Paseos en bici

The Capital foodie run is an easy 20.9 km bike loop suggested by the NCC that follows the capital's waterways past modern and heritage architecture, with stops near the NCC Bistros, the ByWard Market and the cultural districts. Most of it uses the Capital Pathway, with some on road bike lanes. Riding the pathways is free; food along the way is up to you, and the season for the NCC Bistros is spring to fall.

A lakeside park just west of Exhibition Place, named for the teenager who first swam across Lake Ontario in 1954. Its car free promenade runs about 750 metres with a wide multi-use trail, a paver walkway, a wooden boardwalk and a viewing platform over the lake, plus a shaded bypass trail along Lake Shore Boulevard. Great for an easy bike ride or walk with skyline views, open year round. Free.

A 1.1 kilometre stretch of Lake Ontario shoreline in Etobicoke, from Norris Crescent Parkette east to Humber Bay Park West, with a multi-use waterfront trail and a 250 metre boardwalk built out over the water. Ride or walk past cobble beaches, headlands, small wetlands and a sand dune at Amos Waites Park. It is part of the waterfront trail network and is open year round. Free.

A 13 km paved bike path built on a former railway line, running mostly through forest between Saint-Étienne-de-Lauzon and Saint-Rédempteur. There are washrooms, drinking fountains, picnic tables and benches, with access at Parc des Grandes-Pointes. Free; open May 1 to October 31, 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., so it is now closed until spring.

A linear park stretching almost 4 km along the Chaudière River in Breakeyville, with a multi use path that is ideal for walking and cycling. Along the way you can see the remains of the old Breakey mills, and the path is part of the Route verte, linking north toward Saint-Jean-Chrysostome and south toward the Beauce. Free, run by the City of Lévis.

A 250 metre BMX circuit with four lines in the Sous-Bois area of Beauport, with parking and washrooms. Helmets and proper bikes are required, children under 12 must be with an adult, and Club de BMX Beauport events have priority. Free; in season it is open daily from 7 a.m. to sunset until October 31, so it is now closed until spring.

A small BMX track in Parc Maria-Goretti designed for children aged 3 to 8 who are just starting out on bikes. It is a gentle, safe place to learn to ride over bumps and turns, with parking and washrooms on site. The City lists it as free.

A dirt track in Parc de Notre-Dame-des-Laurentides designed for mountain bike training, with bumps and berms to practise on. It is a good outing for kids and teens who love riding off road. The City lists it as free.

A dirt bike track beside École des Sentiers used for mountain bike training and practice. It is a handy spot for young riders to work on jumps and turns close to home. The City lists it as free.

A pump track at the Patro de Charlesbourg made of a series of bumps and turns that let riders gain speed and keep their momentum without pedalling. There is parking and washrooms on site. The City lists it as free.

A pump track of bumps and banked turns in Parc Chauveau, where you build speed and keep rolling without pedalling. It is open to bikes, skateboards, inline skates and scooters, with parking and washrooms on site. The City lists it as free.

From May to October the scenic Gatineau, Champlain and Fortune Lake parkways are one of the region's favourite road rides, climbing through forest to lookouts on the Eardley Escarpment. Cyclists can use them at all times, and much of the week they are closed to cars, with a free shuttle bus running instead. Cycling is free; in winter the parkways close to traffic and become paid cross-country ski trails.