RADIO TOUR

A 200 km route through the Ottawa Valley. Submitted by Francois Marquis.

ROUTE OVERVIEW

Distance: 200 km | Ascent: 747 m | Recommended days: 2-4

The route was a mix of gravel bike paths, dirt roads, and quiet paved country roads. Very little traffic over the entirety of the route except for the final portion coming into town. We stayed in hotels each night, but there is camping at any of the lock stations on the first two nights. This was an introduction to bikepacking for my wife and she loved it enough to want to do it again, so I’m hoping it might be encouraging to get other people into the sport.

DETAILS

My wife and I did this route in the summer of 2024 as a 4 day trip at a very casual pace. The route begins at the experimental farm in Ottawa and immediately joins the Transcanada bike path. The navigation west is very straightforward and remains on the bike path until Carleton Place. There are several eating options along the path west. Some highlights along this portion are the various marshes between Stittsville and Carleton Place and the quiet roads.

At Carleton Place the route turns south and heads towards Merrickville. Well maintained ATV trails lead you south through quiet farmland and dirt roads take you out the final portion down into town. The town of Merrickville is a gem of a tourist town with lots of little shops, restaurants and ice cream parlours. You can camp for free at the canal locks or if you want to splurge, a stay at the Baldachin Inn is a great way to spend the night.

From here the route turns east and heads across various backcountry farm roads and ATV trails. There are a large variety of swimming holes to stop at along the way and a few lunch stops to break up the day. This portion ends in Kemptville with a variety of camping and hotel options littered throughout the town.

The final portion of the trip heads north along old converted rail trails with quiet road crossings along the way. A mandatory stop is the No Go Cafe in Osgoode for a final coffee and treat before the final push into town. The final portion of the trip joins the rail trails to the city bike paths that brings you down to Hogsback Falls and the start of the Rideau Canal.