Canada

Vineyards and Cycling in Ontario :
Prince Edward County, Sandbanks and the Thousand Islands

Here is a great idea! Head to one of Canada’s most remarkable wine regions, Prince Edward County. Located at the northeastern tip of Lake Ontario, Prince Edward County is an ideal place to combine the pleasure of cycling, gastronomy and swimming in the warm waters of the lake.

With more than forty wineries, the region’s most beautiful roads have been selected so you can discover the county’s best wines. Set out on the wine route and explore the famous Sandbanks Provincial Park with its twenty-three kilometers of beach. Visit artists, artisans, and antique shops for a break. Then continue toward the Thousand Islands region, along the St. Lawrence River, to Brockville.

The route takes place mostly on paved roads (95%), with a few gravel sections (5%) to access the most beautiful secondary roads and avoid traffic. Shoulders are available on the busiest main roads. Traffic is light on secondary roads.

Highlights

Prince Edward County wine route and more than 40 wineries accessible by bike

Sandbanks Provincial Park and its 23 km of beaches on Lake Ontario

The Waterfront Trail along the St. Lawrence River and the Thousand Islands

Vineyards and Cycling in Ontario : Prince Edward County, Sandbanks and the Thousand Islands

Activity level:

Accommodation:

Superior

Period: April to October

Length of stay: 7 days

Travel package: Voyage en liberté

Theme: Assistance électrique

Starting from1995$

Upcoming departures

Vue d'une ville riveraine du comté de Prince Edward avec plusieurs clochers, des bâtiments historiques aux toits verts et des arbres au premier plan sous un ciel partiellement nuageux. Des lignes électriques traversent la scène, évoquant des aventures en vélo Ontario. - Ekilib

Itinerary

The markers on the map locate each stage approximately. They do not correspond to the exact address of your accommodation. The overnight stays indicated in the itinerary may change depending on availability. The exact address appears in your travel booklet.

Day 1 | Brockville

Independent arrival in Brockville. Spend the evening visiting the city’s railway tunnel, the first built in Canada, located directly beneath downtown.

Overnight: in Brockville

Day 2 | Brockville – Belleville – Wellington (56 km)

Early in the morning, transfer by vehicle to Belleville, where the cycling portion begins. You enter Prince Edward County via the Belleville Bay Bridge, following the Bay of Quinte before heading inland toward the first vineyards. Wellington Beach awaits you at the end of the stage.

Elevation gain: 238 m
Overnight: in Wellington

Day 3 | Wellington – Picton (47 km or 67 km)

A short stage, ideal for stopping at vineyards and discovering the county’s grape varieties. Along the way, Bloomfield and its elegant Loyalist-style brick houses are worth a pause, with a few art shops for the curious. Arrival in Picton, the county seat. Still have fresh legs? Add an extra 20 km before returning.

Short option, elevation gain: 134 m
Long option, elevation gain: 229 m
Overnight: in Picton

Day 4 | Picton : Journée au parc de Sandbanks (54 km ou 62 km)

A day dedicated to Sandbanks Provincial Park and its beaches on the warm waters of Lake Ontario. You leave Picton on the well-packed stone-dust Millennium Trail or on paved roads, before reaching the quiet secondary roads that lead to the park. In the evening, Picton’s main street invites you to stroll among shops and art galleries. Do not miss the Crystal Palace.

Short option, elevation gain: 179
Long option, elevation gain: 213
Overnight: in Picton

Day 5 | Picton – Kingston (67 km)

You leave Prince Edward County to join the Waterfront Trail, an emblematic cycling route that passes through Ontario from west to east. A smooth profile, prevailing winds often at your back, orchards and vineyards along the way. Once you arrive in Kingston, where you will spend the night, you can enjoy the many attractions, including a visit to Fort Henry or a dinner cruise to enhance your evening.

Elevation gain: 253 m
Overnight: in Kingston

Day 6 | Kingston – Gananoque (38 km)

The morning is free to enjoy Kingston or embark on the Thousand Islands cruise (if you did not do so the day before). In the afternoon, the Waterfront Trail passes through forests and fields to Pitts Ferry, where a ferry drops you on Howe Island, home to farmers and cottage owners. On arrival in town, switch things up with a beer at the Gan Brewing Company.

Elevation gain: 150 m
Overnight: in Gananoque

Day 7 | Gananoque – Brockville (57 km)

Final stage along the St. Lawrence River and its Thousand Islands on the Waterfront Trail. Arrival in Brockville, where you retrieve your vehicle or take the train. A stop at Fulford Place, the luxurious home of Senator George Taylor Fulford and its gardens, is merits a visit before leaving. The end of the trip.

Elevation gain: 182 m
An additional night in Brockville is possible to enjoy the region and a cruise to the Thousand Islands (not included)

Dates and Pricing

All prices are indicated per person and in CAD. They vary depending on the period and availability at the time of booking.

Possible departures : every day, from April to October

Contact our specialist

Double Occupancy Package :

Starting from $1,995 + taxes (GST)

Single Occupancy Supplement :

On request

Bike Rental :

On request

The Price Includes

6 nights in a double room with private bathroom, breakfasts included (comfort inns and 3* hotels)
Luggage transport from one accommodation to the next
Transport from Brockville to Belleville in the morning on Day 1
Parking for the duration of the trip
Accommodation taxes
GPX tracks to follow the itinerary by bike
A digital travel kit 30 days before departure, including the essential logistical details for your trip
An assistance service with an emergency number
Participation in the Fonds Plein Air 1% for the Planet program: Ekilib donates 1% of its revenue to support nature protection projects in Québec

The Price Does Not Include

Transport and all costs associated with transporting your bike to the departure and return location
Bike rental
Transport of additional luggage
Entrance fees to Sandbanks Provincial Park
Entrance fees to monuments and activities not mentioned in the inclusions
Personal expenses, including drinks
Meals not mentioned in the “The price includes” section
Tips
GST taxes, if applicable
Travel insurance
File processing fees of CA$50, plus taxes
Financial protection from the Compensation Fund for Customers of Travel Agents (free of charge as of January 1, 2024)

Practical Information

Bike Type and Equipment Provided

The bikes provided are adapted to the type of route offered and are regularly maintained by our local partners. Each bike is generally equipped with a rear pannier (except carbon bikes) to carry your personal belongings during the day, a lock and a repair kit for punctures. Travelers are responsible for simple puncture repairs during the stage. Helmets are not always provided, so we recommend bringing your own helmet for greater comfort and safety.

It is generally possible to bring your own bike; we encourage you to contact us to verify. This option is generally possible for standard bikes. E-bikes are not accepted when the trip requires air transport, due to battery-related restrictions.

Guidance

On self-guided trips, you are autonomous in your progress, but never alone. A local partner remains available throughout the stay, and an emergency number is accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week if needed. This assistance makes it possible to respond quickly to any logistical question or unexpected situation.

Luggage Transport

Throughout your trip, a luggage transfer service is organized between accommodations. Each morning, your main bag is left at the accommodation reception and transported to the next stage. The usual limit is one bag per person of about 20 kg. You therefore ride with only your personal belongings for the day, generally in the pannier provided with the bike.

Formalities

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is essential to participate in an Ekilib trip. It must notably cover emergency medical expenses abroad, assistance and repatriation. Coverage for trip cancellation and interruption is also strongly recommended. Travelling by bike involves physical activity and daily travel. Appropriate insurance allows you to deal with unexpected events with peace of mind. Before departure, check that your policy covers cycling as part of a trip. We also recommend checking the protections offered by your credit card or insurance company.

Flights

For this trip, international flights are not included in the price of the stay. We recommend waiting for official trip confirmation before booking your flights. You can make this booking yourself or ask our team to assist you with the process. In all cases, it is advisable to check arrival and departure times in order to facilitate the transfers planned in your program.

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Travelling by bike is already a step toward more sustainable travel. We go further by designing itineraries conceived for slow travel, away from overtourism areas, and by favouring local partners recognized for their knowledge of the terrain.