When’s the last time you biked from one community to the next? Few feelings beat hitting our region’s open roads or groomed trails in search of whatever lies one town over. With that in mind, Wellington County has crafted seven signature cycling routes connecting communities across Guelph and Wellington — Elora to Fergus, Harriston to Clifford, Rockwood to Guelph, and more. These rides lead cyclists of all levels along rolling rural roads, through picturesque hamlets and villages, and right up to the doors of charming boutiques, cozy cafés, and mouth-watering pubs. We’re featuring four of these routes here. Take a peek. Then mount up — adventure is just around the corner.
GUELPH–WELLINGTON GRAVEL EXPLORER
DISTANCE: 62KM
EXPERIENCE LEVEL: INTERMEDIATE
ROUTE SURFACES: 65% PAVED, 35% UNPAVED/GRAVEL
Start at Guelph’s Goldie Mill ruins and follow the Royal Recreational Trail to Guelph Lake Conservation Area. Roll along gravel roads past Cox Creek Cellars (perfect for a tasting break) and cross the Grand River on the Trestle Bridge Trail into Centre Wellington. Detour into Fergus or continue to Elora via the Kissing Bridge Trailway for a stop at Scoop (seasonal) or Lost & Found Café. Finish your ride at Fixed Gear Brewing Company back in Guelph with pizza and pints.
Pro tip: Stop at the Elora Quarry Conservation Area or The Fieldstone Barn (seasonal) along the way.
ELORA-FERGUS GRAND RIVER LOOP
DISTANCE: 35KM
EXPERIENCE LEVEL: BEGINNER
ROUTE SURFACES: 75% PAVED, 25% UNPAVED/STONE-DUST TRAILS
This relaxed loop explores some of the best trails and paved roads in and around Elora and Fergus. Start in idyllic Elora and head west on Middlebrook Rd, with views of horse farms and the Elora Gorge. Pause at Wilson Flats for a serene Grand River moment before continuing along the scenic Cottontail Road Trail. Then beeline to Fergus via the Trestle Bridge Trail, wander the town, and return to Elora via the Elora-Cataract Trailway. End your ride with shared plates and cocktails on The Friendly Society’s patio.
Pro tip: Grab a caffeine fix at The Vault Coffee and Espresso Bar in downtown Fergus.
FERGUS–ERIN ROAD & TRAIL LOOP
DISTANCE: 75KM
EXPERIENCE LEVEL: ADVANCED
ROUTE SURFACES: 56% PAVED, 44% UNPAVED/GRAVEL
This scenic ride links Fergus and Erin with a rewarding mix of roads and trails. Begin on Jones Baseline, then follow Townline Eramosa Garafraxa to Wellington Rd 22. Refuel at the Hungry Horse Food Truck (seasonal) or try berry picking or alpaca walks nearby. In Erin, stop by The Busholme for a bite or refreshing beverage or the Tin Roof Café for exceptional coffee. Ride back on the Elora Cataract Trailway (note: closed from Erin to Hillsburgh until June 2025 — use Wellington Rds 23 & 22 to detour). Enjoy the panoramic view from Shand Dam before returning to Fergus for post-ride eats and drinks.
Pro tip: Cool off with cones at Bailey’s Ice Cream (seasonal) in Erin.
