From east to west, Canada is wonderful for cycling thanks to its varied geography, beautiful scenery and abundance of roads to cycle on. This list of routes and rides in Nova Scotia, Québec, and Ottawa is sure to please cyclists of all levels! Recommended by Decathlon experts who love to pedal, these cycling trips will inspire you to get out there and explore. Have fun!
1. Sambro loop - halifax, nova scotia
10 Km from decathlon dartmouth
Difficulty: Intermediate
Love climbing hills? If you want to sweat a little before earning a relaxing stop along a beautiful stretch of coastline, this route is for you. Incredible beaches and lots of great places to stop and eat dot this loop starting around Herring Cove Road. Head out towards Old Sambro Road to see the Nova Scotian beauty of windy forests, rocky landscapes, and breathtaking lakes.
Highlight: Crystal Crescent Beach is the perfect place for a dip.
Tip: Instead of doing the whole loop, take the easterly coastal side to Sambro and back. You’ll see nothing but Atlantic water views.
Total distance: 55 km
“Either way you go on this route, you’ll have some pretty good climbs and descents. Your legs will thank you later!”
- Carson, Decathlon Dartmouth
2. Vélopiste jacques-cartier/portneuf - québec city, québec
22 Km from decathlon sainte-foy
Difficulty: Beginner and intermediate
Between Shannon and Rivière-à-Pierre, this out-of-commission railway line has been transformed into an amazing trail that is perfect for all levels. Directly linked to Québec City via the Corridor des Cheminots bike path, there’s no shortage of things to see and do. These paths make up part of the 5,300 km Route verte du Québec: an incredible network of cycling trails across the province.
Highlights: Rivière Jacques-Cartier rapids, kid-friendly sites and activities, cheese shops, waterfalls, and beaches!
Tip: There are rest areas along the path, and parking is available near Shannon.
Total distance: 68 km
“Not too busy plus a safe shoulder, with superb views and a few climbs to work the legs. Return trip from the store is about 55 km. I give this one an 8/10.”
- Lucie, Decathlon Sainte-Foy
3. The brome-missisquoi wine route - eastern townships, québec
75 Km from decathlon brossard
Difficulty: Beginner and intermediate
Cycling plus vineyards? Cheers to that combo! The Eastern Townships count 22 vineyards that account for 60% of Québec’s wine production. 45 minutes from Montreal, you can follow the blue signs that guide you along the Brome-Missisquoi Wine Route (Route des vins) from the region northeast of Lake Champlain to Brome lake and down to the U.S. border. For a shorter route, try this segment.
Highlight: The Centre National de Cyclisme de Bromont lets you ride the outdoor velodrome (originally built for the 1996 Atlanta Olympics).
Tip: Equip your bike with some baskets if you plan to buy some wine or other goodies.
Total distance: 140 km (Boucle Gourmande: 51 km)
“With baskets and packs on your bike, you can buy a bottle for later while biking responsibly. The same rules apply to cyclists and drivers - don’t drink and drive.”
- Stéphane, Decathlon Brossard
4. Voie maritime du saint-laurent - montréal, québec
7 Km from decathlon centre eaton
Difficulty: Beginner and intermediate
La Voie Maritime du St-Laurent starts at the western point of Île Notre-Dame and takes you along the Saint-Lawrence Seaway (by way of a thin stretch of path with water on either side), all the way to the RécréoParc on île du Seigneur where you can see the Lachine Rapids. Also part of the Route Verte, this safe, car-free path will really make you feel like you’ve left the city!
Highlights: One of the rare spots where you can cross the Saint Lawrence River on your bike. Plus, Île aux Hérons is great for bird sightings.
Tip: Parc Jean Drapeau and RécréoParc have amenities like tourist information kiosks and washrooms.
Total distance: 30 km
“A great way to ride the seaway on a bike. It’s fun and unique… and you can explore Parc Jean Drapeau too.”
- Gabriel, Decathlon Canada
10 Biking essentials:
1 .Trip itinerary left with a responsible person
2. Terrain-appropriate bike (well-maintained and adjusted properly for you)
3. Helmet that is specific to your style of riding
4. Footwear that is specific to your style of riding
5. Protective gear for your style of riding
6. Bike shorts, or full bike pants, with padding
7. Jersey (long- or short-sleeved)
8. Trail map
9. Small backpack/hydration system
10. Patch kit (tube, pump, and duct tape)
Extras:
- Waterproof jacket for rain
- Insect repellent
- Sunscreen
- Lighting system for night rides
5. Le p’tit train du nord - laurentians, québec
3 Km from decathlon boisbriand
Difficulty: Beginner and intermediate
Le P’tit Train du Nord linear park is a beautiful recreational trail that follows an old rail line into the Laurentians. Starting just north of Montreal in Bois-des-Filion (Sainte-Thérèse) and ending in Mont-Laurier, it’s the longest rail trail in Canada. Historic train stations make great rest stops to refill your water and have a quick snack.
Highlight: A beautiful 25 km leg from Labelle to the Village de Mont-Tremblant.
Tip: Wider tires or hybrid bikes make it more comfortable for the whole family on sections with crushed gravel.
Total distance: 232 km
“A family classic. One of my first big bike trips when I was a kid was here. I loved it.”
- Gabriel, Decathlon Canada
6. Voyageurs pathway - ottawa, ontario and gatineau, québec
9 Km from decathlon ottawa
Difficulty: Beginner and intermediate
Gatineau, across the river from Canada’s Parliament buildings, is where the Voyageurs Pathway begins at Parc de la Francophonie and continues past Parc Portageurs. This riverside trail connects with the Voyageur Cycling Route that goes all the way to Sudbury. The trail follows the path of the Voyageurs along the waterways that supported transportation and trade for thousands of years. This route celebrates the strong connection between the land and its people.
You can also ride into Ottawa to visit Parliament Hill. The National Capital Region is criss-crossed by the Capital Pathway network.
Highlights: Make sure to plan a visit to nearby Gatineau Park. The climb to Lac Fortune is beautiful and challenging. Climbing up to Champlain Lookout takes some extra leg effort, but offers a gorgeous view.
Total distance: 30 km (Voyageur Pathway), 645 km (Voyageur Cycling Route to Sudbury)
“Voyageurs Pathway is a really beautiful beginner trail. You get views of Parliament as it follows the Ottawa River, it's one of my favourite places to ride and take new cyclists. I have plenty of photos and videos of it.”
- Fraser, Decathlon Ottawa
