Gravel is more than just a surface. It's a lifestyle. It’s the sweet spot between road biking and mountain biking, offering the freedom to explore wild places without the tech-heavy gear or the highway stress. And in Canada? We’re spoiled from east to west. 

In this post, I’m guiding you through 10 of the most beautiful gravel rides in the country, split between the East (Maritimes, Québec, Ontario) and the West (British Columbia, Alberta).  

Whether you're a weekend warrior or a die-hard bikepacker, these routes are scenic, rewarding, and downright unforgettable. 

Eastern Canada’s Top 5 Gravel Rides 

Forêt Ouareau  – Lanaudière, Québec 

• Distance: ~150 km² (2–3 days) 
• Surface: Mostly gravel forest roads, light trails, a few paved links 
• Highlights: Forêt Ouareau Regional Park, Lac Morgan, minimal car traffic. 

Why Ride It 

Just outside Montréal, this loop takes you deep into the Lanaudière wilderness. Expect dense forest, quiet lakes, and challenging elevation—perfect for a weekend bikepacking trip. The route also includes an easy 10 km out-and-back multi-use trail leading to the Ouareau River and a scenic picnic area. For those who want to mix in a hike, the trail connects with le sentier des Murmures. There’s also a second, intermediate 5 km forest loop featuring two beautiful viewpoints overlooking the Petite rivière du Nord and a peaceful pond. 

Cycloparc PPJ – Outaouais, Québec 

• Distance: 92 km (point-to-point) 
• Surface: Former railway, crushed stone and gravel 
• Highlights: Historic covered bridges, wildlife corridors, riverside views. 

Why Ride It 

It’s flat, flowy and great for beginners or long-haul comfort seekers. This route hugs the Ottawa River and takes you through peaceful countryside. 

Hereford Gravel Tour – Eastern Townships, Québec 

• Distance: ~166 km 
• Surface: Country gravel roads with some short paved stretches 
• Highlights: Mount Hereford, Coaticook Gorge, quaint cafés. 

Why Ride It: This one’s a hidden gem. Rolling farmland, border towns, maple groves and Eastern Townships charm make this route a rider’s dream. 

Tay Ridge Ramble – Ontario 

• Distance: 94 km 
• Surface: Gravel backroads, rural single-lane routes, light trail 
• Highlights: Lanark Highlands, open fields, wildlife sightings, low traffic. 

Why Ride It: This ride through Lanark County is tranquil, scenic and surprisingly remote for being so close to Ottawa. 

A&R Rail Trail Loop – Arnprior to Renfrew, Ontario 

• Distance: 54 km 
• Surface: Rail trail (packed gravel/dirt) 
• Highlights: River crossings, shaded corridors, local bakery stops in town. 

Why Ride It: It’s a relaxing route for all fitness levels, ideal for a morning ride or beginner-friendly overnighter. 

Western Canada’s Top 5 Gravel Adventures 

The BC Trail – Vancouver to Fernie – British Columbia 

• Distance: 1,200 km (multi-day) 
• Surface: 90% gravel, trails, forest roads, with minor paved sections 
• Highlights: Kettle Valley Railway, Myra Canyon trestles, Columbia Valley. 

Why Ride It: The holy grail of gravel in Canada. This cross-province epic route delivers high alpine views, deep forest tracks and remote backcountry towns. Plan for 10–14 days. 

TransRockies Gravel Royale – British Columbia 

• Distance: Stage-based (4 days), total ~400 km 
• Surface: 100% gravel and mountain roads 
• Highlights: Panorama Resort, Nipika Mountain Resort, epic downhills. 

Why Ride It: The legendary TransRockies Gravel Royale event route, 400km of British Columbia’s wildest gravel. Conquer high-altitude passes, rally epic descents, and unwind at iconic stops like Panorama Resort. Rugged, remote, and 100% unpaved: this is bucket-list gravel riding. 

Squamish Gravel Loop – BC 

• Distance: ~40 km 
• Surface: Mostly gravel and forest roads, some paved and technical trail 
• Highlights: Shannon Falls, Stawamus Chief, Pacific rainforest magic. 

Why Ride It: Close to Vancouver but packed with nature. Perfect for a half-day hit of gravel with huge views. 

Southwest BC Gravel Tour – Fraser Valley 

• Distance: Variable loops from 60 to 150 km 
• Surface: Forest roads, dykes, rail trails, minimal pavement 
• Highlights: Chilliwack River Valley, Sumas Mountain, blue-tinged glacial rivers. 

Why Ride It: These loops let you mix and match your adventure—fast and flowy or long and remote. 

Golden Triangle – BC & Alberta 

• Distance: ~330 km 
• Surface: Mostly paved, some gravel options on side roads 
• Highlights: Vermilion Pass, Columbia Icefield, hot springs reward. 

Why Ride It: A classic Rockies route linking Lake Louise, Golden and Radium Hot Springs. Gorgeous and grueling with plenty of climbing. 

Expert Tips Before You Go 

• Gear up: Opt for wider tires (40–47 mm), a sturdy gravel bike or hardtail MTB, and tubeless if you’re riding remote. 
• Season: Aim for July to early October. Spring can be messy, especially in BC. 
• Prep: In the East, resupply is easy. In the West, plan your food and water carefully—remote means remote. 
• Ride smarter: Download GPS tracks (try Komoot or RideWithGPS), share your route with a contact and bring your essential tools. 

If you're craving adventure, solitude, scenery and a good bit of leg burn, these 10 gravel routes deliver the goods. So, pump up those tires, strap on your gear, and hit the dustier side of Canada.