BRIGHTON: THE NATURE LOVER'S RIDE
Welcome to another edition of our Ride and Reward series. Join me on my adventures as I share my favourite routes (and rewards!) and discover some new ones too. You don’t need to be an experienced cyclist or have a fancy bike to try out these routes.
The second in our series is the Nature Lover’s Ride through Presqu’ile Provincial Park in Brighton. It’s a mostly flat, paved, and accessible ride that can be done in under an hour. Let’s go!
Written by Allison Nichol Longtin
Read time: 4 min
I’m based in Belleville, so I packed my gravel bike into my Jeep and drove 40 kilometres from my home in Belleville to Brighton for this adventure. I started my ride at Presqu’ile Park Place, a sweet little ice cream spot just before the entrance to the park.
Because I had my bike in tow, there was no need to drive into the park. At the entrance to the park, one of the staff members confirmed that it’s free entry for cyclists (or $21 for vehicle day-use if you’re driving right into the park).
I cycled past a few photographers with cameras in hand, likely birders; this park is known for its wildlife. As I rode deeper into the park, signs pointing to beaches beckoned, but I was on a bit of a mission as I planned to cycle the perimeter of the park, although a swim could be a well-deserved reward for the ride…
The road into the park is flat, paved, and has a protected cycling path. As I entered a forest, the bicycle path forked to the right, away from the main road and I took a quick pit stop in front of a placard identifying the many different species of birds you can find in the park; Presqu’ile is something of a birder’s paradise. I paused near the park’s campground office for a quick selfie with a sign after my own heart: “No excessive noise at any time.” Soft music to my ears.
From there, I connected with another road in the direction of campgrounds and the lake. There were a few campers there, all enjoying uninterrupted views of lake Ontario. I followed the smaller, gravel path through the campgrounds and reconnected with a larger, paved road, Lighthouse Lane. It’s often busier along this part of the route, with day-use visitors parked along the grass to enjoy picnics, swim, and play lawn games. It was still pretty peaceful, though.
I continued in the direction of the lighthouse. I felt called to take the trails that criss-cross the forest, but saw signs asking cyclists to stick to the roads, so I did that. When I reached the lighthouse I was reminded of Cape Spear in Newfoundland and the lighthouse at the easternmost point of North America. The Presqu’ile Point Lighthouse is worth a visit. I paused to admire it, surrounded by wildflowers and the soundtrack of birdsong and gentle waves.
I rejoined the route taking Paxton drive, the inland forest route, which was beautiful and fragrant. The smell of soil, pine needles, and warm cedar and the coolness of the air under the canopy was the perfect setting for a nature ride.
In hindsight, I kind of wish I’d turned right onto Atkins Lane toward the calf pasture and in the direction of the lake where I could have taken Bayshore road. I’ll add this detour to my list for my next ride here, along with the beaches and the sand dunes.
I followed the trail back to my starting point and paused for a freshly squeezed lemonade at Presqu’ile Park Place before heading into Brighton for my real reward at Northumberland Fine Food, a short 10-minute cycle into town. This relatively new spot is quickly becoming a favourite among locals and visitors alike. I got comfortable on the covered patio and ordered a pint from Fogorig Brewing and a cheese and charcuterie board; a luxurious reward for my ride. Before completing the loop and loading my bike back into the car for the drive home, I popped into the market to buy some loose leaf tea and browse the gourmet foods on offer.
The Brighton Nature Lover’s Ride is an accessible route that takes about an hour, maybe longer if you stop to birdwatch and take photos. It mostly sticks to paved bike paths and avoids heavy traffic areas. There are lots of options to extend your route and even take a dip in the lake to cool off. Happy cycling!
MAP IT OUT
Allison mapped out the trails and bike routes she took:
MORE RIDE, MORE REWARD
This route is just one of four in our Ride and Reward series. We have another ride in Belleville and more coming soon in Quinte West and Napanee.
