RVer-Friendly Bike Trails in Canada

Trail Length

6 kilometres (3.7 miles)

Trail Start and End Details

This ocean-side trail is in Richmond, BC, adjacent to Sturgeon Banks, a 21,525 acre estuary located on the banks of the Fraser River and Strait of Georgia. If you are travelling with an LTV, it makes sense to park at Garry Point Park, and begin cycling from there.

Description and Tips

Take in beautiful seaside scenery on this relaxing ride, like tall marsh grass, fishing boats, an airport, mountains, and wildlife (herons, eagles, coyotes, hawks, and owls, to name a few). Most of the trail is gravel. Stop at Fuggles & Warlock or Britannia Brewery. Make sure to order some fish 'n chips!

Submitted By

Anica Grenzberg

Trail Length

3.4 kilometres (2.1 miles)

Trail Start and End Details

The historic Kinsol Trestle is found on Vancouver Island, about 50 km north of Victoria, BC, on the Cowichan Valley Trail. Find parking and washrooms at the beginning of the trail off Glen Eagles Road and Shelby Road, where you head north to the trestle.

Description and Tips

The Kinsol Trestle is spectacular to ride across. It is actually one of eight trestles along the Cowichan Valley Trail, but as one of the tallest free-standing rail trestle structures in the world (187 metres in length, standing 44 metres above the Koksilah River), it is by far the largest and most impressive of the route. Cowichan Valley Trail extends to the north, and is car free. It passes through farmland and open areas as well as alongside water, and is fairly flat as it follows an old rail bed. There are some provincial and private campgrounds within easy driving distance. Anyone not familiar with the area should note that if planning a trip to Vancouver Island, ferry reservations and camping reservations are a good idea.

Submitted By

Tim Morris

Trail Length

650 kilometres (400 miles)

Trail Start and End Details

The Kettle Valley Rail (KVR) Trail and the Columbia & Western Rail Trail extends from Hope, BC, to Castlegar, BC. The KVR Trail from Penticton, BC, is the “go to” starting point for bike riders of all skill levels – start at the south end of the trail in Penticton off Vancouver Avenue.

Description and Tips

This groomed gravel trail is the longest rail trail network in BC. The portion around Penticton runs alongside Okanagan Lake, and features stunning scenery through Napa-like vineyards with views overlooking the lake. The "Naramata Bench" area found along this section of trail features many excellent wineries to stop and enjoy. If you have the stamina, take the KVR as far as Chute Lake for lunch, then enjoy downhill biking on the return trip to Penticton. Other attractions around this portion of the KVR Trail include an adventurous mountain-biking offshoot called Three Blind Mice (about 3 miles along the KVR trail from Penticton), The Bench Market on Vancouver Hill in Penticton, and Hillside Winery.

Submitted By

Gary Dean

Trail Length

50 kilometres (31 miles)

Trail Start and End Details

Okanagan Rail Trail runs from Kelowna, BC, to Cold Stream, BC, in the beautiful Okanagan region.

Description and Tips

This former CN Rail line starts at the south end in Kelowna, on the shores of Okanagan Lake. The Kelowna section of the trail is paved and features vibrant urban scenery, culture, and opportunities to explore. North of Kelowna, there is a nearly 7 km section that is not yet completed. The trail picks back up just south of Wood Lake, a compact crushed aggregate surface that winds along Wood Lake and then Kalamalka Lake, with few hills and amazing views. It can be quite hot in summer, so plan well. There are bathrooms along the trail, and many restaurants or cafés in Oyama or Vernon in the Lake Country section, or Kelowna in the urban section.

Submitted By

Pam Farron

Trail Length

26 kilometres (16 miles)

Trail Start and End Details

This trail runs from the south shore of beautiful Clear Lake in Riding Mountain National Park all the way through the main town site, past the public beach and the majestic Clear Lake golf course, and all the way around the north shore of the lake.

Description and Tips

Wasagaming Lakeshore Trail follows the shoreline of Clear Lake, which makes for many beautiful views. The town site has a number of shops and restaurants, a museum, and much more. From there, you ride past an old but beautiful 18 hole golf course overlooking the lake, and finally along the more quiet and serene north shore. The route is hard-packed trail in parts and paved in others, with only a few spots where elevation changes or a narrow section with tree roots provides a challenge; otherwise, it's an easy, relaxing ride. Just be sure to plan to ride this trail between May and the end of September to ensure reasonable weather.

Submitted By

Jamie Thomas

Trail Length

234 kilometres (145.5 miles)

Trail Start and End Details

The longest linear park in Canada, P'tit Train du Nord (The Little Train from the North) stretches from St-Jérôme, Québec, to Mont Laurier, Québec. The trail is accessible via highway 15, and by following the directions towards various entry points between Bois-des-Filion and Mont-Laurier.

Description and Tips

Starting in St-Jérôme, the trail follows the Rivière du Nord along an old rail line, ending in Mont Laurier, where a shuttle can bring you back to your vehicle. The trail passes through very scenic villages in the Laurentians. Enjoy a peaceful getaway from motorized vehicles for hours along a trail that is a mix of hard-earth and paved surface.

Submitted By

Jean-Francois Trépanier, John Johnston

Trail Length

20 kilometres (12.4 miles)

Trail Start and End Details

In the beautiful city of Bromont, Québec, find a network of mountain biking trails on Mont Oak.

Description and Tips

Trails here offer opportunities for riders from beginner to expert. There are many services in Bromont, including shops for bike parts and repairs, and good restaurants. Parking and camping are available nearby. After challenging yourself to the trails on Mont Oak, check out The Mountain for more trails.

Submitted By

Vincent Bienvenue

Trail Length

246 kilometres (153 miles)

Trail Start and End Details

Véloroute des Bleuets circles Lac-Saint-Jean, Québec. A great starting point is Alma Bicycle Centre in Alma, Québec.

Description and Tips

This lovely route around Lac-Saint-Jean is perfect for a relaxing tour, whether you're taking two or three days to ride the length or just checking out one of the areas between small villages. The trail is not overly hilly but offers beautiful views, plus nice, sandy beaches, farms, a blueberry field, villages with groceries and restaurants, and attractions like the zoo in Saint-Félicien.

Submitted By

Jackie Tremblay

Trail Length

Over 110 kilometres (over 68 miles)

Trail Start and End Details

Simcoe County is an area located between Lake Simcoe and the Georgian Bay, less than one hour north of Toronto, Ontario. The county owns 33,000 acres of forest land that offers 25 different trails to explore.

Description and Tips

Simcoe County is in Ontario's beautiful cottage country, and there are many public recreation trails in Simcoe County Forest to explore. Some of the trails are converted railway lines. The trails are the perfect way to enjoy the back woods, fields, wildlife, and views that the area is known for.

Submitted By

Buffy Baker

Trail Length

Over 600 kilometres (over 372 miles)

Trail Start and End Details

Canada's National Capital Region of Ottawa-Gatineau offers more than 600 km of bike trails along the Gatineau, Ottawa, and Rideau Rivers and the Rideau Canal, and through Gatineau Park.

Description and Tips

There are countless opportunities to enjoy the Ottawa-Gatineau region by bike. In addition to the many bike paths, on Sundays during the summer months, over 50 km of parkway is car-free and available for walking and cycling. Take a self-guided bicycle tour, or pick a route from the official cycling map. Either way, you'll enjoy urban vibrancy, natural scenery, and more from the seat of your bike.

Submitted By

Jean-Francois Trépanier

Trail Length

58 kilometres (36 miles)

Trail Start and End Details

The Bow Valley Parkway (Highway 1A) stretches between Banff, Alberta, and Lake Louise, Alberta. To get started, head north from Banff on Mount Norquay Road, toward the Trans-Canada highway, turning left onto Vermillion Lakes Road. From there, continue until the road ends and a bike path begins; the path passes through two gates and ends at Highway 1A. Turning left here will put you on your way toward Lake Louise.

Description and Tips

The beautiful Canadian Rocky Mountains are spectacular no matter how you experience them, but a cycling trip between Banff and Lake Louise will give you a whole new appreciation. This is one of the most popular rides for road cyclists in the Banff area, with relatively little vehicle traffic. Thanks to an elevation gain of 412 metres (over 1,351 feet), it's as challenging as it is gorgeous.

Submitted By

Josiah Wiebe

Trail Length

22.3 kilometres (13.9 miles)

Trail Start and End Details

Banff Legacy Trail takes you from the East Gate of Banff National Park to the Bow Valley Parkway (see above).

Description and Tips

This paved pathway was built in honor of Banff National Park's 125th anniversary. There are beautiful mountain views all along the route, with multiple rest stops and picnic areas for breaks. An additional 4.5 km of pathway links the Park to the nearby town of Canmore, Alberta; this full trail is known as the Rocky Mountain Legacy Trail.

Submitted By

Josiah Wiebe

Trail Length

55 kilometers

Trail Start and End Details

From Downtown Victoria: Start at the corner of Wharf Street and Pandora Avenue. Cross the Johnson Street bridge, then turn right on the paved path that connects to Harbour Road and the trail. There are many access points and parking lots along the Galloping Goose Regional Trail, and those links can be found on the CRD website. B.C. Transit bus #61 from Victoria to Sooke stops at various locations along the trail route. Contact B.C. Transit for schedule information.

Description and Tips

This picturesque multi-use trail, formerly a railway line, moves through urban, rural, and wilderness scenery on its 55-kilometer journey from Victoria to Sooke. Experience the best of the Capital Region–from urban back streets to farmland and rugged wilderness, all within a day's travel of Victoria. Travel past a quiet cove, a hidden lake, rocky outcrops, marshland, canyon land, skunk cabbage swampland, tall Douglas-fir forest, Garry oak and arbutus forest, rural farmland, and waterways. Amenities include a bike rack, drinking water, an information kiosk, a parking lot, a picnic area, public transit, an accessible toilet, and wheelchair access.

Submitted By

Julia Eustace

Trail Length

122 kilometers

Trail Start and End Details

The Cowichan Valley Trail is a spectacular multi-use trail that is integral to The Great Trail (Trans Canada Trail) route on Southern Vancouver Island. The Cowichan Valley section runs from the Capital Regional District boundary at the top of the Malahat, north to Shawnigan Lake and the Kinsol Trestle, west to the Town of Lake Cowichan, then north to the Nanaimo Regional District.

Description and Tips

While hiking, biking, or riding along the Cowichan Valley Trail, there are six stunning trestles you’ll pass over: McGee Creek Trestle, Kinsol Trestle, Holt Creek Trestle, 64.4 Mile Trestle, 66 Mile Trestle, and the 70.2 Mile Trestle. You’ll also pass by Shawnigan Lake, over the Koksilah River, through Cowichan River Provincial Park, by Skutz Falls, over the Chemainus River, and travel along the ocean before arriving at the end of the trail near Nanaimo.

Submitted By

Julie Eustace

Photo Source

Julie Eustace

Trail Length

29 kilometers

Trail Start and End Details

North from Downtown Victoria, follow the Galloping Goose Regional Trail from Victoria to the Switch Bridge in Saanich. Turn right to follow the Lochside Trail north toward Sidney/Swartz Bay. Several access points along the trail include Lochside Park off Cordova Bay Road, Cy Hampson Park off Lochside Drive in Central Saanich, and Tulista Park off Lochside Drive in Sidney.

Description and Tips

This picturesque multi-use trail, formerly a railway line, stretches from Swartz Bay to Victoria, past beaches, farmland, wetlands, down country lanes, and beside suburban backyards. Stop at one of the nearby sandy beaches on the way, and enjoy ocean views from the trail as you approach Sidney. The Lochside Regional Trail traverses urban landscapes and working agricultural areas. There are bike racks, drinking water, an information kiosk, a parking lot, public transit, an accessible toilet, and wheelchair access.

Submitted By

Julie Eustace

Photo Source

Julie Eustace