When it comes to finding the best bike gravel trails, it’s not easy. Gravel is still a very new cycling discipline, and a lot of new trails and routes are only just being discovered. Unlike mountain biking and road cycling routes that have been used and explored for years, gravel routes are fresh to the scene, and many cyclists are out there exploring to create them now.
Canada is a beautiful country and has so much to offer as far as gravel cycling goes. It has a huge amount of wilderness, great riders, and Canada gets cycling. In this article, we want to tell you about some of the best gravel trails and why you need to try them.
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Can gravel bikes go on trails?
This is a question we are often asked about gravel bikes, and it’s important to understand gravel bikes before we go into speaking about their trail ability. A gravel bike is designed for riding on roads, gravel, and light trails. Essentially they are road bikes with a relaxed geometry, very large tires, and a few other differences.
Gravel bikes have limitations, though, and it’s important to understand that. If you take on very technically challenging trails that are made for mountain bikes, then you might find yourself having a miserable time and even doing some walking.
If you go on less technical trails, you will get the best experience out of a gravel bike. You are looking for small rocks and smooth, dusty trails, not rock gardens. Gravel bikes are excellent all-rounders and great if you love riding on the road but also want to explore the odd trail or two. Yes, gravel bikes can go on trails, but we don’t recommend them for extreme and very technical trails.
Are gravel bikes good for long rides?
Gravel bikes are perfect for longer rides, and many cyclists who ride long distances and even ultra distances use gravel bikes. Here’s why;
- Relaxed Geometry with an upright riding position makes it a very comfortable ride
- They are lightweight and typically have lots of low gearing for climbing
- You can use big tires for extra comfort
- Gravel bikes are often made of steel and flexible materials, adding to the comfort
- They are great for adding frame bags too
- They can go on different terrains
- They are very durable and can take a hit if you fall
Many long-distance cyclists use gravel bikes, and if you look at races such as the Transcontinental, Race Across France, or even the Trans Am Bike Race, you will see the majority of cyclists are on gravel bikes.
Best Gravel Bike Trails in Canada
Now we come to the best gravel bike trails that you need to know about. We got our trails from Wikiloc and Ride Gravel. We feel it’s an incredible resource for locals sharing the best trails. Finally, we highly recommend visiting their websites and supporting the community.
1. Saint-Ferréol-les-Neiges – Boischatel
Distance: 52 Miles
Technical Difficulty: Medium
Elevation: 2400 ft
Max Elevation: 2800 ft
Link: Saint Ferreol Les Neiges Boischatel
If you are looking for an excellent day out on the trails and love descending, then the Saint Ferreol Les Neiges Boischatel will be perfect for you. It’s just over 50 miles long and offers wide tracks, bridge crossings, and great views. It’s a point A to point B route, so you finish at a different place than the start.
The trail has medium difficulty, and this is because you have 2400 ft of climbing to do, and at times it does get a little sandy. What makes this trail a lot of fun is that over the course, you actually descend 4600 ft meaning so overall, there is much more downhill than up. If you want a real challenge, then ride it back to the start afterward.
2. Rouge River Run
Distance: 72 Miles
Technical Difficulty: Medium
Elevation: 4000 ft
Max Elevation: 900 ft
Link: Rouge River Run
If you’re looking for a route that is going to give you a bit of a longer ride, then the Rouge River Run is very popular. It’s not all gravel. Only about 70% is, but that’s plenty for us. It starts in Grenville and heads north up toward Arundel.
It offers beautiful gravel trails, which are lovely and wide, ideal if there’s a group of you. You get 4000 ft elevation so expect a fair bit of climbing. There’s not a huge amount of places to stop, so you might want to carry an extra water bottle. If you feel it might be too long, there’s a shorter route of 66k.
3. Rail Trail Vernon – Oyama
Distance: 28 Miles
Technical Difficulty: Easy
Elevation: 1300 ft
Max Elevation: 1100 ft
Link: Rail Trail Vernon – Oyama
If you are looking for a shorter ride and something less challenging, consider the Rail Trail from Vernon to Oyama and back. It’s 28 miles long, which is a great way to spend a few hours. It’s an out and back trail, so you can shorten it by turning around sooner.
The terrain is easygoing, and many gravel cyclists recommend it for beginners. It has 1300 ft climbing. You ride alongside the beautiful Kalamalka Lake, and the trail is a great experience if you are looking for a relaxed ride off the roads.
4. Ladysmith Loop
Distance: 39 Miles
Technical Difficulty: Easy
Elevation: 2600 ft
Max Elevation: 900 ft
Link: Ladysmith Loop
The Ladysmith Loop was created by Leader Van Rooijen and starts in Ladysmith just off route 366. You’re going to want to stock up as there’s not anything on route to keep you going. It loops out around the Ladysmith area, so you can drop out early if you are feeling a little tired.
The total distance is 39 miles, and it’s 85% gravel, mainly hard-packed. One thing this route is not shy of is climbing with 2600 ft in total, so you’re going to want to be on a light bike or have the right gearing. Overall it’s a lovely ride with a lot to offer.
5. Bromont – Domaine Saint André
Distance: 40 Miles
Technical Difficulty: Tough
Elevation: 2300 ft
Max Elevation: 1200 ft
Link: Bromont Domaine Saint Andre Loop
If you live near Bromont and are looking for a nice loop around, consider this ride. Coming in at 40 miles, it’s an excellent morning or afternoon out on the bike. It has incredibly wide roads, and the gravel is pretty friendly in most places.
One of the highlights of this ride is the climb all the way up to 1200 ft. The ride gradually climbs all the way up to the summit in the first half, and the second half of the ride is mainly descending slowly, which makes it a great return to the start.
6. Crossroads Tremblant Gravel Fondo
Distance: 52 Miles
Technical Difficulty: medium
Elevation: 2500 ft
Max Elevation: 1400 ft
Link: Crossroads Tremblant Gravel Fondo
Starting and finishing in Tremblant, the Crossroads Gravel Fondo is a great route. It’s 52 miles long, and you will find yourself on gravel around 65% of the time. There’s only one stop for food quite early, so ensure you stock up.
It’s a great route, and you will end up climbing around 2500 ft over a lot of rolling hills. You’re going to be riding on ATV tracks and gravel roads. They are smooth rolling hills and a lot of fun. It takes you into the heart of the country, and you will even pass some small lakes with picnic benches for a rest.
Finding the Perfect Gravel Bike Trails Near You
To have the best ride out, you will need to find the right gravel bike trail for you. Although it might sound easy, and for many people, they just pick one who looks fun, we feel there’s much more to think about. Here are the questions you should be asking yourself before setting off;
How close is the trail
Although you might think you have found the perfect gravel biking trail for you, we highly recommend taking into account the distance getting to the start. You might enjoy the ride less if it involves a 5-hour drive in car traffic before and after.
How tough is it
Try not to overestimate your abilities when planning a ride on gravel bike trails. We recommend starting with a route that might be a bit easier and build up to the tougher routes. Try not to drop yourself in the deep end too much, as it is tough to enjoy a ride when suffering through it. Take into account distance, elevation, and terrain of the unpaved roads before setting off.
Ask the community
If you can’t find a ride that ticks all the boxes for you, don’t be scared to hit up the local cycling clubs and ask them for a route on nice quiet gravel roads. They will more than likely have a Garmin full of routes that would be perfect, and they typically will be happy to share for free or the cost of a coffee.
Read More: 7 Best Gravel Bike Shoes