Howdy Bike Lovers,
Found a great article in a local freebie newspaper yesterday...exactly what we want to share with our readers.
Do you know of a few trails that might be your favourite hidden gems?
"Where to Pedal in Canada", by John M. Smith.
"As the author of Cycling Canada, I'm often asked about my favourite rides. Well, here's a list of 10 of the best.
1.
Fundy Tidal Trail, N.B., New Brunswick: This 215-km road route
begins and ends in Moncton. The main highlights are riding through Fundy
National Park -- and a stop at Rocks Provincial Park, where the awesome
Flower Pot Rocks have been carved out by the strength of the world's
highest tides.
2.
Greater Victoria Regional Trail System, Vancouver Island: After
cycling across Victoria's Selkirk Trestle, cyclists soon arrive at the
Regional Trail Switch Bridge, where riders can choose one of two
worthwhile routes: The 29- km Lochside Trail north to Sidney or the
55-km Galloping Goose Trail west to Sooke. (Bloggers note: Sooke is a magical little town, an enjoyable, wandering route and very bike friendly.)
3.
Gatineau Hills, Ontario and Quebec: Ottawa alone offers more than
100 km of wonderful cycling trails, and a short ride across the
Alexander Bridge and into Quebec leads to Gatineau Park, where cyclists
can explore the area via the 30-km Promenade de la Gatineau Loop. This
particular ride from Ottawa to the park and back (about 110 km) is best
in the autumn -- so you can enjoy the brilliantly coloured foliage.
4.
The Golden Triangle, Alberta and British Columbia: Explore the
magnificent Canadian Rockies on this very challenging road ride of about
300 km, beginning and ending at Castle Mountain Junction. You'll ride
through three spectacular national parks and encounter three mountain
passes. Riders definitely work up a sweat on some long, gruelling climbs
-- particularly through Kicking Horse Pass.
5.
Icefields Parkway, Alberta: Linking Jasper and Lake Louise, this
magnificent 232-km route in the heart of the Rockies is my personal
favourite. Riders face two challenging mountain passes -- and several
opportunities for side trips to fantastic hiking trails and spectacular
lookouts. Be sure to stop at the Columbia Icefield.
6.
Kettle Valley Railway Trail, B.C.: This abandoned railway bed
winds for about 600 km through central B.C., between Hope and Midway. My
favourite section of this route is Myra Canyon, near Kelowna. I cycled
over 18 spectacular trestles and through two blasted rock tunnels in a
mere 10 km. What a ride!
7.
Magdalen Islands, Que.: This province offers the avid cyclist a
wonderful trail system, but for something "a little different" and "a
bit out of the way," I suggest a five-hour ferry ride from Souris,
P.E.I., to the Magdalen Islands. You'll find lots of sand dunes,
secluded beaches, rocky promontories -- and perhaps some very strong
headwinds -- as you ride the 85-km route on this archipelago of islands
in the Gulf of St. Lawrence.
8.
Prince Edward County, Ont.: "Quinte's Isle" is a beautiful
peninsula in southeastern Ontario, just south of Belleville. Much of
your ride is on quiet rural roads without a paved shoulder -- and the
terrain is relatively flat. You'll pass several vineyards and might
choose to stop for a wine tasting. Also check out Sandbanks Provincial
Park, with its ocean-like setting and beautiful sand dunes.
9.
P.E.I. National Park, P.E.I.: The paths and boardwalks found along
this shorter (35 km) and relatively easy route offer opportunities for
viewing sand dunes, red sandstone cliffs, and access to some of eastern
Canada's finest beaches. I recommend rewarding yourself with a
traditional lobster supper after the ride!
10.
The Viking Trail, Nfld.: This challenging 450-km route takes
riders from Deer Lake, along the rugged coast, through spectacular Gros
Morne National Park, and onto the northern tip of Newfoundland (check
out L'Anse aux Meadows). Be on the lookout for whales and icebergs
along the coast -- and moose along the route!"
Thanks for info John!
The Bike Blogger
