1000 Islands for Cyclists — Kingston's Best Bike Trails

1000 Islands for Cyclists — Kingston's Best Bike Trails

Do you want to explore Kingston, Ontario, by bike? With hundreds of bike routes to choose from, cyclists will always enjoy Kingston's bustling cycling scene. Whether you are an experienced or beginner cyclist, many of Kingston's bicycle trails are paved and suitable for adventurers of all ages and skill levels. Kingston also has an extensive cycling network and encourages locals — and tourists — to hop on their bikes as an eco-friendly way to explore Kingston's historic landmarks and scenery.

Here are some of our top picks for Kingston's best cycling trails.

1. Rideau Trail

Beginning at Confederation Park near Kingston's City Hall and ending at the foot of the Ottawa River in Ottawa is a scenic trail locals love — Rideau Trail. Named after the Rideau Canal that connects the cities of Ottawa and Kingston, this 387-kilometre hiking trail was established in 1971. It is the main trail in a network of approximately 40 public hiking trails that span over 450 kilometres between Kingston and Ottawa. 

As the name suggests, this well-loved trail meanders from downtown Kingston to Ottawa. It crosses terrain ranging from rolling farmlands to the rugged Canadian Shield — a geologic shield of high-grade metamorphic rocks. While most of the trail is meant for hiking, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, cyclists can bicycle the trail's public roadway sections and specific paths along the trail, including the:

  • Trans-Canada Trail
  • Cataraqui Trail 
  • Kick 'N Push Trail
  • Ottawa River Pathway

Cyclists can learn more about Rideau Trail cycling and grab a trail map on the Rideau Trail website.

2. Kick 'N Push Trail

Cyclists looking for a leisurely, recreational biking trail that offers the cool shade of canopy cover must visit Kick 'N Push Trail — otherwise known as the Kingston and Pembroke Trail. This 22-kilometre-long trail travels along an abandoned Canadian Pacific Railway bed and through open landscapes, farmland and the historic downtown Kingston. The K&P Trail is open to cyclists year-round and has two distinct sections, including the Urban and Rural Trails. 

The Urban K&P Trail

The Urban K&P Trail is a 7-kilometre-long, 3-meter-wide paved trail beginning at Confederation Park in downtown Kingston. This semi-urban section of the K&P Trail runs along Kingston's beautiful Waterfront Pathway from Confederation Park to Binnington Court. Cyclists enjoy exploring the trail's many stopping points, including the Portsmouth Olympic Harbour, Pump House Steam Museum, Springer Market Square and Fort Frontenac.

In addition to Confederation Park, this section of the trail has multiple access points, including:

  • Douglas R. Fluhrer Park
  • Belle Park
  • Montreal St. 
  • Division St.
  • Dalton Avenue

The Rural K&P Trail

The Rural K&P Trail offers cyclists a different — and quieter — cycling experience. This 15-kilometre-long gravel and stone dust trail takes cyclists on an adventure through various types of rural scenery, including farmlands, forest escarpment, wetlands, bluffs, tunnels and ravines. This trail boasts even terrains and great signage and intersects other popular regional trails, including the Rideau and Cataraqui Trails. 

You can access the Rural K&P Trail from the following entry points:

  • Binngington Court
  • Sydenham Road
  • McIvor Road
  • Burbrook Road
  • Unity Road
  • Orser Road

3. Great Lakes Waterfront Trail

The Great Lakes Waterfront Trail is a series of interconnecting roads and trails that stretches an impressive 3,600 kilometres from Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, to the Quebec Border. The goal of the trail is to connect people to the region's freshwater lakes, including Lake Ontario, Lake Erie and Lake Huron. In addition to bridging communities, the trail connects over 500 waterfront parks, six national parks, 239 beaches, 170 marinas and approximately 155 communities — many of which are cyclist-friendly.

Cyclists of all skill levels will enjoy the paved roads, bike lanes and scenic pathways along the trail's 45-kilometre stretch near Kingston. For cyclists who love variety, there is always something new to explore along the route, including:

  • Breakwater Park along the Rideau Trail
  • Kingston's Waterfront Pathway
  • The Lemoine Point Conservation Area
  • Richardson Beach
  • Fort Frontenac

Camp Near Kingston's Bicycle Trails at 1000 Islands / Kingston KOA Holiday

Are you planning on exploring Kingston's bicycle trails sometime soon? Camp near Kingston's best cycling trails at 1000 Islands / Kingston KOA Holiday! Located near Kingston along the St. Lawrence River, our waterside campground offers the perfect 1000 Islands basecamp for cyclists and their families.

Whether you enjoy RV, tent or cabin camping, we offer a variety of ways to stay and unwind after an adventure-packed day of exploring the best of Kingston's recreational activities and attractions. Plus, cyclists can enjoy a dip in our heated pool after renting a bike for the day and meet other cyclists in our group meeting area or pavilion. Our 24-hour laundry facilities, free Wi-Fi and other family-friendly amenities will enrich your vacation and prepare you for your next adventure. 

If you are ready to explore Kingston by bike during the day and relax at a cycler-friendly campground at night, book a campsite at 1000 Islands / Kingston KOA Holiday today! 

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