The Cape Cod Canal Bikeway follows both sides of the canal, each side about 7 miles of flat asphalt, for roughly 13.9 miles in total. The south side runs from the Tidal Flats Recreation Area in Bourne to the Cape Cod Canal Visitor Center at Sandwich Marina Park, while the north side runs from Canal Street to Scusset Beach Road at the Scusset Beach State Reservation. Along the way you pass the Cape Cod Canal Railroad Bridge near the start of the south side, then the Bourne Bridge and the Sagamore Bridge, with canal views, birdlife and sand dunes near Scusset Beach. Shore fishing is common along the bank. There is no off-road route across the canal, and bridges are not recommended for cycling, so plan to ride out and back on one side. Parking is available at lots on both sides, including the Canal Service Road areas in Sagamore Beach and Bourne and a lot at Ed Moffitt Drive in Sandwich. Reviewers often mention headwinds, especially on the return.
This is the Cape's most dramatic bit of engineering and one of its easiest rides. Ships, tugs and fishing boats move along the canal, and the current runs strongly with the tide, so a short ride gives you a sense of scale that the crossing by car does not. The path is flat and paved, so it suits families, casual cyclists, walkers and runners alike. A reviewer notes that boat traffic can stop when the railroad bridge is lowered for a train, so watching for that adds to the show.
Choose a side and a section. The south side from the visitor center in Sandwich toward the Bourne Bridge is a comfortable out-and-back, with the Sagamore Bridge about 4.7 miles in. The north side offers Scusset Beach, with a picnic area, a swimming beach in season and a rocky walking peninsula at the end.
On the north side you will also find play equipment with a zip line and parcourse about 0.6 miles in and access to the Aptucxet Trading Post Museum. Near the end of the south side an industrial area with a power plant, pipelines and docks is visible, so this is a working landscape rather than a purely scenic one.
Good to know
It is open all year, but the exposure to wind and cold is considerable, so dress in layers and expect headwinds on the return. Check for any current works before you go, as the path passes major bridge approaches. Combine the ride with the Sandwich Glass Museum, Heritage Museums and Gardens or a meal at the marina in Sandwich. If you are not cycling, simply walking a short stretch from the visitor center rewards you with the view of the canal and the bridges.
Making a day of it
A sensible plan is to park at the Sandwich end, ride toward the Bourne Bridge with the wind at your back if the forecast allows, and return when you are ready, remembering that a headwind on the return is a common complaint. Walkers can simply stroll the first mile from the visitor center.
Bring water, sun protection in the warmer months and a spare layer, because the open canal bank has little shelter. Anglers often fish from the bank, so ride at a moderate speed, give people space and ring ahead when you pass. Pedestrians, runners and cyclists share the path, so keep to your side.
What to expect
The experience
A self-guided ride or walk on flat paved paths along either bank of the canal, about 7 miles each side.
Best time
Calm, sunny days in any season; wind is the main factor, and headwinds are common on the return.
How long
One to three hours for an out-and-back section.
Tips
Do not plan to cross the canal on the bridges by bike. Choose one side, carry a wind layer and check parking at the trail access lots.
Quick picks
- Best for
- An easy, scenic ride or walk that shows off the canal, its ships and its three bridges.
- Families
- Flat and paved, with play equipment on the north side; short sections suit young riders.
- Couples
- A canal-side walk at sunset followed by dinner at the Sandwich marina.
- Pair with
- Sandwich Glass Museum, Heritage Museums and Gardens and the Cape Cod Rail Trail.
- Time needed
- Allow two hours for a comfortable out-and-back.
Good questions
How long is the Cape Cod Canal Bikeway?+
About 13.9 miles in total, counting both sides of the canal, with each side around 7 miles. The surface is flat asphalt.
Is it open in November?+
Yes, it is open all year, though wind and cold are the main factors in late autumn. Dress in layers.
Can I cross the canal by bike?+
The trail does not provide an off-road route across the canal, and reviewers advise against biking over the bridges. Ride out and back on one side.
Where can I park?+
On the north side there is parking at Canal Service Road in Sagamore Beach. On the south side there are lots on Canal Service Road in Bourne and at Ed Moffitt Drive in Sandwich.
What will I see?+
Canal views, boat traffic, the Cape Cod Canal Railroad Bridge, the Bourne and Sagamore Bridges, birdlife and sand dunes near Scusset Beach.
