h/w/bikepacking

Route dossier 02 · Eastern Ontario

Cataraqui Trail

A quieter former rail corridor through farms, wetlands, small communities, and Canadian Shield country—with several sensible ways to shorten the trip.

Why this route

A manageable corridor with a real change of scenery.

The Cataraqui Trail runs 104 kilometres between Smiths Falls and Strathcona. A trip can use the full corridor or select a shorter section based on trail conditions, accommodation, group pace, and pickup logistics.

It is a shared-use trail with many road crossings and a surface that can change with location and weather. That makes bike choice and a current conditions check more important than the rail-trail label might suggest.

A representative day

Steady riding in shorter blocks, regular surface and bike checks, a planned food or water stop, and enough daylight margin for a relaxed arrival. Final daily distance depends on the section chosen.

What still gets checked

Surface reports, seasonal closures, vegetation and maintenance, road crossings, water and food access, legal overnight options, and the exact pickup point are checked before the trip.

View official trail information ↗

Trip options

Use the section that suits the group.

The goal is not to collect all 104 kilometres. A shorter, better-paced trip can make more room for instruction, camp, and the places along the way.

01

Two-day introduction

A selected section, shorter days, and time for setup practice.

02

Long weekend

More of the corridor with camping or available indoor stays.

03

Supported version

Vehicle pickup, gear transfer, camp support, and a clear bailout plan.

Make this a first long weekend on two wheels.