Top 11 Canadian Gran Fondos for 2015
Here's our selection of the biggest and best Canadian Gran Fondos for 2015.
A Gran Fondo is a mass-start, timed cycling event, run over closed and open roadways, with full support and post-ride podium presentations. In short... it's the closest most of us will ever come to knowing what it feels like to be a full-on Italian bike racer... and... it could be the most fun you've ever had on a bike!
Many cyclists use Gran Fondos to challenge themselves in a personal battle against the distance and then ultimately, the clock. Some participants will ride the event like a race, with prizes awarded and considerable prestige for top place finishers.
This ride is for EVERYBODY - But don't be intimidated. You can ride a Gran Fondo at any pace you choose, and no matter what your speed or competitive nature, a big event like this is guaranteed to be an experience unlike anything you've ever done before.
May be raise some money for a worthy cause too ...
1st - RBC Gran Fondo Whistler
September 12th, Vancover, British Columbia
Rider capacity grew to 7,000 cyclists in 2012 as participants were pouring in from all around the globe as the event quickly established itself as one of the premier cycling events in Canada and North America.
After a successful 2014 event, the Giro, Sponsored by Robert J Macdonald, will return with double the prize purse to $50,000. The race will provide competitive licensed category 1, 2, 3 riders an exciting opportunity to race the 122 km distance for a top place purse of $15,000. The event will split the cash prizing equally to the top 20 finishers in both the male and female categories.
Link: http://www.granfondoguide.com/Events/Index/217/RBC-GranFondo-Whistler
2nd - PWC Epic Tour Halton Gran Fondo
September 13th, Halton, Ontario
An estimated 5,000 riders take part every year.
Link: http://www.granfondoguide.com/Events/Index/394/Epic-Tour-Halton-Gran-Fondo
3rd - Gran Fondo Garneau-Quebecor
August 9th, Trois-Rivières, Quebec
The Granfondo Garneau-Quebecor, presented by Cascades, is intended for you, whether you are an experienced cyclist wanting to push your own limits or someone passionate wishing to ride at your own pace for a good cause. Come discover landscapes that will make every kilometer unique!
The Granfondo Garneau-Quebecor’ mission is to promote the benefits of physical activity while supporting a great cause.
The profits generated by the event will be donated directly to the "Les Petits Frères" (Little Brothers) organization for the maintenance of the Old Friends’ cottage in Lac St-Joseph and to provide more support for the lonely elderly.
3,000 places available for this 6th edition.
Link: http://www.granfondoguide.com/Events/Index/479/granfondo-garneau-cascades
4th - Prospera Gran Fondo Axel Merckx Okanagan
July 12th, Penticton, British Columbia
Last year more than 3,000 cyclists joined Axel Merckx and friends in the Cortofondo (55 km), Mediofondo (92 km), and Granfondo (160 km).
Now it’s your chance. Take the challenge. Train. Ride. Enjoy.
The 5th annual Prospera Granfondo Axel Merckx Okanagan starts in Penticton, B.C., Canada on Sunday, July 12th, 2015.
Scenic route along the parts of lake Okanagan and Skaha Lake and along side some of BC's most beautiful vineyards.
Registration for the 5th annual Granfondo Axel Merckx is now open.
5th - Ryder Hesjedals Tour de Victoria
August 23rd, Victoria, British Columbia
Ryder Hesjedal’s Tour de Victoria is a supported mass-participation cycling event in beautiful Victoria, British Columbia. Come and experience the world-class cycling routes and breathtaking scenery Victoria has to offer. Riders of all fitness levels can take part in the ride and choose to cycle one of three distances.
Ryder Hesjedal's Tour de Victoria takes riders through some of Greater Victoria's most stunning scenery and cycling routes. The event offers three ride distances, each with a separate start line and all ending at the festival atmosphere finish line.
Over 2,000 cyclists take part each year.
6th - RBC Gran Fondo Banff
August 22nd, Banff National Park, Alberta
Riding in true Gran Fondo Canada fashion in the nation's most cherished national park. A true destination event in one of Canada’s most scenic towns, the RBC GranFondo Banff gives passionate cyclists a once in a lifetime opportunity to ride a spectacular, challenging course in Canada's first national park, Banff National Park. Experience high altitude cycling like never before and observe the extraordinary wildlife that Banff has to offer.
As you ride along this part of the course, take in the fact that you are riding through ages of history. Running parallel to the Bow Valley Parkway is the famed Canadian Pacific Railway, which took four years to build from 1881 to 1885. The Canadian Pacific Railway was instrumental in Banff's early years, building the Banff Springs Hotel and Chateau Lake Louise to attract tourists from all over North America.
Over 1,500 cyclists took part last year.
Link: http://www.granfondoguide.com/Events/Index/205/Gran-Fondo-Banff
7th - Prospera Valley Gran Fondo
July 19th, Fort Langley, British Columbia
Now in its fourth year, the annual Prospera Valley GranFondo (PVGF), which takes place on July 19 this year, is a celebration of community, sport and healthy living. Founded in 2012 by a group of cycling enthusiasts in Langley, it’s the biggest mass participation cycling event in the Fraser Valley, attracting over 1,500 cyclists of all ages and skill levels.
Since it started, the PVGF has been enthusiastically embraced by the community and each year it gets bigger and better. This year, the event will offer three options for riders including the 50km PrestoFondo, the 88km MedioFondo and the big ride, the 160km GranFondo. Giving back is an important part of the Prospera Valley GranFondo and during the first three years, the event has donated over $40,000 to Special Olympics BC.
This year organizers are very excited to welcome a new community partner, Cycling BC, in support of the iRide School Program.
Link: http://www.granfondoguide.com/Events/Index/269/Prospera-Valley-Gran-Fondo
8th - ATB Financial Gran Fondo Highwood Pass
July 11th, Longview, Alberta
Gran Fondo Highwood Pass leads riders along Canada’s most spectacular paved road, Alberta Highway 40, the road that travels up and over Highwood Pass, the highest pass in the Canadian Rockies.
Nothing compares to the majestic Canadian Rockies and by taking riders through and over these jutted giants, we’re going to provide participants with an epic experience that would be near-impossible without support from our expert organization. Riders are likely to see elk and deer grazing nearby, moose meandering about, big horn sheep, and possibly even bear during Gran Fondo Highwood Pass.
And you can take comfort in knowing that Gran Fondo Highwood Pass is run by one of North America’s most experienced organizers of epic cycling events, TransRockies Events.
Once again, entry is limited field of 600 riders. This ride will fill up fast!
9th - Tour de Waterloo
June 21st, Waterloo, Ontario
Tour de Waterloo has 3 fantastic races to choose from: 136 km, 76 km or 46 km appealing to the amateur racer, serious enthusiast or recreational rider.
Over $5,000 in cash prizes available mainly for the 136 km race.
Tour de Waterloo is known as the best value Gran Fondo in SW Ontario with a great festival atmosphere, delicious post-race meal at the Venue.
Courses are fully police controlled/mechanical and first aid support available.
Events are capped at 1,000 riders.
10th - Gran Fondo Ottawa
July 25th, Kanata, Ontario
The Italians are ‘tifosi’ over the Maratona while the French “rendre folle” to ride the Etape du Tour and the MarmotteGran Fondo. Ottawa has caught the craze…… grazie Italia…. but the common link is a gruppo searching for a challenge beyond a long days’ ride! With the look & feel of a tour event offering arches and banners and a hyped up start, feed-zones, peloton’s, break-away’s and ending with Festa’s & Expo’s, enjoying food & drink - debating who did what on which bike along the route they just conquered.
GranFondo Ottawa is happy to offer route options; the CortoFondo, MedioFondo, GranFondo, or SuperFondo for you to choose.
Over 600 riders took part last year with an estimated 1,000 taking part in 2015.
11th - Gran Fondo Mont Tremblant
The Mont-Tremblant region will welcome participants, friends and families during this weekend of celebration. Participants and spectators will be in the heart of the action for the official start at Station Mont-Tremblant early Saturday morning.Cyclists will have three loops to choose from this year – the125 km, the 80km or the NEW 45km. They will ride on secured roads for the pleasure or to take on a personal challenge.
