We moved from India to Toronto in 2019 and have spent years exploring Ontario by bike and on foot. These are the trails we return to and recommend to every cyclist visiting Canada.
Spring in Canada is the perfect time to dust off your bike, hit the trails, and enjoy the fresh air as nature awakens from winter.
With warmer temperatures, blooming landscapes, and fewer crowds, spring cycling offers an incredible way to explore Canada’s most scenic routes.
Whether you are a weekend rider or a long-distance cyclist, these bike trails in ontario canada and beyond offer something for every skill level and interest.
Planning a cycling trip to Northern Ontario? Download our North Ontario Itinerary to make the most of your time exploring the region.
1. Confederation Trail, Prince Edward Island
Length: 449 km | Difficulty: Easy
Originally a railway, the Confederation Trail is now a biker’s paradise, offering a gentle ride through rolling farmland, charming villages, and ocean views.
We have always wanted to ride the full length of this trail. The flat terrain and constant ocean breezes make it one of the most approachable long-distance rides in the country, and the rural quiet is something we rarely find closer to home in Toronto.
Province: Prince Edward Island
Admission: Free Difficulty: Easy Confirm trail access points and current surface conditions before visiting.
If you are planning a broader Maritime trip around this route, our guide to Moncton and New Brunswick is worth reading before you go.
2. Stanley Park Seawall, Vancouver
Length: 9 km | Difficulty: Easy
This scenic loop offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, mountains, and Vancouver skyline.
The Seawall is one of those rides that never gets old. We recommend starting early in the morning to beat the crowds and catch the mountain reflections on the water at their sharpest.
Address: Stanley Park, Vancouver, British Columbia
Hours: Open year-round Admission
Free Parking: Pay parking available at Stanley Park parking lots Confirm current parking rates before visiting.
For more of Canada’s most spectacular natural destinations, browse our picks for the best waterfalls in Canada.
3. The Great Trail
Length: 28,000+ km | Difficulty: Varies
The Great Trail is the world’s longest recreational trail, running from coast to coast.
The Ontario sections of the Great Trail pass through some genuinely surprising communities. We have ridden portions near the Kawarthas and found the route peaceful, well-marked, and a great way to see parts of the province that most visitors completely miss.
Location: Coast to coast across Canada, including extensive Ontario sections Admission: Free
Difficulty: Varies by section Confirm trail surface type for your specific section before visiting.
The trail passes through dozens of communities worth stopping in. Our guide to charming small towns in Ontario covers several that sit along or near the route.
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Length: 600 km | Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
The Viking Trail is perfect for adventurous cyclists, offering dramatic coastal cliffs, fjords, and icebergs drifting along the shoreline.
We have not yet completed the full Viking Trail but it is firmly on our list. The combination of icebergs and fjords in a single cycling route is something you simply cannot find anywhere else in the world.
Province: Newfoundland and Labrador (Highway 430 corridor) Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging Confirm road and weather conditions before departing, as coastal weather can change rapidly.
Newfoundland’s landscapes rank among the most dramatic in Canada. Our roundup of breathtaking natural scenery across Canada includes more destinations worth adding to a long-distance cycling trip.
6. Kettle Valley Rail Trail, British Columbia
Length: 650 km | Difficulty: Moderate
This historic rail-to-trail route offers stunning mountain, vineyard, and valley views.
The trestles on this trail are genuinely jaw-dropping. We recommend the Myra Canyon section for first-time visitors, as the views over the valley from the wooden trestles are unlike anything else on a Canadian cycling route.
Location: Okanagan region, British Columbia
Difficulty: Moderate
Confirm which trestle sections are currently open before visiting, as maintenance closures can affect access.
If combining cycling with outdoor overnight stays appeals to you, our guide to luxury camping in Ontario shows how the two pair well together.
7. Bow River Pathway, Calgary
Length: 48 km | Difficulty: Easy
The Bow River Pathway is one of Canada’s best biking trails, combining city views with natural landscapes.
We were surprised by how peaceful the Bow River Pathway can be on a weekday morning. It is one of the few urban trails in Canada where you feel genuinely removed from the city even while cycling right through the downtown core.
Location: Calgary, Alberta Admission: Free Hours: Open year-round Parking: Multiple trailhead access points throughout Calgary Confirm access near your preferred entry point before visiting.
If waterfront outdoor experiences appeal to you as much as urban cycling, read about our stay at a Muskoka luxury waterfront retreat for a memorable Canadian escape closer to home.
8. Sentier des Caps de Charlevoix, Quebec
Length: 16 km | Difficulty: Moderate
If you love winding forest trails with views of the St. Lawrence River, this is one of the best biking trails in Canada for you.
The scenery here is in a category of its own. We found the combination of dense forest canopy and sudden, open St. Lawrence River views genuinely memorable, and the moderate difficulty makes it manageable even after a few days of back-to-back riding.
Location: Charlevoix region, Quebec (near Petite-Rivière-Saint-François)
Difficulty: Moderate
Confirm trail conditions and any seasonal closures before visiting.
Charlevoix is one of our favourite Quebec regions for an extended weekend. Our guide to a perfect weekend in Quebec pairs well with this trail if you are planning a longer stay.
Best Time to Visit Ontario Bike Trails
Spring (April to May) is our favourite time on Ontario trails. Temperatures are mild, wildflowers line most paved routes, and crowds are noticeably lighter than in summer. The Niagara River Recreation Trail is especially good in late May, when the vineyards are at their most vivid. Summer (June to August) is peak season across the province. All trails are fully open and the long daylight hours mean you can cover serious distance. We recommend early morning starts to avoid heat and the busiest sections near tourist areas such as Niagara Falls. Fall (September to October) brings arguably the best scenery of the year. The leaf colour on forested trail sections is worth timing your trip around. Expect cooler mornings and pack a light layer regardless of the forecast. Winter (November to March) closes most recreational trails or makes them unsuitable for standard road bikes. Some sections of the Great Trail in Northern Ontario are maintained for fat biking, but we always confirm conditions before heading out in the colder months.Best Bike Trails in Ontario by Area
Planning a cycling trip is easier when you know which area suits your goals. Here is how Ontario breaks down for cyclists:- Niagara Region: The Niagara River Recreation Trail is the centrepiece of cycling in this area, running 56 km from Fort Erie to Niagara-on-the-Lake. The route is flat, fully paved, and passes vineyards and historic sites throughout.
- Toronto and the GTA: The waterfront Martin Goodman Trail and the Don Valley trail system give city-based cyclists easy access to long, connected rides without leaving the urban area. We use the waterfront route regularly for early morning rides from the west end.
- Southern Ontario: The Cataraqui Trail and the Thames Valley Corridor offer quieter, more rural cycling through small towns and farmland. These routes suit riders looking to explore beyond the well-known tourist trails.
- Northern Ontario: The Great Trail passes through Northern Ontario with sections suited to experienced cyclists. The scenery is dramatic but distances between services are long. Plan water and food supplies carefully before setting out.
Free and No-Reservation Options
Most of the best bike trails in Ontario are free to access and require no advance reservation. The Niagara River Recreation Trail, the Great Trail sections passing through the province, and the majority of municipal rail trails charge nothing for entry. You show up, park, and ride. The main exception is cycling within Ontario’s provincial parks, which require a day-use permit purchased in advance through the Ontario Parks reservation system. If your planned route passes through a provincial park, check the permit requirements before you go. For visitors planning a spontaneous trip, the waterfront trails in Toronto and the Niagara River Recreation Trail are our go-to recommendations. Both are consistently well-maintained, free to use, and accessible without any booking.Tips for Visiting Ontario Bike Trails with Kids or Toddlers
The Niagara River Recreation Trail is our first recommendation for families with children. The 56 km route is flat, fully paved, and suitable for bike trailers and tag-along bikes. Families can ride a shorter section and simply turn back rather than committing to the full distance, which makes it one of the most flexible family cycling options in the province. For toddlers, a trailer bike or cycling trailer works well on any paved trail. Pack more snacks and water than you think you need. Children stop and explore far more frequently than adults, and building extra time into the plan makes the experience more enjoyable for everyone. Parking at key trailheads along the Niagara route gives families flexibility to start and finish wherever suits them. If you are planning an overnight stay with children, our guide to glamping in Ontario covers family-friendly outdoor accommodation options that pair well with a cycling day.Experience Niagara Falls — Book Your Stay Today
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🔍 Find My Niagara Falls Hotel NowFrequently Asked Questions
Are there bike paths at Niagara Falls?
Yes, Niagara Falls has several cycling options. The Niagara River Recreation Trail is a 56 km paved path running along the Niagara River from Fort Erie to Niagara-on-the-Lake, passing directly through the Niagara Falls area. The trail is free to access and suitable for riders of all skill levels.
How long is the Niagara bike trail?
The Niagara River Recreation Trail runs for 56 km, connecting Fort Erie in the south to Niagara-on-the-Lake in the north. The route follows the Niagara River and passes vineyards, historic sites, and the famous Niagara Falls along the way.
What is the longest paved bike trail in Canada?
The Great Trail, also known as the Trans Canada Trail, is the world’s longest recreational trail at over 28,000 km, though not all sections are paved. For fully paved cycling, the Confederation Trail in Prince Edward Island spans 449 km and is one of the longest continuous paved rail trails in the country.
What is the best map for bike routes?
For Ontario bike routes, the Ontario By Bike website offers detailed route maps and trail information across the province. The Great Trail website provides downloadable maps for sections passing through Ontario. Apps such as Komoot and AllTrails are useful for real-time navigation on the trail.
Whether you’re looking for a relaxed coastal ride, a scenic waterfall trail, or a challenging mountain adventure, spring cycling on the best biking trails in Canada offers unforgettable experiences. From the Niagara River Recreation Trail to quieter routes through Southern Ontario, the best bike trails in ontario give us new reasons to get out on two wheels every season.
We have done the planning so you do not have to. Browse our tried and tested Canada travel itineraries and start your adventure.
Related Pages
- Best Waterfalls in Canada
- Things to Do in the Niagara Region
- Glamping in Ontario: Luxury Camping Experiences Worth Trying
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