Merrickville - Jasper Short Loop (34km)

Additional Information

From the parkland beside the Rideau Canal and bridge in the centre of Merrickville, you can find lots of coffee shops and restaurants for a quick snack before getting on your bike.

Head out of town south along the main street (St. Lawrence St) and turn right onto County Rd 16.  Follow Cty Rd 16 through farmland for almost 15 kilometers and you'll come to Jasper.  Here you'll cross a bridge over wetlands and open water leading to the Rideau River on the right.

Take care crossing the railway tracks and then turn right onto Jasper Street (Road 17).  A hundred metres of so along you'll find a gas station on the left with drinks, snacks, washroom, friendly dog inside, and a small grassy area to enjoy a rest before heading on back to Merrickville.

Continue along Road 17 for about a kilometer and turn right onto Kilmarnock Road.  This will lead you north to Wolford Chapel, a bridge across to Kilmarnock Island, and another bridge to the north shore of the Rideau River.

Turn right at the T-stop and very shortly thereafter turn right again onto Rideau River Rd, following it for just over eight kilometers along the north shore of the River.  When Rideau River Rd comes to a T-stop, turn right onto the county road and follow it for about 2.5 km back to Merrickville.  At the stop sign, turn right to cross the bridge, past the old jail, blockhouse and museum, back to your starting point.

Terrain

Moderately flat to gently rolling farmland for most of the way.

Bike Suitability

All paved - suitable for road, touring or hybrid bike.

Start Location

Merrickville.

Notes and Cautions

Traffic in Merrickville can be quite heavy in the summer.