Discovering the Canadian Shield Bikepacking Summit
After a few years of mostly solo riding, I decided it was time to connect with other bikepackers and learn from the wider community. The Canadian Shield Bikepacking Summit 2025, held over three days in beautiful Wakefield, Québec, offered the perfect opportunity.
The event welcomes riders of all levels to explore the joy and challenge of bikepacking in Canada through presentations, workshops, rides, and shared experiences. I was excited but also nervous. Would I fit in? Would I be able to keep up on the group rides? Would I have anything interesting to share?
Thankfully, bikepackers tend to be among the most welcoming and encouraging people you’ll ever meet. I focused on what I was truly excited for: hearing from inspiring presenters, exploring new roads, and sharing my own story at the Bivo Campfire Story Session on the first night.
As it turned out, the weekend wasn’t just about bikes or routes, it was one of the most inspiring experiences I’ve had since I started riding.
A Perfect Setting in Wakefield, Québec
The summit took place at Centre Vorlage, a scenic ski resort tucked into the hills of Wakefield, Québec, an area known for its gravel cycling routes and charming local spots. Campers set up at the base of the ski hill, presentations took place inside the lodge, and a nearby bakery tempted riders with fresh pastries every morning.
The vibe was relaxed and friendly. Vendors like Panorama Cycles, Quick Cranks, Calad Bags, Full Cycle, My Velo Fit and Bivo displayed their creations, while speakers and attendees mingled easily between sessions. It was a welcoming space to exchange stories, compare setups, and learn from one another.
Inspiring Talks and Workshops
The speaker lineup offered a perfect mix of inspiration and practical advice:
- Carl Presseault shared insights from Bikepacking in Japan, with tips on planning and packing efficiently, what the cycling infrastructure in Japan is like, how to camp, and finding places to stay. His insights on how to effectively research and deal with issues while travelling abroad were incredibly helpful. Carl pointed out many seemingly simple things that can really make visiting a foreign country a much more enjoyable experience. If ever I get the chance to ride in another country, the lessons learned in Carl’s talk will be very helpful.
- Louis-Philippe Landry presented Harnessing the Power of Failure for Growth and Learning. His honest reflections on setbacks and self-discovery struck a deep chord. This presentation along with his workshop the next day were by far my favorite part of the weekend. Just hearing that it is ok to fail at something takes a lot of pressure off anyone challenging themselves to go out of their comfort zone and bikepackers are rarely in their comfort zone. I have personally struggled with a fear of failure, among other mental health issues while out on a trip. Giving space at the summit to allow participants to be vulnerable with each other and discuss the mental health aspects of sports has tremendous value. After the summit, I quickly signed up for Louis-Philippes’ newsletter “Overcome Café”. His saying, “The trail teaches at its own pace,” has stayed with me ever since the summit.
- Samuel Lalande-Markon discussed Winter Cycling in Québec, encouraging us to embrace cold-weather adventures. His stories of northern expeditions were so captivating that I bought his book even though it is written in French. It will provide motivation to practice the language and plan some winter rides.
- Chris Panasky, the host of the summit, gave a talk on how to plan a bikepacking trip focusing on the Canadian Shield 400 route. While the discussion was focused mainly on this one specific route, lessons learned on how to use ride with GPS to anticipate challenging sections of a route and plan logistics are invaluable on any bikepacking trip. Even if a participant was not planning on riding the Canadian shield 400, there were a lot of valuable takeaways from this presentation.
Even when a few presenters had to cancel last minute, the organizers adapted effortlessly, adding new workshops that enriched the program. That flexibility and being able to solve problems on the fly felt fitting for a group of seasoned adventurers.
Hands-On Learning and Shared Stories
Bike Fit and On-the-Trail Adjustments
A standout session came from My Velo Fit, who explained why bike fit matters and how to make adjustments mid-ride when something feels off. I left determined to fine-tune my position for next season through their online fitting service. I also picked up a lot of good tips and tricks for making adjustments on the trail to keep myself riding comfortably and prevent injuries.
The Bivo “Quench’d” Storytelling Night
Friday evening featured the first-ever Bivo Quench’d Storytelling Night, where riders gathered around to share short tales under the theme “Routes and Detours.” It was the perfect icebreaker, funny, reflective, and heartfelt. Each participant received a commemorative Canadian Shield Bikepacking Summit insulated Bivo bottle, a thoughtful memento from an unforgettable night.
Group Rides and Gear Showcases
Saturday and Sunday morning rides explored the region’s gravel network. I admittedly skipped the first one (rain and a late night got the better of me) but spent the morning getting to know some of the other attendees over coffee. The second group ride, I got to know many of the participants as we rode along the pristine gravel roads this area had to offer.
The bike show-and-tell was another highlight, giving participants a chance to show off their setups and discuss gear choices. Hearing why someone chooses a specific setup for certain routes was incredibly valuable; every story revealed a different approach to comfort, efficiency, or adventure.
Bivo was not only a sponsor of the event, but they also chose to send up some of their team to set up a table and host the Quench’d Storytelling Night. Bivo makes my favorite water bottles, which I make sure to have on me for every bike ride, so having them not only be a sponsor of the summit but taking an active role in it shows me they are the real deal. The Canadian Shield Bikepacking Summit bottles they brought with them were so beautiful, I ended up getting 2.
Memento Cycles brought some of their award-winning, hand-crafted bicycles to display. The bold designs and intricate detailing on their bikes were truly something to behold. I was particularly drawn to their nautical themed bike. Tubes to hold the cable housing wrapped around the top tube like a kraken's tentacles wrapped around a doomed ship. The hand-crafted waves around the head tube showed a level of craftsmanship and detail not often seen in mainstream bikes.
Calad Bike Bags, a first-time vendor, drew a lot of attention with their creative and durable designs. I was so impressed that I ordered a pair of feed bags and panniers for my next build. I’ll share a detailed review after I’ve logged some miles with them.
And of course, Panorama Cycles brought an assortment of their bikes. I was particularly drawn to the Taiga EXP. My bikepacking dream bike.
Tips for Future Attendees
If you’re considering attending the Canadian Shield Bikepacking Summit, here’s how to make the most of it:
- Bring your essentials. Pack your bike, camping gear, and a notebook or phone for jotting down ideas. I retained so much more by writing notes during talks.
- Download GPX files for group rides. Knowing the route is an easy way to make new friends and start conversations.
- Stay open and engaged. Participate in discussions and storytelling sessions; the more you contribute, the more rewarding the weekend becomes.
- Socialize off the bike. Some of the best insights happen between sessions, over a campfire or a morning coffee.
- Join the rides. The group rides showcase Québec’s breathtaking scenery and are a great way to meet fellow riders. They inspired me to start planning for the Log Drivers Waltz and Canadian Shield 400 routes next season.
Most importantly, don’t let nerves hold you back. Many of us share the same doubts about fitness, experience, or fitting in. At the summit, I learned that those worries are universal and that showing up anyway is what matters most.
Reflections and Takeaways
Leaving the summit, I felt more inspired and connected than ever. I’d made new friends, picked up fresh ideas, and gained a deeper appreciation for Canada’s growing bikepacking scene. Exploring new gravel roads gave me a much deeper appreciation for just how much there is to explore in my own region. I do not need to travel far to have amazing adventures.
The weekend reminded me that this community isn’t just about gear, distance, or data, it’s about stories, resilience, and the shared joy of movement through nature.
On the last day, as I packed up my gear and took one last look at the misty hills of Wakefield, I realized that the summit had taught me something beyond routes and setups: that belonging often starts with showing up uncertain, open, and ready to ride.
