Cyclists looking for a warm welcome and destination to ride to should plan a bicycle trip that includes a visit to an award-winning bicycle friendly business this season.
Recently announced, 20 businesses across Ontario are recipients of Ontario By Bike’s annual award and coveted recognition, celebrating businesses that have taken extra steps to welcome customers arriving on two wheels.
Whether riding closer to home, or travelling to destinations across Ontario, exploring Ontario’s vast array of trails and road routes, coupled with a stop at any one of these award-winning locations to eat, visit or sleep, will be a highlight of any bike outing, day trip or longer multi-day tour.
The annual awards, now in its sixth year, are open to businesses certified by Ontario By Bike as bicycle friendly, having to meet criteria that helps ensure cyclists are welcomed at businesses they choose to stop at. The Ontario By Bike Network is free for businesses to participate in and the information on each business and location is easily accessible online, along with cycling trails and road routes for each region in Ontario. There are now over 1,685 certified bicycle friendly businesses across Ontario.
“What an incredible array of business winners this year. Each year it gets more and more challenging to select winners from the inspiring and incredibly unique variety of businesses nominated. The services offered to cyclists that visit these locations go above and beyond, with passionate business owners and staff that greatly value cyclists as customers when they stop by.” Louisa Mursell, Executive Director of Ontario By Bike/Transportation Options.
Showing an increase in visits to bicycle friendly businesses and the large number of cyclists taking both day and overnight trips, a recent survey found:
- 47% of cyclists had visited one or more businesses certified as bicycle friendly by Ontario By Bike in the past two years.
- 40% visited multiple businesses certified as bicycle friendly.
- 58% did one or more overnight trips that included cycling in Ontario, including 38% that did two or more trips in 2023.
- 68% did three or more day trips in Ontario that included cycling in 2023.
(Source: Ontario Cycle Tourism and Cycling Activity Report 2023 www.transportationoptions.org/ontarioresearch)
Each award-winning business is featured in the popular monthly e-newsletter that is issued by Ontario By Bike and avidly read by over 16,800 cyclists. Additionally, cyclists can find info on bike routes, itineraries and all certified bicycle friendly businesses at www.ontariobybike.ca, rated the most used website for ideas to plan cycling outings and routes in Ontario. Paired with the newly published and annual Cycling in Ontario / Le vélo en Ontario 2024 magazine, cyclists have all the resources they need to get rolling.
Algonquin Park, Almaguin Highlands, Loring-Restoule, Muskoka, Parry Sound and South Algonquin
Best Business Award 2024: Algonquin Accommodations Whitney
Algonquin Accommodations welcomes folks from all walks of life around the world to stay in comfortable, convenient and friendly lodging in the town of Whitney, just 4km outside Algonquin Park’s East Gate. Explore our five unique properties all just steps away from wilderness.
The Algonquin Accommodations properties are owned and operated by the Michel family. Growing up in Algonquin, they’ve spent countless hours paddling the waterways, hiking the trails and going off the beaten path. Today, along with their team, they uphold the warm history of hosting guests from around the world, a tradition passed down from generations in their family.
The Algonquin Dream Catcher Motel has been providing guests with clean, quiet, comfortable and affordable accommodation since 2010. We are located just minutes away from both the East gate of Algonquin Park and the Whitney beach. All suites have a private 4 piece bathroom, air conditioning, microwave, fridge with freezer, coffee maker with free coffee, ceiling fan, hair dryer and large flat screen TV’s with cable. Suites 1-6 enjoy a covered patio, while suites 7-12 feature a forest view. Whether you’re looking to spend a day, a week or longer in Algonquin Park, The Algonquin Dream Catcher Motel is your best choice for value, cleanliness and comfort.
The Algonquin East Gate Motel features 11 units plus one cabin in downtown Whitney, just minutes from Algonquin Provincial Park. Five of these units are fully renovated complete with luxury shower spas and pillow top beds. Enjoy the fire pit and picnic area on-site.
Bellwood Inn, a historic property on the outskirts of Algonquin Provincial Park that has been family owned since 1929. On the first floor you will find our breakfast room, lounge and country deck. On the second floor you will find six clean, affordable, and comfortable rooms that have been recently renovated to include updated decor, new beds, and ensuite jacuzzi bathrooms. A self-serve European style continental breakfast is included with your stay. Please visit our website to check availability and make your reservations. We extend a hearty welcome and look forward to greeting you!
The Rolling Rapids Motel features eight regular units, one 2 bedroom unit, four waterfront units and a four bed hostel all located on the shores of the Madwaska River in downtown Whitney, just minutes from Algonquin Provincial Park. Fish, BBQ or just sit back in our Muskoka chairs and take in the view without ever leaving the property.
Are you ready to experience camping near Algonquin Park? The Wilderness Campground offers unique and fresh take on Algonquin Park Camping. Nestled amongst the trees, in between Algonquin Provincial Park and the town of Whitney lives the Wilderness Campground, a clean, quiet and private site designed to bring you closer to nature.
Additional Info From 2024 Award Winning Business:
Algonquin Accommodations offers services tailored to cyclists, including free rental equipment for exploring the outdoors, which encompasses biking among other activities. Enjoy the park’s natural beauty and landscape from the unique perspective of a bike, enhancing the wilderness experience. Stay at one of the five reimagined roadside lodgings, with nature at your doorstep.
– Andrew Michel, Algonquin Accommodations
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