Cambridge cycling trail ranked among Top 10 in Canada

Cambridge is home to one of the best places to cycle in all of Canada, according to market research conducted by a retail sports shoe website.

The research is based on reviews on a travel website, which ranks the Cambridge to Paris Rail Trail as the sixth best cycling location in the country, ahead of popular year-round tourist destinations Whistler and Banff.

The study by SportsShoes.com names Vancouver's Stanley Park in as the best place to run in Canada, while Whistler's Lost Lake topped the rankings for swimming spots.

For those looking to explore on two wheels, Stanley Park was also revealed as the best spot for cycling.

The study analyzed Tripadvisor reviews for over 760 cycle routes, running paths and popular swimming locations across different countries to find out which attractions have left visitors so content they took to Tripadvisor to leave glowing reviews.

The results were then ranked in order to name the best places to run, swim and cycle in each country, and which countries take the crown for each activity.

The Best Places to Cycle in Canada

1. Stanley Park, Vancouver
2. Myra Canyon Park, Kelowna
3. Vancouver Seawall, Vancouver
4. The Pedaler, Victoria
5. Lieu Historique National du Canal-de-Lachine, Montreal
6. Cambridge to Paris Rail Trail, Cambridge
7. Le Petit Train du Nord Bike Path, Quebec
8. Whistler Mountain Bike Park, Whistler
9. Banff Legacy Trail, Banff
10. Burlington Waterfront Trail, Burlington

From lakeside paths and national parks to woodlands and forests, Canada has some great options for exploring by bike.

In sixth place, the Grand River Conservation Authority describes the 18 kilometre Cambridge To Paris Rail Trail as an easy path for cyclists and hikers along the old roadbed of the Lake Erie and northern Railway.

The trail follows the Grand River through lush Carolinian forest with spectacular river overlooks.

Stanley Park features again, taking the top spot for the Canada’s favourite cycle path, with a 9km route around the park on the Stanley Park Seawall cycle path.

In second place is Myra Canyon Park in Kelowna. A well-known cycling route, the 24km round trip route runs in part along the former Kettle Valley Railway, and includes multiple tunnels and over 15 bridges, making it a unique and breath-taking route through the park.

The Vancouver Seawall, which features in the Stanley Park cycle route, is the perfect urban cycle trail beginning at English Bay. Taking visitors around False Creek, among a host of other spots around the city, this cycle route is a popular choice for cycling enthusiasts and amateurs alike, with many landmarks and points of interest, such as Canada Palace and Plaza of Nations en route.

The Best Places to Run in Canada

1. Stanley Park, Vancouver 
2. Vancouver Seawall, Vancouver
3. Mount Royal Park, Montreal
4. Fish Creek Provincial Park, Calgary
5. Point Pleasant Park, Halifax
6. Springbank Park, London
7. Pacific Spirit Regional Park, Vancouver
8. Point Pelee National Park, Leamington
9. Elk/Beaver Lake Regional Park, Central Saanich
10. Westwood Lake Park, Vancouver Island

The Best Places to Swim in Canada

1. Lost Lake, Whistler
2. Sooke Potholes Provincial Park, Sooke
3. Lynn Canyon Park, Vancouver
4. Lake Okanagan, Kelowna
5. Bridal Veil Falls, Kagawong
6. Kitsilano Pool, Vancouver
7. Flowerpot Island, Tobermory
8. Crescent Beach, Surrey
9. Arrowhead Provincial Park, Huntsville
10. Englishman River Falls Provincial Park, Errington

A full breakdown of all the best places to run, swim and cycle, as well as the best countries for each can be found here.