yup...the blackflies/mosquitoes and horseflies can be awful. Often along the atlantic coast we get a good breeze to help somewhat, but with a wet spring, they can be terrible.

This is the Blue route. The plan is to have a network of Bike friendly roads. Its been a slow roll out, but there have been improvements.
https://blueroute.ca/status-map/

Also here is a map of Cycle friendly business and shops
https://bikefriendlyns.ca/