Article Feedback:
User Rating 4 out of 5 4 out of 5
(1 review)
11 Write a review


Overall Rating: 4 out of 5 4 out of 5
Via Rail Bike Train, September 2, 2009
By SHPUR

"Since its inception in 2007, Toronto based BikeTrain.ca has hosted over 1000 passengers.

Bike Train has commandeered space on both Via Rail and Ontario Northland Rail to provide a special car for the safe and easy transportation of bikes from Toronto to: Niagara Falls (US and Canada), North Bay, and just this summer, Montreal. More routes are planned for the future.

Bike Train destinations are chosen, as might be expected, by the availability of suitable trails and amenities for vacationing cyclists who do not want to dismantle their bikes for transport and/or have no other means of getting from A to B with their bicycles.

A real need for this type of service exists, judging by the more than 40 cyclists who showed up for the inaugural five-hour journey to North Bay, Ontario at 7:40 am!

Once in North Bay, the group was met and entertained by the local cycling community and the helpful guys from Cycle Works. The very gracious Christian, at The Inn on the Bay provided accommodation and breakfasts/lunches at special group rates including outdoor bike storage and guided trail rides ranging from 25 to 90 kilometers, the latter including a great lunch/beach stop on Lake Nipissing.

Until Oct 8. 2009 Bike Train services will run twice daily in each direction between Toronto and Montreal, with plans for future summer trips.

Montreal is an especially good destination for cyclists as the city has some 350 kilometers of bike paths, part of which follow the 4000 kilometres of the provincial "Route Verte". An active and well-organized provincial body, Velo Quebec is a one stop shopping location for all things bike in Quebec. Total costs (each direction) are just over $100 cdn."

Was this review helpful to you?  Yes No