Between Smiths Falls and Chaffey’s Lock, this stretch of the Cataraqui Trail offers one of Eastern Ontario’s most memorable rail-trail rides.

Following a former railway corridor through farmland, forest and wetlands, this point-to-point ride begins in a town shaped by railways and the Rideau Canal and finishes beside one of the canal’s prettiest lockstations. In between, Portland offers waterfront views and a well-timed lunch stop, while a short detour to Forfar delivers the kind of cheese-curd reward every cycling itinerary needs.

Whether you ride a pedal-assist e-bike, a mountain bike or a hybrid, this approximately 86-kilometre rail trail adventure offers a memorable introduction to the Cataraqui Trail.  

It is an inviting way to try bikepacking, plan a multi-day cycling adventure or simply spend a weekend moving through nature at a slower pace.

Expect waterfront meals, local treats, railway history and pedal-powered adventure.

This itinerary is part of the larger Eastern Ontario Rail Trail Loop, a 320-kilometre cycling route connecting the Frontenac K&P, Renfrew K&P, Cataraqui Trail, Algonquin Trail and Ottawa Valley Recreational Trail. The completed loop is expected to launch in 2030.

Before You Ride

This itinerary works best as a point-to-point ride. Leave one vehicle at the Chaffeys Lockstation parking area, then drive to the new Cataraqui Trailhead at 145 Lombard Street in Smiths Falls. Allow three to five hours for the ride, and longer for lunch, photographs and time to explore Chaffey’s Lock.

What you need to know

  • Pack more water than you think you will need. Portland is the first dependable food-and-water stop, approximately 25 kilometres into the ride.
  • Download an offline map. Cellular service can be unreliable approaching Chaffey’s Lock.
  • Bring a repair kit, spare tube, pump and basic first-aid supplies. There are long stretches without services.
  • The trail is shared with walkers, equestrians and other permitted users. Pedal-assist e-bikes are allowed, but scooter-style e-bikes are not.
  • Check the current Cataraqui Trail conditions before setting out. 
  • Seasonal businesses and attractions may have limited midweek or shoulder-season hours. Confirm before travelling.
Two Wheels, Two Days: Cycling the Rail Trail from Sydenham to Clarendon Station
Cycling Smiths Falls to Chaffey's Locks
1 Day | Total Distance: 47 km

Start Here: Smiths Falls

Smiths Falls has always been a place of connections. Rail lines once radiated from the community, while the Rideau Canal continues to flow directly through its centre. It is a fitting place to begin a rail-trail journey, and especially one that eventually reunites with the canal at Chaffey’s Lock.

Two cyclists sit on steps with a cup of coffee
  • The Cataraqui Trailhead is at 145 Lombard Street, between Leisure Days RV Centre and Smiths Falls Kia. The new trailhead has marked parking and direct trail access.
  • Watch carefully at every road crossing, even when traffic appears light.
  • Once outside town, the scenery quickly settles into farmland, hedgerows and mixed woodland.
  • Fuel up downtown before heading to the trailhead. C’est Tout Bakery & Bistro is a good option for coffee, breakfast and something portable for your backpack or pannier. 
  • Stop for breakfast at The Country Diner, a popular breakfast spot on Hwy 15 in Smiths Falls.
  • Stop by the Railway Museum of Eastern Ontario to learn more about Smiths Falls’ railway history before hitting the trail. 
  • Take a photo at the permanently raised Bascule Bridge, a National Historic Site and another reminder of Smiths Falls’ importance for the railroad.
Smiths Falls
Lanark County
From Toronto: 340km • 4 hr 17 min From Ottawa: 80km • 1 hr 10 min

Since Smiths Falls was once a hopping railway hub, it's only natural that it's home to the Eastern Ontario Railway Museum.  And what's more unique, you can stay overnight in one of the Museum's caboose cars.  Knock that one off your bucketlist!

Next Stop: Portland

Portland does not sit directly on the trail, but the short road detour is worth it. The village rests on the shore of Big Rideau Lake and has been welcoming boaters, cottage-goers and travellers for generations.

  • By now, grabbing a bite to eat will be more than welcome. Closet to the trail, is the Portside Pub & Eatery, at the corner of Station Road at 2786 ON-15.  In season, The Galley serves meals in its restaurant with big views of Big Rideau Lake. 
  • The Portland Family Restaurant is another practical option. Specializing in pizza, pick up some take out  to munch for the second leg of your journey as the final section has few services.
  • After lunch, give your legs a short break at the picnic tables at beautiful Hanna Park or dip your toes into the lake at Portland Beach. On a hot day, the lake will be the perfect spot to cool off and refresh.
  • The Portland Community Hall and library offer public washrooms and free Wi-Fi during opening hours.
  • Portland has restaurants, a grocery store, a bank, an LCBO and other basic services, making it the best place to replenish supplies.
  • Some waterfront dining is seasonal; check operating days and hours.

Optional Detour: Forfar

Forfar is a small rural crossroads, but it has one particularly compelling reason to leave the trail: cheese curds.

At the County Road 42 crossing, turn west and ride approximately one kilometre into the hamlet of Forfar. The Forfar Restaurant and Cheese Shop combines the Forfar cheese tradition with ice cream and casual food. Fresh curds make excellent ride nibbles, (assuming they survive the trip on your bike). The detour will add approximately two kilometres to your day. Exercise caution on County Road 42 and confirm opening hours before making the trip.

End Here: Chaffeys Lock

A lockstation on the Rideau Canal

As you approach Chaffeys Lock, farmland gives way to thicker forest, wetlands and the first peeks of the Canadian Shield terrain found farther along the Cataraqui Trail.

Leave the trail near Indian Lake Road and follow the mapped connection toward Chaffeys Lock, approximately one kilometre away. After hours of gravel and green space, arriving at the Rideau Canal will feel like a grand finale.

  • The Chaffeys Lockstation occupies a narrow strip of land between Indian and Opinicon lakes. Find a place on the lawn or a picnic table, watch boats pass through the hand-operated lock and give your legs a well-earned rest. 
  • During the navigation season, the lockstation provides washrooms, potable water and visitor information.
  • Plan a visit to the Lockmaster’s House Museum to learn how the canal transformed an early mill settlement into a transportation hub and, later, a summer resort community. The museum operates seasonally and admission is by donation.
  • Finish the day across the road at The Opinicon. Its restaurant, pub and old-fashioned ice cream shop make an appropriately nostalgic ending to a journey along a former railway. Reservations in advance are recommended.
  • A self-guided heritage walk loops approximately one kilometre through the village.

Make It a 2-Day Ride

To turn this into a weekend trip, reserve a cottage or lodge in the Chaffeys Lock area and retrace the route to Smiths Falls the following morning. The return journey will bring the total to approximately 86 kilometres, plus detours into Portland, Forfar and Chaffeys Lock.

Another option is to reverse the ride and set off from Chaffeys to Smiths Falls where you can spend the night at the Smiths Falls Best Western, a bicycle-friendly destination close to the Rideau Canal and plenty of services.

Day Trip
Eastern Ontario Rail Trail
Bicycling