Canada offers an incredible diversity of landscapes and urban environments, many of which are becoming increasingly bike and e-bike friendly. For those looking to explore on two wheels with an added boost, here's a look at some of the top Canadian cities for cycling enthusiasts, drawing insights from PeopleForBikes' city ratings.
Sainte-Julie, Quebec: A Cycling Gem (Overall City Rating: 84)
Sainte-Julie stands out as a premier cycling destination, boasting an impressive overall city rating of 84 and a network score of 84. This places it in the 99th percentile globally for bike-friendliness. The city excels in providing access to various amenities, with high scores for recreation (88/100 for parks and trails), transit (91/100), and general access to residential areas (83/100).
Where to ride your bike or e-bike in Sainte-Julie:
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Extensive Low-Stress Bike Network: Utilize the well-developed network for comfortable rides throughout the city.
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Recreational Trails and Parks: Explore the numerous parks and dedicated trails, ideal for leisurely rides.
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Commuter Routes: Take advantage of the high access to transit hubs and core services for efficient urban commuting.
Bromont, Quebec: Trails and Amenities (Overall City Rating: 83)
Bromont impresses with an overall City Rating of 83 and a Network Score of 83. This city shows strong accessibility to core services (88/100) and retail (88/100), in addition to solid recreation opportunities (85/100), making it a well-rounded destination for cyclists.
Where to ride your bike or e-bike in Bromont:
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Dedicated Bike Paths: Explore the various bike paths connecting residential areas to key services and retail.
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Recreational Trails: Enjoy the trails and parks, which are well-suited for both casual rides and more active cycling.
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Access to Amenities: Use your bike or e-bike to easily reach grocery stores, shopping centers, and other essential services.
Chambly, Quebec: Historic Charm on Two Wheels (Overall City Rating: 81)
Chambly boasts an overall city rating of 81 and a network score of 81, placing it in the 99th percentile. It offers excellent access to jobs and schools (84/100), retail (85/100), and transit (83/100), alongside good recreational opportunities (77/100).
Where to ride your bike or e-bike in Chambly:
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Lakeside Paths: Enjoy scenic rides along the Richelieu River and Chambly Basin, often featuring dedicated pathways.
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Historic Routes: Explore the city's charming historic areas and connect to local amenities via its bike-friendly network.
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Commuter Links: Utilize routes for efficient travel to workplaces, schools, and shopping centers.
Squamish, British Columbia: The Outdoor Enthusiast's Paradise (Overall City Rating: 78)
Nestled amidst breathtaking natural beauty, Squamish earns an overall city rating of 78 and a network score of 78. It's particularly strong in providing access to recreational amenities (79/100) and residential areas (85/100), making it a fantastic spot for both adventurous and casual riders.
Where to ride your bike or e-bike in Squamish:
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Recreational Trails: Squamish is renowned for its trails; look for multi-use paths suitable for bikes and e-bikes that lead to parks and natural attractions.
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Community Paths: Explore residential areas and access various parts of the city via interconnected bike paths.
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Scenic Routes: Leverage your e-bike to conquer inclines and enjoy the stunning mountain and ocean views on longer rides.
Boucherville, Quebec: Suburban Cycling Excellence (Overall City Rating: 74)
Boucherville holds an overall City Rating and Network Score of 74, indicating a strong cycling environment. It provides excellent access to recreation (81/100) and retail (83/100), making it convenient for both leisure and errands on two wheels.
Where to ride your bike or e-bike in Boucherville:
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Extensive Green Spaces: Explore the city's parks and green areas via its connected recreational paths.
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Shopping District Access: Use your bike or e-bike for easy commutes to major shopping centers.
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Low-Stress Network: Navigate the city's network for comfortable rides, ideal for daily commutes and leisure.
Canmore, Alberta: Gateway to Mountain Adventures (Overall City Rating: 74)
Canmore, with an overall city rating of 74 and a network score of 74, is a haven for those who love to combine cycling with spectacular scenery. Its highest score is for recreation (88/100), offering unparalleled access to parks and trails, making it perfect for exploring the Rocky Mountains.
Where to ride your bike or e-bike in Canmore:
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Mountain Biking Trails (e-bike friendly): Research specific trails that permit e-bikes to explore the stunning mountain landscapes.
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Legacy Trail: Enjoy the paved Legacy Trail connecting Canmore and Banff, a scenic route perfect for bikes and e-bikes.
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Town Pathways: Explore the extensive network of pathways within the town, offering access to retail and recreational spots.
Kimberley, British Columbia: Mountain Town Riding (Overall City Rating: 72)
Kimberley, a charming mountain town, features an overall city rating of 72 and a Network Score of 72. It offers great access to residential areas (81/100) and transit (80/100), as well as solid recreational opportunities (72/100).
Where to ride your bike or e-bike in Kimberley:
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Local Trails: Explore the network of trails around the town, suitable for recreational riding.
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Commuter Routes: Utilize the bike-friendly paths for getting around town and accessing various points.
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Scenic Mountain Rides: Leverage the power of an e-bike to comfortably ascend and descend the hills for panoramic views.
Longueuil, Quebec: Urban Connectivity (Overall City Rating: 71)
Longueuil boasts a City Rating and Network Score of 71, indicating a well-developed cycling infrastructure. It scores highly for access to retail (81/100), recreation (78/100), and jobs/schools (73/100), making it an excellent city for utilitarian cycling.
Where to ride your bike or e-bike in Longueuil:
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Multi-Use Paths: Navigate the city via its extensive multi-use paths, connecting various neighborhoods and amenities.
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Riverside Trails: Explore sections of the Longueuil shoreline for scenic rides.
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Commuting to Services: Easily reach shopping centers, workplaces, and educational institutions.
Gatineau, Quebec: Capital Region Cycling (Overall City Rating: 69)
Gatineau, with an overall City Rating and Network Score of 69, provides extensive cycling opportunities within Canada's National Capital Region. It excels in recreation (80/100) and retail access (77/100), offering diverse riding experiences.
Where to ride your bike or e-bike in Gatineau:
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Gatineau Park Pathways: Explore the vast network of pathways in Gatineau Park, ideal for recreational and longer rides. (Note: Check e-bike specific regulations within the park).
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National Capital Commission (NCC) Pathways: Utilize the interconnected NCC pathways that span across the region.
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Urban Bike Lanes: Navigate the city's bike lanes and routes to access various destinations.
Victoria, British Columbia: Coastal Cycling Hub (Overall City Rating: 67)
Victoria, with an overall city rating of 67 and a network score of 67, is a highly-rated city for cycling, particularly known for its scenic routes and strong network access to recreation (77/100) and retail (81/100).
Where to ride your bike or e-bike in Victoria:
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Galloping Goose Regional Trail: Enjoy this popular multi-use trail that stretches through urban and natural landscapes.
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Lochside Regional Trail: Another excellent regional trail offering scenic coastal and rural views.
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Dallas Road Waterfront: Ride along the picturesque waterfront for stunning ocean vistas.
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Downtown Bike Lanes: Utilize the expanding network of bike lanes for urban exploration and commuting.
Vancouver, British Columbia: Urban and Scenic Rides (Overall City Rating: 67)
Vancouver shares a City Rating and Network Score of 67, offering a robust cycling experience in a major urban center. It scores well for retail access (78/100) and recreation (69/100), blending city life with natural beauty.
Where to ride your bike or e-bike in Vancouver:
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Seawall: Cycle along the iconic Vancouver Seawall for breathtaking views of the city skyline, mountains, and ocean.
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Stanley Park: Explore the perimeter of Stanley Park, offering a mix of natural beauty and paved paths.
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Dedicated Bike Lanes: Navigate the city using its extensive network of bike lanes for commuting and exploring various neighborhoods.
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False Creek and Olympic Village: Enjoy scenic rides around these vibrant waterfront areas.
Cycling Across Canada
These Canadian cities demonstrate a commitment to developing bike-friendly infrastructure, making them excellent choices for cycling adventures. Whether you're seeking rugged mountain trails, scenic river pathways, or convenient urban exploration, a bike or e-bike can enhance your experience in these fantastic destinations. Always remember to check local regulations regarding e-bike use on specific trails and pathways to ensure a safe and enjoyable ride.
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