Outdoor Enthusiast? You’ll love this adventure in Frontenac & Kingston.

Bring your bike for the ride!

Day One

Welcome to Kingston, Ontario, your gateway to adventure and relaxation! Nestled on the shores of Lake Ontario, this charming limestone city boasts a unique blend of historic charm and modern vitality. You’ll discover a city brimming with outdoor beauty and urban excitement.

If you’re looking for historical charm, stay at The Hochelaga Inn. Located in the quiet and historical Sydenham Ward, The Hochelaga Inn is only a 5-10 minute walk to downtown Kingston, Queen’s University, and Lake Ontario. Originally built as a private residence in 1879, the Hochelaga Inn has been meticulously restored to retain its Victorian charm while providing guests with comfortable accommodations. The inn features elegantly decorated rooms, each with its own unique character and style.

If it’s waterfront you’re after, and you want quick access to the waterfront bike path, the Holiday Inn Kingston Waterfront or the Delta Hotels Kingston Waterfront by Marriott both offer views of Lake Ontario and Confederation Harbour.

Visitkingston.ca has a full list of cycle-friendly hotels that offer cycling services and amenities for guests. Kingston is proud to be a cycle-friendly city that encourages sustainable travel. If you don’t want to bring your bike, there are places to rent cycles and e-bikes, either hourly or multi-day.

Find your footing first

After checking into your hotel, we recommend starting out on foot. It’s always great to get the lay of the land in a new city with an organized walking tour. In Kingston, you are spoiled for choice!

Haunted Walks, and self-guided Creative Kingston Tours are some of our favourites, but why not combine dining with leisure with a Kingston Food Tour, another win-win, and the ultimate exploration of Kingston’s local cuisine! Choose from the signature tour or tapas tour, each tasty experience blends the best local restaurants with an insider’s perspective on the city’s history and culture. 

Now that you’re all fueled up and familiar with your surroundings,… it’s time to ride on! Found all over the city, Kingston’s bike lanes will guide you through Kingston’s streets. 

Choose a route from the map and create your own unique tour through Kingston. This handy Bike Racks map shows you where you can park up securely while you explore the downtown core.

Downtown Kingston is a shopper’s paradise, offering an eclectic mix of boutiques, galleries, and specialty stores that line its bustling streets and hidden alleys. Wander down Princess Street, the main artery of downtown, where you’ll find a diverse array of shops ranging from fashion boutiques to artisanal craft stores. Explore the charming alleys that crisscross the downtown core, each offering its own unique vibe and treasures waiting to be discovered.

Seeking a more peaceful ride with water views? Peddle Kingston’s waterfront pathway. This route makes up 8 km of the 3600 km Great Lakes Waterfront Trail.  

You’ll see many attractions along the way, including Portsmouth Olympic Harbour, Kingston Penitentiary & Museum, the Tett Centre, the Gord Edgar Downie Pier, Bellevue House National Historic Site, Murney Tower, Newlands Pavilion, PumpHouse Museum, Marine Museum of the Great Lakes, City Hall, and Springer Market Square.

Head back to your hotel to freshen up before dinner.

For brew pub vibes, we recommend Kingston Brewing Company, the oldest brewpub in Ontario! Portions are generous, and beer is abundant. Fish & chips, chorizo burger, or sausage rolls, yes, please!

If you want to dine like a local, head to Bubba’s Poutine & Pizzeria, a Kingston institution and considered the best poutine in town! It offers reasonable prices and friendly service. Did we mention the amazing poutine?

If elegance and tapas are more your style, then Tango Nuevo is the place to go. Immerse yourself in globally inspired tapas with plates for sharing, attentive service, and an extensive wine and cocktail menu. We recommend the Tuna Poke Nachos- delicious!

Day Two

If you stay at The Hochelaga Inn, tuck into the complimentary continental breakfast of freshly baked pastries, jams and spreads, fresh fruit, meat and cheese platters, and a build-your-own muesli and yogurt parfait. Need something heartier? Upgrade ($) to a hot breakfast, one sweet and one savoury.

We also love Crave Coffee House on Princess Street, and you will too! Enjoy fresh-made breakfast sandwiches, bagels, pastries, and a java boost to start this day of adventure.

Hit the trails today in neighbouring South Frontenac.

The K&P Trail is a fully developed stone dust rail trail. It originates from Kingston, reaching the Township at Orser Road, following Highway 38 via Harrowsmith and Verona. It merges with the Cataraqui Trail just east of Harrowsmith.

Download our itinerary or view the entire K&P and Cataraqui trail system here.

You can also drive to Cataraqui Trail and begin at one of these access points on the interactive map. This scenic rail trail extends for approximately 39 km in South Frontenac, and offers a diverse range of experiences, from quaint small towns to scenic natural areas and historic sites. 

Whether you're looking for a leisurely ride with plenty of stops or a more challenging cycling adventure, you'll find plenty to explore along the way. Here are some notable stops.

Sydenham: This charming village in South Frontenac is a perfect starting point, or rest stop on your Cataraqui Trail journey. Take a break at the Sydenham Lake Pavilion for a picnic with a view, or explore the historic downtown area, which features quaint shops and cafes.

Harrowsmith: known for its agricultural roots and friendly community atmosphere. Stop by the Harrowsmith Country Market for fresh produce and homemade goodies, or grab a bite to eat at one of the local diners.

Enjoy the peaceful countryside and keep an eye out for wildlife along the way.

Time for Island Life

Days 3 & 4 or more!

It’s time to change the pace,...and we know the perfect spot!

Take the ferry from Kingston to Wolfe Island. Charming rural roads and picturesque landscapes await. The moment you step off the ferry you will feel like you are a million miles away!

Check into the Blue Moose Bed and Breakfast in Marysville. This award-winning B&B, enveloped by the island's natural beauty, offers a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life. Overlooking the St. Lawrence River, this inviting home is filled with historic charm, modern amenities, comfort, and coziness—the perfect retreat after a day in the saddle.

Where to dine in Marysville

Chill at the Wolfe Island Waterfront Grill patio on a summer evening and watch the ships go by. 

Live like a local at the Wolfe Island Pub & Pizzeria, pub grub, great beer, and great service!

Both venues offer seasonal live music, so check their social media accounts to see the lineup.

Ride the route

Take a leisurely ride around Wolfe Island, stopping at local farms to enjoy the fresh produce and local hospitality. Our 41km route itinerary is easy to moderate and follows quiet country roads past the endless green fields through the peaceful island setting, following the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail. Do it all in a day, or split your route and stay a while!

Highlights include: Wolfe Island Gallery, Old House Museum/ The Tiner LaRush House, Point Alexandria, and Big Sandy Bay and Beach Conservation Area, where you can take a break from cycling and relax on the beautiful sandy beach. 

Head home with tired legs and trail tales to tell.

Love to ride Ontario by Bike?

Explore more of what South Eastern Ontario has to offer by bike with our cycling itineraries for download. There are 11 routes to choose from; where extraordinary rides await. From waterfront paths to urban loops to gripping town and country routes, with iconic landmarks, hidden gems, and logistics plotted out for you. Enjoy the ride.