You might know Wellington County, located in southwestern Ontario just over 100km west of Toronto, through some of its communities. Elora and Fergus, known for their riverside settings, limestone architecture and old world charm, Rockwood for swimming at its namesake Conservation Area, Eden Mills for its writerβs festival, the Town of Minto for its railway heritage, artists and rural setting, and Guelph, while technically not part of the county, is a thriving city and gateway to the county, located at its centre easily accessible via GO Transit and VIA Rail.
For cyclists, youβll be interested to learn Wellington County just launched seven new signature cycling routes for riders of all levels. The new signature cycling routes make the most of the regionβs rail trails (Kissing Bridge/G2G, Elora-Cataract, and more), take riders on scenic rural roads, to beautiful lookouts, and to unique businesses and destinations worth every pedal stroke to get there.
Find a Route with Stops that Fit Your Ride Style
With pit stops and worthy diversions including beautiful conservation areas, farmersβ markets, bakeries and cafes, artisan ice cream shops, elevated bistros and pubs, top-notch breweries and distilleries, and fascinating museums and galleries, there really is a route and stops along the way for every ride style and appetite. Weβve included recommended stops in each route below. For foodies, Wellington County even has a Food Experience Guide and Local Food Map so you can really tap into the local terroir of the region.
There are also so many unique places to stay, so turning your ride into a weekend trip or more is quite appealing. Options range from the more upscale Elora Mill, to more low-key bed and breakfasts and inns, such as Tailwinds Bed & Breakfast near Erin, right off the Elora-Cataract Trailway. Weβve included recommended accommodations for each route below (combine a few routes over a couple dayβs stay) and you can find even more options at the Wellington County website.
The signature cycling routes range from beginner level, using off-road trails and relatively quiet country roads, to intermediate road and trail rides, to experienced level, longer distance road rides. All of the routes are published on the Ride with GPS platform on the Wellington County Tourism Account, allowing for full turn-by-turn navigation on the mobile app and other premium features while using a free Ride with GPS account.
In this blog we go into detail on four of the signature routes, and there are three additional routes you can find at the Wellington County website.
Elora-Fergus Grand River Loop
Distance: 35km
Experience Level: Beginner
Route Surfaces: 75% paved, 25% unpaved/stone-dust trails
This is the perfect loop for a leisurely cycle on some of the best trails and paved roads in Elora and Fergus and its pretty surrounding countryside. Start in Elora and ride west on Middlebrook Road, enjoying views of horse farms and the Elora Gorge. Descend to Wilson Flats for a break by the Grand River. Continue on the Cottontail Road Trail through scenic countryside, then head to Fergus via the Trestle Bridge Trail, crossing the Grand River. Explore Fergus, including its beautiful limestone buildings, cafes and restaurants, and Templin Gardens perched above the river. Return to Elora on the Elora-Cataract Trailway, passing the Wellington County Museum and the Elora Quarry Conservation Area. End with a visit to Eloraβs charming town centre. Add to this loop a visit to the Elora Gorge Conservation Area and a stay at the stunning Elora Mill.
On-route Business Highlights:Β Wellington County Museum & Archives,Β Elora Brewing Company,Β Scoop Ice Cream,Β Vault Cafe Bar,Β The Goofie Newfie Pub & Grill.
Minto Town and Country Tour
Distance: 70km
Experience Level: Intermediate/Advanced
Route Surfaces: 96% paved, 4% hard-surfaced tar and chip
This ride explores the charming towns and countryside of Minto: Palmerston, Harriston, and Clifford. Expect vibrant towns filled with interesting shops and murals, and beautiful countryside surroundings. Start in Palmerston (40km northwest of Elora) at CNR Park and the Railway Heritage Museum. Cycle on Wellington Road 5 to Harriston or use the Whites Junction trail for a quieter route. In Harriston, visit unique shops like the Cafe at the Old Post and Beyond the Rock. For a shorter 36km route, take Wellington Road 9 to 11th Line. For the full loop, continue through Mennonite farmsteads and enjoy the scenic 16th Line. Arrive in Clifford to visit Wesley Bates Gallery and West Meadow Press. Explore local businesses, then return to Palmerston through scenic countryside. If you havenβt already, make sure to spend some time at the unique Palmerston Railway Heritage Museum, and consider staying the night at the King Hotel.
On-route Business Highlights:Β Cafe at the Old Post,Β The Magic Ice Cream Shoppe,Β The Barrel House,Β Reroot Farm,Β Minto Farmersβ Market (seasonal)
Guelph-Wellington Gravel Explorer
Distance: 62km
Experience Level: Intermediate (Advanced riders can extend to 90 km)
Route Surfaces: 65% paved, 35% unpaved/gravel
Explore a gravel route from downtown Guelph, starting at Goldie Mill ruins, easily accessible on a GO or VIA train. Ride the Royal Recreational Trail System along the Speed River to Guelph Lake Conservation Area. Continue on gravel roads past horse farms and a winery to Centre Wellington, crossing the Grand River on the Trestle Bridge Trail. For refreshments, detour to downtown Fergus or continue to Elora, both towns known for their historic limestone buildings, old world vibe and scenic river views. Stop for a swim at the Elora Quarry Conservation Area (open June to Labour Day), enjoy ice cream or coffee in Elora before heading south via the Kissing Bridge Trailway. Back in Guelph, relax at Fixed Gear Brewing Company or Eric the Baker. Consider starting and ending the ride from Fergus and staying overnight at the elegant St. Andrew Suites.
On-route Business Highlights:Β Cox Creek Cellars,Β Elora Quarry Conservation Area,Β Elora Brewing Company,Β The Fieldstone Barn
Rockwood-Eden Mills-Guelph Road Loop
Distance: 56km
Experience Level: Intermediate
Route Surfaces: 98% paved, 2% unpaved/gravel
Explore eastern Wellington Countyβs scenic countryside with this ride starting in Rockwood at the Wellington County Public Library, with an alternative start location in Guelph. Pedal through cornfields and mature trees to the historic Eden Mills, known for its writerβs festival and views along the Eramosa River. Stop in Arkell for coffee at Flow State Bike Co., a popular cyclist cafe. Ride through Guelphβs outskirts and back to the countryside, passing horse farms and crossing Guelph Lake. Continue northeast on Sideroad 20 through farmland and hills, and enjoy scenic wetlands and creeks along the route. Return to Rockwood via Wellington Road 50, exercising caution as it is busy road. In Rockwood, relax with a meal or ice cream, or explore the Rockwood Conservation Area for swimming, hiking, and more and plan to spend the night at Fox Run of Eden Mills.
On-route Business Highlights:Β Flow State Bike Co.,Β Chompin at the Bit Bar and Grille,Β Ed and Rosieβs Ice Cream,Β Rockwood Conservation Area
More Signature Cycling Routes to Explore
While youβre visiting take advantage of three more signature cycling routes from Wellington County, exploring the Elora-Cataract Trailway from Fergus to Erin, and two more experienced level paved road rides taking cyclists through unique communities and scenic countryside around the county.
Wellington Windmills and Water Tower Road Ride β 80km paved road ride
Wellington-Eramosa Country Road Ride β 72km paved road ride
Fergus-Erin Road and Trail Loop β 75km rail trail and paved road ride
Whether youβre looking for a relaxing trail ride, scenic gravel route, or challenging road circuit, plus enticing stops along the way, we hope you are inspired to cycle in Wellington County this season or next!
Additional Information
- Wellington County β Signature Cycling Routes β Find the seven signature cycling routes mentioned above with links to route maps and additional information
- Where to Stay β Find unique accommodations around the county, including the recommended ones mentioned above for each route.
- Where to Eat β Pick up a Food Experience Guide and Local Food Map in most participating businesses and welcome centres.
- How to get to Wellington County β Find information on how to get to and around the county.
- Ontario By Bike β Great Places to Cycle β Guelph & Wellington County β Find more cycling routes and trails for the region plus bicycle friendly places to eat, visit and sleep.
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Sponsored Content Partner: Wellington County
Article written by Ontario By Bike. Photo credits: Wellington County
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