Man cycling by trees covered in fall colours
Cycle Northumberland
Shelter Valley Cycling Route

Take a cycling trip from Cobourg to Grafton and around

Distance

48.5km

Max Grade

4.7%

Elevation Gain

399m

Estimated Time

50min

Cycle Northumberland: Cobourg to Grafton Edition

Take in some of the best Lake Ontario cycling starting in Cobourg and heading east to Grafton. From there, wind your way north for backroad cycling in beautiful Shelter Valley. This route is 50 km long.

All the details:

  • Distance: 48.5km
  • Elevation Gain: 399m
  • Elevation Loss: 400m
  • Max Grade: 4.7%
  • Min Grade: -6.1%
  • 92% paved, 8% unpaved
Download a Printable Map
Bike leaning against stone wall at Ste Anne's Spa

Highlights Along the Way

  • Cobourg is the natural starting point for this route. Before you head out, explore the waterfront boardwalk, sink your toes in the white sand beach, get refreshed in Lake Ontario, or get some food to nourish you for the road.
  • This route stays close to the water for much of it so you’ll enjoy the waterfront breezes coming off Lake Ontario.
  • Nawautin Nature Sanctuary and Wetland is on the shores of Lake Ontario, just south of Grafton. The peaceful nature reserve offers you a chance to enjoy a nature walk, cool off in Lake Ontario, take a moment to skip some stones, and enjoy the view of the pond habitat from the covered bridge.
  • In Grafton, pop into the Lass and Ladle for a coffee or a lunch break and soak in the small town vibes.
  • If you’re cycling in the fall (you definitely should!), just west from Shelter Valley Road is Pipeline Road where you’ll find some of Ontario cycling’s best views of vibrant, fall colours.
  • Take a ride down Massey Road and roll by Ste. Anne’s Spa. The stone wall makes a great selfie stop and you can definitely have to pop into Ste. Anne’s Bakery, a certified gluten-free bakery with delicious sandwiches, sweet treats, and even coconut ice cream. The food truck, Academy Hill Grill is not your standard food truck fare, you’ll want to check that out too!
  • Heads up, the hill on Academy Hill Road has a 7 percent grade!

 

Sneak Peek

Shelter Valley Sights

Lifeguard station on Cobourg Beach with sea gulls on the roof top.
Two people enjoying a snack in a bakery
Man riding a bike on a rural road in fall
Cobourg-Farmers-Market-TC-2562
Two people riding bikes on a dirt road with fall colours surrounding them
Ontario by Bike Certified

BIke-Friendly Businesses

Places to Eat

Places to Shop

Places to Stay

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