Guided ride · flat & beginner-friendly · fat-tire bike included
Guided · Flat & beginner-friendly

Ride Algonquin's Old Rail Trail

A guided bike tour down a historic railway line turned trail — flat, scenic, and easy on everyone. Roll past lakes and through the forest at a relaxed pace, with a Parkbus guide leading the way and a fat-tire bike waiting for you.

From $145 · fat-tire bike & helmet included · round-trip coach from Toronto

300,000+
Riders since 2010
96%
Recommend on Facebook
4.6 ★
Google Reviews
As featured in
National Geographic CBC The Globe and Mail Toronto Star
The trail

A railway line, reborn as a ride

The Old Rail Trail follows the bed of a historic Algonquin railway — and because trains could never climb steep hills, the grade is gentle and flat the whole way. That's the magic of a rail trail: all the scenery, none of the climbing.

You'll roll along packed gravel past quiet lakes and through hardwood and pine forest, with interpretive "From Rail to Trail" signs marking the history along the route. It's calm, open, and genuinely easy — the kind of ride where you spend more time looking around than catching your breath. Listen for a loon out on the water; keep an eye on the treeline.

Flat, scenic, and quiet the whole way — Algonquin at bike pace.

A Parkbus guide and small group on the Old Rail Trail bike tour
Two cyclists riding Algonquin's Old Rail Trail

2026 ride dates

Guided rides run in mid-summer. $145 per person, all in — book early, the small groups fill up.

July 10
July 17
July 24
$145 per person
A flat rate for all ages. Includes a fat-tire bike rental and helmet from Algonquin Outfitters, a guided ride led by Parkbus guide Cristina, round-trip coach transportation from Toronto and Algonquin park access.

Where to catch the bus

Two pickup points in the GTA. Get there 15 minutes early.

The Parkbus coach — look for it at your pickup point

Downtown Toronto

34 Asquith Ave — just north of Yonge & Bloor subway station.

Departs
7:30 AM
Returns
8:30 PM

Major Mackenzie Park & Ride

Hwy 400 at Major Mackenzie Dr., Maple. Free parking available.

Departs
8:15 AM
Returns
7:30 PM

How the day unfolds

No experience, no gear, no stress — here's how the ride goes once you're off the bus.

1

Meet Cristina & get fitted

Your Parkbus guide Cristina greets the group and gets you set up on a fat-tire bike from Algonquin Outfitters — the right ride for this flat, gravelly trail — with a helmet and a quick how-to. No bike of your own required.

2

Roll onto the old rail bed

Push off onto the packed-gravel trail. The grade is flat and forgiving from the first turn of the pedals — no hills to grind up, no traffic to dodge, just open trail ahead.

3

Cruise past lakes & forest

Cristina sets an easy, social pace, with stops for the best views and a chance to catch your breath. Lakeshores open up beside you, the forest closes in overhead, and the "From Rail to Trail" signs tell the story of the line you're riding.

4

Stop for photos & a snack

Pull over at a scenic spot for water, a snack and a few photos. It's a relaxed day, not a race — the trail rewards going slow.

5

Easy ride back & bus home

Roll back the way you came, drop the bikes, and climb aboard the coach. You'll be back in Toronto the same evening, legs happy and camera full.

Is this trip for you?

If you can ride a bike, you can ride this trail. It's flat, beginner-friendly, and a relaxed pace — great for families, first-time trail riders, and anyone who wants the scenery without the burn.

A fat-tire bike and helmet are included, so there's nothing to bring or rent. Just turn up ready to roll.

What to bring

We supply the fat-tire bike and helmet. You bring the day-trip basics.

What's included

Everything you need for a great day on the trail. Just bring water, lunch, sunscreen and a sense of adventure.

A Parkbus group on a guided day in Algonquin

Round-trip coach

From downtown Toronto, with a second pickup at the Major Mackenzie Park & Ride.

Fat-tire bike & helmet

A fat-tire bike from Algonquin Outfitters and a helmet, waiting for you at the trail.

Your guide, Cristina

A Parkbus guide leads the ride, sets the pace and shares the trail's history.

Park admission

Your daily Algonquin park pass is built right into the ticket.

In the press
Factor in the cost of gas, parking and renting a car, it's a lot cheaper than taking a personal vehicle.
Parkbus is a great option for nature lovers, whether it's a day trip or overnight camping getaway.

What passengers are saying

★★★★★  4.8/5.0 on Google

★★★★★
I have always had excellent experiences with Parkbus. The ambassadors have been knowledgeable and friendly. The drivers drive safely, and with the passengers' comfort in mind.
Sharlene H. · Google
★★★★★
It's convenient, destinations are all great and staff is nice, polite and funny. I recommend Parkbus to everyone, especially if you don't have a car but want to explore Ontario.
Natalie N. · Google
★★★★★
Booked in minutes, had an unreal day in Algonquin, and was home by dinner.
Cameron · Happy Parkbus customer
★★★★★
Used this service for a weekend in Algonquin. These guys stuck to the schedule well and ambassadors checked everyone in at their pickups. Convenient drop offs all across the park and across the city. Reasonably priced and no need to think about a rental car to get to the wilderness.
James Johnson · Happy Parkbus adventurer

FAQ: before you ride

Do I need to bring a bike?
No — your ticket includes a fat-tire bike rental from Algonquin Outfitters and a helmet, the right setup for this flat, gravelly trail. Just show up; it'll be waiting for you.
How hard is the ride?
Easy. The Old Rail Trail follows a former railway line, so it's flat and gentle the whole way, on packed gravel, at a relaxed group pace. If you're comfortable on a bike, you'll be comfortable here.
Is it good for kids and beginners?
Yes — it's a flat-rate, all-ages ride that's beginner- and family-friendly. Your guide Cristina keeps the pace easy and the group together.
What's included in the price?
$145 per person covers the fat-tire bike and helmet, the guided ride with Cristina, round-trip coach from Toronto, and your Algonquin park admission. Bring water, lunch and sunscreen.
Where does the bus leave from?
Two GTA pickups: downtown Toronto (34 Asquith Ave) at 7:30 AM and the Major Mackenzie Park & Ride at 8:15 AM. You're back the same evening.
A Parkbus guide leading a trip

Let us lead the way

Pick a date, meet Cristina at the trail, and let Algonquin roll past.