Golden Roads & Island Breezes: Your L&A and Wolfe Island Cycling Escape
Pedal through orchards, open skies, and waterfront views in this unforgettable autumn adventure.
Businesses marked (OBB) in this itinerary are certified as bicycle-friendly by Ontario By Bike, offering cyclists extra services and amenities that create a positive experience and fuel your desire to get back on the saddle to explore more of South Eastern Ontario by bike.
Day One
Fall is the perfect time to hit the road and soak up the vibrant colours, crisp air, and peaceful rhythms of South Eastern Ontario’s cycling routes. This three-day adventure takes you from charming small towns in Lennox & Addington (L&A), through rolling countryside, picturesque lakeside towns, and finally over to the laid-back island life of Wolfe Island in Frontenac County. Along the way, you’ll enjoy cozy cafés, scenic lookouts, local wineries, artisan shops, and some of the friendliest spots to rest your legs. Get ready for crisp mornings, golden afternoons, and cozy evenings in some truly welcoming places.
Start Here - Napanee
Napanee is a charming small town in L&A, making it a perfect starting point for your cycling trip. It’s laid-back yet lively enough to keep you engaged, with cozy spots to relax and refuel before you head out. In the fall, the air carries that crisp edge, and if the wind’s just right, you might catch the sweet scent of apples drifting in from nearby orchards. The trees around town turn vibrant shades of red, gold, and orange, making it a great place to soak in some classic autumn colours before you hit the road.
2.5 hrs from Ottawa & Toronto, and 3.5hrs from Montreal
What to do Here
- Grab a coffee at one of the town’s cozy coffee shops to fuel up or unwind after your ride.
- Take a relaxed ride around town to get your bearings and enjoy the friendly fall vibe.
- Snap some selfies at the nearby falls, a great spot to stretch your legs and take in the natural beauty.
- Later, hop on an evening river cruise with Napanee River Tours. Their 45-foot tri-toon, the Norman Paul, offers public cruises through the fall.
- Finish your day with dinner on the patio at the Waterfront Pub and Terrace (OBB). The private alcoves, river views, and extensive menu (plus plenty of beer options) make it a relaxing spot. If you’re lucky, you might catch some live music too.
Stay the night - Daisy Hill B&B
Daisy Hill B&B (OBB) is a cozy, restored 1880s farmhouse set on a private acre backing onto Millhaven Creek Conservation Area. The peaceful gardens and creek views make it an ideal spot to unwind after arrival. The suites are comfortable and thoughtfully equipped with features like jetted tubs and fireplaces. Cyclists will appreciate the secure bike storage and the fact that Daisy Hill is Ontario By Bike Certified, showing their commitment to making your ride-friendly stay easy and enjoyable. Debbi, the welcoming host, is always ready with local tips to enhance your stay.
Why you’ll love it here:
- Peaceful, private setting with beautiful gardens and creek views
- Comfortable suites with jetted tubs and fireplaces
- Secure bike storage and cyclist-friendly amenities
Day two
After a peaceful night’s sleep at Daisy Hill, mornings start with a self-serve breakfast offering fresh fruit, baked goods, and a make-your-own omelet bar, perfect fuel for the day ahead.
Next stop - Bath- Centennial Park
After breakfast, load up your bike and drive about 20 minutes to Centennial Park in Bath. It’s a quiet little town right on the water, with a peaceful vibe and some nice views of Lake Ontario and Amherst Island. The park has free parking and a safe spot to leave your car, so you can relax knowing it’s all sorted while you’re out on the ride.
Shoreline Route Cycling Itinerary
This cycling route offers the perfect blend of peaceful countryside, lakeside views, and local charm. Whether you’re up for the full loop or just want to stick to the shoreline, you’ll find plenty to enjoy along the way. Think quiet backroads dotted with farms selling fresh fruit, apple orchards ripe for picking, and cozy stops at vineyards and craft breweries. This ride is made for riders who don’t mind some moderate challenge, up to 71 km of shared roads that reward you with stunning views and a real taste of the region.
Here are some highlights:
- Take breaks at scenic lookouts on the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail with panoramic views over the Adolphus Reach and Bay of Quinte
- Sample fresh produce at farm stands, pick your own berries or apples, and stop at local wineries and cideries for a taste of the region
- Stop for lunch at the Loaf and Ale Pub, a cozy spot perfect for recharging with hearty fare
- Check out craft breweries like MacKinnon Brothers Brewing Company in Bath, and unique farmland breweries along the way
- Visit Bergeron Estate Winery and Cider Co.(OBB) to grab a refreshing drink or a slice of Forno pizza on their sunny patio.
- Explore charming towns and villages like Napanee, Bath, and Adolphustown with shops, cafes, and historical sites like Old Hay Bay Church
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You can also start the ride from a few different spots: Napanee, Bath, and Adolphustown. Additionally, you can shorten the trip by cutting across County Road 22. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can extend your ride east toward Kingston or west after the ferry into Prince Edward County.
After a day of cycling, you’ll roll back to the car with lazy legs and a full belly, feeling completely satisfied.
Next stop - Wolfe Island
Head to the Kingston Ferry Dock, a 40-minute drive away, and board the new Wolfe Islander IV electric ferry bound for Wolfe Island. As you glide across the water, take in the wide-open views and fresh lake breeze. When you step off the ferry, the island’s easygoing vibe hits you right away; laid-back, welcoming, and perfectly chilled out.
Insider scoop: Check the ferry schedule here and allow some time for delays.
If you still have some energy, enjoy live music at Hotel Wolfe Island, and dine seasonally on the dockside patio or inside at Dawson’s Restaurant, where fresh local ingredients take center stage alongside a vibrant arts scene featuring local and touring performers.
Stay the night - Blue Moose Bed & Breakfast
Wrap up your day at the award-winning Blue Moose Bed & Breakfast (OBB), a charming island hideaway bursting with personality and plenty of playful moose memorabilia everywhere you look. Katherine and James welcome you like old friends in this historic, cozy lodge where comfort meets character. Settle into your private ensuite, then relax on the porch with a glass of wine or kombucha as the sunset paints the St. Lawrence River. It’s the perfect mix of peaceful island charm and laid-back comfort.
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Day Three
Cock- a doodle doooo! Wake up to fresh eggs from the Blue Moose’s own chickens and enjoy a simple, wholesome breakfast on the cozy back porch. It’s the perfect spot to relax, share stories from the day before with fellow guests, and soak in the peaceful island atmosphere before your next adventure.
Next Stop - Wolfe Island Cycle Route, starting in Marysville
Start your day by picking up some freshly baked treats from Lured Bake Shop at Fishtale Gifts & Goods to fuel your adventure, too, small batch baking at its best!
Wolfe Island Cycling Itinerary
Experience the beauty and tranquillity of island life – by bike and enjoy a ride exploring Wolfe Island, the largest of the 1000 Islands, Today’s ride is more leisurely: Follow the peaceful roads that form part of the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail, surrounded by rolling farmland and big open skies. Pedal along the island’s southern edge for riverside views that stretch across to New York State. Along the way, you’ll pass by one of Canada’s largest wind farms; its towering turbines make for an impressive sight.
Here are some highlights:
- The impressive Wolfe Island Wind Farm, one of Canada’s largest, with towering turbines dotting the landscape
- Charming artisan shops and local farms offering unique goods
- Scenic stops like Big Sandy Bay Conservation Area, where a short 1.5 km hike leads to a spectacular sandy beach and refreshing Lake Ontario waters. Cash entry applies.
- Historic sites, including the Old House Museum and Tiner LaRush House
Beautiful waterfront views and quiet country roads along the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail
Last stop - Marysville
Marysville
South Eastern Ontario’s mix of natural beauty and welcoming communities means there’s always a little extra to discover, so don’t rush heading home. Stretch your legs one last time in Marysville. Stop by the Wolfe Island Gallery to be inspired and discover fine art from the region's talented artists and artisans. Don’t miss picking with a slice of cheese oozing pizza at Wolfe Island Pub & Pizzeria (affectionately known as “The Wipp” to locals), and a scoop of ice cream from Jean & Aggie’s at the General Store; a sweet send-off for your island escape.
Some things to note
- Before you set off, be sure to review all the cautions, notes, and alternative route options in the cycling guides to plan the day that’s just right for you.
Until next time, keep the spirit of the ride alive and start dreaming of your next pedal-powered getaway.
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