Gravel Cycling in Ontario — Events, Routes & Resources for 2026

If you’re passionate about gravel cycling in Ontario, you’re in the right place. From iconic events to crowd-sourced route databases and local trail resources, this guide covers everything riders need to plan an epic season on dirt and gravel backroads across the province. Have something we should add to this page? E-mail us and we'll work to keep it current!

📅 Top Gravel Cycling Events in Ontario (2026)

Here are some of the best gravel cycling events in Ontario this year — whether you’re racing, touring, or riding with friends:

1. BIG Gravel Grind — Thedford, ON

An inclusive, non-competitive gravel ride with multiple route options (20 km, 40 km, 60 km & 80 km) through scenic rural landscapes in Lambton County. The event features fuel stations, marked courses, post-ride food and entertainment, and a social riders’ atmosphere.

🗓 Date: July 5, 2026
🚴‍♂️ Distance Options: 20 km | 40 km | 60 km | 80 km
🌄 Highlights: Support stops, jerseys, swag bags, food & drinks

2. The Voyageur 200 — North Bay / Nipissing District, ON

One of Ontario’s toughest gravel endurance rides, offering distances from 30 km up to 200 km through backroads, logging trails and remote scenery near North Bay. This event also supports local health-care fundraising initiatives.

🗓 Date: August 15, 2026
🚴‍♂️ Distance Options: 30 km | 60 km | 100 km | 200 km
🌲 Highlights: Rugged terrain, scenic wilderness routes

3. Naturally L&A Gravel Ride — Centreville, ON

A community gravel ride through Stone Mills Township combining scenic gravel and paved sections, perfect for riders seeking a relaxed yet adventurous day out on the bike.

🗓 Date: June 6, 2026
🚴‍♂️ Distance: ~53 km
🍯 Highlights: Local treats, rest stops, music — a great ambassador ride for gravel newcomers

4. Forest Lea Odyssey Gravel Race — Pembroke, ON

Returning in 2026, this gravel race offers 70 km and 100 km courses on scenic, varied terrain in the Laurentian Valley.
(Exact dates TBD — check the event site for updates.)

5. Gravel Grinder Wolfe Island — Wolfe Island, ON

While last held in October 2025, this fall gravel ride on Wolfe Island shows the potential for seasonal gravel adventures in Southeastern Ontario — keep an eye out for a 2026 reprise.

📍 Additional Riding & Gravel Event Opportunities

While not strictly gravel — some multi-sport and active transportation festivals include gravel cycling segments, like the Petawawa Water and Dirt Festival’s bike events.

Also, broad series like Gravel Cup Canada host a range of gravel experiences and rides across Eastern Ontario (check current schedules and locations).

🚲 Gravel Cycling Routes & Mapping Resources

To explore gravel cycling routes in Ontario year-round — not just on event days — these are excellent resources:

RideGravel.ca — Eastern & Central Ontario Routes

A route database featuring gravel rides with maps and descriptions throughout Ontario (and adjacent regions).

Southampton Gravel — Bruce Peninsula Routes

Claiming the title Ontario’s Gravel Capital, this site lists hundreds of kilometres of scenic back roads and organized route options in Grey & Bruce Counties.

Ride with GPS & Strava

Popular for custom or community-shared gravel routes, these platforms let you plan, download and share gravel rides across Ontario’s rural landscapes.

Rail Trails & Multi-Use Paths

While not exclusively gravel, many trails like the Walter Bean Grand River Trail offer mixed gravel and paved cycling opportunities across the province.

📖 Tips for Gravel Cycling in Ontario

✔️ Plan your season early: Many gravel events (especially longer challenges) fill up well before race day.
✔️ Use route apps: Platforms like Ride with GPS help you discover lesser-known gravel roads throughout the province.
✔️ Local bike shops & clubs: These communities often post group rides, route sheets, and event info before formal calendars update.
✔️ Prepare for variable terrain: Ontario gravel ranges from smooth farm roads to rugged northern backcountry — tire choice and packing gear matter!

🚴‍♂️ Top Gravel Cycling Events in Ontario (2026)

Whether you’re chasing your first gravel grinder or planning a season of exploring backroads and farms, these standout events across Ontario offer a range of distances, scenery, and gravel fun:

  1. Greystone Gravel Grinder – Annual early-season ride in support of the Huntsville Mountain Bike Association with route options from ~20 km up to 100 km.
  2. Paris to Ancaster Bicycle Ride – One of Canada’s iconic spring gravel classics with multiple distances including ~110 km point-to-point on gravel and farm lanes.
  3. Wolfe Island Gravel Grinder – Scenic fall gravel ride with ~40 km and ~75 km courses on Wolfe Island backroads.
  4. BIG Gravel Grind (Thedford) – Four route choices (20 km–80 km) celebrating rural Lambton County’s scenic backroads with aid stations and social atmosphere.
  5. R3G3 – Renfrew Rough Rider Griffith Gravel Grinder – Challenging Gravel Cup event in Renfrew with epic ~168 km, ~93 km and ~40 km routes.
  6. The Voyageur 200 – A gravel adventure challenge with 30 km to 200 km options showcasing Northern Ontario’s wild terrain.
  7. Naturally L&A Gravel Ride – A ~53 km mixed gravel and paved ride through rural Stone Mills Township, with local treats and music at the finish.
  8. Forest Lea Odyssey Gravel Race – A 70 km and 100 km gravel course in the Laurentian Valley (planned for 2026).
  9. Paris-area & Local Gravel Cup Serious Rides – Regional events tied to the Gravel Cup series and community grinders across Ontario.
  10. Club and Community Gravel Gatherings – Rides like The BGR – Big Gravel Ride by the Guelph Cycling Club and other grassroots rides keep the Ontario gravel calendar packed.

Pro tip: Many of these events span late spring through fall — register early as some fill up quickly.

🌄 Gravel Cycling in Ontario Getaways & Retreats

If you want to transform your gravel cycling in Ontario into an experience (training + scenic riding + good food + community), Ontario’s best immersive getaways are hard to beat.

The Almaguin Highlands has some of the best gravel cycling in Ontario with quiet backroads, events, supportive bike shops and cycling focused retreats.

🚵‍♀️ Missing Link Adventure Tours Retreats

Missing Link Adventure Tours offers curated gravel cycling retreats in the Almaguin Highlands, perfect for riders focused on improving skills, connecting with other cyclists, and exploring gravel routes with support:

Gravel Camp

  • Intensive coaching-focused weekend designed to elevate your gravel riding prowess.
  • Hands-on instruction covering training, racing strategy, gear, and maintenance.
  • Includes shared accommodation and full cyclist-friendly meal plans.

Gravel Grazer

  • Multi-day group ride retreat in July and September featuring scenic rides with food and community.
  • Camping or shared lodging options.
  • Designed for those who love social, mid-distance gravel exploration.

Base Builder Weekends

  • Early season getaway to build fitness with structured riding and hearty meals.
  • Includes custom routes and the option to ride the Greystone Gravel Grinder as part of the weekend.

🚴‍♂️ Why These Getaways Matter

These retreats combine exploration of gravel cycling in Ontario with local support — especially valuable if you’re new to backroad gravel riding or want a break from the everyday routine.

🗺️ Routes Resources for Gravel Cycling In Ontario

Finding great routes and planning gravel adventures is just as important as race calendars. Ontario offers both structured guides and community-built route libraries.

🌐 Ontario By Bike

Ontario By Bike is one of the most comprehensive cycling resources for gravel cycling in Ontario — with curated route guides, regional itineraries, and gravel-friendly trip planning tools:

  • Ride guides & GPS routes — Self-guided itineraries that include backroads, loop rides, and connectors across regions.
  • Gravel & bikepacking blogs — Stories and inspiration showcasing gravel adventures throughout the province.
  • Maps & support services — Links to bike-friendly accommodations, touring tips, and gravel-friendly highlights.

📍 Regional & Community Route Libraries

  • RideGravel.ca – A volunteer-driven hub for mapping gravel routes in eastern and central Ontario — perfect for discovering or sharing backroad routes.
  • Local Gravel Cups & Associations – Many regions post route maps and training rides on club sites and Gravel Cup pages.

🚲 Additional Tools To Find Opportunities For Gravel Cycling In Ontario

  • RideWithGPS – Useful for creating or following custom gravel GPX routes. If preparing routes for others, the mapping feature here is great.
  • Strava – When chasing PRs and segments inspires you to ride, Strava is the app for you. Community activity platform often hosts segments and group rides in Ontario’s gravel network.

📍 Final Tips for Exploring Gravel Cycling in Ontario

  • Plan for seasons: Ontario’s gravel season stretches roughly from April through October.
  • Mix events and exploration: Pair a ride or retreat with local tours or overnight stays for the full gravel adventure.
  • Connect with community clubs: Many regional cycling clubs host gravel rides and share route knowledge.

Ready to hit the backroads? Gravel cycling in Ontario has never been richer — from traditional grinders and fundraisers to immersive cycling retreats and regional route networks. Whether you’re chasing PBs or scenic exploration, the province has something for every gravel rider! 🚴‍♀️🌾