Essex Windsor Loop

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Lakeshore, Ontario, CA

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Route Overview

Ontario By Bike

Day trip and overnight itineraries across Ontario

116 mi.

561 ft.

Cycling in Canada's southernmost region, Essex County, offers spectacular scenery including wineries and waterways, as well as picturesque riding along the shores of the Detroit River in Windsor. Make the most of a long weekend, cycling this curated, two night, three day, long bicycle tour.

This route takes in beautiful riding, following the signed Great Lakes Waterfront Trail west along the southern shore of Lake St. Clair and riverfront in Windsor. Plan to slow down the pace to take in the scenery and waterfront rest stops and villages.

Enjoy a night in Windsor before pedaling through EPIC Wine Country and on to Leamington for the second night. For the last day of riding, explore the natural beauty and beaches of Point Pelee National Park before riding back to Comber.

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Route Details

At a total distance of 186km or 115 miles, this route is rated moderate and is suggested as a 3-day itinerary. Riders need to have some experience riding on roads with low volume and low speed vehicle traffic as the route is approximately two-third on roads and one-third on trails (mix of paved and crushed stone trails) or park roads.

This is a looped route, so you can ride back to your own transportation in Comber.

Large portions of this route follows signed bike routes; including the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail, Chrysler Greenway Trail and the Trans Canada Trail. Not all roadsegments have bike lanes or paved shoulders to ride on. Some of the road route is on very quiet country roads, other segments are busier.

Off-road trails do incorporate segments of unpaved surfaces, which are hard packed so easy to ride. The majority of ride has limited elevation changes, the flat terrain makes this ride suitable for hybrid bikes, mountain bikes and older road bikes with wider tires.

## [Download PDF Itinerary here](https://www.ontariobybike.ca/images/stories/docs/Essex_Windsor_Loop_-_Route__Itinerary.pdf)

@slice[# Day 1 – Comber to Windsor - 52km](d,0,51919.89)

Starting in Comber, load up on supplies before meeting with the group at the designated parking lot for check-in and ride briefing. A short ride north through agricultural lands brings riders to Lake St. Clair. Head west on rural roads, following the signed [Great Lakes Waterfront Trail](http://www.waterfronttrail.org), with the lake never far off. Stop at beaches or lakeside communities to explore more. A suggested lunch stop is Belle River in the town of Lakeshore, with a @photo[fantastic beach/marina](4393516) with washrooms, covered area for shade of course, ice cream! Continue riding west along a mix of quiet suburban roads and city trails into the city of Windsor. Spend time exploring the @photo[riverfront park and downtown](4393511).

With a [burgeoning culinary scene](https://www.windsoreats.com/), a visit to any of the city's popular restaurants and cafes is a must. If a drink is what you're after, this city is embracing it's prohibition past and features a number of @poi[local craft distilleries and breweries](8164168).

@slice[# Day 2 – Windsor to Leamington - 73km](d,51919.89,124464.3)

Connecting back on to the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail, ride west along the paved path and the shore of the Detroit River with views across to `Motor City`. Leaving town, ride along quiet city streets and park paths to the spectacular Herb Gray Parkway, a paved multi-use trail with community art installations along the way.

A short ride east connects riders to the well-maintained Chrysler Canada Greenway, a 42km rail trail that travels south through quiet rural landscapes and into the heart of one of Ontario`s popular wine regions. Stop for a refreshment break in Harrow or at any one of the many wineries that are a short jaunt off the main trail. The trail stretches east past farms and through the town of Kingsville with its boutique shops and restaurants, heading towards the day's end destination, Leamington. Cruise the final few kilometres into Leamington along quieter roadways arriving at the certified bicycle friendly, Quality Inn. Settle into your accommodations, explore Leamington or head south to beautiful waterfront promenade to catch a sunset or perhaps watch a ferry arrive in the harbour.

@slice[# Day 3 – Leamington to Comber - 61km](d,124464.3,186806.18)

The final day of riding offers both a mix of quiet roads and off-road trails. Beginning the ride out from Leamington, head south along a @photo[peninsula with frequent views of Lake Erie](4393513). Enjoy a pedal to the sunny and sandy shores of Lake Erie as you enter [Point Pelee National Park](https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/on/pelee/index) (park admission is required).

Ride out along a crushed stone park path, connecting further south along a quiet park road to the southern tip of Canada`s mainland for a cool off or just take in the view. Ride back to Leamington for lunch overlooking the water. The park is a part of an important bird and butterfly migration corridor, and with a stroll out onto the floating marsh boardwalk, timing may be right to witness the fall Monark butterfly migration.

The final stretch of the ride, through bountiful agricultural lands of Essex County at the beginning of harvest season, takes cyclists north following the Trans Canada Trail for an easy afternoon of off-road trail riding and return to start location in Comber.

# Additional Visitor Information:

Use below to find out more about ride areas and plan an extra day or two to see more.

* [Ontario By Bike Windsor Essex Pelee Island](https://www.ontariobybike.ca/windsoressexpelee)
* [Great Lakes Waterfront Trail](https://www.waterfronttrail.org)
* [County Wide Active Transportation System (CWATS)](http://www.cwats.ca/en/index.asp)
* [Trans Canada Trail| The Great Trail](https://www.thegreattrail.ca)  
* [Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island](https://www.visitwindsoressex.com)
* [Ontario`s Southwest](https://www.ontariossouthwest.com)

**Getting To/From Start:**
Comber is conveniently located just south of the County Road 77 exit (#77) on Hwy 401. 35 minutes east of Windsor, 1.5 hours west of London.

**Arriving Early / Staying Late:**Consider an overnight option at the certified bicycle friendly The Iron Kettle Bed & Breakfast in Comber or stay at other nearby Ontario By Bike Network accommodations in Windsor Essex or Chatham-Kent.

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Essex Windsor Loop

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