In 2026, following 12 years and more than $15 million raised for cancer care at the QEII, the BMO Ride for Cancer will celebrate its Grand Finale with its community of supporters. With more than 600 spots already reserved by previous riders, interested participants are encouraged to register as soon as possible to ensure their spot for 2026. UNCHARTED.MEDIA
BMO Ride for Cancer retiring in 2026 after 12 years of impact, more than $15 million raised for cancer care
The BMO Ride for Cancer started in 2015 as an event aimed at impacting local cancer care at the QEII Health Sciences Centre. Over the past 11 years, it has become a movement.
This year will be the grand finale for the ride, which has grown to become Atlantic Canada’s largest cycling fundraiser and one of the country’s top peer-to-peer events. Proudly hosted by the QEII Foundation, the BMO Ride for Cancer has raised $15.1 million net to date.
“We know that events can lose momentum and we don’t want that to happen,” says Dianna MacDonald, QEII Foundation director of events and partnerships. “We want to preserve its legacy.”
She says the transformational changes to local cancer care, and the fact all funds raised here stay here to provide first-class care for Nova Scotians, has made the world-class event a beacon of hope for the entire community.
In the first five years, Dianna says the event grew exponentially in both participation and funds raised. A long list of projects has been funded by the event since 2015, which Dianna says has greatly impacted cancer care at the QEII. One example is the state-of-the-art next generation genetic sequencer technology that analyzes tumour samples for all patients in Atlantic Canada.
“The technology is crucial as it helps inform how the patient might progress and the most effective treatment options, which often leads to fewer side effects, better outcomes, more clinical trial opportunities and, in some cases, sparing patients from unnecessary treatments,” she says.
In 2018, innovative technology and equipment was purchased within the QEII’s new cancer therapy preparation lab where critical treatments like chemotherapy and immunotherapy are prepared. The result was doubling the number of therapy doses up to 150 per day, reduced treatment times and enabling new clinical trials.
In 2022, the ride helped to fund Ethos with HyperSight™. This new, personalized radiotherapy technology targets the tumour while protecting the organs from potential damage and, for some patients, reduces the number of treatments from 20 to five.
Although the October 3, 2026 ride will be the last, Dianna promises the QEII Foundation is always going to have cancer care as a top priority and is making room for what’s next.
“We’re going to continue to make an impact on local cancer care,” she shares. “We want to create a sustainable model to fund cancer care in the province and are pivoting to a new peer-to-peer event.”
She says the grand finale is going to be nostalgic and magical for riders who have participated throughout the past 11 years, as well as those taking part for the first time. With more than 600 spots already reserved by previous riders, interested participants are encouraged to register as soon as possible to ensure their spot for 2026.
That magic began more than a decade ago with a vision.
BMO Ride for Cancer co-chair, Scott MacIntyre, says he and good friend Simon Roberts founded the event in 2015 as a way of impacting local cancer care. The fact both had been touched by cancer and were avid cyclists was the catalyst behind the creation of the event.
“They key thing we wanted to do when we approached the QEII Foundation with the idea was to work with them to find projects or equipment that could benefit from such a fundraising initiative,” explains Scott.
“We wanted to make a big impact and we have,” he proudly shares.
Since 2015, apart from being a rider, Scott has been focused on recruiting new riders, increasing support from corporate partners, hitting fundraising goals, and maintaining engagement with key supporters.
Although he admits to having a “proudest moment” each and every year, the 10th anniversary ride was especially memorable for him as he was joined by Simon, who travelled from Washington, D.C. especially for the ride.
He’s confident the final ride will be a celebration of all the great things they have been able to do for cancer care in Nova Scotia and what the future holds.
Co-chairing the ride with Scott for the past four years, Catherine Campbell first became involved with the event as a rider after many family members and a close friend were directly affected by cancer. She believes the event has been so impactful because the high cancer rates in our province mean most Nova Scotians have been touched by the disease.
“We’ve been trying to build something important for Nova Scotians and the community has come together to make it happen,” she says. “No one knows if or when they’re going to be affected by cancer.”
“The feeling on ride day is one of positive energy, accomplishment and recognizing what it’s like to be a part of a community that is so focused on the greater good. So many people are engaged in the cause, are engaged in the event, feel so passionate about it, and are so proud to be a part of it.”
Catherine also says it’s been an incredible experience over the past few years as co-chair and engaging with the community, donors and participants by creating an event that’s not only well organized, but so joyful.
“It’s hard not to mourn the end of something that’s been so incredibly successful and so uplifting and bonding. Ride day is my favorite day of the year and I have loved every minute I’ve been involved.”
To register for the 2026 BMO Ride for Cancer Grand Finale, visit YourRideForCancer.ca.
