BEST CYCLING AND BIKE TOURING ROUTES IN ST. JOHN’S (NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR)

The Signal Hill and Quidi Vidi loop

If you want your ride to come with ocean air, historic views, and a bit of a workout, this loop is a must-do. The route to Signal Hill is short but steep, and it's totally worth the climb for the epic coastal panorama that greets you at the top.

Ocean cliffs and local color

Start your ride in downtown St. John’s and head east toward Signal Hill Road. It’s a steady climb of around 2 km, but the views of the Narrows and the Atlantic Ocean will make you forget you’re pedaling uphill. Once at the top, take a break at Cabot Tower and enjoy the sweeping views, then head down toward the fishing village of Quidi Vidi — a picturesque spot with colorful houses and a local brewery that’s perfect for a mid-ride stop.

• Distance: ~12 km loop

• Surface: Paved roads

• Skill level: Moderate to advanced (due to hills)

• Highlights: Signal Hill, Cabot Tower, Quidi Vidi Village

Pro tip: Do the ride early in the morning to avoid traffic and catch the sunrise from Signal Hill — it's unreal.

Exploring the Grand Concourse Trails

For a more relaxed, scenic experience, the Grand Concourse Trail network offers an easygoing and interconnected way to explore St. John’s by bike. These trails combine urban greenways, lakeside paths, and historic corridors that are perfect for casual riders and families.

Connect the lakes and city parks

The Grand Concourse spans over 125 km across St. John’s, Mount Pearl, and Paradise, but one of the best segments for bike touring is the loop connecting Rennie’s River Trail, Long Pond, and Bowring Park. This roughly 20 km ride showcases lush trails, wooden boardwalks, and charming bridges — all with very little elevation and plenty of spots to stop, rest, or grab a snack.

Rennie’s Mill Road is especially beautiful in the fall, and Bowring Park offers fountains, gardens, and even a Peter Pan statue. This is the kind of route that makes you fall in love with St. John’s in a quiet, peaceful way — one pedal at a time.

• Distance: ~20 km loop (flexible)

• Surface: Gravel paths, boardwalks, some paved sections

• Skill level: Beginner to moderate

• Highlights: Long Pond, Bowring Park, Rennie’s River Trail

Pro tip: Keep an eye out for ducks and songbirds — this route doubles as a nature tour.

Multi-day touring from St. John’s to Cape Spear and beyond

If you’re looking to turn your St. John’s cycling trip into a full-blown adventure, saddle up for a ride to Cape Spear and even beyond into the Irish Loop. These longer routes combine coastal cliffs, charming outports, and Newfoundland’s wild, untamed beauty. Be ready for wind, weather, and some serious bragging rights.

Cape Spear to Bay Bulls: an Atlantic epic

Start in St. John’s and cycle southwest to Cape Spear — the easternmost point in North America. It’s a 15 km one-way ride, and the last few kilometres are a steady uphill. Once there, take in the rugged cliffs and iconic lighthouse. From Cape Spear, experienced tourers can continue toward Maddox Cove, Tors Cove, and all the way to Bay Bulls or Witless Bay, where you can overnight at a cozy B&B and maybe even spot some whales or puffins.

The route features highway shoulders, scenic pull-offs, and wide-open sea views. With some planning, this can become a stunning two-day round trip with optional detours into fishing villages or short hikes to waterfalls.

• Distance: ~30–100 km depending on route

• Surface: Paved highways and rural roads

• Skill level: Advanced

• Highlights: Cape Spear, Maddox Cove, Bay Bulls coastline

Pro tip: Pack layers — Newfoundland’s weather changes fast, and fog rolls in like a boss.