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Biking and Cycling in Canada
 
 

Bicycle Paths and Rail Trails in Canada

Atlantic Canada

Newfoundland T'Railway - 883km, easy The trail is the former trans Newfoundland rail way that runs from Port aux Basques (the western ferry terminus) through a variety of terrain (with little or no grade) to St John's in the far east. The trail passes through (or nearby) Robinsons, Stephanville, Corner Brook, Deer Lake, Howley, Millertown Junction, Grand Falls-Windsor, Gander, Gambo, Clarenville then out on to the Avalon Peninsula and into St John's. Cyclists will find about 20% (at the time of this writing) of the trail has been resurfaced to accommodate them, with more planned in the future. Hikers and backpackers have an easier time on the sections which haven't been upgraded. The trail is also open to ATVs and snowmobiles in the winter so be careful. The trail is a part of the larger Trans Canada Trail network. For more information have a look at the Newfoundland T'Rail website.

Confederation Trail - 273km + 108km , Easy The trail runs from one end of the province to the other from Tignish to Elmira. A converted rail trail the bed has been resurfaced to be bike friendly. The trail passes through a wide variety of terrain and presents a fascinating way to see the province. There are also a number of spurs (and unconnected pathways) which allow you to explore even further afield.The PEI website has detailed information on the trail as well as maps. The trail is a part of the Trans Canada Trail, the PEI section of which is represented by Island Trails.

Petit Temis Inter-provincial Trail - 130km, Riviere du Loup (Quebec) - Edmunston (New Brunswick)

The trial passes Lake Tamiscouta (and the beach at Notre Dame du Lac) and follows the Madawaska River into New Brunswick. The trail surface is crushed gravel. There are a number of small towns on route and parking is available in many of them.

You can access the Rivier du Loup/St Simeon Ferry to reach the north shore of the St Lawrence and the road cycling routes of the Saguenay-Lac St Jean Region. Petite Temis (French) has info and maps.

Note: Bike helmuts are obligatory in New Brunswick.

Trans Canada Trail

Out-There's Mountain Biking

 

Quebec

Quebec's Route Verte, The Trans-Canada Trail along with the ongoing efforts to provide Montrealers' with safe cycling routes have turned this province into the cycling capital of Canada. Safe and accessible bike paths wrap around much of the Island of Montreal. Outlying regions are reclaiming abandoned rail corridors and taking advantage of the miles and miles of Canals along the St. Lawrence and Richelieau Rivers.

To the north of Montreal you'll find the P'tite Train du Nord, a 200km bike corridor through the scenic Laurentians. To the south in Monteregie and the Eastern Townships there are the Monteregiades, the L'Estriade, La Campagnarde and to the west the Soulange Canal.

Surrounding Quebec City there are the Piste Jacques Cartier/Portneuf, the Corridor des Cheminots as well as the Corridor de Littoral. Further east the Petite Timis connects the province to New Brunswick through a 130km link from Riviere du Loup to Edmunston. The paths through Gatineau provide the Hull/Ottawa region access to beautiful Gatineau Park while north of this the Pontiac PPJ stretches for 72km along the shores of the upper Ottawa River.

These are just the beginning, have a look at the listings for many more trails which should keep your wheels spinning for years to come.

NOTE: Most of these trail systems are evolving, with route changes, extensions and new sections added every year. Even some of the names are not consistent, with different sources using different names or in some cases breaking down longer trails using local or regional names (nothing wrong with that except it can get confusing). These listings are only a rough guide to get you started. For details use our references to gather more info. or where applicable click through to the various web sites we've listed.

Montreal

Montreal has over 600 kms of bike paths, bike bands and designated bike lanes that ring the island and bisect it from north to south (Christophe Coloumbe-Berri). The most popular of these are the paths along the historic Lachine Canal and through the Old Port of Montreal. Other interesting rides can be found along the Canal l'Aquaduct and the south shore of Lasalle which passes the Lachine Rapids.

Many of Montreal's nature parks have cycling paths including Cape St Jacques, Ile Bizard and Bois-de-Liesse. If your reasonably fit and don't mind a little road work you can take a ride through Mount Royal Park or as its referred to locally "The Mountain" which will reward you with some nice views of the city from the lookout.

You can reach the south shore cycling paths from three separate locations from Montreal, the Bridge from Nun's Island, the connection to Ise St Helene or by taking the Jacques Cartier Bridge. You can also transport your bike in the last car of the cities subways (Metro) outside of rush hours. The Metro also provides a link to the south shore via Longeuil.

Laurentians - North of Montreal and Laval

Lower Laurentians Linear Park (Basses Laurantides) - 27km (5km in the works), St Jerome - Ste Therese (Rosemere and eventually Laval), Laurentians

This is a new development which starts just north of Montreal/Laval. When it's completed it will provide direct access to the P'tite Train du Nord from the Montreal area.

Access: St Jerome, Mirabel, Blainville and Ste Therese
Connects to the Petite Train du Nord

The P'tite Train du Nord - 200km, St Jerome - Mont Laurier, Laurentians

The park travels through the beautiful hills of the Laurentians just north of Montreal. From St Jerome the trail travels through the Park du Riviere du Nord, Parc Doncaster and on through much of the resort areas as well as the Village of Mont Tremblant. You can start the trail from either end or you can pick up the trail from dozens of locations on route. For detailed information see our featured article. There is cross country skiing along the lower section in the winter. The trail connects to over a thousand kilometres of XC trails.

Access: See the featured article - The P'tite Train du Nord
Connects to Lower Laurentians Linear Park and the Aerobic Corridor (access is still in development) as well as the local trail system connecting Mont Tremblant Village and the ski resort.
Access Fee.
The trail surface is crushed gravel in the south and paved in the northern section.
Route Verte.

Aerobic Corridor (Corridor Aerobique) - 60km, Morin Heights - St Remi d'Amherst, Laurentians

The Aerobic Corridor is one of Quebec's original multi-use trails It is currently evolving and will soon provide a loop, in conjunction with the P'tite Train du Nord, through the some of the most beautiful areas in the Laurentians. The loop will take you from the P'tite Train du Nord just south of St Sauveur to Morin Heights (Planned), to Monfort, Lac des Seize Iles, Weir, Arundel, Saint Remi d'Amherst and in the future on to Brebeuf, Ste Jovite and the Village of Mont Tremblant where it will again connect to the P'tite Train. As this is written the trail is essentailly hard pack, hybrids or mountain bikes are suggested. The trail extension into St Sauveur and Mont Tremblant should be completed in 2003. The Aerobic Corridor

 

Mont Tremblant - 12.5km, Mont Tremblant Village - Mont Tremblant Resort, Laurentians

The trail system is a paved, off road trail with gentle grades connecting the Village of Mont
Tremblant and the Mont Tremblant Resort.

Roller Blading
Cross Country Skiing

Connects to the P'tite Train du Nord

The Vagabond - 46km, Oka - Saint-Eustache, Lower Laurentians

The trail is just north east of Montreal in the lower Laurentians region of Quebec from Oka to St Eustache. It follows the north shore of the St Lawrence from the confluence of the Ottawa and the St Lawrence at the Lake of Two Mountains/Oka through Sainte-Marthe-sur-le-Lac and
Pointe-Calumet and then on to St Eustache. The trail passes through Oka Provincial Park (where you can expect some climbs) along route. Pick up the trail at the Two Mountains Train Station in St Eustache or east of the ferry in Oaka along the waterfront
Paved with crushed gravel sections.
Route Verte

     

Monteregie - Directly South and west of Montreal

Soulange Canal - 35km, Riviere Beaudette - Pointe des Cascades, Monteregie

The trail follows the historic Soulange Canal from Lake St Francois to Lake St Louis. You can also reach the National Historic Site at Coteau du Lac. On route is the popular beach at Saint Zotique. From Les Cedres you can cross the river on a unique cycle ferry to the and take in the Regional Park du St Timothee (which also has a popular beach). If you cross over on the ferry a stint along highway 132 heading east will take you to the Beauharnois-Salaberry Cycling Trail.

Towns: Riviere Beaudette, Saint-Zotique, Coteau du Lac, Les Cedres, Pointe des Cascades

Beauharnois-Salaberry Cycling Trail - 51km, Lac St Francis-Beauharnois, Monteregie

The trail follows the northern shore of the Beauharnois Canal below the town of Valleyfield. The canal connects Lake St Louis and Lake St Francois. You can reach the Soulange Canal Bike Trail if your willing to do a little road work. Follow the 132 west from Beauharnois to the cycle ferry in St Timothee and head over to Les Cedres. There is also a trail section along the south shore of the Canal from Lake St Francois to St Louis de Gonzaque. Work is underway to connect this to the tunnel at Beauharnois.

Canal de Beauharnois - Map PDF 272k

 

Campagnarde - 49km, Drummondville - Waterloo, Eastern Townships, Monteregie, Couer du Quebec, Eastern Townships

The trail is surfaced with crushed gravel and travels in a north/south direction.

Connects to the L' Estriade and if you follow the Route 112 to the east from Waterloo you can reach La Montagnarde. The trail skirts Yamaska Provincial Park.
Route Verte
Towns: Waterloo, Wickham, Drummondville, Warden, Roxton Sud (passes just to the east)


Campagnarde
Route Verte

The following trails connect (in the listed order) from Montreal to Sherbrooke in the Eastern Townships. There are a few breaks in the circuit which will require road travel including the section between the Chambly Canal Trail and the La Riveraine/Montee du Fort-Chambly in Brossard as well as the section of secondary highway along route 112 between Waterloo and the beginning of the Montagnarde in Stukley-Sud. In Waterloo the Campagnarde heads north and connects into Becancour and Trois Riviere. While the Grand Forches heads north from Sherbrooke eventually leading into Levis and Quebec City.

La Riveraine/Montee du Fort-Chambly (Route Verte-MRC Champlain) - 31km St Lambert- Bossard, Monteregie

Follows the St Lawrence River along the south shore from St Catherine to Longueil before heading south east towards Chambly. The trail provides some excellent views of the Montreal and Ile St Helene. Further to the east you can connect to the trail system in the Ile de Boucherville Provincial Park. Connects to the Montreal bicycle routes by bridges or you can ride the ferry. By way of route 112 you can connect into the Chambly Canal Trail.

Paved, crushed gravel and roadways.
Towns: Saint Catherine, Candiac, La Prairie, Brossard, St Lambert, Greenfield Park, Longueuil, St Hubert, Chambly
Route Verte

Chambly Canal - 20km, Chambly - St Jean sur Richelieu (Iberville), Monteregie

The trail follows the Richelieu River and the historic Chambly canal where you ride the tow path. The trail passes through the Park des Rapids and you can access the Fort Chambly National Historic Site with a few extra pedels.

Towns:Chambly, Carignan, St Jean sur Richelieu
Route Verte

Monteregiades (Monteregiades I, II, Monteregie/Eastern Townships) - 48km, Granby - Iberville (St Jean sur Richelieu), Monteregie

The trail is fully paved, so if the day is particulary hot, you might want to take advantage of the beach in Farnham, La Plage Ouellette. There are plenty of picnic tables along the route. The trail connects to the L'Estriade in the east and the Chambly Canal in the west.

Granby to Farnham 21km, Farnham to Iberville 27km
Towns: Granby, Farnham, Iberville

Accommodations

Camping mon Repos (between Farnham and Granby)
Ange Gardien
(450) 293-6318

Monteregiades
Route Verte

     

Eastern Townships - Southeast of Montreal and south of Monteregie

Campagnarde - 49km, Drummondville - Waterloo, Eastern Townships, Monteregie, Couer du Quebec, Eastern Townships

The trail is surfaced with crushed gravel and travels in a north/south direction.

Connects to the L' Estriade and if you follow the Route 112 to the east from Waterloo you can reach La Montagnarde. The trail skirts Yamaska Provincial Park.
Route Verte
Towns: Waterloo, Wickham, Drummondville, Warden, Roxton Sud (passes just to the east)
Campagnarde
Route Verte

     

Monteregiades (Monteregiades I, II, Monteregie/Eastern Townships) - 48km, Granby - Iberville (St Jean sur Richelieu), Monteregie

The trail is fully paved, so if the day is particulary hot, you might want to take advantage of the beach in Farnham, La Plage Ouellette. There are plenty of picnic tables along the route. The trail connects to the L'Estriade in the east and the Chambly Canal in the west.

Granby to Farnham 21km, Farnham to Iberville 27km
Towns: Granby, Farnham, Iberville

Accommodations

Camping mon Repos (between Farnham and Granby)
Ange Gardien
(450) 293-6318

Monteregiades
Route Verte

L'Estriade - 21.1km, Waterloo - Granby, Eastern Townships

The trail has a number of spurs which allow you to do some additional exploring. A short side trail, La Villegeoise, takes you into the scenic town of Bromont (and the most excellent Mountain Biking at the ski hill). Outside Grandby you can connect to La Granbyenne which will take you along Lac Boivin or you can take the trail into Yamaska Provincial Park (there is an access fee).

Connects to La Granbyenne, Campagnarde, Yamaska Park Trail and La Monteregiade
Towns: Granby, Bromont, Waterloo
Crushed gravel.
L'Estriade
Route Verte

Montagnarde - 50km plus, Stuckley-Sud - Magog, Eastern Townships Perhaps the townships nicest cycling route. The trail takes you through Mont Orford Provincial Park and into the scenic town of Magog on Lake Memphremagog. A printed map is available from the local tourism office.

You can connect to the Campagnarde and the L'Estriade by following route 112 from Stukely-Sud into Waterloo.
Towns: Magog, Omerville, Eastman

Route Verte

Frontenac Park - The park has a new 8km bike path which runs along Lake St. Francis in the Saint Daniel sector. The park has front country camping, beaches, canoe camping and hiking trails.

Lac Megantic-Baie des Sables - the 6.2km trail connects the core of the Lac Megantic with the campers park.

La Chutes de la Chaudiere - 22km, South of Levy to Saint Agapite, Chaudiere-Appalache

Follows the south shore of the St Lawrence east before heading south. Much of the trail is on a seperate bike path but some of it uses roadways.

Connects to the Lotbiniere. Route Verte

Lotbiniere - 26km, Lyster (northeast) - Saint Agapite (Northeast), Chaudiere-Appalache, Couer du Quebec

The full length of the trail is bikepath without any road travel.

The trail connects in the north to the La Chutes de la Chaudiere and in the south to the Bois Francs Linear Park
Route Verte

Bois Francs Linear Park - 77km, Tingwick - Lyster, Coeur de Quebec

Another abandoned rail corridor (thank you very much) that travels through rural farming areas.

The trail connects to the Asbestos Region Trail in the south and the Lobiniere in the north.
Plessiville, Victoriaville
Route Verte

Asbestos Regions Route Verte Trail - 14km, Richmond - Tingwick

The trail is off road for its entire length.

The trial connects to the Grandes Fourches in the south and the Bois Francs Linear Trail in the north.
Route Verte

Grandes Fourches - 115km, Magog - Sherbrooke, Eastern Townships

The trial follows the Massawippi, Magog and St Francis Rivers. There is a 54km loop around the North Hatley region.

Connects to the Montagnarde at Magog. You can also connect to the Asbestos Regions Route Verte trails by cycling a short section of roadway to Bromptonville from the trail end above Sherbrooke. This trail connects to several others which lead to Levi and Quebec City.
Towns: Magog, North Hatley, Sherbrooke

Couer du Quebec, Eastern Townships - South of Becancour/Trois Riviere

Saint Francois du Lac to Beconcour - 80km, Saint Francois du Lac-Becancour, Couer du Quebec

The trail follows the south shore of Lac St Pierre which has been designated a World Biosphere Reserve. This area is renown for its birding and nature viewing. The region is rural or semi-urban.Nicolet, Becancour (Trois Riviere), Saint Francois

The trail connects to the Curcuit des Traditions in the south.

Curcuit des Traditions - 58km, Wickham - Saint Pie de Guire (includes the upper part of the Campagnarde)

The trail is made up of paved and crushed gravel sections with some sections on roadways with designated bike lanes. Much of the trial is through urban settings with some within rural areas.

The trail connects to the Saint Francois du Lac to Becancour trail in the north and the Campagnarde in the south.
Towns: Drummondville - Tourism Drummondville, Wickham, Saint Pie de Guire
Route Verte

Campagnarde - 49km, Drummondville - Waterloo, Eastern Townships, Monteregie, Couer du Quebec, Eastern Townships

The trail is surfaced with crushed gravel and travels in a north/south direction.

Connects to the L' Estriade and if you follow the Route 112 to the east from Waterloo you can reach La Montagnarde. The trail skirts Yamaska Provincial Park.
Route Verte
Towns: Waterloo, Wickham, Drummondville, Warden, Roxton Sud (passes just to the east)
Campagnarde

Quebec City Region

Corridor des Chiminots - 22km, Quebec City - Val Belair, Quebec City Region

The trail connects to the Piste Jacques Cartier/Portneuf in the north.

Roller Blading, Hiking, Cross Country Skiing
Wheelchair Access

Piste Jacques Cartier/Portneuf - 68 km, Saint Gabriel de Valcartier - Riviere a Pierre, Quebec City Region

North east of Quebec City. The trail winds its way around lakes and rivers and through the beautiful hills of the region.

The trail connects to the Corridor des Chiminots in the south and allows access to the
mountain bike trails of the Reserve Faunique de Portneuf in the north.

Crushed gravel. surface.
Connects to Corridor du Littoral

Corridor du Littoral - 50km, Chute Montmorency - St Augustin de Desmaures, Quebec City Region

East of Quebec City along the north shore of the St Lawrence.

Will Connect to Corridor des Chiminots once the link is completed into Quebec City.

Cyclo Services
Vieux Quebec

Les Sentier du Moulin
Beauport

 

Outaouais/Ottawa Region

Hull, Gatineau and Ottawa - 300km+ Hull, Alymer and Gatineau have an extensive bike path system which winds through the park and follows the shores of the Ottawa River. There are connections into the extensive network of trails across the river in Ottawa which wind along the Ottawa's far shore and follow the Rideau further inland. The pathways connect innumerable parks and points of interest and are one of the best ways to explore the National Captital Region. You'll find a wealth of facilities as well as restaurants and accommodations all along the route.

Pontiac Cycloparc PPJ - 72km, Wyeman - Waltham, Outaouis Region North of Hull The park follows the St Lawrence River above Hull/Ottawa in the Pontiac Region. The trail runs from Wyeman to Waltham (approximately from Arnprior to Pembroke on the Ontario side of the river). The trail is in an area which was significant when lumbering took over from the fur trade as key the industry in our county's development.

The trial passes by the towns of Shawville, Bryson, Campbell's Bay, Vinton and Davidson and Fort Coulonge.

Abitibi-Temiscamingue

Ligne du Mocassin - 45km, Angliers - Ville Marie, Abitibi-Temiscamingue

Traveling through rural countryside the trail is a reclaimed rail bed.

The trail surface is crushed gravel.

Bas St Laurent

Petite Temis Inter-provincial Trail - 130km, Riviere du Loup (Quebec) - Edmunston (New Brunswick)

The trial passes Lake Tamiscouta (and the beach at Notre Dame du Lac) and follows the Madawaska River into New Brunswick. The trail surface is crushed gravel. There are a number of small towns on route and parking is available in many of them.

You can access the Rivier du Loup/St Simeon Ferry to reach the north shore of the St Lawrence and the road cycling routes of the Saguenay-Lac St Jean Region.

Note: Bike helmuts are obligatory in New Brunswick.

Trans Canada Trail

Out-There's Mountain Biking

 

Ontario

Capital Pathway ( Ottawa-Gatineau Bike Network) - 170km - 300km Ottawa, Gatineau and Alymer have an extensive bike path system which winds through the park and follows the shores of the Ottawa River. There are connections into the extensive network of trails across the river in Ottawa which wind along the Ottawa's far shore and follow the Rideau further inland. The pathways connect innumerable parks and points of interest and are one of the best ways to explore the National Capital Region. You'll find a wealth of facilities as well as restaurants and accommodations all along the route. National Capital Commission City of Ottawa

Gatineau Park - The park has 90km of cycling trials which are best suited to a hybrid or mountain bike. The trails are largely mix usage so you have to provide the right of way to hikers. You can also do some downhilling in the park at Camp Fortune. Follow the link for more information.

Prescott Russell Recreational Trail - 72km, Easy, Prescott-Russell This is predominantly a cycling trail (snow mobiles are permitted in the winter) which has been converted from an old rail bed. The trail starts just outside Ottawa west of the Town of Hammond and passes just north of the Larose Forest passing through Bourget and on east just to the south of Planganet and north of the Alfred Bog on it's way to Vankleek Hill. There are plans to continue the trail through St Eugene (just to the south of Voyageur Provincial Park, which has camping) to the Quebec border. Outside of the towns the trail is largely rural passing through the farmlands of the lower Ottawa Valley. There are pavilions on route in or just outside the towns of Hammond, Bourget, Planganet and Vankleek Hill (with one still to be built in the Town of St Eugene) where you can access the trail.

The Ravines (Toronto) Toronto's ravines offer the best of off road cycling with paved paths or crushed stones you can easily ride a hybrid or road bike in most areas. Consult the online map for all of the different routes. Another interesting ride is the Beltway which has connections into the ravine trail system. With the extensive network of ravines and connecting trails, cycling to work is a great option for many people in the city.

Water Front Trail - This ambitious project to reclaim the Ontario waterfront from Niagara to Quinte West (and it doesn't look like it will stop there) provides some excellent cycling areas in Toronto and Mississauga and beyond. Check out the link to the Waterfront Trust to get more information.

Georgian Trail - 32km, Easy, Linear, Stone Dust, Cycling, Hiking, Backpacking, Cross Country Skiing. The trail is a rail bed without any steep inclines so it's suitable for cyclists of all levels. The trail runs from Meaford, through Thornbury and on to Collingwood, following alongside the shores of Nottawasaga Bay (Southern Georgian Bay). It passes by beaches, through small urban centers, through forest and field and is easily access from the towns (parking is available) mentioned or any of almost thirty other points. Extreme care should be taken where the trail crosses roads and highways. You'll find shops, restaurants, campgrounds (Craigleith) and roofed accommodations in the towns. To reach the trail, take the 26 from the 400 just north of Barrie. Meaford, Thornbury, Craiglieth, Collingwood, Grey & Simcoe Counties

Keppel Rail Trail - 12.8km, Easy, Linear, Stone Dust (8.8km), crushed gravel (4km), Cycling/Mountain biking, Biking, Backpacking, Cross Country Skiing, Horseback Riding. The trail runs from Parkhead to Ben Allen, at the base of the Bruce Peninsula west of Owen Sound.
The trail passes through wetlands, fields, shrub and forest, as well as the town of Shallow Lake. Access is available from any of the three towns mentioned. You can also reach the trail via the Sarawak Rail Trail, which starts (or ends) in Owen Sound and connects to the Keppel Trail at Ben Allen. From Owen sound follow the 21 to the 6 north for Shallow Lake, the 21 to the 10 north for Park Head or head west from Owen Sound a short distance to Country Road 17 and head north to Ben Allen. The trail is open to snowmobiles in the winter. Grey County

North Simcoe Rail Trail/Tiny Trail - 30km (52km), Cycling/Mountain Biking, Hiking, Backpacking. The trail runs from just west of Barrie in the south, to Elmvale in the north, where the Tiny section is to begin and continue about 22km on to Midland. The trail passes through the Minnesing Swamp providing a nice overlook of this impressive area. As this was written, the smooth surface runs out about 12km into the ride, but this will change over time. The trial has some sections on road and also crosses several roads and highways, where you should dismount and proceed with extreme caution. Take exit 96 on the 400 at Barrie and head west on Highway 90, where it's just short of 10km to Pinegrove Road. The trail starts just after the railway crossing (do not park on the railway crossing the tracks are still in use). Barrie, Simcoe County Note: Like many of Ontario's rail trails, this is a work in progress.

Oro Medonte/Lake Country Rail Trail - 28km, Hiking, Mountain Biking, Snowshoeing, XC, Original Rail bed. The trail parallels Ridge Road just above the Lake Simcoe's shoreline, running from the northern outskirts of Barrie to the southern edge of Orillia. The trail is accessible at the end of Penetanguishene Road at Lake Simcoe in the south, or at Woodland Avenue and Woodland Road just south of Orillia, in the north. From Orillia follow the 12 west to Memorial Avenue and turn south to Woodland. From Barrie follow Georgian Drive passed the hospital and head south on Penetanguishene. Simcoe County

Paisley Trail - 6km, Easy, Linear, Cycling, Hiking, Snowshoeing. The trail follows along the top of flood dykes, through fields and forested areas on its way to downtown Paisley and then over the Teeswater River to the Dykes of the Saugeen. You'll find parking at Dr. Milne and Rotary Park. From Guelph follow the 7 north to the nine then pick up the 3 from Mildmay. Paisley, Bruce County

Sarawak Rail Trail - 3km, Easy, Linear, Stonedust, Cycling, Hiking, Backpacking, Cross Country Skiing, Horseback Riding. Basically the trail is a continuation of the Keppel Rail Trail which it connects to at Ben Allen. From Ben Allen, the trail continues down the escarpment to Owen Sound ending on Range Road in the cities west end. You can reach the connection point of the two trails from Owen Sound by driving a short distance west to Country Road 17 and heading north to Ben Allen. Owen Sound, Ben Allen, Grey County

Saugeen Rail Trail - 9km, Easy, Linear, Stonedust, Cycling, Hiking, Backpacking, Cross Country Skiing. The trail parallels the Lake Huron shoreline between Port Elgin and Southampton. Access the trial just north of Port Elgin at River Street or in Southampton on McNabb Street. Port Elgin can be reached from Guelph by following the 7 to the 9 to Midmay, then the 3 to the 17. Southampton is west of Owen Sound along the 21. Port Elgin, Southampton, Bruce County.

Saugeen River Trail - 5.5km, Easy, Linear, Stonedust, Cycling, Hiking, Cross Country Skiing. The trail follows the Saugeen River beside the town of Walkerton just south of Owen Sound. There are several access points on route. Walkerton can be reached from the south by following the 7 to the 9 north. Walkerton, Bruce County

St Lawrence Recreational Path - The trail follows along the St Lawrence river stretching from Morrisburg to the Quebec border. The sections of the trail are in various stages of development ranging from a paved pathway to lines on a planners map. Leaving Morrisburg and heading east you'll be traveling on a designated lane along a paved road shoulder. When you reach Upper Canada Village the trail switches to a pathway with a crushed gravel surface. At the Migratory bird sanctuary the pathways surface is paved and takes you to the Long Sault Parkway where you have to share the roadway. The parkway is a part of the St. Lawrence Parks system and picnic areas abound and camping is available if you're equipped for an overnight stay. When you exit the park the pathway continues off road and the surface is completely paved all the way to the far side of Cornwall. The path continues on through Glen Walter, Summerstown and Lancaster but the surface switches back to crushed stone once you're through Cornwall. From Lancaster to the Quebec border the path is still in the planning stages. Once the extension is complete you'll be able to connect into the Route Verte, Quebec's phenomenal trail network which will take you into Montreal and beyond.

Thornton-Cookstown Trail - Hiking, Mountain Biking, Snowshoeing, XC Skiing, SM. The trial starts just to the west of Cookstown off the 89 and follows the Cookstown Creek passed Thornton over to the 53.

Uhthoff Trail - 25km, Easy, Linear, Stonedust, Cycling, Hiking, Backpacking, Cross Country Skiing, Horseback Riding. The trial runs through forest and field from Orillia to Coldwater, with a connection to the 6km Lightfoot Trail in Orillia. The trail is accessible in Orillia at Wilson Point Road. Orillia is located off Highway 11 north of Barrie. There are a number of road crossings with a high concentration in the Orillia area, dismount and proceed with extreme caution. The trail sees snowmobile use in the winter. Orillia, Coldwater, Simcoe County

Municipal Trails

Barrie Waterfront Trail - Hiking, MTB, XC, Snowshoeing

Midland Rotary Waterfront Trail - Cycling, Hiking, Snowshoeing, XC Skiing, Paved and Crushed Stone Dust

Penetanguishene Rotary Park Trail - Hiking, Cycling, XC, Snowshoeing, Snowmobiles, Paved and Crushed Stone - Joins with the Tiny Trail at the west end of town and leads into the port. On the outskirts it runs through forest and field.

Orillia Trails for Life - 9.5km, Hiking, Cycling, Cross Country Skiing, Snowshoeing, Roller Blading, Paved.

Trans Canada Trail

Out-There's Mountain Biking

 

Western Canada

British Columbia

Note: Bike helmets are obligatory in British Columbia

Vancouver

The city has an extensive set of bike trails, paths and greenways (many more are in the planning stages) as well as the excellent Sea Wall. Many of the routes are shared with cars but a variety of tactics are used to enhanced the cyclists safety and right of way, including traffic calming, designated lanes and traffic signaling devices. Maps are available from bike shops, while the City of Vancouver provides one online as well. The two key cycling trails in the city are the Sea Wall and the Central Valley Greenway, both of which have their own brief descriptions. Cyclist will find designated bike racks and bike lockers (from Translink, Vancouver's transit authority) around the city. The transit system is bike friendly, have a look at the Translink website for details.


Vancouver - Sea Wall

The Sea Wall is a phenomenal multi-use path which wends its way around the edge of the city. Starting at the endowment lands beside the University of British Columbia, the path travels along Jericho Beach and then after some street connections in Point Grey into Kitsilano. It then loops around Vanier Park where you have the opportunity to explore Granville Island when you travel under the bridge. Continuing along False Creek you cycle passed the Science Centre then along the north shore of the Creek to the west end and English Bay beach. You can then choose to connect into the Stanley Park section and ride around the outer periphery of the park or take the cut off down to the shores of Burrard Inlet. Following along the edge of the inlet you'll be cycling in the downtown core where you can access many of Vancouver's most interesting neigbhourhoods and attractions. This includes Gas Town, Granville Mal and China Town. This stretch also has connections to the Sea Bus which will take you to North Vancouver and the Sky Train which connects to New Westminster and Surrey. Both of these transit services will accept bicycles as do most of the buses in the city (restricted to two at any one time). Other connections include West Vancouver, via Stanley Park and the Lions Gate Bridge and the Central Valley Greenway which travels below the Sky Train out to New Westminster and Surrey.


Vancouver/Burnaby/New Westminster - Central Valley Greenway

Takes advantage of the Sky Train corridor's right of way stretching from New Westminster, through Burnaby and then into the core of Vancouver in the Main Street/False Creek area. At this point you can make connections to North Vancouver, West Vancouver and the Kitsilano/Point Grey area by way of the Sea Wall. Parts of the trail are still in the development process. A map is available online from Best BC http://www.best.bc.ca which includes the current status of the Greenway.


Vancouver - Stanley Park

While technically a part of the the sea wall it stands on it's own as an recreational facility. While it's limited as a commuter trail (with the exception of the access to the Lions Gate) this is the best ride in the city and is a great introduction for a visitor to the Park and the whole region since the trail provides stunning views of the north shore and Kitsilano/Point Grey. The trail connects into the rest of the Sea Wall and provides access to the downtown core and most of Vancouver's best attractions. Joggers, walkers and inline skaters share the trail which has designate lanes for different uses.

Richmond Trails & Greenways

Like the Netherlands, Richmond is flat and uses dikes to hold back the sea. Richmond, like it's European counterpart is a great place for cycling with no real hills and a series of dykes which have a trail system open to cyclists. The Dyke trails follow Dyke Road in the south and head west into Stevenson Village. Following the shoreline the trails head north to River Road where it travels along the Middle Arm of the Fraser River. The section between Steveston and the Fraser River is know as the West Dyke Trails and is well know for both its excellent nature viewing and fabulous views of the Coast Mountains. You can connect into Delta using the Massey Tunnel (no cycling allowed in the tunnel) during the summer months by taking advantage of the shuttle service. In the north the trail brings you close enough to either the Oak Street or Knight Street bridges to get access to Vancouver and its trail system (a mix of on street, shared streets, greenways and sea walls). The Richmond pathways also include several unlinked sections in the east as well as trail which will help you cut across island, from North to South along Shell Road.

Delta Trails

Delta like Richmond includes some trails which take advantage of the dyke system in the region. The path above Roberts Bank can be accessed via River Road West passed the turn off for Westham Island. The Boundary Bay dyke trail along the eastern shore travels through Boundary Bay Park to Mud bay providing 14km of cycling. You'll find another 7km along the Boundary Bay Greenway in North Delta. For travels making their way from the Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal to Vancouver you can follow the 64th Street Connector. An online map is available from the Delta website.

Kettle Valley Railway - One of the world's most beautiful rail trails, the Kettle Valley trial runs for an incredible 455km. Not all of the trail is suitable for cycling and some of the trestles were lost in the interior fires of recent years so sections may not be connected. Much of the trail is best suited to shorter trips on sections which are complete. The trail travels from outside Grand Forks in the west to Brodie in the east. On route, traveling west to east, you'll pass through Brookmere, Tulameen, Princton, Summerland, Penticton, Rock Creek, Okanagan Falls and Osoyoos. The scenery varies from tall mountains, to rich valleys, sub-alpine meadows, deep forests and areas that border on desert. While the trail climbs over 1000m, it does so on a very gradual grade and their are no steep sections (it was a railway after all). Have a look at the Spirit of 2010 http://www.spiritof2010trail.ca website for more information on the Kettle Valley or check out the Kettle Valley Trail site.

 

Victoria - Victoria like Vancouver has a network of bike paths much of which are shared access on city streets. A variety of strategies are used to ensure cyclists safety and right of way. Vancouver Island's main cycling trails, the Galloping Goose and the Lockside Trail have their origins in the city before stretching out to the north and west for a total of over 88km. The E&N Victoria to Goldstream will add another 17.5km to this total when it's completed in time for the 2010 Olympics. Eventually the trail will connect into the Cowichan Valley Trail and continue on into Nanaimo.

Lockside Trail - Saanich Penninsula, Victoria Area -29km, Easy-Moderate This multi-use trail starts at the ferry terminal at Swartz Bay (connections to Vancouver and the Gulf Islands) then makes it's way south along the Saanich Pennisula, through Sidney (ferry access to Sidney Spit and Washington State), passed Bazan and Cordova Bay, through Saanich just north of Victoria where it intersects at the Switch Bridge with the Galloping Goose Trail (the Goose travels west to Sooke and beyond - follow the link for more info.). While sections of the trail are very urban there are a number of areas which take you through forest and field and out by ocean. You can access Swan Lake/Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary in Saanich as well as several parks on route, including Elk/Beaver Lake and Island View Beach Regional Parks, both of which allow you to cool off with a swim. The trail can be access from the Swartz Bay ferry by following the signs. If you're on foot turn left at the Landsend Road Overpass to the trail. If you're on a bike pass under the Landsend Road overpass and head right at the bike lane and right at the overpass. From Victoria downtown cross the Johnson Street Bridge and turn right for the trail that connects to Harbour Road. Designated parking areas are available at in Saanich at Lochside Drive and Lochside Park, Cy Hampson Park in Central Saanich and in Sidney in Tulista Park. You'll also find roadside parking in many areas. Have a look at the parks section of the Capital Regional District website which is the official site for the trail and the regional parks on route. The Provincial Parks can be found on the BC Parks website.

Galloping Goose Trail Victoria Area - 55km, Easy-Moderate A multi-use trail which works it's way from Victoria, north of Esquimalt, through Langford, Colwood, Metchosin, Sooke and finally to the now abandoned (and unfortunately fully dismantled) mining village of Leechtown. The trail is accessible to hikers, backpackers, cyclists, equestrians and just about anyone or anything which is bio-powered. In-line skaters should note that the trail is paved only in the first section (this portion is closed to horses) from Victoria to Langford. The trail will take you passed splendid ocean views, enchanted forests, fascinating wetlands, colourful farmers' fields as well as sections that are decidedly urban. You can access Thetis Lake Regional Park, Sooke Potholes Provincial Park (a great place for a swim - access by Sooke River Road only), Matheson Lake Regional Park and just a little further afield, Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse National Historic Sites. Not far north of the trails starting point in Victoria, it intersects with the Lochside Trail, which will take you north into the Sannich Penninsula, through the wonderful seaside town of Sidney then to it's terminus at the Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal (connections to Vancouver and the Gulf Islands). The Goose is a part of the Trans-Canada Trail which will eventually take you north along the east coast of Vancouver Island to Nanaimo and beyond. From Victoria downtown, cross the Johnson Street Bridge and turn right for the trail that connects to Harbour Road. In Sooke the trail intersects Sooke Road/Highway 14 just north of Sooke Harbour and east of Roche Cove Park. You'll find parking at Sooke Potholes, at either end of Matheson Lake Regional Park, at Glen and Thetis Lake as well as several areas closer to the city. You'll also find roadside parking in many areas. Have a look at the parks section of the Capital Regional District website which is the official site for the trail and the regional parks on route. The Provincial Parks can be found on the BC Parks website. Sooke

Note: The Galloping Goose and Lochside trail are shared use with sections used by horses which can be easily spooked. The trails have paved and unpaved sections, as well as portions which make use of the roads. In addition, the trails cross roads at various points, including very busy highways.

E&N Victoria to Goldstream (via the Galloping Goose) - 17.5km, easy A work in progress the, planned completion date is 2010. The trail will provide access to Goldstream Provincial Park from the most populated centres of the south island.

Cowichan Valley - 47 km from Shawnigan Lake to Lake Cowichan - Not complete The trail is a part of the Trans Canada Trail network (which will eventually connect Victoria to Nanaimo), it travels north from Shawnigan Lake through scenic wilderness areas but doesn't yet directly connect to the northern section due the burned out Kinsol Trestle which is to be rebuilt. The northern section follows the Cowichan River (and parallels the Cowichan River Trail) through the Provincial Park of the same name then continues on into Cowichan Lake.

Nanaimo Parkway Trail - 20km, easy, intermediate, multi-use A paved trail which follows the Nanaimo Parkway, the riding is easy except for the hills which can be fairly significant especially if you haven't ridden all winter. The Parkway runs for Chase River south of the city to Aulds Road in the north with access points along route. The trail connects to several parks and you can reach the downtown area via the Millstone Trail and the Waterfront Walkway. Commuters as well as recreationists take avantage of the trail. Information on the trial and parks in the Nanaimo area can be found on the Parks Go website and a map is available from the City of Nanaimo

Nanaimo E&N - 7.5km, easy. This newly established trail adds to the 20km of paths provided by the Nanaimo Parkway Trail. You can expect the E&N to keep expanding and eventually the the Nanaimo trails will connect through to the Cowichan and Galloping Goose trails providing a continuous link from Swartz Bay through Victoria then up to Nanaimo. The Nanaimo bike paths provide an excellent opportunity for commuters as well as recreational riders.

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