Put these cycling hot spots on your list
Travelling on a bike is a great way to exercise and enjoy nature
If you really want to connect with a place, explore it on a bicycle. Pedalling is much more immersive than driving. It engages all the senses, allowing you to see, hear and even smell things that are completely missed when you’re in a motor vehicle. It’s also a great way to exercise and travel in a healthy way — maintaining social distancing and without harmful emissions. Whether you’re an avid cyclist or a recreational rider, Canada offers plenty of places to fulfil your twowheeled wanderlust.
Kettle Valley Rail Trail/Columbia and Western Rail Trail, B.C.
The Kettle Valley Rail Trail and the adjacent Columbia and Western Rail Trail extend from Hope to Castlegar in the longest rail trail network in British Columbia. Rail trails are former railway lines that have been converted into recreational pathways. There are almost 650 kilometres of connected pathways to explore, but the Myra Canyon trestle bridges are the undisputed highlight. When you cycle 80 kilometres from Kelowna to Penticton along this trail, you’ll cross 18 trestle bridges, pass through two tunnels and see extraordinary scenery. The KVR, as it is affectionately known, is a beautiful cycling corridor that is unlike any other cycling trail in Canada.
P’tit Train du Nord Linear Park, Que.
Located in the Laurentian Mountains, north of Montreal, the 232-kilometre P’tit Train du Nord Linear Park is the longest linear park of its kind in Canada. It was built over an old railway line from Bois-des-Filion to Mont-Laurier. The trail is a popular cycling route in summer and is used for crosscountry skiing and snowmobiling in winter. The best thing about cycling this trail is the things you discover in nearby towns and villages. There are heritage railway stations, birding hot spots, art galleries, restaurants, boutiques, golf courses and many other attractions near the trail. There are also lovely B&Bs, hotels and resorts all along the trail, so you don’t have to camp — unless you want to.
Petit Témis Interprovincial Linear Park, Que./N.B.
The first interprovincial cycling network in Canada links the cities of Edmundston, N.B., and Rivière-du-Loup, Que. The picturesque 130-kilometre Petit Témis Interprovincial Linear Park leads cyclists along the shores of the Madawaska River, Lake Témiscouata and the St. Lawrence River. It’s a fantastic ride for nature lovers. Like other rail trails, the grade is fairly flat, making it a relatively easy ride for cyclists of all levels. There are many rest stops along the way and you can discover attractions in municipalities near the trail.
Annapolis Valley Trail, N.S.
Stretching along the Bay of Fundy, the Annapolis Valley is one of the most beautiful and historic regions of Canada. It’s also one of Canada’s most important fruit-growing regions and it’s filled with orchards, vineyards, historic sites and quaint communities. Cycling the Annapolis Valley Trail is one of the best ways to explore this region of Nova Scotia. This 200-kilometre trail was built on an abandoned rail line and extends from Kentville to Norwood to Yarmouth. In all, there are 21 named sections of trail, which can be used for day cycling or multi-day trips.
Confederation Trail, P.E.I.
Built on a former railway line, Prince Edward Island’s Confederation Trail stretches across the island province from tip to tip. The trail is part of the Great Trail, formerly known as the TransCanada Trail, that stretches right across the country. This 435-kilometre rolled stone dust trail passes through quaint communities that offer a variety of accommodations, restaurants and other services. It’s a fairly flat ride that is ideal for riders of all fitness levels. It’s possible to stay at B&Bs near the trail, dine at local restaurants and explore attractions in small communities while cycling this trail. Whether you cycle the entire trail or just part, it’s a beautiful and unforgettable ride.
Debbie Olsen is an award-winning writer and photographer and a national bestselling author. Her newest book, “150 Nature Hot Spots in Canada,” is available now. Follow her adventures at wanderwoman.ca.