Cycle and Stay: Bike Friendly Accommodations in Ontario's Highlands

After a long day in the bike saddle, we all want to spend the night in a spot that really appreciates road-worthy cyclists, and where we can fully recuperate from our exertions before hitting the pedals again the next day. These are the places who go that extra mile for cyclists, who are bike-friendly and inspired when it comes to making sure you have everything you need – from the best cycle-friendly restaurants, to the best routes, loops and trails.

Whether you're looking for a nice and easy cycle trip with a few hours on the road or trail each day, or a grueling adventure where sweat is a pre-requisite for success, make your next multi-day ride a success at one of these cycle-friendly spots.

To rejuvenate after your ride

Stay at one of these accommodations and feel confident giving it all you’ve got, all day long. At the end of the day, relax in a soaker tub, a hot tub, or sauna so you can get up and do it all over again the next day. 

• In Almonte, The Monte Inn & Lounge offers spacious, historic rooms, an on-site sauna and hot tub, and restaurant lounge so you won’t have to leave once you’ve stretched out your sore legs.

• The Whitewater Inn in Beachburg has been catering to cyclists and paddlers for years and years, and is committed to ensuring each stay is a success. Use their cold plunge, sauna and hot tub to ensure you are in prime condition for day two on the road.

• The scenic rural roads of Lanark Highlands call to cyclists of all skill levels, and when you stay at Pine Brae Eco-Resort you are staying in minimalist luxury. Plunge in the lake at the end of your day, then relax around the bonfire.

• Calabogie Peaks Resort is located in the heart of recreation country in the Ottawa Valley, and the perfect spot to use as your launchpad to explore the area. Relax in their outdoor hot tub before having dinner at Canthooks Restaurant, on-site. 

• A saltwater pool, steam room, and hot tub at Perth Best Western Parkside Inn & Spa will be the perfect antidote to a long day on the road or trail. Book a spa treatment to cap off the luxury in a big way.

• Best Western Pembroke Hotel has a saltwater pool for a relaxing soak, or you can also book one of their rooms with an in-room soaker tub.

To get you on and to the trails

The most important asset for your accommodation is location – where you spend the night should be central to the route you are planning to take, so it’s an easy off and on the route from day one to day two. It’s also nice if there are options for accessing trails or tours and assist with some of the heavy lifting of your cycling adventure.

• Whitewater Inn in Beachburg is also home to Valley Cycle Tours, who offer half, full, or multi-day cycling adventures where they will pick you up and drop you off with your bike at your route, and have great suggestions for where to grab a bite to eat or the best sunset views.

• In Sharbot Lake, Rockhill B&B is cycle friendly destination within a short ride to the former rail bed, the K&P Trail. These folks will work with you to get you back and forth from the trail.

• Ottawa Valley Farm to Fork is centrally located on the gravel cycling route, the Lumberjack Loop in the Ottawa Valley. This multi-day loop is a roughly 240-kilomtre loop that takes you to breweries, cideries, and distilleries along the way, including a farm stay at Ottawa Valley Farm to Fork. 

• Heather Lodge in Haliburton Highlands is a couple’s only retreat situated on beautiful Twelve Mile Lake. Take advantage of Haliburton Highlands’ extensive cycling loops and then relax at the end of the day in one of the lodge’s 12 suites. 

• The Comfort Inn in Carleton Place is centrally located right next to the Ottawa Valley Recreation Trail (OVRT) that can take you north to Renfrew County or south to meet up with the Trans Canada Trail. Bring your bike right to your room when you check in.

To bring the whole gang with you

Cycling with friends makes the adventure so much more fun! You can bring your friends with you when you stay at one of these accommodations.

• The folks at Ottawa Valley Farm to Fork really cater to cyclists. Their working farm and homestead is centrally located to enable easy access to a number of routes and trails. Their accommodation sleeps up to six and you can even wash your clothes to be fresh and ready to ride the next day.

• Explore North Frontenac Addington Highlands and the Bon Echo region by bike with a group stay at Myer’s Cave Resort. The main lodge has seven rooms and can accommodate groups of 16 or you can rent multiple cottages for a tailored getaway for your group.

• Rent a three-bedroom cottage that sleeps six people or stay in the lodge proper at Limerick Lake Lodge. Use it as your home base to ride the Hastings Heritage Trail or ask them for some recommendations for where to ride in the area. 

• No one will be left out when you stay at Tamarack Lodge Cottage Resort in Haliburton Highlands. The lodge sleeps up to 25 people and if you book your getaway for 10 or more people, one person stays free. 

To Join the Party

At the end of the day hang out with other cyclists who are ready to let loose and unwind while listening to live music and chatting about their adventures on the road or trail. These spots are known for their lively atmosphere and cycling vibe. 

• The Rockcliffe – Moore Falls can be your go to for a place to park your bike for the night, grab a bite to eat and be entertained. Live performances are scheduled every Saturday night and there is a trivia night on Thursdays. 

• In Minden, the Dominion Hotel is known for its warm welcome for cyclists (they received the 2022 Ontario by Bike business awards) and its happening vibe in the evenings. Check their extensive performance schedule to find the best time to book your stay.