The best cycling routes in Canada

Canada offers a vast network of touring cycling routes, with over 7,000 routes available on komoot. These routes cater to various preferences, from easy coastal paths to challenging mountain ascents, ensuring a diverse experience for every cyclist.

Touring cycling in Canada features incredibly diverse terrain. You can expect rugged coastlines, towering mountains like those in the Canadian Rockies, serene forests, and vast plains. Many routes also utilize former railway lines converted into scenic paths, offering smoother rides through varied landscapes.

Yes, Canada has over 3,100 easy touring cycling routes. A great option for an accessible ride is the Brockton Point Lighthouse – Lions Gate Bridge loop from Yaletown–Roundhouse, which offers a pleasant 17.8 km experience. The Confederation Trail on Prince Edward Island is also known for being relatively flat and family-friendly, built over abandoned railway beds.

The touring cycling routes in Canada are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 15,500 reviews. Over 164,000 touring cyclists have used komoot to explore Canada's varied terrain, often praising the stunning natural beauty, well-maintained paths, and diverse landscapes.

Absolutely. Canada offers over 1,000 difficult touring cycling routes for those seeking a challenge. For instance, the Goat Creek and Banff Legacy Trail Loop takes you through the Canadian Rockies over 54 km with significant elevation changes. Another demanding option is the Gravel Bike Epic loop from Squamish — Alice Lake Provincial Park, which covers nearly 39 km with over 680 meters of ascent.

Many touring cycling routes in Canada are designed as loops, offering convenient circular journeys. Examples include the popular Brockton Point Lighthouse – Lions Gate Bridge loop from King Edward in Vancouver, or the René-Lévesque Park – Père-Marquette Promenade loop from Sherbrooke in Quebec, allowing you to start and end at the same point.

Canada's touring cycling routes often pass by spectacular natural attractions. You can encounter majestic peaks like Grouse Mountain or Mount Robson. For stunning waterfalls, consider routes near Athabasca Falls or Johnston Canyon Waterfalls. The Icefields Parkway, linking Banff and Jasper, is particularly renowned for its glaciers, lakes, and waterfalls.

Canada's extensive coastlines provide unique cycling experiences. The English Bay Beach – Lions Gate Bridge loop from West Vancouver offers beautiful coastal scenery combined with urban parkland. Further east, the Cabot Trail in Nova Scotia is famous for its winding roads with spectacular ocean views, and Prince Edward Island's Confederation Trail also features sections along the coast.

Yes, Canada's national parks offer extensive cycling opportunities. The Canadian Rockies, including Banff, Jasper, and Yoho National Parks, are prime examples. You can explore routes like the Yamaska National Park – Yamaska River Bridge loop from Bromont in Quebec, or the Bow Valley Parkway in Banff National Park.

Many scenic cycling paths in Canada are converted rail trails. The Great Trail (Trans Canada Trail) is the world's longest recreational trail, with much of it suitable for cycling along former railway beds. Quebec's Route Verte and the Kettle Valley Railway (KVR) Trail in British Columbia are other excellent examples of rail-to-trail conversions offering unique touring experiences.

A popular moderate route is the Petite Voie du Fleuve – View of the Champlain Bridge loop from Papineau, covering approximately 50 km. This route offers a balanced challenge with manageable elevation, making it suitable for cyclists looking for a good day trip without extreme difficulty.