A Few of My Favourite Things: Biking and Eating Snacks Along the Trans Canada Trail
Written by Matt Ainsley
Riding my bike is in my top five never-get-tired-of-it, always-feel-better-after activities. I love the feeling of freedom it gives me after a busy day, helping me clear my head and enjoy my surroundings. Plus, it’s relatively cost-free and a super-efficient way to get around – it’s much easier to predict travel time on a bike versus in a car, stuck in traffic. And, bonus: I love snacks, particularly pizza! Cycling allows me to get out and discover new spots for a bite to eat or for a drink, or to find scenic and relaxing picnic spots during my travels.
In my job, I’m lucky enough to be able to visit some beautiful Canadian cities. I always try to check out local biking trails, like the Sea to Sky Trail in BC or the Rum Runners Trail in Nova Scotia. I’m always up for hitting familiar spots and exploring new ones. Here are my top Trail suggestions and tips for fun and safe bike rides within a few hours of Montreal.
Lachine Canal and Parc Jean-Drapeau – urban access to nature
The Lachine Canal National Historic Site and Parc Jean-Drapeau sections of the Trans Canada Trail are both great options for before-work or after-work bike rides, particularly in the warmer months when the days are longer. We’re so lucky here in Montreal to have such excellent dedicated trail/cycling infrastructure along the waterfront and just a few minutes from downtown. I love to cap off my day with a quick ride.
My suggestion: stop for a slice at the Atwater Market and have a picnic along the canal!
Photo credit: Matt Ainsley
P’tit Train du Nord – explore the Laurentians
The Parc linéaire Le P’tit Train du Nord opens the door to beautiful rural cycling adventures – in fact, my first ever bike-camping experience was along the P’tit Train du Nord! This 232-kilometre trail starts north of Montreal and continues through the Laurentian region of Quebec. One of the things I love about the P’tit Train du Nord is that you can access it via train and bike – no car needed! Start out at kilometre zero in Saint Jérome and head north, or head to Bois-des-Filion and hit the Trail from there (technically this is kilometre 32 south).
The trail is wide, flat and appropriate for cyclists of all ages and levels. You can also find tons of charming and bike-friendly restaurants and cafés, and B&Bs and inns along the trail.
My suggestion: plan a multi-day trip. Find camping or a B&B, and explore more of the Trail!
Photo credit: Matt Ainsley
La Route Verte in the Eastern Townships – family-friendly biking in a lovely setting
La Route Verte is an amazing resource in the province of Quebec, and a lot of it is part of the Trans Canada Trail! You can bike from the Plateau neighbourhood of Montreal to Magog (and beyond!) via La Route Verte, along several sections of the Trans Canada Trail including the Ville de Montreal, Parc Jean-Drapeau, La Montérégiade, L’Estriade, and more.
Take La Montérégiade from St-Jean-sur-Richelieu to Granby, which includes the Véloroute gourmande, where you can sample excellent food and drink from local producers. Continue towards Magog via l’Estriade through Orford National Park, which is a delight!
My suggestion: discover local culinary options and seasonal offerings en route.
Photo credit: Amy Schwartz
My tips for fun and safe bike rides along the Trans Canada Trail
• Plan your route. Explore the Trans Canada Trail map to plan where you want to go and for how long. Ride with GPS is also a great free app where you can plan your trip. I also recommend checking where local bike shops are along your route, just in case.
• Keep repairs in mind. It never hurts to bring a basic tool kit with you in case you get a flat or need a patch. And, pro tip: If you’re a CAA member, you can call for a pick-up or to have them fix your bike!
• Don’t bite off more than you can chew. Start small – it’s not a contest – and plan to stop along the way for snacks or coffee, so you have a destination in mind where you know you can stop if you need a boost.
• Bring a bike light, no matter what. You never know if you’ll need it – if your trip takes longer than you anticipated or you stop for a bite to eat. You’ll never regret bringing a bike light.
• Don’t forget snacks. Plan to bring snacks! My favourite post-biking meal is pizza, and I’ll often pack some to bring along with me before I set off. (I’ve been known to stop mid-ride for a pizza snack as well; snacks are a great bet any time during an outing.)
• Stay hydrated. I cannot overemphasize how important it is to stay hydrated and to bring water with you. The last thing you want is to be stranded without water and have a long bike ride home.
• Don’t take it too seriously. Have fun! Some days, you’ll feel like you had the best bike ride of your life, and sometimes it rains and you’re tired. Overall, I pretty much always feel better after a bike ride.
Matt Ainsley is Trans Canada Trail’s Director, Corporate Partnerships and an avid cyclist and explorer. He is based in Montreal, Quebec.
