Featured location
Arnprior
Where two rivers meet and the rail trail rolls for miles.
Arnprior sits at the confluence of the Madawaska and Ottawa Rivers, about 55 km west of downtown Ottawa, and serves as the eastern gateway to the 296 km Ottawa Valley Recreational (Algonquin) Trail. Cyclists come for the flat, river-hugging rail trail on one side and the quiet, rolling county roads climbing toward Burnstown, White Lake and Calabogie on the other. A compact, walkable downtown with a bakehouse, cafes and a brewery makes the town an easy launch pad or mid-ride refuel.
What the riding’s like
The Algonquin Trail is flat, hard-packed gravel that shadows the wide Ottawa River, ideal for relaxed all-surface riding, while the road network is gently rolling Canadian Shield country that gets hillier and more punchy as you head inland toward Calabogie. Pavement on the numbered county roads is generally good with light traffic once you leave town, though shoulders vary and some inland stretches are exposed. Expect scenic, low-stress kilometres with the freedom to mix gravel rail trail and quiet tarmac.
Points of interest
Worth a look on the bike or a reason to linger after the ride.
Gillies Grove and House National Historic Site
NatureA rare stand of old-growth eastern white pine that shelters Ontario's tallest tree, a roughly 47-metre giant.
Robert Simpson Park
ParkA lakeside park on the Ottawa River with a beach, splash pad and picnic areas, a natural finish-line spot.
Arnprior and District Museum
HistoryHoused in an 1896 sandstone former post office, it tells the story of the valley's lumber-era past.
Confluence of the Madawaska and Ottawa Rivers
ViewpointFrom Bell Park you can watch the Madawaska pour into the Ottawa River right at the town's edge.
Algonquin Trail trailhead
LandmarkThe Arnprior end of the 296 km Ottawa Valley Recreational Trail, the region's signature multi-use rail trail.
Food & coffee stops
Where riders refuel — coffee, baked goods, and a proper post-ride meal.
Mighty Fine Bakehouse & Cafe
BakeryA downtown bakehouse on Madawaska Street known for croissants, cinnamon rolls, meat pies and espresso, a popular cyclist stop.
Cold Bear Brewing Co.
BreweryAn Arnprior craft brewery and taproom on Madawaska Boulevard pouring lagers and hoppy ales made with local ingredients.
Sweet & Sassy Café
CafeA cozy downtown cafe serving Equator coffee alongside homemade baked goods and fresh sandwiches.
Neat Coffee Shop
CafeA beloved coffee house and live-music venue in nearby Burnstown, a classic destination on the White Lake loop.
Negi Family Bistro & Pub
RestaurantA downtown Arnprior bistro and pub offering a full sit-down menu for a heartier post-ride meal.
Ride ideas
Rides to, from, and around Arnprior to get you started.
Algonquin Trail to Renfrew
A flat, hard-packed gravel run along the Ottawa Valley Recreational Trail that hugs the river before turning inland toward Renfrew.
Arnprior - Burnstown - White Lake Loop
A rolling paved tour through the villages of Burnstown and White Lake with plenty of cafe and rest stops along the way.
Calabogie - Renfrew - White Lake Big Loop
A longer figure-eight through Burnstown, Calabogie, Renfrew and White Lake with nearly 1,000 m of climbing for stronger riders.
Frequently asked questions
- How far is Arnprior from Ottawa?
- Arnprior is about 55 km from downtown Ottawa, in Renfrew County, Ontario.
- What's the cycling like in Arnprior?
- The Algonquin Trail is flat, hard-packed gravel that shadows the wide Ottawa River, ideal for relaxed all-surface riding, while the road network is gently rolling Canadian Shield country that gets hillier and more punchy as you head inland toward Calabogie. Pavement on the numbered county roads is generally good with light traffic once you leave town, though shoulders vary and some inland stretches are exposed. Expect scenic, low-stress kilometres with the freedom to mix gravel rail trail and quiet tarmac.
- Where should cyclists stop for food or coffee in Arnprior?
- Popular stops include Mighty Fine Bakehouse & Cafe, Cold Bear Brewing Co. and Sweet & Sassy Café — see the full list of food and coffee spots on this page.
- What's a good cycling route from Arnprior?
- The Algonquin Trail to Renfrew is a great start — a 42 km rail trail ride. A flat, hard-packed gravel run along the Ottawa Valley Recreational Trail that hugs the river before turning inland toward Renfrew.
- What is there to see in Arnprior?
- Highlights include Gillies Grove and House National Historic Site, Robert Simpson Park and Arnprior and District Museum.
Plan your ride around Arnprior
Open the interactive map to plot a route, then check the amenities and trails layers along the way.
Explore the routes mapMore featured locations
Local details change — confirm hours and openings before you ride, and always ride to the conditions you find on the ground.