Canada Unveils Four New Cycling Tourism Routes Across the Country

Destination Canada is rolling out four exciting new cycling tourism corridors for 2024, and whether you’re an avid cyclist or just enjoy the occasional bike trip, these routes are bound to catch your interest. Designed to connect different regions across the country—and even into the U.S.—these cycling tourism corridors offer an immersive experience combining natural beauty, cultural enrichment, and community engagement.

The initiative, part of Destination Canada’s 2030 Tourism Strategy, aims to make Canadian tourism more resilient, sustainable, and inclusive by building new partnerships and creating unforgettable journeys.

“To stay competitive, Canada needs exceptional travel itineraries and experiences that reflect the essence of our country,” says Marsha Walden, President and CEO, Destination Canada. “To create them, we must attract strategic investments—from the private sector and all levels of government—that grow tourism in alignment with the interests of travelers and communities’ broader goals.”

Here’s a closer look at what each of these new tourism corridors has to offer.

Cycle Ontario and Quebec

For cycling enthusiasts, Cycle Ontario and Quebec stands out as a must-ride route in the 2024 lineup. This corridor connects major cycling paths in Ottawa, Cornwall, and Montreal while developing new routes in collaboration with local communities. It aims to make cycling tourism more accessible, eco-friendly, and enriching by bringing cyclists closer to local businesses, artisans, and Indigenous groups.

One of the key features of this corridor is its year-round accessibility, complete with bike-friendly amenities that cater to both casual and experienced cyclists. The initiative is designed not only to promote physical activity but also to support mental wellness through scenic routes that encourage a slower, more mindful pace of travel.

For those who love to dive into local cultures while riding, the Cycle Ontario and Quebec corridor will connect you with artisans, local businesses, and Indigenous communities, ensuring that the benefits of tourism are shared by everyone involved. With cycling tourism on the rise, this route is set to attract attention, especially when you consider the data from Vélo Québec, which reports that cycling tourism in Quebec alone generates $700 million annually, supports over 7,000 jobs, and sees around 700,000 tourists engaging in cycling activities.

Field to Fork: Saskatchewan and Manitoba Agritourism

Cycling through the prairies might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of agritourism, but the Field to Fork corridor between Saskatchewan and Manitoba is an exciting option for those looking to combine cycling with culinary exploration. This region is one of the world’s largest and most productive agricultural areas, and this corridor will connect travelers with unique farm-to-table experiences.

What makes this route special is its focus on culinary tourism, a growing trend among global travelers. Through partnerships with the Culinary Tourism Alliance, visitors can enjoy workshops, farm tours, Indigenous agritourism experiences, and food festivals that highlight the rich agricultural traditions of the area. The major cities on this corridor—Winnipeg, Brandon, Saskatoon, and Regina—offer ideal starting points for a cycling adventure, with plenty of opportunities to refuel at local farms, restaurants, and breweries along the way.

According to Destination Canada’s 2023 Global Traveller Research Program, trying local food and drink is the most frequently desired activity among international travelers. With its blend of cycling and culinary experiences, this corridor is poised to attract those looking to savor every aspect of their journey, both literally and figuratively.

Northern Sky Corridor: Alberta to Northwest Territories

For cyclists who crave adventure and off-the-beaten-path experiences, the Northern Sky Corridor offers an exciting challenge. This route connects Edmonton, Alberta, with the rugged beauty of the Northwest Territories, inviting cyclists to explore vast landscapes while also engaging with the region’s rich cultural heritage.

This corridor focuses on highlighting Indigenous culture and the stunning natural beauty of Canada’s north. With its growing demand for tourism, the corridor will help identify product gaps, transportation needs, and infrastructure improvements to support sustainable travel itineraries. The Northern Sky Corridor is perfect for those who want to experience the vastness of the Canadian wilderness while learning about the deep cultural history of the region’s Indigenous peoples.

Destination Canada’s research indicates that 67.7% of international travelers are very interested in Indigenous cultural experiences, and this corridor is designed to meet that growing demand. Cyclists will be able to immerse themselves in these cultural experiences while enjoying some of the most remote and awe-inspiring landscapes Canada has to offer.

Galloping Goose Trail in Victoria is a popular tourism corridor for cyclists

Juan de Fuca Corridor: British Columbia to Washington State

As the first cross-border corridor in this initiative, the Juan de Fuca Corridor opens up new opportunities for cycling tourism between Canada and the United States. This route connects British Columbia with Washington State, allowing cyclists to explore the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest while experiencing the best of what both countries have to offer.

In collaboration with the Pacific Northwest Economic Region (PNWER), this cycling tourism corridor aims to promote sustainable travel and economic well-being by creating new opportunities for cross-border tourism. The route capitalizes on previous destination development strategies and focuses on necessary investments for future growth, making it an exciting option for cyclists who want to explore new terrain.

The Juan de Fuca Corridor is expected to attract a significant number of U.S. travelers—Canada’s largest international tourism market. According to Destination Canada’s 2024 USA Market Highlights, an estimated 16.2 million U.S. travelers are expected to visit Canada in 2025, spending around $13.7 billion. This corridor will allow cycling tourists from both sides of the border to enjoy a seamless and enriched travel experience, promoting environmental sustainability while boosting local economies.

With cycling tourism in Canada and around the world on the rise and a focus on sustainability and community engagement, these new corridors are paving the way for a more connected and resilient Canadian tourism industry, while offering cyclists new and exciting routes to explore in 2024 and beyond.