Canada’s diverse terrain, magnificent scenery, historical sites and cultural influences offer some of the world’s most memorable touring opportunities for cycling enthusiasts of all levels. From the east coast to the west, Canadian bicycle tours promise an exhilarating journey through beautiful countryside and majestic mountains. Many routes include traveling through charming historical villages as well as visiting exciting metropolitan areas. To begin planning the bicycle touring vacation of a lifetime, consider the following top 5 mountain bike tours in Canada.

Splendid mountain vistas and unspoiled wilderness trails make the Canadian Rockies one of the top 5 mountain bike tours in Canada. Trek Travel offers an incredible, fun-filled Canadian Rockies tour package that combines outdoor adventure with relaxing luxury. This six day and five night tour begins at Moraine Lake in Banff National Park. Cyclists can enjoy hiking, canoeing or a quiet ride to take advantage of some awesome photographic opportunities along the lakeside roads. Private balconies and breathtaking views at Moraine Lake Lodge provide a perfect mountain retreat. Cyclists ride to Bow Lake by way of the Icefield Parkway to spend the third night of the tour at the rustic Emerald Lake Lodge in Yoho National Park. After enjoying seasonal cuisine and local specialties in the lodge dining room, tour members can relax in front of a private wood burning fieldstone fireplace. The fourth day, travelers will venture to Buffalo Mountain Lodge in Banff National Park. The historic city of Banff offers plenty of shopping and sites for vacationers. The Legacy Bike Trail and the “local’s loop” await energetic riders. Fine dining, deluxe outdoor hot tubs and luxurious guest rooms provide a splendid ending to a fabulous bicycle tour.

Tour TransCanada is a 73 day, cross-nation, bicycle tour for dedicated cyclists is available through Cycle Canada. This life-changing expedition begins in Vancouver, British Columbia and ends in St. Johns, Newfoundland. Participants will travel through all ten Canadian provinces enjoying an unforgettable touring experience. Accommodations include 42 nights of camping and 30 indoor stays. This amazing journey for outdoor enthusiasts covers 4630 miles, or about 7500 kilometers.

The Tour Arctic package is another impressive touring vacation from Cycle Canada. Cyclists begin the tour in Vancouver traveling north to Inuvik, near the Arctic Ocean. This 25 day tour through the coastal mountains, the Yukon and the Arctic Circle includes 18 nights of camping, six indoor stays and two overnight ferry trips. Cyclists travel parallel to the Trail of ’98 blazed by prospectors during the Klondike Gold Rush and follow the Dempster Highway through untamed wilderness. The tour ends with a celebration dinner in Inuvik.

The By-Cycle Ride is a birthday party on wheels. This “themed” bicycle tour, available through Cycle Canada, celebrates Canada’s birthday with a six day tour from Toronto to Ottawa. Ottawa, Canada’s capital was originally named Bytown after Lieutenant-Colonel John By who oversaw the construction of Rideau Canal. This educational, sight-seeing tour is named in honor of Lt.-Col. By and ends at Parliament Hill, on Canada Day, with festivities and fireworks.

The Niagara Vineyards bicycle tour is another terrific option from Cycle Canada. This six day excursion is perfect for cyclists looking for a modest tour loaded with historical and scenic sights. The route, along cliff-top roads, provides beautiful views of area vineyards and wineries. Participants will travel along the Niagara Escarpment, also. The tour includes an overnight stay at Niagara-on-the-Lake, home of the Shaw Festival Theatre and concludes at Niagara Falls. In addition to the falls, the area offers many other sights and tourists activities.

Planning a successful, enjoyable bicycle touring vacation requires some preparation. There are a number of important elements to consider. Inclusions, exclusions, itineraries, accommodations, road support, fees, extra expenses and refunds are some of the most important factors to consider before choosing one of the listed top 5 mountain bike tours in Canada.