We have made the difficult decision to reschedule BMO Ride for Cancer to Saturday, October 18, 2025. This decision was made due to the provincewide burn ban and restrictions on travel and activities in wooded areas, including provincial trail systems until October 15.
It was important that we make this date change decision now, and not ‘wait and see’ if the current restrictions will be lifted in time. Without access to the Rum Runners Trail (90 per cent of our ridership is on the trail versus the road), our team cannot secure our required trail permit, prepare the route, ensure safety, or execute the event as planned. As a result, we’re not waiting: we’re pivoting now and adjusting our logistics to ensure we’re doing everything we can to ride together in-person on the trail and road in 2025.
With the current restrictions in place, we cannot obtain the letter of authority – our trail permit – from the Department of Natural Resources for our scheduled September 27 date. The complex logistics for and sheer magnitude of our BMO Ride event require certainty well in advance, so the date will remain October 18, 2025, regardless of any changes to the restrictions before September 27.
If this new date doesn’t work for you, please know we’ll do everything we can to make sure you still get to experience a part of the magic of BMO Ride, but we need you to let us know right away by contacting us via email at [email protected] or by phone at 902-456-4598.
While our event date is moving just three weeks, from September 27 to October 18, our heart, our WHY, and our determination have never been stronger. We’re still on the same critical mission, to transform local cancer care right here at home through the QEII Health Sciences Centre. And between now and BMO Ride day (Saturday, October 18), every single dollar raised will have an even bigger impact.
Thank you to our incredible riders and entire BMO Ride for Cancer community for your understanding, your unstoppable commitment to local cancer care, and your unwavering support. It’s because of YOU that BMO Ride for Cancer continues to make a difference in the lives of so many.
Despite these challenges and unprecedented times our province is facing, we’re so proud of the impact we continue to make possible together. We can’t wait to share this special day with you on October 18 and create an experience that’s safe, memorable, and full of the community spirit that makes BMO Ride so unique.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why has the date of BMO Ride for Cancer changed?
Due to a provincewide burn ban and restrictions on travel and activities in wooded areas including all provincial trail systems until October 15, 2025, we are unable to obtain our required Letter of Authority (trail permit) from the Department of Natural Resources for the original September 27 date. - What is the new event date?
Our 2025 BMO Ride for Cancer will now take place on Saturday, October 18, 2025. - Why did you decide to change the date now instead of waiting?
BMO Ride takes months of preparation and requires:- An official Letter of Authority from the Department of Natural Resources (currently not being issued).
- Full compliance with all provincewide restrictions and fire safety measures.
- Access to the Rum Runners Trail for our event route preparation.
- Recruitment and training of 300+ volunteers.
By making the decision now, we can secure our volunteers, adjust logistics, and ensure a safe ride and incredible experience for all participants.
- I’m riding a road route – is this event date change applicable to me?
Yes. 90% of our 2025 BMO Ride for Cancer participants are riding distances on the trail and several key areas of our event route for all participants – including our start and finish line, Celebration Way, and more – are located on the trail. Moving our event date to Saturday, October 18 helps ensure we can all ride together in-person again in 2025. - Will the ride experience be different in October?
The heart and why of our BMO Ride remain the same. You can still expect:- The same routes (once trail access is open)
- The same incredible community spirit
- The same impact on local cancer care
- And maybe a few extra fall colours along the way!
Because daylight hours will be shorter in October, we’ll be adjusting staggered start times to ensure that every rider enjoys their full route safely in daylight.
- What if I can’t participate on the new date?
If you cannot make the October 18 date, please let us know right away at [email protected] or by phone to Kendra at 902-456-4598. If you can’t ride with us on Saturday, October 18, and you let us know, you can expect details by Friday, September 5 on how you can challenge yourself and still experience the incredible magic of BMO Ride without being there in-person. - Do I need to re-register?
No. Your registration automatically transfers to the new October 18 event date. Your fundraising page and any donations you’ve received remain active. - Is this event rain or shine?
Yes! The event takes place rain or shine. - Will the location and distances be the same?
Yes. The event will still take place on the Rum Runners Trail and Highway 3 with the same distances offered for all routes. - What should I do in the meantime?
Keep fundraising, and keep sharing your WHY. Every dollar counts towards our shared mission of transforming local cancer care for all Atlantic Canadians. - Can I get a refund on my donations?
Donations made to BMO Ride for Cancer are charitable contributions to the QEII Foundation in support of cancer care at the QEII Health Sciences Centre. All donations are non-refundable, as tax receipts are issued at the time of the gift. If you or your donors have questions about how your fundraising can still be applied, even if you can’t ride on the new date, please reach out to [email protected]. We’ll help ensure your impact is still part of this year’s event. - Can my donations be transferred to next year?
No. All donations raised through the 2025 BMO Ride for Cancer are dedicated to this year’s critical fundraising initiatives. This includes funding for Comprehensive Genomic Profiling (CGP) and Minimal Residual Disease (MRD) testing, both of which are key components of precision oncology at the QEII Health Sciences Centre. Your contributions help our QEII Cancer Centre deliver personalized cancer treatments, detect disease earlier, and improve outcomes for patients right here at home, now.
