Trip Inspiration | Off the Beaten Track

Smooth paved roads, quiet country roads, and unique stops along the way are just a part of what makes Oxford a great cycling destination. Ride along beautiful scenery on one of the numerous cycling routes all while enjoying bike-friendly restaurants, accommodations, and attractions.

Saddle up on your bike, grab your hiking shoes or hop in the car and hit the brand new Whistlestop Trail.

Ontario’s Southwest is home to some of Canada’s most fertile farmland and a rapidly evolving wine, craft beer and farm-to-table scene. 

Cozy cabin rentals that offer a comfy take on summer camping.

The arrival of camping season can inspire cheers from some members of the family, but tears from others. Fortunately, there’s a solution to the great divide: redefine your definition of camping. 

Love to rip through the trails? Ride through the heart of the Carolinian zone in Ontario's Southwest on your mountain bike and take the path less traveled. These trail routes are the perfect way to explore the extensive trail network in Southwest Ontario.

Get a taste for Ontario’s emerging wine region on these scenic Lake Erie cycling routes

Think Niagara and Prince Edward County are your only options for an Ontario winery cycling experience? It’s time to rethink your route!

I had visited Norfolk County a couple of times in the past, using the area as a springboard to a great ride, following the Waterfront Trail, Port Dover to Fort Erie, or as part of a rail trail tour weekend on an Ontario By Bike Ride, from Dundas to Port Dover. I felt I knew something about the bike scene in the area. But it wasn’t until I recently spent a weekend dedicated to exploration and cycling adventures that I experienced a true appreciation for all things Norfolk. 

A 4-day cycle along Lake Erie shorelines.

This four-day journey, which begins and ends in St. Thomas, takes you along quiet rural roads and a waterfront trail, down Lake Erie’s northern shoreline and through communities with rich maritime heritage and vast agricultural lands.

Kid friendly or black diamond.

Wildwood Conservation Area has approximately 30 km of trails, including a 24 km loop route around Wildwood Reservoir. The loop is mostly single track trails with some double track on the north side of the lake trail.

Trails suitable for all skill sets.

Located on the east side of Woodstock, The Pines has 14 kilometres of trails suitable for all skill sets ranging from a 1-km kid-friendly loop and pump track to the more difficult (and aptly named) black diamond trails like Bloody Lung.