Hub-and-Spoke – New day rides in Haliburton and Hastings Counties
Some riders chase the horizon. Others prefer to find a great spot, drop their bags, and explore from a home base. If that sounds like your style, the new Ride the Highlands Local Routes in the Haliburton and Hastings region were crafted with you in mind.
With Local Rides already mapped in the Ottawa Valley, we recognized it was time to bring some new options to the western side of Ontario’s Highlands.
We’ve launched four new day rides designed for hub-and-spoke touring where you stay in one location, set out each day on a different loop, and return to your basecamp each evening. It’s the ideal setup for riders who want more time in the saddle and less time packing up.
What to Expect on These Rides
These routes are anything but ordinary. Winding roads cut through exposed rock, tight curves lead to sweeping views, and scenic lookouts are never far from your next fuel or food stop. Haliburton and Bancroft make ideal home bases, offering great local eats, rider-friendly accommodations, and small-town charm.
Each route delivers a unique experience across a landscape shaped by grit and dynamite. From cruising past towering rock cuts to relaxing at lakeside pull-offs, the terrain is as rewarding as the ride itself.
Who Are These Rides Perfect For?
These local routes are designed for riders who:
– Prefer to ride light without packing and unpacking every day
– Like to trailer in and stay put for a few nights
– Want to explore Ontario’s Highlands at a relaxed pace
– Appreciate scenic stops, local cafés, and a strong connection to the communities
Whether you’re out for a weekend getaway or planning a longer stay, these routes offer the flexibility to ride your way, without the pressure of constant travel.
Four New Routes to Discover
Get ready to roll. Start planning your next Ride the Highlands adventure with these epic new routes:
The Hali Banny (247 km) – A scenic loop connecting Haliburton and Bancroft, filled with small-town charm, local eats, and flowing pavement. (View Route)
Roller Ramble (270 km) – Twisting roads, rolling hills, and dramatic views, all based out of Bancroft. (View Route)
Corduroy Tour (165 km) – A nod to the region’s early road builders, this route connects you to the past on fully paved, ruggedly beautiful roads. (View Route)
The Algonquin Spur (321 km) – A historic ride taking you through Algonquin Park, tracing former railway spurs once used for logging. (View Route)
Where’s the best location to stage from?
While you can stay at accommodations located along any of the routes, these rides were designed with Haliburton and Bancroft as the primary overnight hubs. Each town offers restaurants, gas stations, grocery stores, and rider-friendly lodging.
Looking to make it a longer getaway? There are plenty of cottage rentals along the routes, ideal for riders travelling with family or friends. Load up your bike, bring your groceries, and settle in for a full week of riding, relaxing, and exploring.
Ready to Ride?
Now’s the time to plan your basecamp, fuel up, and experience a new way to Ride the Highlands. These local routes offer all the adventure without the daily shuffle. Keep your gear in one place and let the roads do the moving.
