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 Mountain Bike Route. 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 bikepacking route that’s greater than the sum of its parts. And a bicycle journey that delivers one of the most complete and diverse pictures of Canada as a whole.
By the Numbers
Distance: 13,500 kilometres
Elevation Gain: 130,000 metres (mas o menos)
*Elevation data can be highly variable by device or mapping platform, as different software may use various data sources and calculation methods.
% Unpaved: Roughly 85/15 percent dirt/pavement split
Provinces: 10
States: 3
Status: EPIC
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 ride the GNBR (full route or portions of it) can be dot watched on Trackleaders.
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.
By the Numbers
Distance: 13,500 kilometres
Elevation Gain: 130,000 metres (mas o menos)
*Elevation data can be highly variable by device or mapping platform, as different software may use various data sources and calculation methods.
% Unpaved: Roughly 85/15 percent dirt/pavement split
Provinces: 10
States: 3
Status: EPIC
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 ride the GNBR (full route or portions of it) can be dot watched on Trackleaders.
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.
It is possible to make a donation to help with future route development and maintenance. Building and maintaining the GNBR takes a large amount of time, dedication, and, yes, some finances. If you prefer not to use Paypal other donation methods can be arranged. Of course, a donation is absolutely not necessary to ride any part of the GNBR.
