There is no better summer activity than pulling the bike out of the garage and taking it for a spin. But those same old neighborhood trails and routes around the city can become boring. Take your biking to the next level this year and explore some of the best biking trails that Canada has to offer. With so many great biking destinations right in our backyard, here is our go-to list of Canadian bike trails that you need to add to your bucket list!
Mount Revelstoke National Park
Whether you’re an experience mountain biker, or are just looking for a simple trail, this is the spot for you. Located in the Selkirk Mountains in British Columbia, these paved roads and heavy trails take you high up into the mountain ranges, leading you to observation points with breathtaking views. With numerous camping sites along the way, this trail is perfect for weekend trips with the entire family or with friends. You may even cross paths with some wildlife if you’re lucky. And when you need to drain the kids of some energy, head on over to the Beaver Lodge Kids’ Bike Park for some safe, skill building fun
Banff National Park
Journey a little farther and you’ll find yourself in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, Banff National Park, Alberta. Canada’s first national park is home to magnificent peaks and flourishing valleys, many of which you can access with a little pedal power. Enjoy the scenic forests while you ride and take a trip down to Lake Louise while you’re at it, you’ll feel as though you stepped into a photograph. Be sure to pack essentials on this trip and plan well to ensure this trip is a safe and enjoyable one.
Great Lakes Waterfront Trail
Stretching over 3600km from Cornwall to Sault Ste. Marie, this Ontario trail is one of the longest in Canada. Hugging the Great Lakes, this trail can take you through some of the most beautiful waterfront routes while being only minutes away from home. Perfect for city dwellers in the southern Ontario region, this trail offers the opportunity for a quick evening ride or a longer distance trek with no shortage of amazing stops along the way. The low stress terrain makes it great for riders of all ages, and for those riders looking to make some friends along the way!
Lachine Canal National Historic Site
Situated in Montreal, Quebec, this stunning trail offers a picturesque 13.5km trip alongside the St. Lawrence River. The family friendly paved pathways offer a light workout in the sun with plenty of stops to hydrate, have a bite, enjoy activities or relive the heritage of Old Montreal. No day in Montreal is complete without a trip through this lusciously, green trail.
Fundy National Park
Fundy National Park in New Brunswick is the ultimate tourist destination for riders of all experience levels. With over 30 different trail systems, you can enjoy a day of adventure while experiencing the world famous Bay of Fundy high tides, astonishing coastal views and many other Acadian forest wonders. If you’re an experience rider looking for some tough terrain, this park is for you too. Steep climbs and drops filled with unique obstacles are a highlight of Fundy National Park’s black trails, and a true technical test for riders looking for a challenge. If you’re a less experience rider looking for that same mounting biking rush, be sure to check out the Pumptrack for a thrilling ride around a BMX designed route.
Cape Breton Highlands National Park
Rounding off our coast to coast journey, you will find yourself on Cape Breton Island riding down the legendary Cabot Trail. On one side, towering mountain ranges. While on the other, the open waters of the Atlantic Ocean. With all sorts of beauty in between, there is no other place like it. Whether you choose a smooth ride along the coastline plateaus marveling at the cliffs and ocean wildlife, or trek through the rugged wilderness of ancient river canyons filled with luscious greener, this is definitely a bucket list must have.
To check out these trails as well as all of the amazing trails Canada has to offer, head on over to Parks Canada and plan your next adventure. Before you get out on the trail, make sure that your bike is in top condition. One of the easiest, yet most important ways to maintain your bike is to properly clean it. Read Bicycling’s article for some tips on how to wash your bike correctly. For stubborn and caked on grease and grime, grab a can of WD-40 Specialist® Bike Degreaser. Spray it generously in heavily greased areas, scrub with a bike brush and wash away with water or use WD-40 Specialist® Bike Cleaner to leave it with a sparkling shine. Plan head and make sure to pack essential bike repair and safety equipment to stay prepared for any situation that may come you way. Happy trails from WD-40 Canada!