Canada has some of the best cycling in the world. Below you will find information on cycling regions in Canada. For a general guide to Cycling in Canada and more ride tips, we recommend the Cycle Canada Guide to Bicycle Touring. You can purchase this through the Cycle Canada Store.
Cycling Regions of Canada
Alberta
Take a trip to cowboy country where you can explore ancient dinosaur habitats or cruise by snow capped mountains. Gradually work your way up graded mountain passes and enjoy the reward of a well-earned descent. Alberta is about magnificent mountains, wide-open plains, rolling hills and enduring prairie hospitality.
Two classic rides in the region are the Icefields Parkway and Golden Triangle.
On the Icefields Parkway, you will pass several glaciers and many lookouts with views of the mountains and glacial icefields.
The other favourite is the Golden Triangle where you travel in two Canadian provinces, Alberta and British Columbia. It’s a 300-kilometre (185 miles) loop from Lake Louise in Alberta to Golden, B.C. then to Radium and back to Lake Louise.
Plan ahead for accommodations as these are some of the busiest tourist regions in Canada.
Discover Cycling Friendly Services in Alberta.
British Columbia
For cycling in British Columbia we offer you three very different cycling regions. The first region is the South Coast which includes Vancouver Island, next is the Interior and finally the Rocky Mountains.
These regions are defined by significant geographic features and will serve as a guide for the quality of cycling and character of the surrounding landscape. Within these regions you will discover great variety and much to explore. You will cycle alongside some of Canada’s most bounteous man-made and natural garden landscapes. Challenge yourself with spectacular climbs on the Coast, Selkirk and Rocky Mountains as you follow the early settlers route on their quest for gold. Fruit and vegetables are abundant in B.C.’s sunny climate and exploring wine country has become a favourite passtime for cyclists.
British Columbia’s South Coast:
B.C.’s South Coast includes the roads and trails of the regions of Vancouver Island, the Gulf Islands, Sunshine Coast and the Fraser Valley. Stop over in historic Victoria on Vancouver Island and ride the famous Galloping Goose Trail.
British Columbia’s Interior:
Discover the roads and trails of Interior regions between the Coast Mountains and the Rockies, Okanagan and Cariboo districts. The climate in in this region can be hot and dry. Conditions that are ideal for wine growing and the Okanagan is well known for its fine wines. The popular Kettle Valley Rail Trail travels through this region.
British Columbia’s Rocky Mountain Region:
The roads and trails of this region includes the Rocky Mountains and the high mountain areas and long trenches between ranges that are off-shoots of the Rockies – like the Monashees and Serkirks. Mountain bikers flock to Fernie every summer and find some of the best lift accessed mountain biking in Canada.
Cycling Friendly Listings in British Columbia.
Manitoba
Manitoba offers a blend of wide open grass lands and network of clear blue lakes to explore. The mosaic of cultures that pioneered the land make for a fascinating journey through time. The province’s inhabitants are known for their love of art and music. You’ll find a wide range of festivals to visit in this province. In close proximity to Winnipeg plan a week’s vacation at Riding Mountain National Park where you will enjoy a variety of types of cycling in a wilderness setting of pristine lakes and forests.
Cycling Friendly Listings in Manitoba.
New Brunswick
The terrain is gentle, the water is warm and the culture is passionate. New Brunswick is one of Canada’s most precious provinces. Its history of Mi’kMaq, Maliseet, French and English settlements lends itself to a fascinating journey of discovery. The ocean beckons as you ride alongside its gentle coastal stretches. The expanses of the great sand dunes and ebbing tides offer a peaceful repose after an enjoyable day’s ride.
If you are looking for gentle terrain and a coastal ride, the Acadian Coast is the place to go. You will find shallow bays and sandy beaches in some of the warmest waters in summer in the Gulf of St. Lawrence. The area is the centre of Acadian French culture in the region and is rich with the history and culture of Mi’kmaq, the indigenous people of the region.
Past Moncton, you can follow the Petitcodiac River to the Bay of Fundy and Fundy National Park. This section of the river is famous for its tidal bore, a wall of water created by the incoming tide. The Fundy Trail is a magnificent ride along the coast. Eventually there will be a spectacular scenic coastal link between Saint John, Sussex and Moncton which will integrate the four top Natural Attractions in the region – Fundy Trail Parkway, Fundy National Park, Hopewell Rocks and Cape Enrage
Cycling Friendly Listings in New Brunswick.
Newfoundland and Labrador
Newfoundland joined Canada’s confederation in 1949. As with many islands the province has a distinct flora and fauna. This seclusion also lent itself to a unique history of human settlement, some of which can be observed at archeological sites that date back 7,500 years. Its rugged geology provides a captivating scenery of fjords, coastal lookouts and ecological reserves. Newfoundlanders express a unique outlook on life through their humour, literature, music, art and craft.
The Avalon Peninsula, at the eastern edge of Newfoundland offers a rugged version of a coastal tour. Coastal rides along the peninsula and parts of Conception Bay are challenging but the scenery is unforgettable.
If you like Bike Packing and a real challenge, then Newfoundland’s 880 kilometer (547 mile) T’Railway is for you.
Cycling Friendly Listings in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Nova Scotia
In Nova Scotia we remember our close connection with the sea. The delightful fishing villages, historic architecture and stunning natural landscape provide a welcoming back drop for cycling visitors. You’ll find a multitude of cottage industries along the roads and trails of this province. The pottery, tapestries, wood carvings and songs of the region speak of generations of Canadians who made their livelihood from the sea.
Among the best places to go for seascapes and good cycling is a section of the Nova Scotia coast between Chester and Bridgewater. This includes the old town of Lunenburg, home port of the Bluenose. That ship was a classic racing schooner and its image appears on the Canadian 10-cent coin.
Among all Canadian bike routes, one that is certainly in the top tier of classic rides is the Cabot Trail in Nova Scotia. The basic course is a loop of about 300 kilometres (185 miles) through the Cape Breton Highlands and the francophone district on the west coast of that Island. The traditional start point is Baddeck, where Alexander Graham Bell had a summer cottage.
Cycling Friendly Listings in Nova Scotia.
Ontario
For cycling in Ontario we offer you five cycling regions. These regions are defined by significant geographic features and will serve as a guide for the quality of cycling and character of the surrounding landscape.The River Valleys, Huronia and Haliburton, the Ontario Watershed, the Erie Watershed, and the Superior Region. Within these regions you will discover great variety and much to explore.
Ontario’s River Valleys. The roads and trails of the regions of the River Valleys of the St. Lawrence, Ottawa and Rideau Rivers. This includes the Rideau Lakes District, Delta, Merrickville, Morrisburg and Prescott.
Ontario’s Huronia and Haliburton. The roads and trails of the region along Lake Huron’s South Shore and Georgian Bay. And the region of Haliburton. This includes the towns of Southampton, Port Elgin, Collingwood, Duntroon, Barrie and Alliston.
Ontario Watershed. The roads and trails of regions along Lake Ontario. This includes Campbellford, Kingston, Prince Edward County, Picton, Milford, Milbrook, Toronto, Wellington and Brighton.
Ontario’s Erie Watershed. The roads and trails of regions along the north shore of Lake Erie and streams that flow into the Lake. This includes the towns of Niagara, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Port Colborne, Fenwick, Grimsby, Maryhill, Port Stanley, Windsor, Mennonite Country, West Montrose.
Ontario’s Superior Region. Ride through some of Canada’s most remote regions where the views surpass any thing you’ll find elsewhere.
Cycling Friendly Listings in Ontario.
Prince Edward Island
Prince Edward Island was once known as Isle St Jean when controlled by France and many of the towns bear witness to this history. This island province can now be reached by ferry, plane or bridge. The often highly cultivated checker board landscape reminds one of England, but with its rolling hills of red clay and vast stretches of sandy beaches and white sand dunes it is distinctly Canadian. Discover the exquisite food, entertainment and friendly nature as you cycle around the trails and roads of this region.
A trip to Green Gables is a Canadian classic. A house with Green Gables at Cavendish was the setting for a series of novels by Lucy Maud Montgomery and Anne of Green Gables is a fictional international celebrity.
Cycling Friendly Listings in Prince Edward Island.
Quebec
Follow the Richelieu River or St. Lawrence, enjoy festivities in bike friendly Montreal or explore small villages in the Eastern Townships. Challenge yourself on the hills in Gaspe or ride to Quebec City, known as the cradle of French civilization in North America. Quebec has a wide variety of cycling opportunities from quiet country roads, converted rail trails to city bike paths.
Les Cantons de l’Est (Eastern Townships) is a large farm and summer cottage district where you’ll find good cycling roads. Villages have delightful country inns and excellent restaurants. The big city in the region is Sherbrooke and makes a natural base for loops in the region.
Le P’tit Train du Nord offers 232 km of continuous gentle cycling trail in the Laurentians. The trail is converted railway line and stations have been preserved and converted to cafes and tourist information stops. It’s a national treasure.
For something more challenging head to the Gaspé Peninsula with its spectacular ocean views. You’ll find descents with grades of 15%.
Here is a great guide to cycling in Quebec: Cycling Guide to Quebec
Cycling Friendly Listings in Quebec.
Saskatchewan
Known for its friendly people and big open skies. For cyclists the hidden jewels are the Qu’appelle Valley and along the Saskatchewan River system. Citizens of the prairies towns welcome visitors with rich cultural experiences and hospitality.
Cycling Friendly Listings in Saskatchewan.
The Territories
Exploring cyclists will always find the less travelled regions of the world. The Canadian Territories are the lands of the midnight sun. The Yukon, Northwest Territories, Nunavut and Iqualuit all offer unique and unforgettable experiences for those who want to explore to the further edges of the world.
The newly open extension of the Dempster Highway in the Northwest Territories allows cyclists to pedal north to Tuktoyaktuk and dip their wheel in the Arctic Ocean.
Cycling Friendly Listings in Yukon Territory.