Guide to Cycling Adventures in Ontario’s Almaguin Highlands

By Guest Blogger
August 14, 2025

Located just north of Muskoka, Ontario, the Almaguin Highlands offers a paradise for cyclists seeking both gravel and road biking opportunities. Featuring rolling hills, tranquil lakes, and quaint villages, the area provides a stunning backdrop for every cycling journey. Whether you’re discovering the historic paths near Burk’s Falls, exploring Mikisew Provincial Park, or joining a guided ride with Missing Link Adventure Tours, an adventure awaits every cyclist.

Road Cycling Routes

With rolling hills and country roads, there are plenty of reasons to hop on your road bike and explore. Given the numerous options and our limited time, we had to make some choices and couldn’t resist the chance to visit the famous Screaming Heads by bike. As luck would have it, there’s a loop to do just that, AKA the Screaming Heads Loop.

Beginning at the Burk’s Falls Welcome Centre, the route follows Highway 520 for a few kilometres before turning onto Midlothian Road. It’s about nine kilometres from town to the 200-acre art installation known as Screaming Heads, a surreal artscape of giant cast-concrete sculptures created by artist Peter Camani.

The ride must go on; we follow Midlothian Road West along rolling hills and a stretch of gravel before turning onto the historic Old Nipissing Road. There are several points of interest along this loop that offer a reason to stop, including the quirky Cornball Store, known for delicious butter tarts. In Magnetawan, you can grab a bite at the vintage-style Magnetawan Snack Bar or the popular Bear’s Den food truck; you can stop by the locks, Magnetawan Historical Heritage Centre Museum or Centennial Park for a swim.

The home stretch follows Highway 520 back to Burk’s Falls Welcome Centre, which is also the site of Pulled Smokehouse & Welcome Centre Canteen, offering a variety of delicious food and both cold and hot beverages. You can also explore a gift shop and view the art installations. Take a stroll along the nearby Heritage River Walk and Covered Bridge for a delightful experience.

Other Popular Almaguin Highlands Road Bike Loops

Ahmic Lake Loop Extension (40 km)
This 40 km loop guides you along the picturesque backroads surrounding Ahmic Lake, showcasing rolling hills and segments of the historic Old Nipissing Road, which is now integrated into the Trans Canada Trail. Get ready for some steep climbs, and be cautious of speedy vehicles on some stretches.

AIM Triangle (65 km Loop)
Beginning at Burk’s Falls, the AIM Triangle links the Almaguin villages, offering a blend of gentle hills and picturesque vistas. This route is a favourite of the local Almaguin In Motion cycling club and includes paved roads with differing traffic levels. Notable attractions include the artesian wells in Sundridge and the quaint character of Magnetawan.

Eagle Lake Loop Extension (53 km)
The Eagle Lake Loop is a fabulous ride on its own, but if you’re looking for a longer adventure, the Eagle Lake Loop extends the AIM Triangle by 53 km, making it a metric-century trip. This addition provides opportunities for relaxation and fun at Eagle Lake Narrows and Mikisew Provincial Park, where you can take a swim or play a game of disc golf.

Gravel & Adventure Cycling

When it comes to gravel cycling, Almaguin Highlands is paradise. While camping at Mikisew Provincial Park, finding a local gravel ride was as easy as searching locally on Ride With GPS, selecting the service type, and with options aplenty. My 40-kilometre ride included a stretch of Old Nipissing Road, plenty of stunning scenery and virtually no traffic.

If you prefer a set route, follow the Trans Canada Trail signs and set out on a gravel adventure along the Old Nipissing Road. This historic pathway leads you through ghost towns and secluded backcountry. This self-guided trip offers a variety of distances and terrain, making it ideal for both day rides and longer bikepacking adventures.

Rider Resources

Ride with Missing Link Adventure Tours
Nestled near the charming town of Burk’s Falls, Missing Link Adventure Tours offers delightful farm-stay cycling retreats for gravel and road cyclists alike. Their exciting programs include multi-day rides, bikepacking weekends, and endurance camps, all wonderfully complemented by delicious, locally sourced nutrition from their very own Santosha Farm.

Camp At Mikisew Provincial Park
Located near South River, Mikisew Provincial Park is a cyclist-friendly destination that offers a variety of recreational activities. The park serves as a rest stop on the Eagle Lake Loop, providing opportunities for swimming, disc golf, and relaxation amidst nature.

  • Bike Repair Stations: Available in Magnetawan and Burk’s Falls.
  • Local Bike Shops: Home Hardware in Magnetawan and Lake Bernard Bicycle Repair Shop in Sundridge.
  • Community Bike Share: Free bike share program in Magnetawan and Burk’s Falls.
  • Hydration Points: Don’t miss the opportunity to fill your water bottle at the artesian well in Sundridge or the antique hand pump located in front of Magnetawan Bar and Grill.

More Information

Upcoming Events

Intro Bikepacking Weekend
October 3-5, 2025

Join Missing Link Adventure Tours for a supported weekend of gravel bikepacking in the Almaguin Highlands from October 3-5, 2025. The event includes guided rides, camping, and meals prepared by Santosha Farm.

Whether you’re an experienced cyclist or a casual rider, the Almaguin Highlands provides a variety of cycling experiences. With its mix of challenging routes, welcoming community, and stunning natural scenery, it’s a destination that guarantees both adventure and relaxation.

Happy riding!

Guest Blogger: Martin Lortz

Martin Lortz is a seasoned explorer, photographer, and writer passionate about outdoor adventure. With his talent for freezing unforgettable moments on camera, he has become a go-to photographer for all things power sports in Ontario. However, Martin’s interests extend far beyond power sports, and he is equally skilled at capturing outdoor activities, including RVing, cycling, paddling, fishing, hiking, and camping. To see more of Martin’s photography, visit www.lortzphoto.com. You can also follow his adventures on www.CreakingOn.com.