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Mountain biking in Canada: where are the mountain bike trails?
What you need to know about mountain biking in Canada
It is an exhilarating and popular outdoor activity all over the world. With its vast expanses and diverse landscapes, Canada has a wide range of trails and terrain. It is a dream destination for every adventure cyclist.
Several mountain bike disciplines are possible in Canada: cross-country, downhill, freeride and enduro. Each offers unique challenges and thrills. For example, cross-country involves running long distances, often on single tracks, while downhill focuses on steep, technical trails. Freeride combines technical elements and jumps, while enduro borrows elements from cross-country and downhill.
One of Canada's main attractions for mountain bikers is its extensive network of trails and bike parks. They can explore extensive trail systems in places like Whistler. Plus, everyone can find a trail suited to their level, from green slopes for beginners to black and double black diamond slopes for experts. Canada's bike parks are well developed and have enough facilities for cyclists to push their limits.
Canada is full of opportunities to explore mountainous regions by bike, regardless of the level of the cyclist. There best time to travel to Canada for mountain biking extends from the beginning of summer in late fall, from May to October.
In Quebec
The province of Quebec has long been uncompetitive in terms of mountain biking facilities compared to other provinces. It is only in recent years that courses have been developed, providing a playground for fans of thrills.
Near Quebec City, there is Mont-Sainte-Anne, a renowned destination for mountain biking. Its trails (downhill, enduro or cross-country) are suitable for different levels.
The Mont-Tremblant trails are located in the national park of the same name, in the Laurentians. As elsewhere, there are trails at different levels of difficulty, but also technical and off-piste trails.
Not far from Quebec City, the trails of Jacques-Cartier National Park are set in a mountainous setting, through wooded valleys. There are also many mountain bike trails in Sutton, Coaticook and Orford in the Eastern Townships. The coastal and mountainous region of Charlevoix also has mountain bike trails overlooking the St. Lawrence River.
The regions of the province of Quebec are full of many other trails, such as Gaspésie, Laurentides, Abitibi-Témiscamingue and Mauricie. Find out about the websites of mountain bike organizations, regions or even national parks to plan your trip.
In Ontario
The province of Ontario is full of mountain bike trails, especially in and around Toronto, Ottawa and the Blue Mountain region. There is something for all difficulty levels.
Blue Mountain
A must-see destination for mountain biking, this region is located near Collingwood. Thrill seekers flock there to hurtle down the descents and take the wooded trails. The ski lifts are very popular. There are more than 80 km of trails through dense forests, for all levels, from beginners to the most experienced.
Hardwood Ski and Bike
It is another renowned mountain biking center in the province. Located near Barrie, there are pump track, downhill and cross country trails. These trails are also accessible and very well maintained. The county of Simcoe is particularly popular in the region.
Durham Forest
This site east of Toronto has 40 km of marked trails, with a beautiful diversity of landscapes, several levels of difficulty and technical challenges. For more than 20 km, the trail is a long continuous line, without interruptions or intersections. The very effective signage on all the trails makes the experience truly intuitive. However, it is not the destination for thrill-seekers, but rather for those who like to ride leisurely and explore the surrounding area on beautiful trails.
Hydrocut Trails
This destination in Waterloo is very well known in the province and is regularly voted as one of the best mountain bike trail networks in Ontario. It has 35 km of bike trails and offers a nice dose of challenges to cyclists and mountain bikers with obstacles, sections of singletrack and bridges.
In Alberta
Between alpine landscapes, meadows and boreal forests, this province is rich in mountain trails for cycling.
Canmore
This small town is located not far from Banff National Park, at the gateway to the Canadian Rockies. The Canmore Nordic Center is a must, it offers many courses. The Three Sisters Trail is one of the most popular mountain bike trails in the Canmore region. At the origin of this popularity, there are certainly the technical challenges of the course, but also the great beauty of the surrounding scenery.
Kananaskis Country
This still wild region is located west of Calgary. There are many mountain bike trails there, with several levels of difficulty. Among the most popular trails are Cox Hill Junction Creek and Pneuma.
Jasper
If you are passing through Jasper National Park, you can also indulge in mountain biking. The park has several interesting trails overlooking magnificent views of the surrounding nature. As in all parks, you will have to follow the rules carefully and pay attention to the fauna and flora.
In British Columbia
British Columbia is known for its great terrain for mountain biking. It is also a global destination for mountain bikers. The North Shore in Vancouver, Squamish and Whistler are particularly renowned for their difficult and technical trails. Thanks to its diversity of terrain and landscapes, the province is a prime playground for experienced cyclists.
Whistler
Canada's premier mountain biking destination, it hosted mountain biking events during the 2010 Winter Olympics.
Its Whistler Mountain Bike Park includes cross-country trails, downhill trails and jump parks and suitable for different skill levels. Its vast network of technical trails is accessible by ski lift. There are 5 zones in the Whistler Bike Park: Peak zone, Fitzsimmons zone, Garbanzo zone, Creek zone and Airdome. People at the highest level will also be able to go to Top of the World, at the very top of Peak Chair.
Fernie
This city is located in the Canadian Rockies region. There is an extensive network of mountain bike trails, with breathtaking views. These are paths widely used by mountain bikers to explore the region. Fernie provides access to hundreds of local trails to the Rockies. You can also go fat biking in winter in the region.
Squamish
This city is one of the must-see places for mountain biking in the province and the country. It is a destination of choice, particularly for cross country or downhill. The Diamond Head (or Quest University) sector and its trails are among the most popular in the region. The Through the Looking glass trail was developed in 2020 and now provides access to Lake Alice and the Highlands.
Sun Peaks
This ski resort welcomes mountain bikers when the warm weather arrives in its Sun Peaks Bike Park. Among its forty trails, there are courses for all skill levels, from novice to experienced. Most are on Tod Mountain, but there are also a few on Sundance mountain. The more experienced can climb even higher on Tod on the Altitude on Tod trail.
The Canadian Rockies
In Alberta and British Columbia, this mountain range offers breathtaking scenery and varied mountain biking opportunities. Places like Canmore, Jasper and Banff National Park have an abundance of trails that pass through alpine meadows, forests and rugged mountain terrain. These trails offer a mix of cross-country, all-mountain and downhill experiences, allowing riders to explore the breathtaking beauty of the Rocky Mountains.
While you wait to hit the mountain bike trails, bring a little of this beautiful country into your home. Cranberries, Maple syrup, delicatessen, alcohols and spirits: we offer many Canadian products on our site.
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