Prescott & Russell: Eastern Ontario’s Next Great Rail Trail
Rail trail riding fans unite, and make plans to head to the United Counties of Prescott and Russell in Eastern Ontario to ride the 72km Recreational Trail that stretches across the countryside, south of Ottawa and near the Quebec border.
With the significant recent trail and amenity improvements, boost the Prescott and Russell Recreational Trail https://www.sentierprtrail.com/ to top of the list for your next rail trail adventure. Newly designated as a part of the Trans Canada Trail, you can easily choose a distance that best suits your ride style, shorter or longer, for a spin on this well-maintained unpaved rail trail.
The addition of upgraded parking at eight locations as well as six sheltered pavilions with washrooms, plus e-bike rentals https://www.sentierprtrail.com/ebikes at three community locations, makes this flat multi-use trail easily accessible to all. Explore the quiet surrounding rural farmlands, with ample mapped road routes, and visit the unique villages and small town businesses that make this destination all the more appealing for a visit extending beyond a single day.
Cycling Itinerary
Making it easy to plan a ride is a new suggested cycling itinerary featuring the trail on a 54km out-and-back ride that will take you along a segment highlighting the scenery and to a number of welcoming communities. There are plenty of options to shorten the ride distance to any length desired. (Download in English or French.)
Vankleek Hill
Known as the Gingerbread Capital of Ontario for its Victorian-inspired architecture and houses, this pretty village is also home to the popular Beau’s Brewery. Their award-winning bicycle-friendly location, which has hosted many cycling events in the past, is a welcome beacon for thirsty riders who can relax and rehydrate on their large patio. Rent an e-bike at the brewery and hit the trail close by.
Additional info to explore Vankleek Hill.
Plantagenet
The pretty riverside setting of Plantagenet makes the village ideal for a rest stop, coffee, gelato or more overlooking the South Nation River (a tributary of nearby Ottawa River). Ideally located, stop at Café sur la rive, frequented by local and visiting cyclists.
Additional info to explore Plantagenet. Rent an e-bike at the cafe and hit the trail close by.
Bourget
Ride as far as Bourget on the suggested itinerary and return on the trail or loop back on quiet roads through the surrounding countryside on one of the many mapped cycling routes in the area. The trail does extend beyond the town, and an additional 32km to the outskirts of Ottawa at Anderson Road, where it is possible to ride to downtown, connecting via bike lanes and paved shoulders to hydro trails and the Ottawa River Pathway. Rent an e-bike at Mike Dean’s Local Grocer and hit the trail close by.
Additional info to explore Bourget.
More reasons to ride and visit Prescott and Russell
- There are over 200km of paved shoulders on quiet countryside roads, with over 29 cycling routes mapped. Try the:
- 62km Casselman-St. Albert-Russell-Embrun (or shorten it to 28km) to visit the Cassel Brewery or the sprawling St. Albert Cheese boutique store, eatery and factory.
- 104km River & Trail Century Ride that connects the trail to the Ottawa River and the road that follows the shoreline.
- For more routes see the Prescott-Russell Regional Cycling Routes Map and Cycl-o-Route – Ottawa River Cycling Map.
- Cycle by and admire the series of Popsilos. Unique to the area, find seven giant mural artworks painted on farm silos, and plan a cycling route that will include these colourful additions to the farmland scenery.
- Prescott and Russell is just across the Ottawa River from Quebec. Find a bridge crossing in Hawkesbury, and two small ferry crossings nearby. With the close proximity to Quebec, it’s no surprise that this Francophone region is fully bilingual.
- Need help with your bicycle while visiting? Go to the full-service bike store: VeloExpress in Embrun ; additional service and parts are available at Sport Experts, in Hawkesberry.
For Additional Information
- Prescott & Russell Recreational Trail
- South Eastern Ontario cycling itineraries and cycling map
- Visitor information for Prescott & Russell
- South Eastern Ontario Destinations
- Visitor information in destinations across South Eastern Ontario
Ontario By Bike – Prescott Russell – Great Places to Cycle – Find more regional and cross-regional road and trail cycling routes, published maps and resources, and bicycle-friendly businesses to eat, visit and sleep.