Finding ways to explore Ontario’s Greenbelt got a whole lot easier this summer with the launch of the Greenbelt Route, a 465km signed cycling route from Niagara to Northumberland County. This summer I decided to grab my bike and explore one of 7 day-trip loops that were developed in addition to larger linear route. Want to know more about the larger signed route? Check out this post I wrote.
Heading south out of Port Perry along Old Simcoe Road, it doesn’t take long before you enter into agricultural land and the vista views of northern Durham Region. The road is relatively quiet and nicely paved. Living in Toronto, it is always a relief to get out of the city and take in the fresh air and peacefulness of the countryside. It didn’t take me long to bring out the camera and start taking shots!
This route is ideal for recreational cyclists. The routing follows relatively flat ground, although there are some hilly parts. The roads are primarily quieter roads, but caution should be used on one stretch along Simcoe Road, where there is no paved shoulder and the traffic volume is quiet high. Despite that stretch, the rout is fantastic with lots to see and do along the way, including getting up close and personal to the agricultural heritage of Ontario.
My first stop along the route was at White Feather Country Store along Myrtle Road East. You can’t miss it, as there is a 9′ inflatable chicken out front. Don’t let the chicken fool you though, these people deliver on their baked goods including their butter tarts, lemon squares and apple fritters (to be consumed exclusively in that order).
While you’re at the southern most point of this route, you’re not quite halfway, so it is worth grabbing something to help fuel up. I headed off from here with a nice pannier full of treats to bring home and it was great to see a few of the signs for the larger Greenbelt Route up on my way heading north.
One of several certified bicycle friendly locations located along this route is Ocala Orchards located within the Oak Ridges Moraine on High Point Road (full disclosure – gravel road) just south of Port Perry. The location is a prime spot to rest up and a drink. I picked up a bottle of their sparkling apple juice, as I wasn’t particularly in the mood for cider at the time.
Heading out of Ocala’s, I continued along quiet rural roads that for the next few kilometres were gravel surface. Having the right type of bike (and tires) helps, but people shouldn’t shy away from mix surface riding. Gravel roads that are in decent condition can add a whole dimension to your cycling experience. For me it feels more remote and offers up an opportunity to really get off the beaten path. When I heard this route was developed with both paved roads and gravel, I knew I wanted to get out on it!
If you’re not out on your bike for training or testing your times along 100km routes, cycling really is about the journey. And the views. Sometimes it can be easy to forget when climibing hills on your bike, but you to get to the top and from there you get great views. This ride is fantastic because you are more or less perched up on the Oak Ridges Moraine, giving you views of Lake Ontario and Lake Scugog.
Heading back into Port Perry, I took a few shots of the historic downtown. The town is stunning and the local community and municipality have done a great job of preserving the architecture. I cruised the strip, but had one location as my target – Old Flame Brewery! With the bike locked up and a change of clothes on, I was ready to take on their seasonal flight!.
Route Resources:
- Use the Interactive Greenbelt Route Map to help plan your trip
- Download and print the Scugog County Cruise paper map before you go.
- Check out Ontario By Bike’s cycle resource page for other routes/trails in Durham Region
- Or Ontario By Bike’s bicycle friendly business listings for Durham region.
- Durham Tourism for more visitor information
ontariobicycletouring 
One thought on “Country Cruisin’ – Scugog Style”