The best road cycling routes around Kingston

There are over 250 road cycling routes around Kingston, offering a wide variety of options for different skill levels and preferences. This includes 101 easy routes, 135 moderate routes, and 14 more challenging options.

Kingston's road cycling routes offer diverse terrain. You'll find generally flat areas within the St. Lawrence Lowlands, alongside routes with rolling hills. Many paths feature extensive waterfront views along Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River, as well as natural open landscapes, wetlands, rock cuts, and farmlands.

Yes, Kingston offers many easy road cycling routes perfect for beginners and families. For example, The Tadpole Tearoom – View of Bourne Park loop from Upper Hardres is an easy 27.1 km route with gentle gradients. The Waterfront Pathway and routes on Wolfe Island also provide relaxed, scenic rides.

Kingston's routes are rich with scenic views. You can enjoy sweeping vistas of Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River, especially along the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail. The Thousand Islands region to the east offers picturesque routes like the 1000 Islands Parkway. The Rideau Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the quiet country roads of Wolfe Island also provide beautiful natural backdrops.

Absolutely. Many routes weave through Historic Downtown Kingston, known for its 19th-century limestone architecture. You can cycle past landmarks like Kingston City Hall and Queen's University. Other notable attractions include Canterbury Cathedral and Westgate Towers, which are accessible via routes in the wider region.

Yes, for those seeking more challenge, Kingston has 14 difficult routes and 135 moderate routes. These often feature varied terrain with more significant elevation gain, such as the Climb Out of Barham – View of Bourne Park loop from Bridge, a moderate 41.7 km path with panoramic views and elevation.

Many of Kingston's road cycling routes are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include View of Bourne Park – The Rose Inn loop from Kingston, a 39.4 km route through natural open landscapes, and Climb Out of Barham loop from Barham, a 30.3 km option.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 stars from over 220 reviews. Cyclists often praise the diverse landscapes, from waterfront views to rolling hills, and the well-maintained paths that cater to various skill levels. The blend of natural beauty and historic attractions is also a frequent highlight.

Yes, Kingston is part of the extensive Great Lakes Waterfront Trail, offering opportunities for long-distance rides with sweeping water vistas. The 1000 Islands Parkway, a 37-kilometer paved trail, also provides a scenic long-distance option connecting Gananoque with Brockville.

Many routes in Kingston pass through or near charming towns and the historic city center, where you can find numerous cafes and shops. The The Tadpole Tearoom – View of Bourne Park loop from Upper Hardres route even has 'Tearoom' in its name, suggesting a potential stop. Historic Downtown Kingston is particularly well-equipped with refreshment options.

The warmer months, typically from late spring through early autumn (May to October), are ideal for road cycling in Kingston. During this period, the weather is generally pleasant, and the natural landscapes, including the waterfront and farmlands, are at their most vibrant.

Kingston has a public transit system that can help you access various parts of the city. For specific routes, especially those starting within the city, public transport can be an option. For routes further afield, consider checking local bus routes or shuttle services that might accommodate bicycles.

The K&P Trail (Kingston and Pembroke Trail) is an excellent choice for a mix of urban and natural scenery. This multi-use trail follows an abandoned railway bed, with its Kingston portion spanning 22 kilometers, showcasing natural landscapes, rock cuts, wetlands, and historic areas, while also connecting to other regional trails.