Canada is a gravel cyclist's paradise. Vast, varied terrain, low traffic density, and scenery that ranges from Pacific rainforest to Prairie sky — the country offers some of the most memorable riding on the planet. Here are our top picks.
1. Kettle Valley Rail Trail — British Columbia
The KVR is Canada's most iconic converted rail trail. Running 600km through the interior of BC, it passes through canyon country, wine regions and the spectacular Myra Canyon trestles. The gravel surface is generally well-maintained and the grades are gentle — perfect for multi-day bikepacking.
Best section: Penticton to Midway (most scenic)
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Best season: June to October
2. Trans-Canada Trail — Manitoba Prairie Section
The Prairie section of the Trans-Canada Trail through Manitoba offers a unique kind of riding: flat, vast, and profoundly peaceful. The gravel roads through farmland and wetland reserves let you cover serious distance in the saddle while watching the light change across an enormous sky.
Base: Winnipeg
Difficulty: Easy (flat terrain, can be windy)
Wildlife: Sandhill cranes, bison, elk in some sections
3. Cabot Trail — Nova Scotia
The Cabot Trail is famous as a road route, but the gravel alternatives through Cape Breton Highlands National Park offer a more intimate experience of the dramatic coastline. Coastal gravel roads with views over the Gulf of St. Lawrence are among the most beautiful in eastern Canada.
Challenge: Significant climbing — not for the faint of heart
Season: June to September
Tyre recommendation: 42-50mm for the mixed surfaces
4. Yukon — Beyond the Frontier
For those seeking true adventure, the Yukon offers gravel roads that go on for days without a service station. The Dempster Highway — 740km of gravel from Dawson City to Inuvik — is on every serious bikepackers bucket list.
Season: July to August only
Preparation: Self-sufficient riding essential; spare parts, satellite communicator, and wildlife awareness are mandatory
Reward: Midnight sun, caribou herds, complete wilderness
Preparing for Canadian Gravel Riding
Canada's distances demand proper preparation. Key considerations:
- Water filtration for backcountry routes — surface water is abundant but needs treatment
- Bear spray in BC, Alberta and the Yukon
- Tubeless setup to handle sharp prairie gravel and remote punctures
- Weather-resistant layers — conditions can change rapidly in mountain and coastal regions
The Sandman's 50mm clearance and durable carbon construction make it well-suited to Canadian conditions. Get in touch for route advice and sizing consultation.