Looking for the best bike trips in Canada?
This list of the 21 best bike trips in Canada features rides in every province from east to west and covers what cyclists want to experience with a variety of terrain and sights.
As a Canadian living in Toronto, it makes it easy to get to many of these great cycles. Use my helpful guide to plan your trip. Enjoy the ride!
1. Viking Trail, Newfoundland
Fishing villages and a Viking settlement on a 489 km route
The Viking Trail cycling route is a 489 km long journey that runs along the west coast of Newfoundland. It starts at Deer Lake and ends in St Anthony. Along the way, you will explore the stunning beauty of Gros Morne National Park, enjoy breathtaking views of rugged coastal landscapes, and experience traditional Newfoundland hospitality.
Besides the very hilly Gros Morne National Park, be sure to stop at Arches Provincial Park. Although along the road during our July visit, there was little traffic after leaving the park. The Viking Trail then gets a bit flatter as you pass fishing villages before arriving at St. Anthony. A highlight is the nearby L’Anse Aux Meadows National Historic Site, a former Viking settlement and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
2. Cabot Trail, Nova Scotia
Scenic & hilly 298 km loop ride around Cape Breton
Very famous, and many bikers in Canada have heard about this route. The Cabot Trail is a 298 km long route that winds its way around the island of Cape Breton and through Cape Breton Highlands National Park. This route provides cyclists with incredible ocean vistas of the Atlantic coast, mountain peaks, and awesome scenery.
Expect some major climbs along the way. The trail can be ridden clockwise or counter-clockwise, but cycling it in a counter-clockwise direction will ensure you get the most out of your trip.
If you have free time, you will also want to check out the Alexander Graham Bell Museum in Baddeck, enjoy lobster dinners, hike on the Skyline Trail in the park, visit the Cheticamp Acadian fishing village, or take some time off whale watching.
3. Celtic Shores Coastal Trail, Nova Scotia
Flat ride along the west coast of Cape Breton Island
The Celtic Shores Coastal Trail is a 92 km rail trail along the western coast of Cape Breton Island. This scenic trail passes through 8 communities from Port Hastings to Inverness. The Celtic Shores Coastal Trail is perfect for cyclists looking for an easy-going ride with stunning ocean breezes and splendid scenery.
The first 20 km from the parking lot near Port Hastings is a bit difficult for cyclists. I stopped at the Celtic Interpretive Centre in Judique for lunch and to enjoy Celtic music. Another spot for music is the lively Red Shoe Pub in Mabou, owned by the well-known Rankin sisters.
4. Veloroute Peninsula Acadienne, New Brunswick
Acadian culture and magnificent beaches
The Veloroute Peninsula Acadianne is a 600 km route that passes through the Acadian Peninsula in northern New Brunswick. This route offers cyclists the opportunity to explore a forested area, wetlands, and coastal areas along 310 paved bike paths. Despite its length, this path is relatively flat and suitable for all skill levels.
A highlight is a visit to Village Historique Acadien in Bertrand to taste the local cuisine and visit the 40 buildings with costumed staff. We stayed in nearby Kouchibouguac National Park, just to the south, which, besides great beaches, has a few cycling routes of its own.
In New Brunswick, some cyclists head across the province to the Bay of Fundy coast to view the world’s highest tides.
5. Confederation Trail, Prince Edward Island
Rail trail from one end of PEI to the other
The Confederation Trail is a 273 km path that runs from tip to tip across Prince Edward Island. As a rail trail, the gradual gradients make it perfect for cyclists of all fitness levels. Plus, there are plenty of side trails you can take if you want to explore more of Prince Edward Island, such as the one that takes you into Charlottetown, which makes for a total of 449 km.
At North Cape, be sure to visit the lighthouse and walk the multi-use trail with red sand beaches and marshes. Another side trip I took was to visit the floating boardwalk at Greenwich in Prince Edward National Park to view the dunes. At Stanhope, the trail goes right along the sandy shores so you can stop for a swim. I also stopped for a short visit at Rick’s Fish and Chips in St. Peter’s (right beside the trail) for the best seafood (I had lobster rolls).
6. Blueberry Trail, Quebec
256 km loop around Lac-Saint-Jean
The Blueberry Trail in Quebec, also known as Veloroute des Bleuets, is a 256 km loop with a gentle ride through farmland, forests, 15 small towns, and lovely beaches. This popular path takes you around Lac-Saint-Jean and is an excellent option for those looking to take in some of Quebec’s charming countryside.
It is also part of the 5,300 La Route Verte bicycle path network in Quebec. In particular, foodies will love it as well as anyone who prefers craft beers.
7. Chemin du Roy, Quebec
The route between Montreal & Quebec with a lot of history
Chemin du Roy (the King’s Way) is the old road that follows secondary roads along the St. Lawrence River and links Montreal to Quebec City, another of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. This 280-km-long path is full of history and offers cyclists a chance to explore the small towns, rivers, valleys, and hills along its route.
Though it may not offer the same spectacular views as some of the other routes on this list, Chemin du Roy passes many historic sites and will still provide you with a wonderful journey through the heart of Quebec.
Also part of La Route Verte and provides an alternative to the bicycle trails on the south shore.
8. Eastern Townships, Quebec
Numerous cycling routes with varied terrain
There are several cycling circuits in the Eastern Townships, which are located between Montreal and Quebec City, just north of the U.S. border. On the western end, you can expect lakes, covered bridges, and several wineries.
In the center, around Magog, which has a bicycle path along the lake, there are more hills. From North Hatley to Sherbrooke, there is a fun cycling trail as well. To the east, many hills with ski resorts greet you as you ride on quiet roads and through rural countryside. La Route Verte crosses the north section on its way between Montreal and Quebec City.
9. Le P’tit Train du Nord, Quebec
A 201 km rail train through the Laurentians
Le P’tit Train du Nord, Quebec cycling route, is a 201 km path that connects Saint-Jérôme (just north of Montreal) to Mont-Laurier. This old railway track takes you through the picturesque Laurentians region, passing the Mount Tremblant ski resort, offering stunning views of rolling hills, forests, and rivers. One of the best rail trails in Eastern Canada.
This is mostly a flat and easy ride, although there is a long, gradual climb near Mount Tremblant, one of Quebec’s most popular bike trails. You can camp or stay in B&Bs and travel at your own pace along the way, and food stores catering to cyclists seemed to be spaced well. Old train stations provide information along the way.
Insider Tip: This Quebec rail trail is one of my favorite bike routes, and you will want to head from north to south.
A great option is to continue on the bike path across the Island of Laval and into Montreal.
10. Rideau Canal Cycling, Ontario
A flat route along a canal between 2 great cities
A Rideau Canal cycling trip takes you from Ottawa next to Parliament Hill and on to Kingston, passing 43 locks on the 202 km journey. In Ottawa, it is a popular park for much of the way. In the middle, you pass the Rideau Lakes, popular with boaters, before arriving at historic Kingston, where it meets the Waterfront Trail.
If you wish to do a circle route, you can take the K & P plus the Cataraqui rail trails as well.
11. Great Lakes Waterfront Trail, Ontario
Follows along or close to the shoreline of several of the Great Lakes
The Great Lakes Waterfront Trail was originally a recreational trail mainly along the shores of Lake Ontario from Niagara Falls to the Quebec border. But this has since been extended across Central Canada to 3600 km, including Lake Ontario, Niagara Recreational Trail, Friendship Trail, shores of Lake Erie, Lake St. Clair, and Georgian Bay to Sault Ste. Marie.
The variety along the way is incredible, with the history of Kingston, wineries in Prince Edward County, bustling Toronto (mainly on bike paths), more wineries in Niagara, Fort George, Niagara Falls, and much more. It now even includes a section of Manitoulin Island, always a favorite destination of cyclists. Also, check out our post on the Waterfront Trail.
12. Niagara River Recreational Trail, Ontario
Bicycle path following the Niagara River, passing Niagara Falls
The Niagara River Recreational Trail is 53 km long, with one starting point near historic Fort Erie across from Buffalo. This is mainly a separate paved path, which on occasion goes on roads, such as in Fort Erie itself and in Niagara Falls. This is one of the best bike trails in Ontario.
After Chippewa, the Niagara River Recreation Trail follows the Niagara River, passing many of the major attractions such as the Butterfly Conservatory, across the power plant, past the famous falls, whirlpool rapids, Botanical Gardens, floral clock, and the only real hill on the route at Queenston, where it passes the monument and goes through the town.
After that, more good viewpoints, a winery, and cycling past Fort George into Niagara-on-the-Lake. It is part of the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail that continues through the Niagara Peninsula and on to Toronto, eventually Quebec. For details on a route including the Niagara Recreational Trail, click the link.
13. Four Valley Cycle Route, Manitoba
100 km route around a lake
The Four Valley Cycle Route is a road ride in Manitoba and is located near the Manitoba/Saskatchewan border around Lake of the Prairies. This man-made lake, measuring 67 kilometers in length, was created in 1968 after the construction of the Shellmouth Dam on the Assiniboine River.
This multi-day cycle loop route is 100 kilometers and explores 4 valleys along the lake with its beautiful scenery and wildlife. Some of the best road cycling in Canada.
14. Meewasin Valley Trail, Saskatchewan
105 km route through the Saskatoon area
The Meewasin Valley Trail is a 105 km long pathway that winds along both sides of the South Saskatchewan River. This trail runs through the City of Saskatoon, on both sides of the river, and passes under its seven bridges.
Additionally, it traverses through majestic parks and natural areas, providing plenty of opportunities to take in some stunning views. It is part of the Trans Canada Trail.
15. Legacy Trail, Alberta
Short, popular, and scenic route from Canmore to Banff
The Legacy Trail starts at the Travel Alberta Information Centre on the west edge of Canmore and goes for about 27 km one way in the center of the mountain community of Banff. This is a popular paved trail that runs parallel to the Trans-Canada Highway, partially visible along the way.
Gently rolling with no major hills, it is suitable for families and experts alike. I saw the amazing Rocky Mountains as a backdrop as I rode west and into Banff National Park. It was very busy during our visit, with 2 parking lots (parking is free), attendants directing traffic at the Information Centre, but you can also connect from hotels in Canmore.
16. Icefields Parkway, Alberta
252 km route from Jasper to Banff National Park
It is suggested you start your Icefields Parkway bicycle tour in Jasper National Park and head south, as the riding is easier in that direction. Jasper has some awesome mountain hiking, which I recommend you try prior to your ride.
Heading south from Jasper, a major stop is at the Athabasca Falls, and as you continue along the 232 km route on the paved shoulders of the highway, the scenery is spectacular, and you may see grizzly bears or some bighorn sheep as well. I did. You will come to the Columbia Icefield, where you might take a side trip to see it up close.
Continue to the pretty resort of Lake Louise, where the parkway ends. However, most cyclists continue along the Bow River Parkway to the town of Banff. On some summer days, the Bow River Parkway is open only to cyclists. You can also check out our post on the Icefields Highway.
17. Golden Triangle Cycling, British Columbia
Hilly loop in the mountains of Alberta and BC
The Golden Triangle Cycling route is for the experienced cyclist, as soon after departing the town of Banff, you will be climbing over the Continental Divide and Kicking Horse Pass before descending into the mountain town of Radium Hot Springs, B.C. Bike tours in the Canadian Rockies are popular, and this is one of the best.
It then goes on to Golden, B.C., before returning to Banff, having crossed the Continental Divide a second time and through Vermilion Pass and both Kootenay and Yoho National Parks. This loop has very mountainous terrain and is 320 km in length with climbs over 3,200 m cumulative elevation gain.
18. Kettle Valley Rail Trail, British Columbia
Rail trail through BC with numerous bridges and tunnels
The Kettle Valley Rail Trail is the ultimate challenge for cycling enthusiasts. This 600-kilometer journey takes you through some of BC’s wildest landscapes and most stunning views as it winds its way through south-central British Columbia between Midway and Hope, following the former route of the Kettle Valley Railway.
It features grades that never exceed 2.2%, making it suitable for even novice cyclists. Plus, there are plenty of places to stay along the way, giving you the chance to take your time and truly immerse yourself in this remarkable route. The 80 km section from Myra Canyon to Penticton is considered the most impressive.
During your visit, you will want to taste the incredible local produce of the Okanagan Valley, also known for its wines. There is a local trail that goes through the valley.
19. Galloping Goose Trail, British Columbia
Vancouver Island Rail Trail
The Galloping Goose Trail is a 55-kilometer rail trail between Victoria, British Columbia, and the ghost town of Leechtown, north of Sooke on Vancouver Island. This trail starts at the south end of the Selkirk Trestle, at the foot of Alston Street in Vic West, and follows the former rail line past some of B.C.’s finest scenery. Perfect for cyclists looking to get out and explore some of the islands’ most stunning views.
20. Gulf Islands Cycling, British Columbia
Several routes on the Gulf Islands of BC
The Gulf Islands cycling bike ride offers some of the most beautiful and diverse cycling experiences in British Columbia along the Pacific Coast. From Gabriola Island to Salt Spring, each island offers its own unique terrain for cyclists to explore – from rolling hills to flat beachfront trails!
For inter-island travel, hop on BC Ferries and enjoy the stunning ocean views along the way. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful and leisurely day trip or an extended cycling adventure, the Gulf Islands have something for everyone. So grab your bike and explore some of BC’s most beautiful islands!
21. Trans Canada Trail
Long-distance trail from sea to sea to sea
The Trans Canada Trail (formerly the Great Trail) goes from Newfoundland across the country to downtown Vancouver and the famous Stanley Park. Then from the Pacific Ocean and also north to the Arctic Ocean, covering every province. Made up of a series of connected local trails, not all of which are suitable for cycling. A great resource for checking out any self-guided bike tours in Canada.
While this is not the best way to bike across Canada, sections can be used on any cross-country tour.
FAQS: Best Bike Trips in Canada
When is the best time to cycle in Canada?
The best time of year is during the spring, summer, and autumn.
What is the most bike-friendly city in Canada?
Montreal, Vancouver, Victoria, Ottawa, and Saskatoon all have extensive networks of cycling paths.
What is the biggest bike trail in Canada?
The Trans Canada Trail crosses from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean and to the Arctic Ocean using a combination of recreational trails and local roads.
Is Canada good for cycling?
There are numerous cycling paths in the cities and long-distance routes in the countryside for visitors and local cyclists alike. Canada is one of the most scenic countries in the world, and the cycle paths visit these areas.
Is cycling big in Canada?
With numerous cycling clubs and many individual riders, it has become more popular since 2020. On weekends, popular routes in the cities can actually be very busy. There are long-distance bike routes in every province and more in development all the time.
Final Thoughts: Best Bike Trips in Canada
With these 21 best bike trips in Canada, you will get to experience journeys that make this country so special. You may also want to check out the top cycling routes in the USA.
