Eastern Canada Route Research Rider Opportunity

Adventure Cycling Association is seeking three riders to help research and vet our upcoming Eastern Canada Route in June and July 2026. Riders will work alongside our Routes & Mapping team to evaluate the route experience, identify issues and highlights, and help document the corridor through photos, video, and ride summaries.

Route Overview

The Eastern Canada Route (ECR) is an 887-mile route connecting some of Eastern Canada’s most iconic cities and landscapes.

Section 1: Toronto to Ottawa
Section 2: Ottawa to Montreal
Section 3: Montreal to Quebec City

Overall route statistics:

  • 887 total miles
  • 84% bike path
  • 50% gravel

Section details:

Section 1: Toronto to Ottawa

  • 322 miles
  • 69% gravel
  • 81% bike paths

Section 2: Ottawa to Montreal

  • 286 miles
  • 26% gravel
  • 79% bike paths

Section 3: Montreal to Quebec City

  • 279 miles
  • 48% gravel
  • 85% bike paths

Position Overview

Research Riders will help Adventure Cycling Association evaluate and document the Eastern Canada Route ahead of publication. Riders will work closely with Amy W., Cartography Program Manager, to understand the assigned section and complete field research along the route.

Research must take place during June or July 2026, with all riding and deliverables completed by July 25, 2026.

Because Adventure Cycling routes are published and navigated through Ride with GPS (RWGPS), selected riders must be comfortable using RWGPS as their primary navigation and route documentation tool throughout the project.

Responsibilities

  • Coordinate with Amy W., Cartography Program Manager, before departure
  • Ride and evaluate an assigned section of the Eastern Canada Route
  • Use Ride with GPS (RWGPS) for route navigation and field documentation
  • Identify route issues, safety concerns, closures, or navigation challenges
  • Highlight notable route experiences, communities, services, scenery, and points of interest
  • Capture high-quality photos and short videos throughout the ride
  • Write brief daily ride summaries documenting experiences and observations
  • Provide organized feedback and media files following completion of the route

Because much of the Eastern Canada Route utilizes off-road bike paths and trail systems that are inaccessible to motor vehicles, this research must be completed by bicycle. Riders will play a critical role in physically vetting the route experience, surface conditions, navigation, accessibility, and rider logistics along the corridor.

Compensation

Each selected rider will receive a $3,500 stipend for completing the project.

The full stipend will be distributed upon signing the rider agreement and deliverables contract. Riders may use these funds to support travel, lodging/camping, food, equipment, transportation to and from the route, or other trip-related expenses. Riders who already have the equipment and resources needed are welcome to allocate the remaining funds as they choose.

Ideal Candidates

We are looking for riders who:

  • Have experience with bike touring or long-distance cycling
  • Are comfortable riding mixed-surface routes, including gravel
  • Are comfortable using Ride with GPS (RWGPS)
  • Can document experiences through photos, video, and written summaries
  • Are organized, communicative, and detail-oriented
  • Can complete the assignment independently within the project timeline
  • Have familiarity with their assigned research region

Apply

Please fill out the following form to apply by June 3, 2026:

Eastern Canada Route Research Rider Application – Fill out form

We are excited to work with riders who can help shape and document Adventure Cycling’s newest international route experience.