Top 12 Rail Trails in Canada for a Incredible Two-Wheeled Adventure

Canada’s once-thundering railways have gone quiet—but their legacy lives on in some of the country’s most scenic and cyclist-friendly routes. These rail trails in Canada—repurposed corridors from the golden age of trains—offer gradual grades, car-free riding, and miles of connection through landscapes as diverse as wine country and boreal forest.

Whether you’re chasing your next bikepacking adventure or pedaling toward an easygoing day ride with the family, here are ten of the best rail trails in Canada for cyclists.

1. Kettle Valley Rail Trail – British Columbia

Length: 492 km (part of The Great Trail)
Surface: Gravel, dirt, some paved sections
Best for: Bikepacking and panoramic mountain scenery

Arguably Canada’s most iconic rail trail, the Kettle Valley Rail Trail (KVR) is a sprawling epic that traverses some of British Columbia’s most stunning and varied terrain. Once part of the historic Kettle Valley Railway—completed in 1915 to connect the southern Interior—the trail now spans from Hope to Castlegar, offering hundreds of kilometres of gravel riding, rustic trestles, and high-elevation passes.

The most famous segment, through Myra Canyon near Kelowna, showcases 18 wooden trestles and two tunnels clinging to the cliffside—an engineering marvel and a cyclist’s dream. But beyond the canyon, riders can venture through sun-drenched Okanagan vineyards, rugged Similkameen valleys, and tranquil Kootenay lakeshores.

The trail is remote in sections, with minimal services, so bikepackers should come prepared. Still, the experience—soaring views, starry campsites, ghost towns, and a constant connection to history—makes it one of Canada’s most memorable cycling routes.

Pro tip: Ride in late spring or early fall to avoid wildfire smoke and heatwaves.

Biking on a trestle bridge on the Kettle Valley Trail in Christina Lake

2. Galloping Goose Trail – British Columbia

Length: 55 km
Surface: Paved and crushed limestone/gravel
Best for: Urban getaways and leisurely touring

Starting right in the heart of downtown Victoria, the Galloping Goose Trail lets cyclists transition from city bustle to quiet in a matter of minutes. Following a former Canadian National Railway corridor, this multi-use trail stretches 55 km from the capital all the way to Sooke, winding past lakes, estuaries, farmland, and cedar groves.

Ideal for hybrid bikes or touring setups, the trail is mostly flat and well-maintained, making it one of the most accessible long-ish rides on Vancouver Island. Ride past Sooke Potholes Provincial Park, stop for coffee in Metchosin, or simply pedal into nature for a few hours. The Galloping Goose also connects to the Lochside Trail, offering additional routes north toward the Swartz Bay ferry terminal.

This trail isn’t just a local commuter route—it’s an easy and accessible gateway to some picturesque backroads and parks, with regular rest stops, trail signage, and food options along the way.

Pro tip: Combine this with the Lochside Trail for a ~90 km loop with overnight options.

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

3. Cowichan Valley Trail – British Columbia

Length: 122 km (part of The Great Trail)
Surface: Gravel
Best for: Vineyard hopping and historic trestle bridge rides

Running through the forested heart of southern Vancouver Island, the Cowichan Valley Trail is a scenic, car-free dream linking Shawnigan Lake to Lake Cowichan, Duncan, and Chemainus. This trail weaves through the ancestral territory of the Coast Salish peoples, past moss-draped maples and quiet lakes, following the footprint of the former CN Rail line.

One of the trail’s major highlights is the Kinsol Trestle, one of the tallest wooden railway trestles in the world. At 44 metres high and 187 metres long, this restored masterpiece is worth the ride on its own. But keep going and you’ll find charming small towns, boutique wineries, and uncrowded waterfront stops.

Though the trail is part of the Great Trail network, it feels much more local and intimate than some of BC’s better-known routes. It’s a perfect balance of natural beauty, rustic rail history, and cultural experiences—plus, there are plenty of delicious places to stop for a glass of Pinot Noir.

Pro tip: Take a weekend to explore the area’s wine and cider scene—bike racks are common, and most vineyards welcome cyclists.

4. Iron Horse Trail – Alberta

Length: 300+ km
Surface: Gravel, some sand
Best for: Rural adventurers and prairie fans

Northern Alberta’s Iron Horse Trail may not have the mountain views of BC’s routes, but what it offers instead is solitude, authenticity, and a glimpse into Canada’s railway and Métis heritage. Running 300 km from Waskatenau to Cold Lake, the trail cuts across boreal forest, muskeg, and open farmland, often under huge prairie skies.

The route follows a former CN rail line and includes stopovers in small towns like Smoky Lake, Elk Point, and Bonnyville. You’ll find quiet lakeside beaches, rustic camping, and even grain elevators—reminders of Canada’s agrarian roots.

For cyclists, this trail is ideal for bikepacking or multi-day gravel touring. While the trail can be sandy in spots, it’s mostly rideable with a gravel or mountain bike. Local tourism groups offer shuttle options and accommodations catering to trail users.

Pro tip: Pack bear spray, bug spray, and plenty of water—this is wild Alberta, and services are few and far between.

Cyclist with the Beaver River Trestle bridge in the background (photo: Brandon Born)

5. Elora Cataract Trailway – Ontario

Length: 47 km
Surface: Gravel and limestone
Best for: Family day trips and small-town charm

Tucked into southern Ontario’s picturesque countryside, the Elora Cataract Trailway is a linear rail trail connecting the villages of Elora and Cataract (near Forks of the Credit). It’s an easygoing route perfect for families, new cyclists, or anyone who enjoys farm views and the sound of gravel under tire.

The trail passes through charming towns like Fergus, with its Scottish roots and stone architecture, and runs alongside the Grand River in places. Keep an eye out for herons, wild turkeys, and even foxes. It’s also a great trail for fall rides—rolling farmland and hardwood forests blaze with colour in October.

You won’t find a ton of services directly on the trail, but the towns it passes through have plenty of cafés, patios, and bike shops. It’s also a good jumping-off point for exploring Elora Gorge or the trails of the Grand River Conservation Area.

Pro tip: Begin your ride in Elora and treat yourself to post-ride poutine at the local brewery.

6. Confederation Trail – Prince Edward Island

Length: 273 km 
Surface: Crushed limestone
Best for: Leisurely touring and coastal beauty

Prince Edward Island may be Canada’s smallest province, but it offers one of the country’s most complete rail trail systems. The Confederation Trail, a 273-kilometre network stretching tip-to-tip from Tignish in the west to Elmira in the east, was developed after the closure of the island’s railway in 1989 and forms the province’s segment of the Great Trail.

The trail is beautifully maintained, clearly signed, and delightfully scenic, winding past potato fields, ocean coves, lighthouses, and red-dirt cliffs. It’s perfect for those who want to combine leisurely riding with gourmet food and heritage stops. Small towns like Summerside, Mount Stewart, and Souris offer places to stay and eat, while you’re never far from a lobster roll or a patch of wild lupins.

The trail is flat and accessible for all ages and abilities, making it ideal for multi-day family trips or first-time tourers. Bike-friendly inns and shuttles are common, and the island’s gentle pace suits the “slow travel” vibe of the trail perfectly.

Pro tip: If you’re not riding the whole trail, base yourself near St. Peters Bay—this section offers coastal views, good food, and quick access to Greenwich Dunes in PEI National Park.

Confederation Trail in PEI (photo: Destination Canada)

7. P’tit Train du Nord – Quebec

Length: 234 km
Surface: Paved and crushed stone
Best for: Scenic multi-day tours with refined amenities

Translated as “Little Train of the North,” the P’tit Train du Nord is a former railway line turned polished cycling artery through the heart of Quebec’s Laurentian Mountains. Stretching 234 km from Mont-Laurier to Saint-Jérôme, this four-season trail winds past alpine lakes, sugar shacks, covered bridges, and pine-scented forests.

What sets this trail apart is its infrastructure: every few kilometres you’ll find rest stops, trail services, and charming station houses converted into cafés, art galleries, or bike rental shops. The trail is accessible by bike shuttle from Montreal, and the graded route is rideable in either direction, though southbound (Mont-Laurier to St-Jérôme) is slightly downhill.

This is one of Canada’s most luxurious rail trail experiences: you can book multi-day packages that include accommodations, luggage transfers, and meals. Cyclists can stop in Mont-Tremblant for a night of spa indulgence or linger over lunch in Val-David, known for its artists and bakeries.

Pro tip: Ride during peak fall colours in late September—this is one of the best foliage rides in the country.

La Route Verte

8. Waterfront Trail (Lakeshore Rail Segments) – Ontario

Length: ~3,600 km (multi-use network; rail trail segments vary)
Surface: Mixed: paved, gravel, road
Best for: Long-distance touring with lake views

The Waterfront Trail is less a single trail and more a web of linked paths, some of which follow old rail beds—particularly in eastern Ontario between Trenton and Cornwall. For cyclists, the rail trail segments offer a car-free alternative to Lakeshore road riding and provide a quieter, more scenic route through Ontario’s cottage country and lakeside communities.

Key rail trail segments include the Millennium Trail in Prince Edward County, the Prescott-Russell Trailway east of Ottawa, and parts of the Hamilton-Brantford-Cambridge corridor. While the surface and maintenance vary by region, most are suitable for touring bikes or gravel bikes, especially in drier seasons.

The highlights are many: vineyards and beach stops in the County, historic forts near Kingston, and peaceful farmland in the Ottawa Valley. Riders can connect these segments to form epic multi-day tours, all within reach of major cities.

Pro tip: Don’t miss the Lennox & Addington Dark Sky viewing area if you’re camping along the trail near Napanee.

9. Guelph to Goderich Rail Trail – Ontario

Length: 132 km
Surface: Crushed gravel, some paved sections
Best for: Quiet, off-the-beaten-path adventure through rolling farmland to Lake Huron

The G2G Rail Trail is one of Ontario’s rising stars in long-distance gravel riding. Stretching 132 km from the university town of Guelph to the coastal community of Goderich, this route passes through the heart of Mennonite country, old mill towns, and peaceful rural landscapes, eventually leading to the stunning bluffs and beaches of Lake Huron.

What sets this trail apart is its community-driven development. Volunteers have restored bridges, cleared brush, and established trailheads with pride. Cyclists can cruise through Millbank, Brussels, and Blyth—each with its own charm and offering places to eat, camp, or overnight. (Don’t miss Cowbell, a fantastic craft brewery in Blyth worth the stop.)

There’s virtually no vehicle traffic, and the route’s gentle grades make it great for intermediate tourers and families looking to try a longer adventure. Plans are in place to continually improve signage, trail surfacing, and wayfinding.

Pro tip: End your ride at Goderich’s sunset-view beach park—it’s one of the prettiest finish lines in Ontario.

Guelph to Goderich rail trail

10. Prescott-Russell Recreational Trail – Ontario/Quebec border

Length: 72 km
Surface: Crushed stone
Best for: An easy cruise through rural Franco-Ontarian communities

Running from Hammond to St. Eugene, this rail trail passes through some of eastern Ontario’s quietest countryside. The trail travels through farmland and forested corridors, with modest grades and a peaceful rhythm ideal for recreational riders.

The surrounding towns reflect the region’s Francophone heritage, and cyclists can expect a relaxed, European feel—boulangeries, French signage, and roadside shrines are all part of the charm. Though largely rural, the trail has shaded picnic areas and interpretive panels, making it a good candidate for beginner tourers.

Pro tip: Bring your own snacks and water—the charm here lies in its seclusion, not its services.

Prescott-Russell Recreational Trail (photo Facebook)

11. Le Petit Témis Interprovincial Linear Park – Quebec/New Brunswick

Length: 130 km
Surface: Crushed stone
Best for: A wild cross-border adventure through forest and lake country

One of Canada’s only interprovincial rail trails, the Petit Témis connects Rivière-du-Loup, QC to Edmundston, NB, winding through dense woods, mountain valleys, and peaceful lakeside communities. Originally a CN rail line, it’s now one of the most scenic and quiet long-distance rides in eastern Canada.

The trail is well-signed and well-kept, with rest areas and panoramic lookouts along the way. Cyclists pass historic railway stations, waterfalls, and vast tracts of wilderness. Expect solitude—this route is far from urban centres, but that’s what makes it magical.

Pro tip: Bring a tent or book an inn ahead—accommodation options are limited but worth planning for.

Le Petit Témis Interprovincial Linear Park

12. The Celtic Shores Coastal Trail – Nova Scotia (Cape Breton Island)

Length: 92 km
Surface: Crushed stone
Best for: Atlantic views, Acadian culture, and wildlife sightings

Hugging the western coast of Cape Breton Island, this scenic trail (photo top) runs from Port Hastings to Inverness, passing by sandy beaches, sea cliffs, and charming Gaelic-speaking communities. You’ll hear fiddles in local pubs, see whales from the cliffs, and enjoy world-class views of the Gulf of St. Lawrence.

The trail is flat and accessible, with multiple entry points and towns offering food and accommodations. Watch for bald eagles, seals, and the occasional moose. This is Atlantic Canada at its finest—wild, welcoming, and unforgettable.

Pro tip: Time your trip with a Celtic music festival—you’ll find plenty in the summer.

For more rail trails check out these articles.