Here’s an interesting fact you may or may not know: Canada is the second largest country in the world by total area. Only Russia is slightly larger. But only Canada can make the claim that it has the longest trail system in the world: the Trans Canada Trail (TCT). The trail runs 29,000 kilometers (18,000 miles). If you wanted to ride the whole trail, it would take you many years.
But before you get too excited, here are a few things you should know. Firstly, the trail is considered a multi-use trail and not built just for cycling. Hiking, paddling, horseback riding, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling can all occur on or along the trail. Second, the trail is not all paved, and it is also not completely sequestered from vehicle traffic. But if you take the eastern route of the trail, as mapped by Adventure Cycling, you can visit Canada’s major city centers.
About the Trans Canada Trail’s Eastern Route
The eastern route of the TCT starts, according to Adventure Cycling, in southern Ontario and passes through Quebec. You’ll start in Toronto and ride to Ottawa, Montreal, and end in Quebec City.
If you decide to take on this adventure, you’ll cover 870 miles, which will take you several days (10 to 18) versus several years if you tried to tackle the whole trail.
While Canada, as a whole, is a country with varied terrain consisting of mountains, lakes, and dense forests, the eastern route of the Trans Canada Trail features a moderate to easy route that takes in “agriculture, wetlands, forests, hills, lakes, rivers, and charming small towns between the major metropolitan areas…”
Overview of the Terrain Cyclists Will Encounter on TCT’s Eastern Route
Adventure Cycling says the eastern route can be quite hilly at times, but the trail is mostly flat, and the climbing tops out at 1,400 feet of elevation gain. So, cyclists carrying loaded panniers won’t have to worry about struggling to haul them up any mountain passes.
The riding conditions on the Trans Canada Trail can vary considerably. Adventure Cycling says 60% of the trail is paved while 40% is a mix of unpaved road and trails. The good news is that 65% of the route is free from vehicle traffic and consists of isolated bike paths or protected bike lanes. The other areas are low traffic and are composed of residential, rural, and urban streets.
If cyclists plan not to camp along the route or exit it in search of hotels, food, or other necessities, they may encounter busier roads, especially as they get closer to the larger cities. But the cycling infrastructure in Canada is so good, especially in Montreal, that the danger of having a run-in with motor vehicle is pretty slim.
Last Thoughts
Although the Trans Canada Trail is massive in its length, you should keep in mind that the trail is not complete. The eastern route, however, is one of the areas of the trail that is finished. So, if you choose to check out this section of the trail, you shouldn’t come across any part of it that is still being worked on.
That said, the eastern route seems like an excellent way to check out Canada’s major city centers, especially if bikepacking and riding long distances are on your radar. In that sense, the best way to approach this ride along the eastern route is as a multi-day trip with a lot of fun stops along the way.
Supposedly, this part of the trail can be ridden in 10 days, but chances are you’ll want to stop and indulge in the scenery, explore the small towns along the way, and take in the history of both Ontario and Quebec.
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