and beside woodlands as you make your way west. Make a stop at Guindon Park, one of Cornwall’s hidden gems, a sprawling riverside park with mountain bike trails.
Continuing on, you can’t miss the Lost Villages Museum (open June to September), which is a delightful open-air museum with ten heritage buildings that have been relocated to the site to commemorate the villages that were lost to flooding in the 1950s from the construction of the Seaway and Saunders Dam.
At Long Sault, head south onto the stunning Long Sault Parkway paved shoulders, along a series of 12 islands connected by a scenic causeway which opens seasonally mid-April to November, with parks, picnic areas, six beautiful sandy beaches and three campgrounds to enjoy – cycling heaven.
Once you reach the end of the Long Sault Parkway you will have cycled about 25km west from Cornwall. Heading back at this point will make sense for many riders out for the day, but for those that continue further you will be in for even more incredible sights and trails.
Cycling from Upper Canada Village to Upper Canada Bird Sanctuary
Continuing west, the route returns to off-road trails – keep island hopping between bridges and forests through the Upper Canada Migratory Bird Sanctuary, sheltering over 200 bird species throughout the year. There are some amazing views of inlets, marshlands, and forested islands through this section. Ride to Upper Canada Village, taking in this large living-history site, and climbing to the top of Crysler’s Farm Battle Memorial that commemorates a pivotal moment in the War of 1812 and Canada’s history as a nation. Upper Canada Village is 37km west of Cornwall, making a return ride 74km total.
Return to Cornwall
On your ride back into Cornwall, if you’re craving a cold beverage make a quick detour north on Cumberland St. to the Rurban Brewing taproom, for some locally-made craft beer. Just next to the Cornwall Civic Centre is Cornwall’s downtown along Pitt Street. There are some great restaurants for a post-ride meal. Schnitzels, Esca Gourmet Pizza & Bar, and Birchwood Restaurant & Bar are some great choices. You’ll also find unique businesses like a record store, comic book store, vintage clothing, and a bike shop all within a short radius. If you’re craving more history, the SDG Jail and Cornwall Community Museum are worthwhile stops. Spend the night at one the many local hotels or bed & breakfasts.
Ontario By Bike Riders atop the Crysler’s Farm Battle Memorial at Upper Canada Village
Cycling Loops near Cornwall
In addition to the Riverside Trail, if you’re in the area for a few days, or looking to ride an extended loop, not re-tracing your pedal strokes, here are a few in the area to consider.
Park It and Parkway (52km/67km with Cornwall start)- If you’re in the mood for a loop and adding some more road riding into the mix, this route extends your Riverside Trail ride, looping back to Cornwall on country roads. Cycle the Riverside Trail west along the Long Sault Parkway to the town of Ingleside, and then head north and back east, riding through quiet countryside past fields and farmland, viewing the tall church spire in St. Andrews. Starting and ending in Cornwall, this loop totals 67km.
Cheese’n Crankers (61km with Cornwall start) – Venture east of Cornwall along the Waterfront Trail (separated path and then routed on County Road 2), stopping at Coopers Marsh to enjoy the protected marsh and glimpse at its natural wildlife. Don’t miss Fraser Creek Farm and a picnic pizza stop with ingredients made mostly from food grown on the farm (consider riding clockwise and visiting on your ride back to Cornwall). In Lancaster there is a plethora of family-owned shopping and dining experiences at your disposal. Finally, arrive at the award-winning Glengarry Fine Cheese before exploring the South Glengarry countryside and finishing back in Cornwall.
Cornwall Urban Loop (27km) – this is a great loop showcasing city’s extensive off-road bike paths, including separated bike paths on the Waterfront Trail east of Cornwall’s downtown right along the St. Lawerence River.
Tour de Brew (56km) and Grand Tour de Brew (83km) – These are great routes for cyclists looking to spend an afternoon exploring breweries in the Cornwall and the broader SDG Counties region, while riding a nice route that goes through the Long Sault Parkway and along the Waterfront Trail. The Grand Tour de Brew expands the route following country roads north of Ingleside, west to St. Andrews, looping back on the east side of Cornwall.
Check out the SDG Adventure Club Cycling Routes and pick up a copy of the Ride Eastern Ontario cycling map for more trail and road cycling routes around the region – Stormont, Dundas, and Glengarry (SDG) Counties.
Get Rolling
For additional information including cycling maps, bike rentals, parking info, directions and more, visit the Cornwall Tourism Cycling Page.
Cornwall Tourism staff are also available to assist with recommendations and questions. Text them any time at 613-938-4748 or email them at info@cornwalltourism.com. You can also find them on Facebook, Instagram and X.
Plan Your Cornwall Riverfront Trail Adventure
- Cornwall Tourism – Cycling – Plan your stay and find more info on cycle and stay options, where to park and ride, more info on the Cornwall Riverside Trail and other ride ideas, as well as where to find bike rentals.
- SDG Counties – Cycling – Check out digital route maps for some of the cycling routes mentioned above, and view the Ride Eastern Ontario and SDG-Cornwall Adventure Club cycling maps.
- South Eastern Ontario – Cycling Itineraries – View the itinerary for the Cornwall Urban Loop and the Park It and Parkway Itinerary mentioned above.
- Great Lakes Waterfront Trail – Explore the Waterfront Trail interactive map around Cornwall and throughout Ontario.
- Ontario By Bike, Great Places to Cycle – South Eastern Ontario – Find certified bicycle friendly businesses and more route and ride ideas for your Cornwall cycling adventure.
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Sponsored Content Partner: Cornwall Tourism
Photos credits: All photos from Cornwall Tourism except photo 3 from Ride Eastern Ontario Cycling Map and photo 5, 6 & 7 by Ontario By Bike.
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