Road Biking Routes in Canada
Canada is perhaps the ultimate adventure holiday destination, with huge national parks, towering mountain ranges, crystal-clear alpine lakes, and lush forests. If you’re looking for a real experience in the Great Outdoors, Canada certainly won’t disappoint. The world’s second-largest country, Canada has enough awe-inspiring sights to satisfy even the most enthusiastic nature lovers!
Spreading across the top of North America, and extending all the way into the Arctic, Canada is home to an abundance of rare and wonderful wildlife. Travelers here must share the land with a whole host of creatures, including moose, bears, mountain lions, and wild Canadian geese, and if you’re lucky, you may catch a glimpse of some of these remarkable creatures in their natural habitat. Indeed, it’s Canada’s wildness that attracts many visitors – it’s one of the only places in the world where you can really escape from it all and immerse yourself in nature.
Canada’s most popular regions for adventure travel are Alberta and British Columbia, home to the Canadian Rockies and some of the country’s most spectacular scenery. Come here for hiking, backpacking, climbing, scrambling, cross-country skiing, mountain biking, and much more! Whether you want to dip your toes in a crisp alpine lake or trek along some of the most exhilarating ridge walks in the Rockies, there’s something for everyone here.
Canada is so huge, and the possibilities for adventure travel so vast, it can be difficult to know where to start! To help you plan your journey, we’ve put together guides to all the best regions for adventure travel in Alberta and British Columbia. You’ll find activity guides, tour recommendations, and top tips for planning a trip – all you need to do is decide where to go first!
Find an amazing cycling tour in Canada, or, if you aren’t keen on biking, explore the other types of Adventure Holidays on offer in Canada. If you want to explore the world on a mountain bike, then these road bike tours scattered all over the globe are the perfect way to do it!
Road biking regions in Canada
Best Road Biking Routes in Canada
Seaside Loop
The Seaside Biking loop is one of the most scenic rides in all of Victoria, travelling along the beautiful bays of Victoria’s Inner Harbour and surrounding area. Stop to smell the salty sea air and take in the picturesque fishing villages lining the trail.
User Ratings
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
Bow River Pathway to Bowness
Riding the Bow River Pathway is an incredibly scenic ride in Calgary. Set out on the Bow River Pathway in Sue Higgins Park and ride the entire Bow River to Bowness. Pass through Calgary’s downtown core, countless parks and along the Bow River for pretty views and explore the city’s eclectic group of neighbourhoods.
User Ratings
Tour de South Calgary
If you wish to experience the true highlights of Calgary from two-wheels, try the Tour de South Calgary biking route. Passing through the downtown core, Fish Creek Park, the Glenmore Reservoir and the famed Bow River—this ride is not to be missed.
User Ratings
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
Lochside Trail to Sidney
Enjoy a truly picturesque bike ride along the waterfront while biking the Lochside Trail to Sidney bike route. With the perfect blend of nature and urban settings, this bike ride will take you pass farmland, next to small inlets and spit you back out into the city, where the option for a coffee break is never too far away.
User Ratings
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
Fish Creek East to West
For a relaxing parkland ride, set out on the Fish Creek East to West biking trail. Pass over bubbling brooks, lush forests and even stop for an ice cream at Annie’s.
User Ratings
Southern Foothills Road to Nepal
The Southern Foothills Road to Nepal biking trail is aptly named for its countless rolling hills that can be killer to the calves. Challenge yourself as you ride over 70.0 km of grueling, but rewarding roads in Calgary, Alberta.
User Ratings
Galloping Goose to Thetis Lake
Set out on the Galloping Goose to Thetis Lake bike ride to explore picturesque seaside towns and peaceful glistening lakes. Follow along dedicated bike lanes through the city into Saanich, get your heart rate pumping as you follow the trail over the TransCanada Highway and finally, explore the scenic views at Thetis Lake Regional Park.
User Ratings
Peninsula Loop
Set off on the aptly named Peninsula Loop for a bike ride that is popular among riding enthusiasts. Explore a large peninsula, overlooking Haro Strait to the east and the Saanich Inlet to the west. While not overly challenging in terrain, the trail offers shore-hugging lanes, a peak at the far of volcanic Mt. Baker and if you’re lucky, orcas playing in the waves.
User Ratings
Downtown & Nose Hill Park
Kick off the Downtown & Nose Hill biking trail riding through the Calgary Zoo, peddling past pretty parks and exploring the surrounding mansions in the popular Nose Hill neighbourhood.
User Ratings
Cowichan Valley Loop from Mill Bay
The Cowichan Valley biking loop is a serene trail that winds past farm land and rolling vineyards, making it the perfect sip and peddle route. With cute shops and restaurants dotting the trail, the Cowichan Valley loop is an ideal half-day bike around the coastal towns.
User Ratings
Bow River Pathway in Fish Creek Park
Set out on a memorable adventure on the Bow River Pathway to Fish Creek Park bike trial. Challenge your strength on an uphill coulee, then glide past Lafarge Meadows and relax to the sound of the bubbling Bow River.
User Ratings
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
Goose to Sooke Potholes
On the Goose to Sooke Potholes biking route, explore multiple, stunning national parks: Lake Regional Park, Roche Cove Regional Park, then head right along Sooke Basin. There is a campground in Sooke Potholes, so you could do this as part of a bike tour and camp overnight before returning back to Victoria for an overall epic adventure.
User Ratings
Bow River from Inglewood to Edworthy
Take in the highlights of Downtown Calgary on the Bow River from Inglewood to Edworthy biking path. Stop for plenty of coffee breaks and to snap mesmerizing photos of the bustling city.
User Ratings
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
Metchosin Loop
The Metchosin Loop bike ride takes in scenic waterside views, weaving through the inner suburbs of Victoria. This moderately challenging ride will take you past the picturesque Fisgaurd Lighthouse, then to the stunning natural Esquimalt Lagoon, where birdlife is abundant.
User Ratings
Glenmore Reservoir
Set out for this fun ride on the Glenmore Reservoir biking route, passing valleys, parks and gliding over bridges. This ride is perfect for family with older children looking for an adventurous afternoon out in nature.
User Ratings
- Technical Difficulty
- Physical Difficulty
North Calgary Loop
Experience some of the highlights of Calgary on the North Calgary Loop biking trail. Pass by the Calgary Zoo, West Nose Creek Park, and through Downtown Calgary for some exceptional city views.
User Ratings
Cowichan Valley Trail to Kinsol Trestle
Bring the whole family on the Cowichan Valley Trail to Kinsol Trestle trail for an epic bike ride! Pass over a smaller trestle on the way to the main attraction, the Kinsol Trestle. From here, take in incredible views over the Koksilah River and prepare for a steep ride back.
User Ratings
Western Headworks Canal to Chestermere
Discover a pretty biking trail surrounding Chestermere Lake in Calgary, Alberta. This path weaves in and out of quiet streets and peaceful neighbourhoods for a relaxing ride.
User Ratings
Colquitz River Trail
The Colquitz River Trail is a great little ride, perfect for the entire family. Pass through multiple parks (and playgrounds!), following directly beside the Colquitz River at times. End the ride at the Red Barn Market, where an indulgent lunch awaits.
User Ratings
Munns Road Loop
Those looking for a challenging ride in an urban setting will be thrilled to have discovered the Munns Road Loop. Prepare for lots of steady climbs and descents on Munns Road and you’ll be rewarded with fantastic ocean views. If you want to test your endurance, stop by the Mount Work area where you can throw in a hike between peddling sessions.