Shift Into Scenic: Explore Endless Cycling Adventures In Durham Region

Thinking about your next cycling adventure? Start with Durham Region.

I have ridden in many spectacular places around the world, and I have called Durham home for most of my life. What may surprise you is how much Durham brings together in one ride: rolling hills and quiet flatlands, pristine roads through farmland and forest, a strong coffee culture, historic downtowns and deep blue lakes. Together, they make Durham one of the very best places to ride in Canada.

Over a few days this summer, I gathered friends to ride several of Durham Region’s Recreational Cycling Loops in Uxbridge, Scugog, Brock and Clarington. I knew the roads well; many of them did not, and I wanted to see Durham through their eyes.

Our first leg was the Goodwood Heights loop (60 km, 547 m elevation), starting and ending in the Village of Goodwood, better known as the set for Schitt’s Creek. The north-south concession roads are challenging, picturesque and well worth the effort, especially Concession Road 6, which cuts through expansive farms and tree-lined laneways. Annina’s Bakeshop provides the rider’s reward.

Highlighting Durham’s diverse landscape, the Beaverton Harbour Pro loop (31 km, 150 m elevation) offers a pancake-flat ride along Lake Simcoe, then inland through marshes and farmland. We spotted bald eagles overhead while enjoying the quiet solitude of these northern roads. After riding along the Trent-Severn Canal, we returned to Beaverton for coffee and cake at The Shortiss Cafe Bar, one of the most elegant cafés you will find.

For a moderately challenging route, Scugog has lots to offer. Our group of four chose the reverse Serene Scugog loop (17 km, 142 m elevation), but not before a quick espresso at Nexus Coffee, a strong supporter of the local cycling scene. The best part is the ride east on Scugog Line 6, with a long, fast descent, amazing views, and a canopy of forest trees over perfect asphalt. Refreshed, we capped the ride with beers at Old Flame Brewery, where everyone was friendly and curious about our cycling journey.

For our last challenge, a larger group cycled east through the hills of Clarington. We strung together the Clarington Countryside loop (24 km, 226 m elevation) and the Apple Capital loop (28 km, 329 m elevation) for an epic day. The roads were exceptionally quiet, with only a few cars passing over several hours, leaving us free to enjoy the pastoral landscape and some of Durham’s toughest hills. With a big group, we could break for water in Enniskillen, Tyrone and Orono before a longer coffee stop at Roam Coffee in Bowmanville. For many riders, these roads were brand new. I promised them a beautiful day on the bike, and that is exactly what they experienced.

These are just a few of the hundreds of options Durham Region has to offer. Whether you live nearby or are visiting from farther away, there is always something to discover on these roads, no matter what kind of bike you ride. My next Durham ride report will be this fall, when nature’s colours make the region one of the best places to experience fall cycling.

Before you go, check route distances, surfaces, weather, and seasonal conditions, and plan your café or water stops in advance. The best Durham rides combine quiet roads, memorable scenery, and enough time to enjoy the towns along the way.

Until then, there are still roads to be ridden in Durham Region. See you out there.