As someone who deeply appreciates the beauty of Ontario, with its sprawling lakes, rivers, forests, and farmlands, I look forward to a yearly tradition: a multi-day bikepacking trip. In August, I embarked on a four-day, 500 km adventure that allowed me to connect with this landscape in a unique way. Traveling by bike gives me the freedom to explore while leaving the smallest impact on the environment—a perfect blend of self-sufficiency and adventure!
Unpacking Bikepacking
Bikepacking is a fusion of cycling and backpacking. It combines the exhilaration of riding through remote landscapes with the ability to pack in everything you need to camp. Whether you’re riding gravel trails, navigating rugged singletrack, or winding through dirt roads, bikepacking offers the freedom to travel further and faster than traditional hiking while still connecting intimately with the environment.
For my trip, I took along essential gear like my tent, cooking supplies, and clothing, ensuring I had just enough to stay self-sufficient while traveling light. The bike of choice for this adventure was the Doppler, an all-terrain touring bike with versatile 650b wheels, which provided a smooth ride on both pavement and gravel. This setup was ideal for tackling long days on the road while keeping me comfortable as I ventured through both well-trodden routes and lesser-known paths.
Camping with the MSR Elixir 2 Tent
When it came time to camp, I borrowed an MSR Elixir 2 tent from Alex, our Service Manager at the LBC, as my home away from home. The tent’s easy-to-assemble design made setting up after a long day of riding a breeze, while its spaciousness and ventilation were perfect for the warm summer nights. This tent allowed me to truly enjoy the evenings under the stars, sheltered but still immersed in the nature around me.
The Great Lakes Waterfront Trail: Nature and Communities
A significant part of my journey took me along the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail, a 3,600 km scenic route that winds through 170 communities and First Nations along the shores of the Great Lakes. The trail offers breathtaking views of some of Ontario’s most picturesque landscapes, from serene lakeside paths to dense forests and quiet rural towns. The diversity of the trail’s terrain—paved roads, gravel paths, and everything in between—kept the journey dynamic and thrilling.
My route included stops in Long Point and Rondeau Provincial Park on the shores of Lake Erie. Long Point, a narrow sand spit, provided stunning lakeside views and a sense of tranquility. The rich biodiversity and wildlife of Rondeau Provincial Park made it an unforgettable stop, especially as I marveled at its Carolinian forest and the abundance of migratory birds passing through.
The final stretch of my trip took me through Pinery Provincial Park, along the shores of Lake Huron. Pinery’s oak savannahs and expansive sand dunes were a perfect conclusion to the trip, a reminder of the unique and fragile ecosystems that bikepacking allows me to explore with minimal impact.
Why Bikepacking?
What I love about bikepacking is that it allows me to truly appreciate Ontario in a way no other form of travel can. The bicycle, more than just a mode of transport, becomes a gateway to remote, untouched places. It’s about finding joy in the journey, not just the destination, and reconnecting with nature, all while keeping the environmental footprint to a minimum. Bikepacking allows me to travel through diverse landscapes, meet welcoming people, and experience places that most people never see—all while challenging myself physically and mentally.
Every year, I am reminded why I cherish these trips: they offer a profound sense of freedom and connection to both the land and the people of Ontario. Whether it’s riding alongside the shimmering waters of Lake Erie, resting under a canopy of trees in Pinery Provincial Park, or sharing stories with fellow travelers, the experience is one I carry with me long after I’ve returned home.
I encourage anyone looking for a unique adventure to give bikepacking a try. Ontario’s diverse landscapes and trails offer an unparalleled opportunity to explore this beautiful province, and there’s no better way to do it than from the saddle of a bike.
I’ll be hosting a workshop this fall on Bike Packing, how to, and why not!? I’ll talk about gear, routes and destinations...
Date: Wednesday, Oct 16th, 7:15pm
$15, includes a beer, wine or premium cafe beverage!
1 hour, more than just a slide show!
Q&A