Come and cycle among the many lakes and rivers, the vast provincial and national parks, and the unforgettable countryside of the 1000 Islands region. Be tempted by the many magical parks and biking routes listed below, and experience breathtaking scenery while exploring the beauty of the Islands. Still have questions? Our team includes enthusiastic bikers ready to answer questions and help plan custom rides. Just one call….
Gananoque lies on the edge of the Frontenac Arch Biosphere Reserve, (a United Nations designation for a region of uncommon natural heritage). The Canadian Shield granite geology provides picturesque terrain for biking, and offers a great number of rides for every level of biking enthusiast – many of which are accessible from the front door of the Victoria Rose Inn!
We offer:
Howe Island Hop:
Turn left onto Highway #2 from the parking lot, and continue to the Howe Island. Ferry Road. Turn left, and continue until you reach the ferry – a cable pulled barge which costs $2.00 per bicycle and runs continually. The Island offers quiet farm country with a paved road hugging the St. Lawrence River. There’s not much traffic on the road, which offers beautiful views of the river and the Islands. A second cable ferry at the west end of the island will bring you back to the mainland and Highway #2. (Round Trip: approximately 40 kilometres)
Cruise to Kingston:
Turn left onto Highway #2 from the parking lot, and 28 km later you’ll ride into Kingston. There are a number of worthwhile stops en route: for swimming and picnics Grass Creek Park (a waterfront park complete with sandy beach and facilities) is located 15 km west of Gananoque with the MacLachlan Woodworking Museum at the entrance to the park; and closer to Kingston Old Fort Henry and The Royal Military Museum are both worth exploring. (Return Trip – approximately 60 km)
Wolfe Island Wander:
The Wolfe Island Ferry dock is located on Highway #2, on the left hand side as you ride into Kingston (28 kilometres from the Victoria Rose Inn). There is no charge for the 20 minute ferry- ride, which runs every hour until 2:00 am. The crossing is picturesque, with views of the Royal Military College, Fort Henry, and the historic Kingston skyline with Martello Towers dating back to the 1830’s. Wolfe Island is a farming community with one small village, Marysville, where the ferry docks. The village has a few shops, a general store and a bakery (great gingersnaps). Although mostly flat farming countryside, the island does offer picturesque historic churches, and an undeveloped stretch of sandy beach called Big Sandy Bay. One main paved highway services the whole island, which stretches 35 km from east to west, and measures 12 km from north to south. While the following map outlines the general cycling routes, more information may be found at: www.wolfeisland.com
Wolfe Island Bicycle Routes
The routes provided here attempt to take you on roads that are less travelled
by motor vehicles but where this is not possible, please observe the rules
of the road. In particular, ensure that you travel as far to the right
of the road as possible and obey all traffic signs and laws.
Route #1 – The Foot (red signs)
Prevailing winds, meandering roads through rural landscapes challenge the
seasoned cyclist.
Route #2 – The Head (yellow signs)
Cycle along the shore of Lake Ontario through serene pastoral landscapes
with great birding opportunities.
Route #3 – Button Bay (blue signs)
Rolling farmland, idyllic wetlands, rural architecture and a variety of
Island wildlife.
Other suggested cycling routes not to be missed:
Gananoque to Cape Vincent – a historic U.S. village where Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River meet. www.capevincent.org
Gananoque to Clayton – another U.S. town which offers historic architecture,
and the outstanding Antique Boat Museum. www.1000islands-clayton.com
