Whether you’re looking to crush a goal, work on your cardio or simply become a stronger rider, learning to climb efficiently and effectively is one of the best ways to improve as a cyclist. With endless hills and places to ride from coast-to-coast, here a few you might want to add to your bucket list this summer:
Alberta
Edworthy Hill
If you’re looking for a quick hill to climb over your lunch break, look no further! Located within the Calgary city limits, right by the University of Calgary, the 1-kilometre climb with a 70-metre elevation gain may seem like an easy task but you might change your mind after a few laps. If you have a little extra time, enjoy a bite to eat at any of the many restaurants nearby.
Mt. Norquay and Lake Minnewanka Loop
Known for its mountainous terrain, it comes as no surprise that Banff has some great climbs and phenomenal views of the mountains. This 15-kilometre trail with 300 metres of elevation gain takes you from the town through the trails to the summit and back down. If you’re not exhausted once you return to the town limits, make your way over to the east side towards the Minnewanka loop. The 24-kilometre loop takes you through the mountain ranges and by the beautiful turquoise blue Lake Minnewanka.
Maligne Lake and Marmont Basin
This full day route spanning 96 kilometres and 670 metres in elevation gain in Jasper’s National Park is not for the faint of heart. The ride will take you through the scenic mountain ranges and the beautiful Maligne Lake. Once you reach the halfway point, take in the view while enjoying a picnic lunch with your cycling pals before heading back. If you want to push the 100-kilometre mark, make your way over to Marmot Basin, found near the end of the Maligne Lake route, for an additional 13 kilometres. These two routes will give you a combined 109 kilometres and 1313 metres of elevation gain which will definitely put your climbing skills to the test.
British Columbia
Vancouver’s North Shore Mountains
Beautiful B.C. is known for its picturesque landscapes, mountains and trails, and the best part is that you never have to go far to find great places to ride. Vancouver’s North Shore Mountains are comprised of over 35 trails and over 100 trails at Seymour Mountain that include over 800 metres of vertical climbing making it one of the toughest, most rewarding, climbs. Up for a challenge? You can try conquering what is known as the “triple crown” where you complete Cypress Mountain, Grouse Mountain and Seymour Mountain all in one day, adding a big checkmark to your cycling bucket list.
Salt Spring Island
Reaching the peak of Salt Spring Island is sure to make for an excellent selfie. Located between mainland British Columbia and Vancouver Island, Salt Spring Island is home to several provincial parks, as well as countless trails to practice your climbing skills. From challenging terrain and narrow shoulders on its toughest trails, to moderate traffic on the moderate trails, Salt Spring Island definitely has something for riders of all levels!
Penticton
There’s nothing quite like the terrain in Penticton, which makes it an incredible area to ride. The uphill battle takes you through the Apex Mountain Resort which was named Canada’s second-best climb by Canadian Cycling Magazine. The 10-kilometre road has an altitude gain of 831 metres; with some sections at a more than 20% gradient, this climb isn’t for the faint of heart.
Manitoba
Riding Mountain National Park
With over 100 trails spanning 350 kilometres, the Riding Mountain National Park caters to everyone, from beginners to experts. With a total elevation gain of 418 metres, you can build your fitness while taking in the incredible views of the lush forests spanning the horizon.
New Brunswick
Fundy Trail Parkway
Epic climbs await as you ride along the coast of the Bay of Fundy with some great views of the water. The 30-kilometre parkway road is a great challenge in and of itself but can also turn into a more challenging loop when combined with connectors. There are numerous lookouts, waterfalls and beaches on this route which are perfect for your much-needed breaks.
Newfoundland
Signal Hill
Situated in St. John’s, this route is one of the most eastern points in Canada and comes with the added bonus of amazing sea views. The route takes you through mossy rocks from St. John’s to the Signal Hill Historic Site, with 115 meters of elevation. Don’t forget to take a look around the site and experience what the National Historic Site has to offer!
West Coast Newfoundland
One of the most notorious areas for climbing is Gros Morne National Park, located in northwest Newfoundland. The 80 trails span a total distance of 185 kilometres, with 805 metres of elevation. Enjoy the views of ancient sea floors and preserved ocean avalanches among the other breathtaking sites (if you still have any left!). With multiple marked trails of various difficulties, this UNESCO World Heritage Site makes for a great place to ride.
Nova Scotia
Smokey Mountain
Once you tackle this trail, you’ll be sure to smoke the competition. Located by Ingonish along the Cabot Trail on Cape Breton Island, the 2.2-kilometre route takes you up a 9.4% climb, with multiple twists and turns putting riders to work all the way to the top. Once you reach the summit, enjoy the view while you catch your breath.
Ontario
Scenic Caves
Located in Blue Mountain, the 2.3-kilometre trail with a 9% grade is a short yet tough climb with a classic view of the hills and the notorious pines scattering the area. The trail takes you from the bottom of the road to the top of the Scenic Caves parking lot. When you reach the top, don’t forget to check out some other great activities at the Scenic Caves!
Scarborough Bluffs
Just outside of Toronto and located on Lake Ontario, Scarborough Bluffs is the perfect combination of city and nature with a collection of verticals for any cyclist. With 42 kilometres of trails and roads that follow the shore and the city streets, you won’t even notice the 100-meter elevation gain.
Saskatchewan
Lumsden Valley Hill
Although some may think of Saskatchewan as only flat land, locals know better. Located 30 kilometres North-West of Regina, the Lumsden Valley Hill includes over 70 kilometres of trails with nearly 1000 metres of elevation. Although the climbs aren’t as steep, they’re suitable for riders of all abilities.
Blackstrap Mountain
This man-made mountain built for the 1971 Canada Games makes for a great location to ride near Saskatoon. With over 35 trails in the area and 130 metres of elevation gain, you’ll surely find a way to break a sweat while getting a great view of Lake Diefenbaker. While you’re at it, turn your ride into a mini getaway and take a trip to the Blackstrap Provincial Park campsites.
Quebec
Mont Mégantic
Located just north of the U.S. border near Maine and New Hampshire, this climb has been used for many years at the Tour de Beauce. The 9-kilometre route averages a 6.5% grade, starting slow and gaining up to 14.8% at its steepest, with 614 metres of elevation gain. By the time you reach the top, you’ll feel like a pro!
Camillien-Houde
Located in the heart of Montreal, the Camillien-Houde hill takes you to Mont-Royal with a 1.6-kilometre climb to the summit for a total elevation gain of 119 metres. This route takes you on the road through the trees past the Mont-Royal lookout to the summit for a beautiful photo op. For a tougher training session, try climbing the hill a few times and you’ll definitely start to feel the burn. Or you can always try to beat James Piccoli’s record by climbing the hill more than 100 times!
