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5 Beautiful Bike Trails to Explore Across Canada

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Explore the country on two wheels this summer. Whether you pack a picnic for a leisurely afternoon ride or commit to a multi–day cycling tour, keep your camera at the ready: From the Rocky Mountains to Nova Scotia’s Cabot Trail, these five paths let you cycle through the country’s most stunning landscapes.

Sports, Nature, Canada
By Kaitlyn McInnis
June 23, 2020
A field of pink flowers sits below the snow covered mountains of Icefields Parkway in Alberta
Icefields Parkway, Alberta.

  1. Icefields Parkway, Alberta —

    The Canadian Rockies draw visitors from far and wide thanks in part to an almost endless array of activities for outdoor lovers. Skip the gondola rides and helicopter tours and hop on your bike for a more intimate glimpse of the Rockies. Icefields Parkway winds through over 200 kilometres of mountainous terrain between Jasper and Lake Louise. Expect diverse fauna and dramatic viewpoints.

Winnipeg River running through Old Pinawa Dam Provincial Heritage Park, Manitoba
Pinawa Trail, Old Pinawa Dam Provincial Heritage Park, Manitoba.

  2. Pinawa Trail, Manitoba —

    The Pinawa Trail makes up part of the nationwide Great Trail. Visitors can pedal through Pinawa Dam Provincial Park, take a stroll on the Pinawa Suspension Bridge and observe Manitoba wildlife. The well–frequented trail offers fairly level terrain – perfect for families and cyclists of all ages and skill levels.

A cycling path between the wildflower meadows and forest of the Waterfront Trail in Scarborough, Ontario
Great Lakes Waterfront Trail, Scarborough, Ontario.

  3. Great Lakes Waterfront Trail, Ontario —

    Explore the 3,000 kilometres of lakefront trails connecting 140 communities and villages in the Great Lakes region. In addition to cycling, this multi–day trip features three major wine regions, nearly 170 beaches, three UNESCO World Heritage Sites and more.

Aerial view of Cabot Trail that spans the foggy coastline of Nova Scotia
The Cabot Trail, Nova Scotia.   Photo: Christophe Dion (Unsplash)

  4. The Cabot Trail, Nova Scotia —

    Cycle along Cape Breton’s coastline and gaze at the boundless ocean views and lush highlands. The 300–kilometre trail is home to a slew of maritime attractions like the ocean–to–table Chowder House in Neil’s Harbour, kayaking in Aspy Bay and whale–watching in Pleasant Bay.

A river running through the mountainous landscape of Gros Morne National Park, Newfoundland
Viking Trail, Gros Morne National Park, Newfoundland.   Photo: Parks Canada / Eric Le Bel

  5. Viking Trail, Newfoundland and Labrador —

    Catch a glimpse of icebergs, breaching whales and caribou while pedalling along the unspoiled Newfoundland coastline. Experienced cyclists can book a seven–day tour, starting in Deer Lake and wending all the way through Gros Morne National Park, Plum Point and L’Anse aux Meadows.

This article was originally published on May 17, 2019 and was updated on June 23, 2020.