cycling in Lanark County

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Quiet roads, rolling gravel, and historic small towns — Lanark County is where cycling, community, and countryside meet.

Welcome to the maple syrup capital of ontario and the location for the most delicious cycling experiences.

Lanark County sits just west of Ottawa and is home to some of Ontario’s most scenic cycling routes. From the heritage towns of Perth and Almonte to the riverside charm of Carleton Place and Smiths Falls, every corner of the county offers its own pace and personality. With rural roads winding through maple forests, lakes, and farmland — and communities like Pakenham, Blakeney, and Lanark Village welcoming riders — the region blends natural beauty, small-town warmth, and endless adventure.

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Discovering Lanark County

  • Over 1,200 km of rideable roads and trails

    Lanark County offers a vast network of routes for every rider — from smooth paved backroads and flowing gravel to forested trails and rail paths. Whether you’re logging training miles or exploring at an easy pace, there’s always another corner, climb, or hidden lake waiting just beyond the turn.

  • 4 heritage towns connected by the Ottawa Valley Recreational Trail

    The Ottawa Valley Recreational Trail links Pakenham, Almonte, Carleton Place, and Smiths Falls, creating a continuous route through some of Eastern Ontario’s most charming communities. Ride between coffee stops, discover riverside parks, and experience each town’s unique blend of history and hospitality.

  • 200+ cafés, shops, and local businesses along popular routes

    Every ride in Lanark County comes with a side of small-town charm. Stop for a maple latte in Almonte, a craft beer in Pakenham, or a fresh-baked scone in Perth. The region’s local businesses have embraced cycling culture — offering outdoor seating, bike racks, and warm welcomes to every passing rider.

  • 2 UNESCO sites, including the Rideau Canal

    Lanark County is home to two UNESCO-designated treasures: the Rideau Canal in Smiths Falls and the Frontenac Arch Biosphere, which edges the county’s southern border. Together they highlight the region’s natural beauty and historical significance — places where you can ride alongside centuries of Canadian heritage.

  • Average summer temperature: 23°C – perfect riding weather

    Warm days, cool evenings, and low humidity make Lanark County ideal for long days on the bike. Spring and fall bring crisp air and stunning colours, while summer rides roll through endless green countryside. It’s cycling season that seems to stretch just a little longer here.

  • 25+ annual cycling events hosted across the region

    Cycling here is more than recreation — it’s a celebration. From community rides like Taste the Maple and Candy Burner to annual charity events and touring festivals, the county’s cycling calendar keeps riders connected year-round. Whether you’re a local or visiting for the weekend, there’s always a reason to clip in.

What to Visit

  • Five Span Stone Bridge (Pakenham)

    An icon of Lanark County and a favourite photo stop for cyclists, the Five Span Stone Bridge stretches gracefully across the Mississippi River. Built in 1903 from locally quarried stone, it’s Canada’s only five-arch bridge and a symbol of the craftsmanship that shaped the region.

  • The Mill of Kintail

    This peaceful conservation area is both a cycling detour and a cultural landmark. Once a working grist mill, it now houses a museum celebrating Dr. James Naismith, the inventor of basketball. Forest trails wind through the property, making it a perfect rest stop or post-ride stroll.

  • Stewart Park (Perth)

    Nestled in the heart of Perth, Stewart Park feels like something out of a storybook. The Tay River flows beneath stone bridges and towering willows, with local cafés and shops just steps away. It’s an ideal place to unwind after a long ride or enjoy a picnic by the water.

  • Rideau Canal Locks (Smiths Falls)

    A UNESCO World Heritage Site and living piece of history, the Rideau Canal runs right through Smiths Falls. Watch the hand-cranked locks in action or take in the view from the nearby park — a fascinating glimpse into 19th-century engineering that’s still operational today.

  • Mississippi Valley Textile Museum (Almonte)

    Housed in a beautifully restored 19th-century mill, this museum tells the story of the region’s industrial roots and the people who powered its looms. It’s a reminder that Almonte’s charm isn’t just scenic — it’s woven into its history.

  • Fulton’s Sugar Bush

    A beloved stop for riders in every season, Fulton’s is where maple syrup, pancakes, and forest trails come together. In early spring, you can watch the sap boil in the sugar shack; by summer and fall, it’s a peaceful oasis for coffee and sweet treats surrounded by towering pines.

  • Lanark Village Main Street

    Lanark Village captures the essence of rural Ontario. A short walk or ride down Main Street reveals local shops, heritage buildings, and friendly faces. It’s the gateway to the Lanark Highlands and a great place to stock up on snacks or chat with locals before heading into the hills.

Recommended routes

All cycling routes in Lanark County

  • Road Rides

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  • Gravel Rides

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  • Rail Trail Rides

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  • Mountain Biking

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Where to Eat, Drink & Cafe Stops

  • Ottawa Valley Coffee

    Featuring three locations in Almonte, Arnprior and Renfrew.

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  • Equator Coffee, Almonte

    It all begins with an idea.

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  • The Foundry, Carleton Place

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  • Cartwright Springs Brewery

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  • The Twisted Fork Café

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Amenities & Resources

Plan your ride with comfort in mind — Lanark County offers cyclist-friendly amenities throughout its towns and trails.

What You’ll Find:

  • Public washrooms in Perth, Almonte, and Carleton Place downtown cores

  • Water refill stations at trailheads and parks

  • Free public parking near main trail access points (Almonte Arena, Smiths Falls Visitor Centre)

  • Bike repair stands in Almonte and Carleton Place

  • Visitor information centres with maps and local tips

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Where to Stay

  • The Grand Hotel (Carleton Place)

    Featuring three locations in Almonte, Arnprior and Renfrew.

  • Almonte Riverside Inn

    It all begins with an idea.

  • Code’s Mill Inn & Spa

    It all begins with an idea.

  • Clyde Hall B&B

    Description goes here

  • Fitzroy Provincial Park

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Lanark County cycling events

  • Almonte Paris Roubaix

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  • Gravel Cups

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  • MORE Cycling

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  • Taste the Maple

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  • The Candy Burner

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  • Joe Mamma Weekly Gravel Rides

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Other things to know

  • What to Expect

    Rolling terrain, quiet roads, and friendly locals who wave as you ride by.

  • Loved by Locals

    You’ll often spot small-town cyclists out early for coffee rides or evening loops — cycling is a lifestyle here.

  • The Lifestyle

    Relaxed, outdoor-oriented, and community-driven — every town has a story and a festival to match.

  • Things You’ll Love

    Maple syrup season, riverside patios, gravel roads through fall colours, and that small-town Ontario warmth.

  • About the Locals

    Friendly, welcoming, and proud of their heritage — always ready to point you to their favourite bakery or route.

  • Safety

    Helmets required. Most routes are low-traffic, but be visible and carry hydration. Cell service is good across most of the region.

Make It
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Fun facts

  • The inventor of basketball, Dr. James Naismith, was born in Almonte.

    The inventor of basketball, Dr. James Naismith, was born in Almonte.

  • Lanark County produces some of Ontario’s best maple syrup.

    Lanark County produces some of Ontario’s best maple syrup.

  • The Five Span Bridge in Pakenham is one of a kind in North America.

    The Five Span Bridge in Pakenham is one of a kind in North America.

  • Perth was once voted one of Ontario’s prettiest towns.

    Perth was once voted one of Ontario’s prettiest towns.

  • The Ottawa Valley Rail Trail spans nearly 300 km from Smiths Falls to Mattawa.

    The Ottawa Valley Rail Trail spans nearly 300 km from Smiths Falls to Mattawa.

  • VIA Rail allows bike transport from Ottawa → Smiths Falls.

  • Bring a small tool kit and spare tubes — rural routes can be remote.

  • Use 35–45 mm tires for mixed routes (gravel + pavement).

  • Check local weather — summer storms roll in fast!

  • Most cafés and businesses are bike-friendly with outdoor seating.

Tips for Traveling with Your Bike

Don’t Forget List

  • Helmet & gloves

  • Water bottles & snacks

  • Sunscreen & bug spray

  • Patch kit / pump

  • Phone mount & offline map

  • Camera (you’ll want photos!)

  • Cash for small-town cafés

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