The 2026 Creemore Springs Paris to Ancaster (P2A), known as Canada’s Spring Cycling Classic, is scheduled for Sunday, April 26, 2026, in Ontario, Canada. Inspired by the historic Paris-Roubaix race in Europe, P2A has been held since 1994 and is famous for its challenging mix of gravel roads, farm lanes, and significant mud sections. The event serves as a major fundraiser for the St. Joseph’s Healthcare Foundation, with the 2026 edition aiming to reach a goal of $30,000. It is a point-to-point race that traverses the rugged landscapes of Southern Ontario, culminating in the legendary climb up Old Martin Road in Ancaster.
| Race Distance | Approx. Length | Start Location | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| P2A CENTO | 110 km | Paris Fairgrounds, Paris, ON | McIntyre/Nixon Rail Line, Powerline Mudslide |
| P2A CLASSIC | 70 km | Waynco Aggregates, Cambridge, ON | The Prengerlaan forest, Old Martin Road climb |
| P2A BRÈVE | 45 km | St. George Arena, St. George, ON | Mineral Springs Mud Chute, fast-paced racing |
The race geography spans the Grand River Valley and the Niagara Escarpment, offering a diverse "patchwork" of agricultural land, rail trails, and private farm tracks. In late April, the Southern Ontario climate is notoriously unpredictable; average daytime temperatures are approximately 13°C (55°F), but the event is defined by its "mud pits"—specifically the Powerline Road Mudslide—which can become extremely difficult to navigate after spring rains. The final 3km of every distance includes a steep, rutted ascent up Old Martin Road, where even professional cyclists are frequently forced to dismount and run their bikes to the finish line.
Logistically, P2A offers several tiers of participation, including a VIP package that provides reserved parking at the finish, bus and bike transportation to the start lines, and professionally catered post-race meals. For younger cyclists aged 8-13, a dedicated Kids Program offers three hours of mountain bike instruction by certified coaches, along with supervised care to allow parents to compete. Registration is managed through the Race Roster platform, where participants can also manage donations and team fundraising efforts. While the 2026 race is a competitive athletic event, its primary focus remains the celebration of cycling history and supporting regional healthcare through the St. Joseph’s Healthcare Foundation.
Apr 26, 2026
Distance — 45K
Type — Cycling, Running
08:00
$107.71
Apr 26, 2026
Distance — 110K
Type — Cycling, Running
08:00
$193.85
Apr 26, 2026
Distance — 70K
Type — Cycling, Running
08:00
$129.25
These values represent the 3-year monthly averages for April in Ancaster.
Learn more about the host city, Ancaster.
Ancaster is a community in the city of Hamilton in the Canadian province of Ontario. Founded in 1792, it immediately developed itself into one of the first significant and influential early British Upper Canada communities established during the late 18th century, eventually amalgamating with the city of Hamilton in 2001. By 1823, due to its accessible waterpower and location at the juncture of prehistoric trading routes, Ancaster had become Upper Canada's largest industrial and commercial centre. Additionally, Ancaster had at that time attracted the 2nd largest populace (1,681) in Upper Canada, trailing only Kingston, but surpassing the populations of nearby Toronto (1,376) and Hamilton (1,000).
Read more launchWatch highlights and course previews from previous years.
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location_on Dundas, Ontario, CA
calendar_today Apr 18, 2026
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