Canada’s Most Breathtaking Cycling Adventures

One of my favorite pastimes has been my awesome cycling excursions. I’ve had the great pleasure to explore many countries and areas via two wheels – and one of the very best places of all is Canada, for it offers such incredible adventures and a variety of terrain.

Mountain Scenery and Quiet Paths

If your preference is for some of the most spectacular mountain scenery, try cycling in the Rocky Mountains of British Columbia and Alberta. Prefer quiet, rural settings? Check out Saskatchewan’s Qu’Appelle Valley or Quebec’s Magdalen Islands.

To ride on designated bicycle paths away from road traffic, check out Vancouver Island’s Greater Victoria Regional Trail System, Ontario’s Niagara Falls Recreation Trail, or Quebec’s Petit Train du Nord.

If you’re seeking an adventurous wilderness experience, try cycling in Newfoundland’s Gros Morne National Park or on the Dempster Highway in Canada‘s Northwest Territories.

All of these options offer unique experiences.

Planning Your Cycling Trip

Once you’ve planned and mapped out your specific route, you’ll have a better idea of what you need to take, including a repair kit, clothes and supplies. If you plan on a long route with camping and cooking, then a stove, tent, and sleeping bag will be essential items.

However, if you plan to stop in motels or B&Bs along the route, and eat in restaurants, the required load becomes much less. A general rule is to carry as little as possible and take wash-and-wear clothing.

Near or Far: Choosing Your Excursion

You may decide to enjoy a short ride, or you may take a great deal of time planning a cross-country trip, from west to east, as I did. Just get out there and enjoy the ride.

Top Canada Bike Tours

Let’s Explore Cycling in Canada

As the author of the book Cycling Canada, I’ve often been asked about my favorite rides. Well, here’s a list of some of the very best available:

The Cabot Trail (Nova Scotia)

Begin this 295 km/177 mi ride in Baddeck, where you’ll find the Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Park.

You’ll face some tough climbs and twisting roads on Nova Scotia’s Cape Breton Island as you pass along the rugged coastline, with its picturesque views of rocky coves, sandy beaches, majestic cliffs and river gorges.

The Dempster Highway

To ride in Canada’s Great White North, try this remote route that crosses the Arctic Circle. You’ll begin this 766 km/460 mi one-way ride in Dawson City, and you won’t find a lot of services along the way. However, you will find a rather long, rough gravel road route, with little shade or darkness in this Land of the Midnight Sun.

Your solitude may be broken by the screech of an owl, the bark of a fox, or even an encounter with a bear. You’ll eventually reach Inuvik, one of the northernmost points on the North American continent that can be reached by public road. It’s located on the Mackenzie Delta and in a Reindeer Grazing Reserve region.

Fundy Tidal Trail (New Brunswick)

This 215 km/133 mi road route begins and ends in Moncton, New Brunswick. The main highlights will be riding through Fundy National Park and your stop at Rocks Provincial Park, where the strength of the highest tides in the world has carved out the awesome Flower Pot Rocks.

At high tide, these rocks appear to be small islands, but at low tide, you can walk around them – and beyond; these awesome formations stand as a testament to the immense power of the Fundy tides.

The Greater Victoria Regional Trail System (Vancouver Island)

After cycling across Victoria’s Selkirk Trestle, you’ll soon arrive at the Regional Trail Switch Bridge, where you can choose to ride on one of two worthwhile recreational trails: the 29 km/18 mi Lochside Trail north to Sidney or the 55 km/34 mi Galloping Goose Trail west to Sooke.

Gatineau Hills (Ontario & Quebec)

Ottawa itself offers over 100 km/62 mi of wonderful cycling trails. In addition, a short ride across the Alexander Bridge and into Quebec will take you to Gatineau Park, where you can explore the area via the 30 km/18 mi Promenade de la Gatineau Loop.

This particular ride from Ottawa to the park and back (about 110 km/68 mi) would be best in the autumn, so that you can enjoy the brilliantly colored foliage.

The Golden Triangle (Alberta & British Columbia)

Explore the magnificent Canadian Rockies on this very challenging road ride of about 300 km/186 mi, beginning/ending at Castle Mountain Junction.

You’ll ride through three spectacular national parks and encounter three mountain passes. You’ll definitely work up a sweat on some long, grueling climbs, particularly through Kicking Horse Pass.

Gulf Islands (British Columbia)

The Gulf Islands consist of approximately 100 enchanting islands on the Strait of Georgia near Canada’s west coast. Many of these islands are linked by ferry and provide excellent opportunities for cycling on relatively quiet roads (although often narrow and hilly).

One island easily reached from Tsawwassen on the mainland is the 75 km/47 mi long Saltspring Island, where you’ll dock at Fulford Harbour.

Other Gulf Islands accessible by ferry include the 35 km/22 mi long Saturna, the 43 km/27 mi long Pender, the 33 km/20 mi long Mayne, and the 75 km/47 mi long Galiano.

The Icefields Parkway (Alberta)

This magnificent 232 km/144 mi route, in the heart of the Rockies, is my personal favorite – and it links Jasper and Lake Louise.

You’ll face two challenging mountain passes – and several opportunities for side trips to fantastic hiking trails and spectacular lookouts, including Athabasca Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, Peyto Glacier, Parker Ridge and the Columbia Icefield itself.

Kettle Valley Railway Trail (British Columbia)

This abandoned railway bed winds for about 600 km/373 mi through central British Columbia, between Hope and Midway. My favorite section of this route is Myra Canyon, near Kelowna.

Here, I cycled over 18 spectacular trestles and through two blasted rock tunnels in a mere 10 km/6 mi. What a ride.

Magdalen Islands (Quebec)

For something ‘a little different’ and ‘a bit out of the way’, I’d suggest a 5-hour ferry ride from Souris, P.E.I to the Magdalen Islands.

You’ll find lots of sand dunes, secluded beaches, rocky promontories – and perhaps some very strong headwinds- as you ride the 85 km/53 mi road route on this archipelago of islands located in the Gulf of St. Lawrence.

Niagara Falls Recreation Trail (Ontario)

For a relatively flat ride, try the 56 km/35 mi cycling trip from Fort Erie, through Niagara Falls, to Niagara-on-the-Lake. You’ll find lots of tourists in this popular area, and a plethora of tourist attractions.

Discovered by Father Hennepin in 1678, Niagara Falls mesmerizes millions of visitors each year with its thunderous sound and penetrating mist.

Petit Train du Nord (Quebec)

Quebec offers the avid cyclist a wonderful trail system, and one of its not-to-be-missed recreational pathways is the Petit Train du Nord.

Just north of Montreal, this 200 km/124 mi abandoned rail line takes the cyclist through the Laurentians, between Mont-Laurier and Saint-Jérôme. You’ll pass by many of the old restored train stations and through several villages along this picturesque route.

Prince Edward County (Ontario)

“Quinte’s Isle” is a beautiful peninsula in southeastern Ontario, just south of Belleville. Much of your ride will be on quiet, rural roads without a paved shoulder, and the terrain is relatively flat.

You’ll pass several vineyards, so you might choose to stop for a wine tasting. Also, check out Sandbanks Provincial Park, which has an ocean-like setting and beautiful sand dunes.

Prince Edward Island National Park (P.E.I.)

The paths and boardwalks found along this shorter (35 km/22 mi) and relatively easy route will offer opportunities for the viewing of sand dunes, red sandstone cliffs and access to some of eastern Canada’s finest beaches.

I’d recommend rewarding yourself with a traditional lobster dinner after your ride.

The Qu’Appelle Valley (Saskatchewan)

This 105 km/65 mi route, found east of Regina, is a marvelous, glacier-etched sunken garden stretching across much of southern Saskatchewan.

According to a legend, a young brave heard the cries of his girlfriend when he was canoeing far from home. He called out “Qu’Appelle” (“Who’s calling?”). However, by the time he turned around and returned to her, he learned that she had died.

It was said that from that moment on, the brave’s voice could be heard echoing across the waters of the Qu’Appelle Valley.

The Viking Trail (Newfoundland)

This challenging 450 km/280 mi route will take you from Deer Lake, along the rugged coastline, through spectacular Gros Morne National Park, and on to the northern tip of Newfoundland (where you should check out L’Anse aux Meadows, where the Vikings arrived).

Be on the lookout for whales and icebergs along the coastline – and moose along your route.

Whiteshell Provincial Park (Manitoba)

Enjoy a 210 km/131 mi loop tour of one of the province’s largest parks. The rocks found here are part of the Precambrian Shield, the oldest geological formation in the world. The park is located near the Manitoba—Ontario border and is also popular with hikers and canoeists.

Tips for Your Cycling Trip

• Plan well. Don’t just decide to start a long-distance ride without doing some conditioning before the actual trip. Be prepared.
• Travel as light as possible.
• Dress in layers, in preparation for changing weather and temperatures.
• Carry water and snacks. Keep hydrated and fueled.
• Bring a camera (to capture awesome memories).
• Wear a properly padded bike seat and bike gloves. Bring a whistle (a scaring tactic for wildlife encounters). I’ve encountered bighorn sheep, deer, elk, moose, and bear.

Inspire your next adventure with our articles below:

Author Bio: John is a freelance travel writer and photographer who enjoys travelling the world and writing about his adventures. He has written weekly travel features for a group of community newspapers, presented several travelogues, and is the author of two major cycling books: “Cycling Canada” and “Cycling the USA.”

Want to discover more hidden gems and helpful travel tips? Join our free newsletter for the latest travel secrets and travel articles.

We are reader-supported and may earn a commission on purchases made through links in this article.