Biking rail trails in Canada and the US is such an incredible way to explore a region. One of the key benefits is the predominantly flat terrain, making them suitable for riders of all skill levels. While there may be some elevation changes, rail trails are designed to minimize steep gradients.
On rail trails in Canada and the US you can look forward to beautiful and varied landscapes from forests and wetlands to rivers, lakes and sometimes mountains. What a treat it is to enjoy nature without the distractions of traffic or busy roads!
I have biked all the rail trails in Canada and the US described below. And there are many more I would like to cycle. Please leave a comment if there are rail trails in either Canada or the US you have particularly enjoyed.
Best time to bike the rail trails in Canada and the US
It’s going to depend on the rail trail you choose, but generally, spring, summer, and early fall offer ideal conditions for biking in Canada and the US. Weather is pleasant for cycling, with warmer temperatures and longer daylight hours.
How to plan your bike trip on a rail trail in Canada and the US
I have spent hours if not days researching rail trails to bike in Canada and the US. The rail trails I’m looking for are longer ones – ideally four days to a week or more.
Figuring out the logistics of getting to some of the rail trails in Canada and the US without a car, along with bike rentals, accommodation, shuttle services and where to eat is sometimes difficult – or at least it’s hard to find all the information in one place. In the links to the rail trails described below I have done all that work for you.
Rail trails in Canada and the US I’d still like to bike
Over the next few years I plan to bike more rail trails in Canada and the US including the Rideau Heritage Route in Ontario, the Olympic Discovery Trail in Washington, the George S. Mickelson Trail in South Dakota, The Cowboy Trail in Nebraska, the Empire Trail in New York, and the Greater Yellowstone Trail in Wyoming.
Best rail trails in Canada
1. Lochside Trail – Galloping Goose Trail combo
The Lochside Trail, originally a railway line, spans 29 kilometres as a multi-use path. It links the Schwartz Bay ferry terminal to the 55-kilometre Galloping Goose Trail, which leads both into downtown Victoria and out to Sooke.
You can bike the two trails together and make a weekend out of it staying in Sooke or at a B&B in or near Roche Cove Regional Park.
They are also lovely rails to bike on their own when you just have a few hours. Much of the scenery is pastoral but there are also beautiful forests, lots of ocean views, though some of the biking is through developed areas.
2. Myra Canyon on the Kettle Valley Rail trail
The Kettle Valley Railway is an abandoned rail line that spans over 650 kilometres across the Okanagan and Similkameen regions of southern BC.
For anyone visiting British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley with a love of biking, a day on the Kettle Valley Rail Trail (KVR) is a must. At the very least, try the easy 24-kilometre out-and-back ride over the iconic Myra Canyon trestles. The Myra Canyon to Ruth Station segment steals the spotlight, attracting crowds eager to experience its breathtaking views and historic trestles. It’s one of the best rail trails in Canada to bike.
Another popular section is the 80-kilometre stretch from Myra Canyon near Kelowna to Penticton.
3. Slocan Valley Rail Trail
Set against the striking backdrop of British Columbia’s Kootenay region, the 52-kilometre Slocan Valley Rail Trail was originally built to transport ore between Nelson and Slocan. Today, it offers cyclists of all ages and abilities the chance to explore its stunning scenery, fascinating history, and accessible adventures.
Following the picturesque Slocan River, the trail connects several charming towns along its route. Whether you ride a short section or take on the full length, you’ll find plenty of services, including dining and accommodation, making it easy to plan a multi-day out-and-back journey.
4. Galena Trail
The Galena Trail follows the historic route of the Nakusp and Slocan Railway from Rosebery to Three Forks over 13 km. It’s one of the short but fun rail trails to bike in Canada, especially if you don’t have much time.
You can choose to bike the length of the Galena Trail as an out and back exercise or simply a section of it. With three entrances to the trail, there are lots of options.
If you only you have time for one section, and you want the cable car experience, head for Three Forks. If you’d prefer a slightly easier bike ride with lake and mountain views, then do an out and back to Rosebery.
5. The Columbia and Western Rail Trail
The Columbia and Western rail trail spans162 km between Midway and Castlegar in southern British Columbia. It follows the path of the abandoned Canadian Pacific Boundary Subdivision line.
There are four tunnels on the section of the Columbia and Western rail trail I biked. Three are short and one – the 960-m-long inky-black Bulldog Tunnel in theory is meant to be shared with logging trucks. It’s best walked as the ground is sandy, uneven and wet in places. (Read my blog on how to deal with the logging trucks.)
You need a few days to bike the whole Columbia and Western rail trail, but with a shuttle it’s easy to bike a 50 km section from the Paulson Summit on Highway 3 through to Castlegar.
6. Iron Horse Trail in Alberta
The Iron Horse Trail is Alberta’s longest completed section of the Trans-Canada Trail, stretching 300 kilometres northeast of Edmonton. Starting near Waskatenau, about 20 kilometres west of Smoky Lake, the trail runs across the province to a junction near Ashmont, where it branches south to Heinsburg and north to Cold Lake.
The Iron Horse Trail takes you through a diverse landscape featuring rolling hills, boreal forests, parklands, wetlands, jack pine forests and oversized roadside attractions. Along the way, you can visit historic towns, Métis Crossing – a National Historic Site on the banks of the North Saskatchewan River and Fort George Buckingham House, a provincial historic site near Elk Point.
7. Le P’tit Train du Nord in Quebec’s Laurentian region
Originally a railway line and now a scenic linear park, the 232-kilometre Le P’tit Train du Nord stretches from Mount-Laurier in the north to Saint-Jérôme in the south. It’s one of the most popular rail trails in Canada.
While many cyclists tackle the entire trail over three to four days, it’s also perfect for shorter out-and-back day trips. The well-marked trail, with kilometre signs throughout, is mostly flat and highly accessible.
Designed with cyclists in mind, the route features excellent infrastructure, including shuttle services, baggage transfers, and beautifully restored historic train stations that add charm and convenience to the journey.
8. Rum Runners Trail in Nova Scotia
The 119-kilometre-long Rum Runners Trail connects Halifax to Lunenburg via converted rail trails, passing through Hubbards, Chester, and Mahone Bay. While some sections of the trail are rough, the Bay to Bay and Dynamite Trails—both of which are part of an itinerary for cycling in Nova Scotia are in excellent condition. Be sure to check the trail’s status before committing to cycling its entire length.
The 10 km long (one way) Dynamite Trail is a scenic, multi-use repurposed rail line from Mahone Bay to Martin’s River, offering pretty views of the bay, and wooded areas. There’s a wonderful piece of art along the route called High Tide. Look for boat sculptures in the trees.
The Bay to Bay Trail connects two of Nova Scotia’s most picturesque towns – Mahone Bay and Lunenburg, via a scenic 22-kilometre return ride. Starting at the same location as the Dynamite Trail in Mahone Bay, the trail features flat, easy cycling through mixed forest and a wet open area – where you might spot wildlife like porcupines before leading you past colorful houses as you arrive in charming Lunenburg.
9. Confederation Trail in Prince Edward Island
If you prefer easy bike rides and want to avoid cycling near traffic, the Confederation Trail in Prince Edward Island is a fantastic choice. Whether you take on a tip-to-tip journey across the island or simply enjoy a leisurely day ride, this is one of the rail trails in Canada that offers something for everyone. It’s a good one for families and ambitious cyclists could tackle the full length in a single day.
Numerous tour companies offer multi-day itineraries along the Confederation Trail, featuring stays at charming inns like theBarachois Innand stops at exceptional restaurants.
Best rail trails in the United States
1. Great Allegheny Passage in Pennsylvania and Maryland
Stretching 150 miles, the Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) is a non-motorized crushed limestone trail running from Cumberland, Maryland, to downtown Pittsburgh. While it’s accessible to both cyclists and hikers, a bike ride over 3–4 days is the ideal way to experience the route.
The trail owes its existence to numerous defunct rail lines, the Pittsburgh and Lake Erie Railroad, the Western Maryland Railway, and the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. Where there were rail lines, there is now a fabulous trail, some tunnels, and access to many small towns.
The GAP pairs perfectly with the C&O Canal Towpath, which connects Cumberland, Maryland, to Washington, DC. With a week to spare, you could cycle all the way from Pittsburgh to Washington, DC, either on a guided tour or as a self-supported adventure.
Along the route, you’ll find plenty of accommodations, including B&Bs, hotels, and campgrounds, making it easy to plan your journey.
2. The Katy Trail in Missouri
The 238-mile Katy Trail in Missouri is the longest of the rail trails in the US. Running through Katy Trail State Park, the trail stretches across central Missouri from Clinton in the west to Machens in the east, following the former Missouri-Kansas-Texas rail line.
While we didn’t expect dramatic landscapes, we were pleasantly surprised by what the Katy Trail offered. Admittedly, some may find the mostly flat route and stretches of farmland less exciting, but a shift in perspective can make all the difference. For us, the experience was incredible—new scenery, fascinating history, abundant birdlife, and warm encounters with friendly locals made the bike ride truly memorable.
3. Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes in Idaho
In northern Idaho, the 73-mile Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes ranks among the best rail trails in the western U.S. This fully paved, mostly flat route runs through the Idaho panhandle, connecting Plummer to Mullan.
The trail offers a diverse and scenic experience, taking you across the striking Chatcolet Bridge, along Coeur d’Alene Lake and River, past tranquil lakes and wetlands, and through the historic Silver Valley. Birdwatching along the way is excellent, and if you’re lucky, you might even spot a moose as we did. Keep in mind that the eastern section runs close to I-90, which can be a bit noisy for some riders.
You can ride a section of the trail, take a shuttle to complete the entire length in one day, or do what we did—explore it over two days starting from different trailheads.
Conclusion
Whether you’re seeking a quick day trip or a multi-day adventure, rail trails in Canada and the US offer a rewarding and accessible way to explore both natural beauty and local history. I think they’re a wonderful way to discover new country.
More ideas for bike rides in Canada and the US
- 10 Best Bike Trips in Canada
- Biking Banff to Jasper: A Complete Guide
- Biking Alberta’s Goat Creek Trail from Canmore to Banff
- 5 Great Bike Rides in the Banff Area
- Biking the Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park, Montana
- 7 of the Best Bike Trails in Minnesota
Click on the photo to bookmark to your Pinterest boards.
