A good cycling trip is measured in kilometres, but also in coffee stops, picnic breaks, and where you land for dinner. This two-night, three-day route follows the Ottawa Valley Recreational Trail (OVRT) through Lanark County, linking Pakenham, Almonte, Carleton Place, and Smiths Falls with manageable riding and plenty of reasons to get off the bike.
The OVRT is part of the Eastern Ontario Rail Trails Loop and follows a former rail corridor, making navigation straightforward. Use it as the backbone of the ride, then add short detours when they improve the day: Blakeney Rapids for a picnic, Mill Street in Almonte for lunch, downtown Carleton Place for dinner, and the Rideau Canal in Smiths Falls for a strong finish.
Day One: Pakenham to Carleton Place (24 km)
Start in Pakenham. The well-maintained trailhead area allows overnight parking, or you can cycle in from Arnprior, about 12 kilometres away. Before you leave, see the Five Span Bridge and stop at Keeper’s Coffee for coffee and baked goods. For picnic supplies, 1840s General Store & Bakery is another practical stop before you head south. Ride the OVRT toward Almonte. Early in the day, consider the short detour to Blakeney Rapids. The country roads are quiet, and the rapids make a useful rest stop if you want to eat before reaching town.
In Almonte, plan a proper lunch break. The Barley Mow has a patio overlooking the waterfalls, while Joe’s Italian Kitchen offers another sit-down option on Mill Street. If you packed food, use Gemmill Park as a picnic stop. Leave time for a short walk along the Mississippi River or a visit to Hummingbird Chocolate Makers and Dairy Distillery.
End the day in Carleton Place. For dinner, book Black Tartan Kitchen if you want a more polished meal focused on seasonal Ottawa Valley ingredients. For a casual stop, check out Braumeister Brewing Co. or one of the restaurants downtown. Stay at the Comfort Inn for cozy, bike-friendly accommodations.
Day Two: Carleton Place to Smiths Falls (25km)
Day two is made for a relaxed start in Carleton Place, with time for breakfast at Freska or a pretzel from the Little German Bakery before heading south toward Smiths Falls. The OVRT is the simplest route south to Smiths Falls and keeps the day easy to follow. Enjoy the rural countryside and say hi to a few cows. Services are limited between communities, so grab a picnic in Carleton Place before starting your ride. If you need a mid-ride pick-me-up, a short detour off the trail will take you to the Franktown General Store where you can find house-made pizza and baked goods.
Use backroads if you are comfortable navigating and want extra distance. These quiet rural roads pass through open fields, wooded areas, and gently rolling terrain, creating a different perspective from the rail trail. With minimal traffic and frequent connections back to the OVRT, they are well suited for cyclists looking to customize their ride.
Approaching Smiths Falls, the landscape shifts again. Small clusters of trees give way to wider views, and glimpses of water hint at the town’s connection to the Rideau Canal.
In Smiths Falls, head toward the Rideau Canal locks and waterfront paths before dinner. The Lockmaster’s Taphouse offers canal views and hearty pub fare, while The Vault is another downtown option with seasonal specials. Consider staying overnight in a caboose at the Railway Museum of Eastern Ontario for a truly unique experience.
Day Three: Ride at Your Own Pace
Use the final day to explore more of Lanark County at your own pace. Start with coffee or breakfast in Smiths Falls (C’est Tout Bakery is a crowd favourite), then choose one of three options depending on your schedule.
If you want a light day, stay close to town. Ride or walk the canal area, or stop at the Heritage House Museum. This option works well if you have a shuttle arranged, need to return to a parked vehicle, or are travelling home by VIA Rail.
If you want more riding, use the Smiths Falls bike map to create a short local loop. This gives you time to see more of town without committing to a long ride. Keep the route simple and confirm road conditions before heading out.
If you want to extend the trip even further, retrace your route and explore some backroad cycling like Reva’s Museum Tour (Carleton Place, 41km) or Golden Hour (Almonte, 55km). Be sure to visit any culinary destinations you might have missed – the Lanark County Sip and Savour Trail will help you to find everything.
Why This Ride Works
What makes this cycling escape stand out is the way it combines ease, flavour, and exploration. As part of the Eastern Ontario Rail Trails Loop, the OVRT provides a dependable, well-maintained route that links communities, while the surrounding backroads add depth, flexibility, and the chance to follow your appetite as much as the trail.
Plan ahead. Confirm business hours, accommodations, overnight parking, shuttle logistics, and trail conditions. Surfaces can vary, and some sections include road crossings. A hybrid, gravel, or touring bike is a good fit. Bring water, snacks, a repair kit, lights, and a downloaded route. Find a listing of cycling services and routes at Lanark County Tourism.
Plan your Lanark County Getaway Today
- Lanark County Tourism – Cycling routes, maps, bike rentals, and bike shops
- Find the all the regional trails here: Lanark Trails
- Ontario By Bike – Great Places to Cycle – Find routes, trail information, maps, and bicycle friendly businesses in
- Carleton Place Tourism – Bike share program and local cycling route information
- Cycling in Perth – Find local routes, bike friendly businesses and more
- Smiths Falls Cycling Map – Download PDF map for ride in town
- Lanark Trail Tour – Use this Ontario By Bike self-guided itinerary for a 3-day ride
- Lanark County & Mississippi Mills – A 2-day itinerary for some fully paved riding
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Sponsored Content Partner: Lanark County Tourism
Photo Credits: 1, 2, 5, 6 – Ben Hemmings; 3, 4 – Lanark County
The post Savour the Ride: A Foodie Cycling Trip Through Lanark County appeared first on Ontario By Bike.
