The Great Northern Bikepacking Route was conceived to provide an alternative off-road-centric riding experience to the standard cross-Canada two-wheel journey (more dirt, less never-ending pavement and monotonous rail trail). As the number of established bikepacking routes from coast to coast continued to increase, it was clear that a long-haul bikepacking route was possible. The route has been modeled after other long-distance routes including The European Divide and Great Divide trail. Essentially a dirt road and trail touring route across the North American continent that demands an adventurous spirit. Neither a mountain bike nor gravel bike route, but rather something in between. Roads and trails have been linked together into a route that’s greater than the sum of its parts. And a route that delivers the most complete and diverse picture of Canada as a whole. When completed, it will be one of the longest predominantly off-road bikepacking routes in the world.
By the Numbers
Distance: 14,300 kilometres
Elevation Gain: 120,000 metres
*Elevation data can be highly variable by device or mapping platform, as different software may use various data sources and calculation methods.
% Unpaved: About an 80/20 dirt/pavement split
Provinces: 10
States: 3
Status: EPIC
The GNBR is currently seeking riders who would be interested in testing out ('ground truthing') any sections of this route. If you would like to get involved, please CONTACT us. Also, if you have any experiences on portions of this route and would like to provide feedback on route alterations please let us know. We are also actively seeking 'trail angels' who live along any portion of the route who would be interesting in hosting the occasional rider or who can provide any additional services.
Riders who are attempting to be the first to complete the full GNBR in 2024 can be dot watched on Trackleaders. Any riders who are riding shorter segments of the route can also hop on this tracking feed.
Using the GNBR Micro Rides it's possible to have much shorter adventures on parts of the route.
Committed GNBR riders can take the Pledge of Completion where they express there intention to finish the route.
You can read about the creation of the Great Northern Bikepacking Route in this Bicycling article as well as an article on BikeGearDatabase.
By the Numbers
Distance: 14,300 kilometres
Elevation Gain: 120,000 metres
*Elevation data can be highly variable by device or mapping platform, as different software may use various data sources and calculation methods.
% Unpaved: About an 80/20 dirt/pavement split
Provinces: 10
States: 3
Status: EPIC
The GNBR is currently seeking riders who would be interested in testing out ('ground truthing') any sections of this route. If you would like to get involved, please CONTACT us. Also, if you have any experiences on portions of this route and would like to provide feedback on route alterations please let us know. We are also actively seeking 'trail angels' who live along any portion of the route who would be interesting in hosting the occasional rider or who can provide any additional services.
Riders who are attempting to be the first to complete the full GNBR in 2024 can be dot watched on Trackleaders. Any riders who are riding shorter segments of the route can also hop on this tracking feed.
Using the GNBR Micro Rides it's possible to have much shorter adventures on parts of the route.
Committed GNBR riders can take the Pledge of Completion where they express there intention to finish the route.
You can read about the creation of the Great Northern Bikepacking Route in this Bicycling article as well as an article on BikeGearDatabase.
