Cycling Routes in Canada

Canada is known for its stunning landscapes, historical landmarks, scenic waterways, breathtaking nature and beauty, and opportunities for outdoor recreation.

With its vast terrain and diverse landscapes, Canada becomes a cyclist’s paradise. From rugged mountainside trails to picturesque coastal routes, there is no shortage of stunning scenery to explore in Canada.

Whether you're a road cyclist looking to tackle challenging hills and mountain passes, or a recreational cyclist looking for a leisurely ride, Canada has something to offer every type of cyclist.

So, here are the best cycling routes in Canada for those interested in exploring the country on two wheels.

• The Viking Trail, Newfoundland

The Viking Trail is a scenic cycling route located in the province of Newfoundland, Canada. Stretching from Deer Lake to Gros Morne National Park and L'Anse aux Meadows, the trail offers a unique opportunity to explore the rugged beauty of the province's northern coast.

Spanning over 489 km, this route takes cyclists through the rugged and stunning landscapes of the province.

Along the way, riders will pass through charming towns and villages, as well as some of the province’s most iconic attractions, such as Gros Morne National Park.

Must-see attractions along the way:

• Gros Morne National Park

• L'Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site

• The Twillingate Islands

• Bonne Bay Marine Station.

The Great Lakes Waterfront Trail, Ontario

Cyclists in central Canada will find The Great Lakes Waterfront Trail one of the best trails. It is a multi-use recreational trail that runs along the shores of Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River. This route spans over  3000 km in length connecting over 140 communities and 45 major trails, making it connecting the earth’s largest group of freshwater lakes.

The stunning scenery along the shores of the Great Lakes takes riders through some of Ontario’s most beautiful landscapes, history, culture, and wildlife including five National Parks, three UNESCO Biospheres, 21 National Historic Sites, 83 Conservation Areas, 33 Provincial Parks, and 169 Beaches.

If you are looking for a multi-day adventure, this place can be a great choice for you.

Must-see attractions along the way:

• Toronto's waterfront
• Niagara-on-the-Lake to South Glengarry
• The Bruce Trail

Mount Fromme, the North Shore

It is a mountain biking destination located just east of Grouse Mountain and is considered the crown jewel of the Shore.

It is home to 111 trails between three North Shore mountains in North Vancouver that span 68 km with a total descent of about 10,000 meters.

The area offers a range of challenging trails for experienced riders, as well as some more beginner-friendly options for those just starting out.

This route takes riders from the cul-de-sac at the top of St. Georges in North Vancouver, a trail enters the forest through the rugged and stunning landscapes, with plenty of breathtaking views along the way.

Must-see attractions along the way:

• The trails of Fromme Mountain

• Mount Burwell

• The Lynn Canyon Park

• The Grouse Mountain Skyride

The Cabot Trail, Nova Scotia

If you are planning to cycle across Canada, this place should definitely be on your list. The Cabot Trail is one of the most iconic cycling routes located in the province of Nova Scotia, Canada.

The trail circles the northern tip of Cape Breton Island and offers breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean, rugged coastline, and lush forests. The route is approximately 300 km in length and is suitable for recreational cyclists of all levels of experience.

There are so many hills to conquer along the way, so it is recommended to pack light. Also, if you want to bike counter-clockwise on the trail, you must keep windy conditions in mind.

Must-see attractions along the way:

• The Cape Breton Highlands National Park
• MacIntosh Brook Trail
• The Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site
• Baddeck and Cheticamp
• Ingonish Beach

The Golden Triangle, Alberta, and British Columbia

For cyclists who are feeling particularly ambitious, the golden triangle is the perfect place for you to cycle.

This route takes you through the stunning scenery of the Rocky Mountains with views of towering peaks, turquoise lakes, and a variety of wildlife. The best thing is that you can even visit the pools of the Radium Hot Springs in British Columbia along the way.

The route is approximately 300 km and is mostly single track and includes a variety of terrain, from steep and technical trails to more moderate and beginner-friendly trails. As such, the route is suitable for riders of all abilities.

Must-see attractions along the way:

• Banff National Park
• Yoho National Park
• The Icefields Parkway
• Bow Valley Parkway, 
• The Lake Louise ski resort,

The High Rockies Trail, Alberta

The High Rockies Trail is a challenging cycling route located in the west of Calgary in Kananaskis Country.

The trail is approximately 80 km offering the heart of the Canadian Rockies, breathtaking views of towering peaks, and glaciers, staggering views of the Spray River Valley, forests, waterfalls, and alpine meadows.

This place is well known for mountain biking, birding, cross-country skiing, and backpacking. So, if you want to enjoy some solitude during the quieter time of the day, you can go for a cycle ride at this place.

Must-see attractions along the way:

• The Spray Lakes
• the Chester Lake Trail
• The Kananaskis Country
• Boulton Creek to Elk pass

The Niagara River Recreational Trail, Ontario

The Niagara River Recreational Trail is a scenic cycling route that offers 56 km of cycling along the Niagara parkway located in the province of Ontario, Canada.

The route follows the Niagara River from Lake Erie to Lake Ontario, offering breathtaking views of Niagara Falls and the lush landscapes of the Niagara Peninsula.

This route takes you by restaurants, shops, wineries, historical sites, and plenty of stunning views along the way.

Must-see attractions along the way:

• The Niagara Falls
• The Niagara-on-the-Lake
• The Fort Erie Peace Bridge
• Chippawa to Black Creek

Safety Tips for Cycling in Canada

Cycling is a popular activity with Canadians of all ages. In fact, according to studies, “three out of four children have a bicycle.”

Cyclists in Canada, especially while riding an electric bike Canada are subject to some rules of the road as well as the drivers of motor vehicles, including the obligation to obey traffic signals and signs.

Therefore, the first thing you need to know is the local traffic laws and regulations of the road before embarking on your cycling trip to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

Besides, there are some bicycle-related laws in Canada that cover specific safety issues, such as-

• It is essential to be both visible and hearable when riding a bicycle, as they are generally silent. 
• To make your presence known to other road users, a working bell or horn is a necessity. Reflective tape, reflectors, and front lights are recommended for increased visibility. 
• In the daytime, it would be better if you can wear bright clothes to catch people’s attention. 

Additionally, it is recommended to consider the following common precautions.

• Make sure you are using the best ebike in Canada
• Wear the right protective gear, this includes a helmet and other safety equipment.
• Check the brakes, tires, gears, bolts, cables, and other components. 
• Plan your route and be aware of the terrain and any potential hazards along the way. 
• Stay visible and communicate with others on the road, use hand signals, and make sure you are visible to other road users.

Conclusion

Canada is an ideal destination for cyclists looking to explore its stunning landscapes. It is home to some of the best cycling routes in the world.

From the flatlands of the Prairies to the rugged terrain of the Rockies, Canada offers something for every cyclist. Whether you’re looking for an easy family ride or an epic adventure, you can find it all in Canada.

So start planning your next cycling adventure today, get out there, and explore the spectacular scenery and trails Canada has to offer.