Top 10 Biking Trails in Canada
Canada, a land of diverse landscapes, is also home to some of the most amazing biking trails in the world. From coastal paths with breathtaking ocean views to mountain trails winding through lush forests, the variety is stunning.
To help you plan your Canadian biking adventure, we at Hardwear Co., the premier bike store in Canada, listed some of the best and most iconic biking trails in Canada that you can bring your bike for an adventure you’ll never forget.
1. Stanley Park Seawall, British Columbia - Easy
The Stanley Park Seawall trail in British Columbia is considered one of the best biking trails in Canada due to its stunning waterfront views of Coal Harbour, Burrard Inlet, and English Bay, making for a picturesque and enjoyable ride.
As Vancouver's largest and most famous park, Stanley Park offers a peaceful and well-maintained 6-mile loop that is great for running, cycling, or simple walking. The trail is popular with both locals and tourists all year round and boasts accessibility features such as smoothly paved paths for both foot traffic and bicycles, making it suitable for all types of trail goers.
The trail is flat, perfect for non-strenuous activities with amazing sea and mountain views, and although it can be crowded on weekends, weekdays offer a more relaxed experience. With readily available parking, wheelchair accessibility, and favorable weather conditions in August, this trail provides an ideal biking experience with its beautiful scenery and convenient amenities.
2. Lost Lake, British Columbia - Easy
The Lost Lake trail in Whistler, British Columbia, stands out as one of the best biking trails in Canada, offering a stunning natural setting and a variety of amenities for outdoor enthusiasts. You'll be treated to picturesque views of the lake and surrounding mountains while enjoying a wide and easy-to-navigate trail suitable for bikers of all skill levels.
The trail's proximity to the main village ensures easy access and ample parking, and with available bathroom facilities, it provides added convenience for a pleasant biking experience.
This peaceful nature trail alongside the main path is ideal for avoiding crowds and taking in the serene forest surroundings. The trail's dog-friendly and kid-friendly features, along with clear signage and good conditions, make it a popular choice for families and nature lovers alike.
3. Glenmore Reservoir Loop, Alberta - Moderate
The Glenmore Reservoir Loop in Alberta takes you through fields, forests, meadows, and bridges, providing a truly immersive experience in nature. One of the trail's standout features is its proximity to Calgary, offering convenient access for all levels of bikers.
With multiple viewpoints along the way, you'll have ample opportunities to take in the spectacular environment, including stunning views of the reservoir, rivers, and nearby Heritage Park.
The trail is mostly paved and divided, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable ride for bikers, while also accommodating runners, walkers, and other outdoor enthusiasts. The trail also offers separation between cyclists and walkers in busy sections, enhancing the experience for everyone.
The Glenmore Reservoir Loop also has access points to the water, adding an extra element of enjoyment.
4. Knox Mountain via Apex Trail, British Columbia - Moderate
The Knox Mountain via Apex Trail in British Columbia is considered one of the best biking trails in Canada due to its stunning views and diverse ecosystems. As you bike along the 26-mile trail near Kelowna, you will experience picturesque vistas of Okanagan Lake, mountains, and the city of Kelowna.
The route offers a moderately challenging ride, with the option to cycle uphill on the trails. You will also find benches along the way to rest and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. The trail is popular for birdwatching, mountain biking, and road biking. This provides a unique outdoor experience that showcases the natural beauty of the region throughout the year.
5. Myra Canyon Trail, British Columbia - Hard
The Myra Canyon Trail in British Columbia is a completely flat route that was originally built as a rail corridor in the early 1900s, featuring well-maintained tunnels, creosote cut out of rock, and numerous Trussell support bridges with views of steep declines. This verified 12-kilometer route offers easy access from a spacious parking lot that also offers seasonal bike rentals.
The trail provides a mix of forested areas and open landscapes, along with breathtaking views of Kelowna, making it a popular choice for bikers, walkers, and families seeking a scenic outdoor adventure amidst diverse ecosystems and historical remnants.
6. Port Alberni Hole-In-The-Wall, British Columbia - Easy
This biking trail in Port Alberni, British Columbia, is one of the best in Canada because it offers a unique experience of nature and adventure. Starting across the street from Combs Country Candy Store, the trail leads you to the hidden gem of Hole in the Wall, a former waterline shortcut that has transformed into a picturesque waterfall.
The trail takes you through old roads and side trails, offering the chance to witness lovely waterfalls and beautiful forests, despite the area having been previously logged. The easy accessibility and the opportunity to see the natural beauty of Vancouver Island make this trail a top biking destination in Canada.
7. Paul’s Tomb, British Columbia - Moderate
This biking trail at Paul's Tomb in Knox Mountain Park, British Columbia provides a pleasant ride along the water, with plenty of benches available to soak in the scenery. As you make your way to Paul's Tomb, located to the right and slightly up the hill at the end of the trail, you are rewarded with breathtaking views and the opportunity to relax by the water.
The trail has some steep parts but is overall well-maintained and provides great views of Lake Okanagan. The availability of parking, dog-friendly facilities, and easy accessibility add to the allure, making it a top choice for biking enthusiasts in Canada.
8. Coal Harbour via Stanley Park Seawall, British Columbia - Moderate
The Coal Harbour Via Stanley Park Seawall, located in Stanley Park, British Columbia, can be considered one of the best biking trails in Canada due to its picturesque views and diverse surroundings. The trail offers a delightful ride through Vancouver's natural and urban highlights, showcasing the spectacular harbor surrounded by forested mountains.
As you make your way through the trail, you can witness the city's beauty from different angles, including a panoramic view of the bay and the peaceful Coal Harbour. With a mix of smooth paved cycling paths and rugged wilderness tracks, the trail caters to all levels of bikers, providing an enriching experience of the great outdoors in the heart of the city.
The trail's easy accessibility, stunning views, and the opportunity to witness floatplanes taking off toward the mountains make it a top choice for biking enthusiasts in Canada.
9. Banff Legacy Trail, Alberta - Moderate
The Banff Legacy Trail in Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada, is revered as one of the best biking trails in the country due to its well-maintained paved paths, scenic views, and diverse user experience.
This 126-mile trail offers a pleasant ride with a slight uphill grade towards Banff, providing beautiful vistas of the Bow River and the Rockies, despite being close to the highway. While the trail lacks shade, it compensates with captivating views and opportunities to enjoy the natural beauty of the surrounding forests and vibrant landscapes.
As you journey through this trail, you may encounter wildlife and art displays, making for an enriching experience for cyclists, skateboarders, and nature enthusiasts alike.
10. Bow Valley Parkway to Johnston Canyon, Alberta - Moderate
The Bow Valley Parkway to Johnston Canyon trail in Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada, is a 21.9-mile out-and-back route that takes you through a picturesque setting featuring roadside pull-offs, scenic picnic areas, and panoramic views of the Bow Valley.
As you journey along this trail, you may encounter bears, elk, mountain sheep, and various wildlife species, offering a unique opportunity to experience nature up close.
The trail is popular among cyclists for its easy accessibility, excellent biking conditions, and the chance to observe the beauty of the Canadian Rockies while enjoying a challenging yet rewarding biking adventure.
Explore the Top Biking Trails in Canada With the Best Bikes
Canada boasts a lot of incredible biking trails for every type of cycling enthusiast. Whether you want gentle trails, mountainous challenges, long distances, or shorter loops, you can discover it all. From exploring coastlines and forests to soaking up breathtaking mountain views, biking trails in Canada provide a healthy and eco-friendly way to experience this beautiful country.
At Hardwear Co., we have an extensive range of bikes for your needs, no matter what adventure you’re partaking in Canada. Shop the best bikes to enjoy the top biking trails in Canada to the next level!