Drone view of cyclists riding on a country road
Cycle Northumberland
Glorious Ganaraska Cycling Route

Discover Port Hope by bike

Distance

27km

Max Grade

3.5%

Elevation Gain

188m

Estimated Time

28min

Cycle Northumberland: Port Hope Edition

Lakeshore views, rolling hills, and agricultural vistas make this ride a must-try. The shortest of our 5 looped cycling routes you’ll roll by Lake Ontario, the Ganaraska River and you can even take a short detour to visit downtown Port Hope, making it the perfect ride for cyclists who like to mix landscapes with a little urban discovery.

All the details:

  • Distance: 62km
  • Elevation Gain: 572m
  • Elevation Loss: 572m
  • Max Grade: 6.8%
  • Min Grade: -6.5%
  • 87% paved, 13% unpaved

 

Download a Printable Map
Group of cyclists riding on country road past harvested field

Highlights Along the Way

This route encompasses the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail at Lake Ontario and forms a leg of the Greenbelt Route (Northumberland to Niagara) around the Sylvan Glen Conservation Area. There are some great photo opportunities and places to stop to refuel, or just enjoy your surroundings.

  • Take in lakeside views as your ride takes you along Lake Ontario, west of the town of Port Hope.
  • Go off the path, just a bit, to explore downtown Port Hope. Pick up something to eat, or explore local shops.
  • Have a picnic or take a nature walk at Sylvan Glen Conservation Area. Depending on the time of year, you might be able to see brown or brook trout splashing along the Ganaraska River.
  • Enjoy the challenge of Northumberland’s rolling hills by bike. Some are long and gradual to test your perseverance, others are quick and challenging, just to make sure you’re paying attention.
  • The ride along Morrish Church Road is dotted with local farms, giving you a chance to see where local food is produced while making you feel like you’re in your own quiet, offline world.
  • There are plenty of other detours to take from this reasonably quick route. You could discover larger than life sculptures and world goods at Primitive Designs, shmurgle a goat or walk an alpaca at Haute Goat or check out the Port Hope Fish Ladder in the fall to see salmon heading upstream for their annual migration.

 

 

Sneak Peek

Glorious Ganaraska Sights

Two female cyclists smiling at the camera with their bikes and wearing helmets
Downtown Port Hope
People viewing salmon migration at a fish ladder
Ganaraska River at Sylvan Glen Conservation Area
drone view of a car and cyclist on a country road in fall
Ontario by Bike Certified

Bike-Friendly Businesses

Places to Eat

Places to Shop

Places to Stay

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