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 around the world. With its vast expanses and diverse landscapes, Canada has a wide range of trails and terrains. It is a dream destination for all adventure cyclists.

There are several mountain biking disciplines available in Canada: cross-country, downhill, freeride and enduro. Each offers unique challenges and thrills. For example, cross-country involves riding long distances, often on singletrack, while downhill focuses on steep, technical trails. Freeride combines technical elements and jumps, while enduro borrows elements from both cross-country and downhill.

One of Canada's biggest draws for mountain bikers is its extensive network of trails and bike parks. They can explore vast networks of trails in places like Whistler. Plus, there's a trail for everyone, from green trails for beginners to black and double black diamond trails for experts. Canada's bike parks are well-developed and have enough facilities to push riders to their limits.

Canada is full of opportunities to explore mountainous regions by bike, regardless of the level of cyclist. best time to travel to Canada for mountain biking extends from the beginning of summer in late autumn, 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 trails have been developed, offering a playground for thrill seekers.

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 with different levels of difficulty, but also technical and off-piste routes.

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, the Laurentians, Abitibi-Témiscamingue and Mauricie. Find out more on the websites of mountain biking organizations, regions or national parks to plan your trip.

In Ontario

The province of Ontario is full of mountain biking trails, especially in and around Toronto, Ottawa and the Blue Mountain region. There is something for all levels of difficulty.

Blue Mountain

A top destination for mountain biking, this region is located near Collingwood. Thrill seekers flock here to ride downhill and along wooded trails. The ski lifts are a popular attraction. There are over 80 km of trails through dense forests, for all levels, from beginners to experienced riders.

Hardwood Ski and Bike

This is another renowned mountain biking centre in the province. Located near Barrie, it has pump track, downhill and cross country trails. These trails are accessible and very well maintained. The Simcoe Vomté 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. Over 20 km, the trail is a long continuous line, without interruptions or intersections. The very effective signage on all the trails makes the experience really intuitive. However, this is not the destination for thrill seekers, but rather for those who like to ride quietly and explore the surroundings on beautiful trails.

Hydrocut Trails

This Waterloo destination is well known in the province and is regularly voted one of the best mountain bike trail networks in Ontario. It has 35 km of bike trails and offers a good dose of challenges to cyclists and mountain bikers with obstacles, singletrack sections 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 Centre is a must-see, offering many trails. The Three Sisters Trail is one of the most popular mountain bike trails in the Canmore area. The origin of this popularity is certainly the technical challenges of the trail, 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 those of Cox Hill Junction Creek or Pneuma.

Jasper

If you are passing through Jasper National Park, you can also enjoy mountain biking. The park has several interesting trails with magnificent views of the surrounding nature. As in all parks, however, you will have to follow the rules and be careful of the fauna and flora.

In British Columbia

British Columbia is known for its mountain biking terrain and is a global destination for mountain bikers. Vancouver's North Shore, Squamish and Whistler are particularly renowned for their challenging and technical trails. With its diverse terrain and landscapes, the province is a prime playground for experienced cyclists.

Whistler

A premier mountain biking destination in Canada, it hosted the mountain biking events during the 2010 Winter Olympics.

Its Whistler Mountain Bike Park includes cross-country trails, downhill trails and jump parks and is suitable for different skill levels. Its extensive network of technical trails is accessible by lift. There are 5 zones in the Whistler Bike Park: Peak zone, Fitzsimmons zone, Garbanzo zone, Creek zone and Airdome. Those at the highest level can also go to Top of the World, at the top of Peak Chair.

Fernie

This city is located in the Canadian Rockies region. It has a rich network of mountain bike trails, with breathtaking views. These are popular paths for mountain bikers to explore the region. Fernie provides access to hundreds of local trails to the Rockies. Fat biking is also available in the winter in the area.

Squamish

This city is one of the must-see places for mountain biking in the province and in the country. It is a destination of choice, in particular for cross-country or downhill. The Diamond Head sector (or Quest University) 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 Alice Lake and the Highlands.

Sun Peaks

This ski resort welcomes mountain bikers when the weather is nice at its Sun Peaks Bike Park. Among its forty trails, there are courses for all skill levels, from beginners to advanced. 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 diverse mountain biking opportunities. Places like Canmore, Jasper and Banff National Park have an abundance of trails that traverse 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 bit of this beautiful country into your home. Cranberries, maple syrup, delicatessen, alcohols and spirits: we offer many Canadian products on our site.