People’s growing concern to stay fit and to feel good has led them to use bicycles for more than just a means of transport. People of all ages are beginning to explore the benefits of cycling, which include improving your physical health, contributing to the environment and going on excursions to natural and tourist sites. If you have still not tried this sport and taken advantage of all these benefits at once, we suggest that you have a look the cycling trips available, which will also make you fall in love with Canada.

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Waterfront Trail

This route begins in Niagara-on-the-Lake in Butler’s Park and stretches 650 kilometres to the border with the province of Quebec, with 900 kilometres of marked trails. The trail is divided in various sections, so it is perfect for both short and longer trips. Along the Niagara section of the trail you will find two historic military buildings, the Shaw Festival and various shops, restaurants and stores.

The Green Route – Quebec

The Green Route, or “Route Verte” in Quebec was created quite recently, and consists of a number of standardised and well-signposted cycle trails that were built with the aim of creating a more environmentally-friendly region, while also connecting all the regions in Quebec. With 5,300 km, it is the longest cycling route in North America, and does not only take in the Saint Lawrence River shoreline, but also the cities, lakes and fjords of Quebec.

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Cabot Trail

Cabot Trail is a road and scenic trail in the north of Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia. The route is 298 kilometres long and completes a route surrounded by hills similar to the Scottish Highlands.

Confederation Trail

Located in the Prince Edward Island province, the Confederation Trail used to be the route of the old train which was abandoned in 1989. This trail goes through small hills, forests and maritime coastlines which go as far as the heart of Charlottetown and other cities like Souris, Georgetown, Montague, Murray River and Murray Harbour, as well as the link to the Confederation Bridge in Borden-Carleton.

Viking Trail

The Viking Trail is Newfoundland and Labrador’s biggest themed trail. It goes from the province’s west coast to the south of Labrador. This route was solely created in order to reach the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the Gros Morne National Park and the L’Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site.

Yukon

Unlike other routes, the trails in Yukon are only recommended for cycling in summer since the climate is too cold during the rest of the year. You can do a cycle tour in the capital, Whitehorse or go from there to spectacular scenic trails.

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Kootenay Rockies

There are a number of trails with beautiful attractions to explore in the Kootenay National Park in British Colombia in the Rocky Mountains. For example: Floe Lake, Neil Colgan Hut, the Valley of the Ten Peaks and the scenery of the Rockwall Trail.

Battlefords Trail

The trail located in the region of Battlefords, which is formed by the town of the same name and the city of North Battleford, is made up of more than 40 kilometres of tracks and hiking pathways that are perfect for excursionists, cyclists and amateur skiers. Here is a list of each of its sections:

Trans Canada Trail

Battlefords geological trail

Battle River Settlement Foundation Historic Tour

Finlayson Island Nature Park

Centennial Park

North Shore Trail

Tips for foreign cyclists

Take your passport with the visa or Canada ETA authorisation

Acquire international medical insurance or a provisional health card.

Avoid cycling at night. In most places, there is not much artificial light.

Most of the provinces have cycling organisations that will be prepared to suggest routes or even cycling buddies.

Remember to pack the appropriate equipment in a handlebar bag so that you are not carrying weight on your back.