Blog - Riding the Netherlands:

Multi-day cycling tours for Canadians

For many Canadians, travel is about more than ticking off famous sights. It is about connection, history, nature, and experiencing a place at a peaceful pace. Multi-day cycling tours for Canadians in the Netherlands offers exactly that: safe, comfortable cycling, deep historical ties with Canada, and authentic encounters with local life.

Whether you are an active traveller aged 60+, a history enthusiast, or simply looking for an enriching way to explore Europe, the Holland Bike Tours is uniquely suited for Canadian cyclists.

Why the Netherlands is one of the safest cycling countries in the world

Cycling in the Netherlands feels fundamentally different from cycling on public roads in Canada.

Here, bicycles are not an afterthought. They are a core part of daily life.

• Over 35,000 km of dedicated cycling paths
• Clear signage, traffic-separated routes, and priority for cyclists
• Flat terrain and short daily distances
• Drivers expect cyclists and respect them

For Canadian travellers, this often means something remarkable: you can relax while riding. No constant vigilance for traffic, no stressful road shoulders, no long climbs. Instead, you cycle through countryside, villages, forests, and along rivers, feeling part of the landscape rather than fighting it.

Is a multi-day cycling tours in the Netherlands suitable for travellers 60+?

Absolutely. In fact, the Netherlands is one of the best cycling destinations in Europe for travellers aged 60 and over.

Why?

• Short, manageable daily distances
• Mostly flat routes
• E-bikes widely available
• Excellent medical infrastructure
• Daily luggage transfer so you only ride with one light day pannier for daily bits.

A big part of our tours are designed for enjoyment, not endurance. There is time for coffee stops, museums, photo moments, and spontaneous conversations with locals. Many of our Canadian guests are in their 50s, 60s and 70s and describe the experience as active, comfortable, and confidence-building.

Liberation stories: Canada and the Netherlands, connected by history

The bond between Canada and the Netherlands runs deep, especially through the events of the Second World War. Cycling through these landscapes brings history out of textbooks and into lived experience.

• Groesbeek: A Place of Remembrance

Groesbeek is home to the Canadian War Cemetery, the largest in the Netherlands. Row upon row of white headstones tell the story of young Canadian soldiers who helped liberate Europe. Visiting Groesbeek by bicycle, through quiet farmland and rolling hills, is a powerful and personal experience.

• Arnhem and the Airborne Region

Near Arnhem, the story of Operation Market Garden unfolds. Cycling through the Rhine landscape, past memorials and preserved sites, you gain a sense of the scale and ambition of the operation and the sacrifices made.

• Nijmegen and the Waal River

Nijmegen, one of the oldest cities in the Netherlands, played a crucial role during the liberation. The bridges, rivers, and open landscapes you cycle through today were once strategic and fiercely contested.

For many Canadians, these days are emotional highlights of the journey. Cycling allows time for reflection, silence, and conversation, creating a deeper connection to shared history.

Our favorite Multi-day cycling tours for Canadians are: Market Garden by Bike, or the National Park Discovery.  These tours pass most of these places, or can ben customized to do so.

Cycling in the Netherlands vs cycling in Canada

While Canada offers vast wilderness and extensive distances, the Netherlands offers something different:

In Canada

• Long distances
• Shared roads
• Car-dominated infrastructure
• Trips often require logistics and support vehicles

In the Netherlands

• Compact routes with many interesting cultural sites along the way
• Dense network of designated cycle paths
• Villages, cafés, rest stops, repair services & grocery shops always nearby
• After each day of riding, many fantastic sights and dining options within walking distance of your hotel.

This makes cycling in the Netherlands feel accessible, social, and surprisingly immersive. You are never far from local life.

Slow Travel: Experiencing the Netherlands at recreational bicycle speed

A multi-day cycling tour is the essence of slow travel.

Instead of rushing from city to city, you move gradually through landscapes:

• River deltas
• Farmland and nature reserves
• Historic towns and quiet villages

You notice details that are invisible from a car or train: church bells, grazing cows, children cycling to school, local markets being set up in village squares.

This pace creates space for genuine experiences rather than checklists.

Historic town centres, and dining within walking distance

One of the pleasures that often surprises Canadian travellers is how vibrant and walkable the Netherlands is, even outside the major cities.

The country is filled with historic city centers not only in larger cities such as Utrecht, Nijmegen, or Haarlem, but also in small towns and villages you cycle through during a multi-day tour. These centres are compact, lively, and rich in character, with centuries-old streets, canals, market squares, and local shops.

Because distances are small, all our accommodations are located within easy walking distance of a wide variety of restaurants. This means you are never limited to dining at your hotel, unless you choose to. After a day of cycling, many guests enjoy taking a relaxed evening walk into town, browsing menus, and choosing between:

• Cozy local cafés
• Family-run bistros
• International cuisine
• Casual eateries or fine dining options

This freedom is an important part of the experience. Evenings become an extension of the journey rather than a logistical challenge. Holland Bike Tours also provides suggestions on the Ride With GPS app if you prefer a smaller selection to choose from. You can enjoy a good meal, and a gentle stroll back to your hotel through a historic town center, feeling safe and at ease.