Signature Cycling Routes
Wellington County is excited to launch seven new signature cycling routes across the county for riders of all levels! Experience Wellington in a whole new way while stopping at beautiful lookouts and charming small businesses to better your biking experience. For locals who want to tour their town or tourists who want to discover our communities, there is something for every cyclist of every level.
Wellington Windmills and Water Tower Road Ride
Distance: 80km
Experience Level: Intermediate/Advanced
Route Surfaces: 95% paved, 5% unpaved/gravel
Starting in Fergus, this road cycling route explores Centre Wellington and Wellington North. Cyclists ride on Wellington County Road 19, then through scenic farmland and equine estates. Stop in Arthur for coffee, ice cream, and a photo with the water tower. Head east on 2nd Line to Grand Valley, or take the Upper Grand Trailway, which parallels 2nd Line. In Grand Valley, enjoy a diner or continue southwest. Ride to Belwood on quiet roads and visit Belwood Country Market or the Mad Hatter Bake & Brew. Return to Fergus for a riverside refreshment or use the Elora Cataract Trailway from Belwood by crossing the bridge and picking up the trailhead at Sixth/Skeen Street.
Suggested routing is kilometer 0 to 80.5. Alternative routing is past the 81 kilometer mark.
On-route Business Highlights: Silver Fox Distillery, Erni's Place Restaurant and Pizza, Belwood Country Market
Minto Town and Country Tour
Distance: 70km
Experience Level: Intermediate/Advanced
Route Surfaces: 96% paved, 4% hard-surfaced tar and chip
This ride explores the charming towns of Minto: Palmerston, Harriston, and Clifford. Start in Palmerston at CNR Park and the Railway Heritage Museum. Cycle on Wellington Road 5 to Harriston or use the Whites Junction trail for a quieter route. In Harriston, visit unique shops like the Cafe at the Old Post and Beyond the Rock. For a shorter route, take Wellington Road 9 to 11th Line. For the full loop, continue through Mennonite farmsteads and enjoy the scenic 16th Line. Arrive in Clifford to visit Wesley Bates Gallery and West Meadow Press. Explore local businesses, then return to Palmerston through scenic countryside.
On-route Business Highlights: May's Cafe at the Old Post, The Magic Ice Cream Shoppe, The Barrel House, Reroot Farm, Minto Farmers' Market (seasonal).
Elora-Fergus Grand River Loop
Distance: 35km
Experience Level: Beginner
Route Surfaces: 75% paved, 25% unpaved/stone-dust trails
This is the perfect loop for a leisurely cycle on some of the best trails and paved roads in Elora and Fergus and its pretty surrounding countryside. Start in Elora and ride west on Middlebrook Road, enjoying views of horse farms and the Elora Gorge. Descend to Wilson Flats for a break by the Grand River. Continue on the Cottontail Road Trail through scenic countryside, then head to Fergus via the Trestle Bridge Trail, crossing the Grand River. Explore Fergus, including historic sites and Templin Gardens. Return to Elora on the Elora-Cataract Trailway, passing the Wellington County Museum and the Elora Quarry Conservation Area. End with a visit to Elora’s charming town centre.
On-route Business Highlights: Wellington County Museum and Archives, Elora Brewing Company, Scoop Ice Cream (seasonal), The Vault Coffee and Espresso Bar, The Goofie Newfie Pub and Grill
Guelph-Wellington Gravel Explorer
Distance: 62km
Experience Level: Intermediate (Advanced riders can extend to 90 km)
Route Surfaces: 65% paved, 35% unpaved/gravel
Explore a gravel route from downtown Guelph, starting at Goldie Mill ruins. Ride the Royal Recreational Trail System along the Speed River to Guelph Lake Conservation Area. Continue on gravel roads past horse farms and a winery to Centre Wellington, crossing the Grand River on the Trestle Bridge Trail. For refreshments, detour to downtown Fergus or continue to Elora, known for its historic buildings and scenic views. Enjoy ice cream or coffee in Elora before heading south via the Kissing Bridge Trailway. Back in Guelph, relax at Fixed Gear Brewing Company or Eric the Baker.
Suggested routing is kilometer 0 to 62. Alternative routing is past the 62 kilometer mark.
On-route Business Highlights: Cox Creek Cellars, Elora Quarry Conservation Area, Elora Brewing Company, The Fieldstone Barn (seasonal)
Rockwood-Eden Mills-Guelph Road Loop
Distance: 56km
Experience Level: Intermediate
Route Surfaces: 98% paved, 2% unpaved/gravel
Explore eastern Wellington County's scenic countryside with this ride starting in Rockwood at the Wellington County Public Library. Pedal through cornfields and mature trees to the historic Eden Mills, known for its writer’s festival and views along the Eramosa River. Stop in Arkell for coffee at Flow State Bike Co., a popular cyclist cafe. Ride through Guelph’s outskirts and back to the countryside, passing horse farms and crossing Guelph Lake. Continue northeast on Sideroad 20 through farmland and hills, and enjoy scenic wetlands and creeks along the route. Return to Rockwood via Wellington Road 50, exercising caution as it is a busy road. In Rockwood, relax with a meal or ice cream, or explore the Rockwood Conservation Area for swimming, hiking, and more.
On-route Business Highlights: Flow State Bike Co., Chompin at the Bit Bar and Grille, Ed and Rosie's Ice Cream (seasonal), Rockwood Conservation Area
Wellington-Eramosa Country Road Ride
Distance: 72km
Experience Level: Advanced
Route Surfaces: 100% paved
This route showcases the best paved country roads in Wellington County, passing through scenic countryside and farmland in Centre Wellington and Guelph/Eramosa townships. Start in Elora, cycling southwest on Middlebrook Road alongside the Elora Gorge and horse farms. Cross the Grand River at Wilson Flats, then climb to Pilkington Overlook for great views. Ride through open countryside past Guelph's outskirts and consider a swim at Guelph Lake Conservation Area. Continue through rolling hills and grasslands, All In Alpacas for a pre-booked visit. Return to Fergus, enjoying the Grand River, Confederation Park waterfalls, and a riverside meal or drink at the Goofie Newfie Pub and Grill. Head west on South River Road back to Elora. Post-ride, grab coffee at Community Coffee Cafe, explore Elora’s historic downtown, or enjoy views of the Elora Gorge from Victoria Park trails.
On-route Business Highlights: All In Alpacas, Fraberts Fresh Food, Templin Gardens, Community Coffee Cafe, Elora Centre for the Arts
Fergus-Erin Road and Trail Loop
Distance: 75km
Experience Level: Advanced
Route Surfaces: 56% paved, 44% unpaved/gravel
Enjoy a road and trail ride from Fergus to Erin and back. Start on paved roads through rolling countryside, tackling the hills of Wellington Road 22. Stop at the Hungry Horse Food Truck for comfort food and explore rural farm activities like berry picking and alpaca walks. In Erin, visit Bistro Du Pain for French pastries and sandwiches, and check out the Tin Roof Cafe for coffee and meals. Note that the Elora Cataract Trailway is closed from Erin to Hillsburgh due to construction (November 2023 - June 2025). Detour via Wellington Road 23 and 22. When the trail resumes in Hillsburgh, stop at the Wellington County Public Library for water and rest. Continue on the trail, crossing into Belwood for a butter tart or meal at Belwood Country Market or Erni's Place. Enjoy the view at Shand Dam and Belwood Lake before returning to Fergus. Relax with a drink or meal at a riverside patio in Fergus.
On-route Business Highlights: Erin Hill Acres, Bistro Du Pain, Tin Roof Cafe, Bailey’s Ice Cream (seasonal), Wellington County Public Library - Hillsburgh Branch, Maddie Hatter Tea Shop and Cafe
Looking for more adventure? Check out our Outdoor Adventures page for more idea on how to experience the natural beauty that makes Wellington County so special.
Disclaimer:
By using following the County of Wellington's Signature Cycling routes and maps, cyclists demonstrate that they have read and understood the safety rules and disclaimer and agree to be bound by it. The signature cycling routes suggested do not have formal bike lanes and all cyclists ride at their own risk. Road conditions and traffic levels may vary from the time of map printing or posting. Caution and common sense must be used when sharing the road with motor vehicles. Cyclists must comply with the Ontario Highway Traffic Act, R.S.O. 1990, C.H-8 as amended. The County of Wellington does not assume any liability whatsoever for cyclists travelling upon a suggested route. The County of Wellington is not responsible for any loss, costs or expenses incurred by cyclists while travelling upon suggested routes.