Rails to Trails: A 2-night, 3-day Cycling Escape to Lanark County

A cycling getaway is an invitation to adventure – a chance to get moving while also slowing down. In Lanark County, the picturesque, rolling terrain has historically made it a popular destination for cyclists of all skill levels, but the new Ottawa Valley Recreational Trail (OVRT) has become a game changer for short- and sweet-day trips or for multi-day adventures.

The OVRT is a safe, level, gravel or paved 296-kilometre former rail bed that runs from Smiths Falls to Mattawa, running through dozens of charming small towns along the way.

When traveling the OVRT through Lanark County, cyclists can expect a perfect trail riding experience. With frequent invitations to stop and take a break, do some shopping, or sit on a patio overlooking the rushing Mississippi River or Rideau River, cyclists can explore four small towns along the way: Smiths Falls, Carleton Place, Almonte, and Pakenham.

This summer, set off on a sweet ride in the Maple Syrup Capital of Ontario on this two-night, three-day cycling escape to Lanark County.

*Note: We recommend leaving a vehicle in Smiths Falls before heading to Pakenham to start your bike trip to make this out-and-back a one-way trip.

Distances (approximate)

Pakenham to Almonte: 14 kilometres

Almonte to Carleton Place: 10 kilometres

Carleton Place to Smiths Falls: 25 kilometres

Day One: Pakenham to Carleton Place (24 kilometres)

If cycling more than 20 kilometres on your first day seems intimating, don’t worry! There will be plenty of opportunities to stop and rest along the way. Your ride today will take you through the charming “friendly town” of Almonte, a popular destination for shopping, art tours, and dining. The Mississippi River will dominate your trip today in Pakenham, Almonte, and Carleton Place.

*Note: You can leave your vehicle at the Pakenham Community Centre or in the gravel parking area beside the famous and historic Five-Span Bridge. There is also a parking area right on the OVRT as it crosses Waba Road.

Where to Refuel: Grab a coffee and some baked treats from Keepers Coffee Bar, or order a picnic lunch from 1840s General Store in Pakenham. Stop for a picnic at Gemmell Park in Almonte, or dine in at The Barley Mow or Joe’s Italian Kitchen in downtown Almonte. Keep your supper river side in Carleton Place at Boulton House Restaurant or experience fine dining with a Scottish twist at The Black Tartan Kitchen.

Where to Stay: To stay on schedule you will want to spend the night in Carleton Place at a bike-friendly accommodation like the historic The Grand Hotel or the more modern Comfort Inn & Suites. If you get sidetracked shopping in Almonte, no worries, The Monte Inn is another good bike-friendly place to stop for the night.

Day Two: Carleton Place to Smiths Falls (25 kilometres)

Your ride today should be roughly the same distance as you cycle from Carleton Place to Smiths Falls – about 25 kilometres. There will be fewer opportunities to stop for a bite to eat or to stretch your legs, but the beauty of the OVRT will make this leg of your journey just as momentous as the first day.

You will be leaving behind the Mississippi River today, but heading towards the UNESCO World Heritage Site the Rideau Canal and the Rideau River in Smiths Falls. Lunch can be had with a trail-side picnic, just steps from the pastoral setting of the trail along this section of the route.

Where to Refuel: Pick up lunch to go from The Good Food Co. and snacks from The Little German Bakery (their authentic German pretzels will be easy to munch on the go). In Smiths Falls, you won’t go amiss with dinner at The Vault Pub & Eatery or The Lockmaster’s Taphouse overlooking the Rideau River and falls. If there is a show on, Bowie’s in the downtown can be your go-to for late night entertainment, just steps from one of your accommodation options.

Where to Stay: Tonight you can choose between a stay one of the historic rooms at the Hotel Rideau in downtown Smiths Falls, or if you’re hankering for a swim after your efforts, the Smiths Falls Best Western is bike-friendly has a lovely outdoor pool to soak your tired muscles.

Day Three: Smiths Falls

You made it! Before you head out from Smiths Falls take some time to explore the downtown – we recommend breakfast at C’est Tout Bakery, in the bottom floor of the Hotel Rideau. Your celebratory ice cream cone awaits at Sweet Scoops, where they are sure to have your favourite flavour in stock.

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Not ready to end your trip? Consider trying one of Lanark County’s other scenic routes:

Glen Tay Loop: 15 km short, flat route, on paved roads.

Perth to Murphys Point: 41.3 km hilly route on paved roads.

Lanark to McDonald’s Corners: 39.8 km route that is somewhat hilly on a mix of paved and gravel roads. This route takes you past Wheelers Pancake House where you can stop for a pancake lunch.

Naismith Loop: 22 km loop beginning from the Mill of Kintail Conservation Area on a mix of paved and gravel roads.