Take a ride on Canada’s awesome biking trails

Fall is the perfect time to get out and explore the beauty of Canada while travelling on two wheels. Here are ten trails well worth the ride.

1. Niagara River Recreational Trail, ON

Follow this 56 km trail along the Niagara River to discover wineries, historical sites, and, of course, one of the world’s most famous waterfalls. Created in 1986, this popular trail starts at historic Fort Erie, meanders past vineyards, fruit stands, and restaurants, Horseshoe Falls, and reaches Fort George in Niagara on the Lake.

2. P’tit Train du Nord Linear Park, QC

This 234 km trail through the beautiful Laurentian mountains follows the old railway line and takes you through tiny villages, lush farmlands, and Mont-Tremblant resort. Challenging at times as there are plenty of hills to climb, this stunning path showcases the very best of this special region and takes you to many lesser-known spots.

3. Cabot Trail Cycling Route, NS

Starting in the quaint town of Baddeck, this 300 km biking route takes you through Cape Breton Highlands National Park where you’ll come across beautiful white-sand beaches, climb mountains affording spectacular views, and tiny fishing towns serving up the freshest seafood you could ever hope to taste.

4. Kettle Valley Railway Trail, BC

The 600 km of decommissioned railway tracks that form this popular bike route through the sunny southern interior of British Columbia attract tourists from the world over. Through mountains—literally, as you bike through old rail tunnels—and valleys, alongside huge clear lakes, past vineyards and fruit orchards, this glorious trail is divided into sections suited for all abilities.

5. Véloroute des Bleuets, QC

This route is made up of 256 km of trails that circumnavigate Lac-Saint-Jean, taking you alongside blueberry fields and beaches, through sweet little towns with restaurants and accommodations along the way. You don’t have to do the whole route— there are itineraries that span three to five days and routes suitable for all skill levels.

6. Confederation Trail, PEI

The beautiful thing about cycling in PEI is that besides a few rolling hills the island is pretty much flat so you can cover a lot of ground with little effort! The 435 km of red dust and stone paths of the Confederation Trail follow old railway lines along beaches and through verdant countrysides and farmlands. You can bike from one tip of the island to the other or just select  parts to explore.

7. Viking Trail, NF

Hardcore riders will love the challenge of the 526 km Viking Trail that takes you through otherworldly fjords and mountains of Gros Morne National Park, through fishing villages and vast open terrain to explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site, L’Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site where Vikings first arrived a thousand years ago.

8. Ridge Road Heritage Trail, YT

This unique route follows 36 km of Yukon’s first government-funded wagon road, built in 1899. Bike through spruce, birch and alder forests for incredible views over the mountains, passing historic artifacts and relics from the area’s mining past as well as current mining operations.

9. High Rockies Trail, AB

This 80 km trail across three provincial parks high in the Rocky Mountains offers show-stopping mountain views, alpine forests, pristine lakes, and superlative wildlife viewing opportunities—from just under 120 species of birds to elk and bears. As you might expect, climbing the more mountainous parts of this trail on your bike will take effort, but the epic panoramas make it all worthwhile.

10. Gulf Islands, BC

It is possible to tour the gorgeous Gulf Islands in a week by bike and ferry. Each island has its own personality and attractions, with beaches, forests, and fabulous views with every turn. As a bonus, travelling between islands, you may encounter orcas racing alongside the ferries. For the most part, roads on the islands are quiet and safe, making for a very pleasant and leisurely ride. The islands offer inns and B&Bs, restaurants, and everything you need to plan out a fantastic bike trip.

Planning to hit the open road on your bike soon? Be sure to have travel insurance so that you’re covered in the event of any emergency. Check out our solutions and get your personalized quote today.