Slow Down and ‘Change Gears’ on Your Next Vacation

A guided cycling tour along Ontario’s G2G Rail Trail offers an immersive rural escape.

Goderich, ON. April 1, 2026. As travellers increasingly embrace the idea of slow travel and immersive experiences, a cycling journey along the Guelph to Goderich (G2G) Rail Trail offers a chance to disconnect from busy schedules and reconnect with nature, community, and the simple pleasure of travelling under one’s own power.

Local bike tour operator, Changing Gears Adventures, based out of Goderich, Ontario, offers unforgettable guided journeys along the historic rail trail, now a recreational route that is ideal for individuals or small groups seeking a deeper connection to place.

At 132 kilometres, the trail may appear daunting at first, but Changing Gears breaks the journey into three days of relaxed riding through the gently rolling countryside, allowing plenty of time to slow down and experience rural life at its most authentic. Accompanied by a support vehicle throughout that is on hand to carry belongings, riders may pause at roadside farm stands, chat with locals in small town cafés, or simply take in the quiet rhythm of rural life that unfolds along the way.

“It’s three wonderful days where you can simply relax and enjoy the ride,” says Vicky Rao, Changing Gears’ owner and tour leader. “We take care of all the logistics so guests can fully experience and enjoy this true gem of a trail.”

Rao on one of her many outings along the G2G Rail Trail.

Rao, a longtime cycling advocate, is a friendly authority on everything the G2G has to offer, having explored the trail countless times since 2012—as a solo rider, with friends and family, and leading Changing Gears Adventures groups.

“I’ve made connections in many of the communities along the trail; people really enjoy seeing visitors come through and enjoying their towns,” she explains. Depending on interests, Rao can customize tours to include various experiences along the way. This can include:

Learning firsthand about traditional Mennonite or Amish life
Partaking in historical tours
Enjoying local businesses including the popular Cowbell Brewing Co., the authentic French pâtisserie Gourmandise, and the Mexican-Mennonite run Mennomex grocery store, among others
Taking in some of the over 200 barn quilts scattered across Huron County
Meeting with local figures such as Elizabeth Watson who has designed and sells GTG Rail Trail merchandise through her Millbank shop
Exploring the village of Blyth, which features an annual theatre festival that has helped spark a lively cultural scene
Joining astrophotographer, Ron Brecher, for a night of storytelling and stargazing at his private observatory (weather conditions permitting)

Purchases made along the way will be safely transported by Changing Gears’ support vehicle, allowing riders to continue their journey unencumbered. Changing Gears also provides on-tour support for minor mechanical issues, such as flat tires or small adjustments, if needed.

End the tour in Goderich with a stay at Rao's centrally located studio rental.

Guests can expect to spend six to eight hours daily in the saddle, with evening accommodations at partner Airbnbs or cabins along the way. A simple breakfast is provided every morning, and, in keeping with the relaxed spirit of the tour and the pace of rural life, each day begins around 11 a.m.

Throughout the journey, riders are encouraged to ride at their own pace and soak up the peaceful scenery as they pedal through farmland, forests, and welcoming rural communities.

“The air is fresh; you’re hearing nature and you’re powering yourself along the way,” says Rao of the experience.

The beautiful view out over Lake Huron.

Tours typically begin in Guelph and end in Goderich, where guests can then enjoy all that the town has to offer—from shops and restaurants to beaches and lake swims, and even stay in Rao’s private studio rental. Tour guests must provide their own bicycles and helmets and must ensure their equipment is in good working order prior to travel.

Changing Gears Adventures operates its two/three-day tours from mid-May through Thanksgiving weekend, taking advantage of Southwestern Ontario’s prime cycling season. Tours typically begin on Thursdays.

For more information, visit ChangingGears.ca or email Rao directly at vicky@changinggearsadventures.ca.