Canada, a cycling highway?
Canada is well-known for its beautiful forests, lakes, and mountains, but did you know that this country is home to North America's largest network of cycling paths, located in the Quebec region?
It is in this same country that you can find the Great Trail, a 24,000 km cycling path that allows you to cross Canada from one end to the other, from Newfoundland (Atlantic Ocean) to Vancouver (Pacific Ocean). And all this, without encountering cars.
A few precautions
If you are used to French or European cycling paths, do not explore those in Canada in the same way. Indeed, this country experiences extreme temperature changes and strong winds. You will therefore need to prepare thoroughly before considering a bike trip across the country.
- Periods To best enjoy this bike trip, it is best to go from May to September when temperatures are mildest and days are pleasant. October can also be interesting as it marks the beginning of Indian Summer.
- A different territory One of the things to know when you want to embark on a bike trip across Canada is that there will be far fewer villages and local services than in Europe. For example, you might cycle more than 50 km without encountering any local services. Therefore, it is very important to plan your stops for sleeping or restocking supplies.
- Equipment Since temperature changes can be extreme, plan your clothing accordingly. Also, bring water bottles of at least 2L and enough food supplies. Don't forget sufficient repair equipment; your bike must be able to withstand hundreds of kilometers.
Now that you are ready to embark on your journey, all you have to do is choose your destination from all that Canada has to offer.
Discover the Véloroute des Bleuets
Located in the Lac Saint Jean region, this route is part of the "route verte" (green route). This circuit is 256 km long and will allow you to encounter old rustic buildings and other historical sites along country roads. You can, of course, enjoy the crystal-clear waters of Lac Saint Jean as well as the city of Alma.
Hiking in Nova Scotia
A change of scenery: in this region, you can enjoy a 320 km circuit that crosses the Cape Breton Highlands National Park. For those who are a little less prepared, it is also possible to do family half-day hikes. Along the way, you will find local fish farms that will familiarize you with the region's fishing techniques.
The unmissable Rockies
This time we are heading to Kananaskis County to ride the still too little-known High Rockies Trail. On this circuit, you will find mountains, turquoise lakes, and rivers, enough to delight mountain biking, climbing, hiking, or medium-level running enthusiasts. It's also the perfect time to discover Lake Louise and Moraine Lake. However, you will need to bring sufficient water and food as you will be immersed in nature to the point of having no cell phone reception. You should also bring bear spray in case you encounter a grizzly or brown bear, which are very common in this region.
Note that this trail can sometimes be very winding with slopes of 6/8% sometimes extending for 15 to 30 km.
0 comments