Great Lakes to Greenbelt–Lake Ontario Watershed Cycling Network
HIGHLAND HUSTLE
195 km
It’s bakeries or bust on this fully-signed 169-194km self-guided tour where you’ll experience some of the best highs and lows of the Greenbelt Route and the Lake Ontario Waterfront Trail.
This recommended 2-day tour takes you through the pastoral green hills and drumlins of Durham and Northumberland and along the bright water of the north shore of Lake Ontario. You’ll visit 4 locally famous (read: “don’t-miss”) farmer’s markets and bakeries, scenic overlooks, beaches and historic locales, including a still-operating historic mill and blacksmith.
“The route could never be described as flat, and that’s part of its appeal! There are hills aplenty but obviously what goes up must come down!”
Jo Sharland
Check Jo’s blog post “Doing the Highland Hustle”
Day 1- Whitby Waterfront to Cobourg along the Greenbelt Route contains some challenging hill riding, justifying any baked goods and ice cream you may just happen to eat along the way.
Day 2 -Cobourg to Whitby is more of a cruise along roads and off-road trails.
Make sure you are stocked up on necessities.
Tip: To shorten each day’s ride, consider a stay in Port Hope.
Start/Finish: Port Whitby Rotary Park. 48 hour overnight parking available at the Whitby GO Station,1350 Brock St S, Whitby, ON L1N 6G3. There is a signed connection from the GO Station to the Waterfront Trail.
Terrain: Rolling hills throughout the Greenbelt. Flat day’s ride on Day 2 along the Waterfront Trail.
Surface: Combination of paths and roads. Paved and some gravel roads. Suitable for hybrid bikes and road bikes fitted with wider tires.
Level: Recommended for more experienced cyclists who are comfortable riding longer distances with periodic amenities.
Accommodations: Hotel Carlyle & Restaurant, 86 John St, Port Hope, ON L1A 2Z2 OR Best Western Plus Cobourg Inn & Convention Centre, 930 Burnham St, Cobourg, ON K9A 2X9
Maps: Download RidewithGPS Map and Cue Sheet. The interactive map and detailed cue sheets include a picture of signs you’ll follow.
Share your trips with the #greenbeltroute and #waterfronttrail hashtags.
Read Jo Sharland’s blog on the Highland Hustle
…a great couple of days of fall cycling with some challenging hills and amazing views… featuring the best of the Greenbelt Route and the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail.
About the Greenbelt
At 2 million acres, it’s the world’s largest permanently protected greenbelt. The Greenbelt preserves diverse and scenic landscapes such as the Oak Ridges Moraine and the Niagara Escarpment, keeping our farmlands, forests and wetlands safe and secure. The Greenbelt Foundation, who spearheaded the creation of the Greenbelt Route, works to help keep farmers successful, strengthen local economies, protect natural features, and promote sustainable growth.
Learn more at greenbelt.ca
Great Lakes to Greenbelt Lake Ontario Watershed Network
Stretching over 3600 km, the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail connects 155 communities and First Nations along the Canadian shores of the Great Lakes region. The signed, 475 km Greenbelt Route spans seven regions, nearly two million acres of protected Greenbelt lands, from Northumberland to Niagara.
With support from the Greenbelt Foundation, the Waterfront Regeneration Trust is leading work to develop a Lake Ontario Watershed network of signed routes that link the two extraordinary trails to protect, connect and celebrate Lake Ontario’s watershed.
Ontario by Bike
Find certified bicycle-friendly accommodations, restaurants, cafes, attractions, visitor information centres, and bike store locations across the Greenbelt with Ontario By Bike, a premier trip planning resource
for cycling experiences. For Ontario By Bike Bike-friendly certified businesses visit Ontario by Bike.
