Best mountain biking in Ontario

Southwestern Ontario

Turkey Point Mountain Biking Trails

In Port Rowan, Turkey Point Mountain Bike Trails offer 86 kilometres of flowing singletrack, winding through deep-cut ridges, hardwood forests and sandy pine sections.

 Skirting Long Point World Biosphere Reserve, riders experience a unique mix of fast, rolling terrain, tight switchbacks and open-flow trails. The network spans Turkey Point Provincial Park, Long Point Eco Adventures and the St. Williams Conservation Reserve, offering trails for all skill levels—from beginner-friendly loops to technical climbs and descents.

 Location: 1730 Front Road, St Williams

 Nearby: Big Creek Bicycles serves Norfolk County with expert bike mechanic services, while Dixon Cycle in Caledonia offers bike sales, repairs, parts and accessories. Find trail maps and trail status updates at Turkey Point Mountain Bike Club. 

Hamilton, Halton and Brant

Kelso Conservation Area

A longtime Ontario Cup race venue, Kelso Conservation Area turns from ski hill to bike park every summer. Just an hour west of Toronto in Milton, this is some of the best mountain biking near Toronto. It’s a rocky, fast-flowing playground for intermediate riders.

Many riders start spring training on the packed dirt singletrack atop the Niagara Escarpment, then move to more energetic trails below. Expect technical terrain as trails intersect the Bruce Trail, offering rocky features and stunning viewpoints. Don’t miss Disco Inferno, a swoopy, switchback-filled favourite. For hardcore riders, the nearby Agreement Forest, located on the north side of Highway 401, delivers some of Ontario’s most technical trails. Built on jagged limestone, it’s full of rock gardens and ridgelines like I Will Allow, a 346-meter test of skill.

Location: 5234 Kelso Road, Milton

For easier riding,  Hilton Falls Conservation Area has family-friendly green and blue trails, plus waterfalls, rivers and reservoirs for a scenic, relaxed alternative.

Location: 4985 Campbellville Road, Milton

Nearby: Gear up at Flying Monkey Bike Shop & Coffee Bar in Campbellville, where you can grab a coffee and get your bike serviced. Milltown Cycle and Stoneridge Cycle in Milton offer sales, repairs and accessories. For trail maps and updates, check Conservation Halton

Huron, Perth, Waterloo and Wellington

The Hydrocut

Riders describe The Hydrocut as the mountain biking equivalent of skiing in the woods. With impeccably beautiful, wide trails, this flowy 35-kilometre network feels almost effortless. Curated to ride at a consistent speed of flow, professional trail builders ensured the network included features and options for all ages and skills.

The one-directional trails marked with clear signage mean you can let ‘er rip and go fast, rolling on smooth soil and crushed gravel. All features—including log jumps, bridges, steep hills, open fields and twisty and gnarly rocky patches—have beginner-friendly go-around options.

These trails attract upwards of 80,000 riders a year. Highlights include the sweeping berms of the Rockin’ Ronnie trail, Kamikaze’s sweet downhill rush for speed lovers and perfect berms on Kaitlyn’s Switchbacks. Point the tire and let go of the brake—Hydrocut trails do all the work.

Location: 1522 Glasgow Street, Waterloo

Nearby: Local bike shops include Eastside Cycles, Ziggy’s Cycle & Sport and McPhail’s Cycle and Sport, which all offer bike repair, tune-up services and sales. Connect with the local mountain biking community and find group rides at Waterloo Cycling Club. 

Greater Toronto Area

Don Valley trails

Located in the heart of Toronto, the 100 kilometres of trails in the valley of the Don River are an urban jewel. These trails are demanding but rewarding: the steep but quick climbs have reward and flow. The Don Valley trails are also home to the Wild Betty’s Mountain Bike Club, Ontario’s only all-women’s mountain bike club, so expect to see many ladies shredding.

Riders will often park in the nearby Loblaws parking lot. It’s also the unofficial après ride hangout spot. The community of riders that call the Don home are dedicated, and the trail builders and volunteers are phenomenal; it’s not uncommon to see riders sweeping the fallen leaves off the trail in the autumn.

Location: Crothers Woods Trail, Toronto

Nearby: The trailhead location of Sweet Pete’s Bicycle Shop is close to the Don trails. The shop has bicycles, parts and repair services and is recognized as one of Toronto's top bike shops. Bateman’s Bicycle Company is another stellar Toronto bike shop that has served Toronto cyclists for almost 20 years, offering tune-ups and service and a mountain bike training school for all ages and abilities.

Pedal to the Evergreen Brick Works, a former industrial site turned urban oasis featuring a weekend farmers' market, artisan crafts and the delicious Picnic Café for a post-ride snack.

York, Durham and Headwaters

Durham Region

Just 45 minutes east of Toronto, the Durham region offers two major mountain biking destinations with a huge variety of trails. On weekends, expect packed parking lots and riders of all levels.

To the north, near the town of Uxbridge, Durham Regional Forest features 15 kilometres of flowy, sustainable singletrack—rated mostly intermediate, with no skinnies or jumps. Kids' day camps fill the trails with young shredders. Dagmar North—once Olympian Emily Batty’s training ground—delivers challenging intermediate terrain with tough climbs and technical features.

Locations:

Durham Regional Forest, 3821 Concession Road 7, Goodwood

Dagmar North, 1681 Concession Road 7, Uxbridge

To the west, Walker Woods feels like another world, with a high tree canopy and wider trails. Managed by the Toronto Conservation Authority, it’s beginner to intermediate-friendly, with minimal singletrack. Nearby, a reclaimed gravel pit offers climbs and drops for skill practice. For hardcore riders, test yourself on Wall of Pain—it’s just 500 metres long, but has up to a 45-degree incline. Crest it, then bomb down Superfly Alley, an expert rollercoaster of hills built for speed.

Location: 2999 Concession 6, Goodwood

Nearby: Boyd’s Sports and Cycle Life offer expert repairs, rentals and gear to keep you rolling on Durham’s top trails. The Durham Mountain Biking Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to creating, enhancing and preserving trail opportunities for mountain bikers in Durham and York regions. It offers maps, group rides, events and trail updates.

Bruce, Grey and Simcoe

Collingwood area

The Blue Mountain escarpment is a playground of swoopy climbs and technical singletrack. Just outside Collingwood, the Three Stage trail system offers over 40 kilometres of trails on the Niagara Escarpment, including the Bruce Trail’s highest peak at 540 metres. Expect a mix of hardwoods, cedar forests and mossy rock gardens. Designed for advanced riders, the clay-heavy soil can get slick when wet. The upper area delivers flowing descents and rolling hills, while the middle section is flatter. Trails can be rustic, and it’s best to ride with a local to show you around.

Location: 635401 2 Line, The Blue Mountains

Another great riding location 20 kilometres southwest of Collingwood is Kolapore Uplands, a rugged, rocky network woven into the Bruce Trail and part of the Niagara Escarpment UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. This secluded system demands technical skills and good navigation. Trails are twisty, and hikers are common, so bring a map or the Trailforks app.

Location: 495445, Grey County Road 2, The Blue Mountains

Nearby: Kamikaze Bikes is a go-to for repairs, rentals and expert advice on Collingwood’s best trails. Little Ed’s Ski & Bike offers tune-ups, gear and guided e-bike tours. Squire John’s is the oldest bike shop in Collingwood and a staple in the local outdoor scene, providing bike sales, service and top-quality rentals.

Rad Adventures offers summer mountain bike camps for kids, while Minii Adventures offers lessons for all levels, helping riders tackle technical terrain with new confidence.

Orillia and Lake County

Dense, leafy forests, grand, panoramic valley views and two well-organized, signed and maintained trail systems mean you could spend an entire summer riding around the Orillia area. Less than a two-hour drive from downtown Toronto, the rolling hills through pine and hardwood forests make these mountain biking trails favourites among Ontario riders.

Hardwood Hills is a longtime hub for Ontario mountain bike races, offering joyrides for cyclists of all ages and skill levels. With over 40 kilometres of trails, the terrain is a mix of hard-packed dirt and rooty singletrack, keeping the ride both technical and thrilling. Trail builders have added some epic features, and whether you're looking to level up at a women’s-only clinic or tackle the Ride Better program, there's something for everyone.

Location: 402 Old Barrie Road West, Oro Station

Home to Canadian and Ontario Cup races, Horseshoe Valley Resort offers 14 exciting trails for all skill levels. Horseshoe Valley is legendary for its many downhill enduro-style options. A favourite challenge is the Smith Enduro Climb—it’s not too technical, but it does ascend for almost two kilometres. In the spring, watch for white trilliums, Ontario’s official flower. Lessons and lift tickets are available.

Location: 1101 Horseshoe Valley Road West, Barrie

Nearby: Bikeland has been serving local riders for years with quality repairs, rentals and accessories to keep you rolling. The Crank & Sprocket Bike Co. is a must-visit for tune-ups and bike fittings and a friendly, knowledgeable team ready to help with all things cycling.

Haliburton Highlands to the Ottawa Valley 

Sir Sam’s Ski & Ride

The Haliburton area offers a mix of rugged backcountry trails, flowy singletrack and scenic gravel routes through forested hills and alongside lakes—it’s a favourite region for mountain biking in Ontario.

Each summer, Sir Sam’s Ski & Ride transforms into a dynamic mountain bike park, offering over 23 kilometres of trails that cater to various skill levels. Riders can enjoy machine-built berms, technical rock gardens and switchbacking cross-country trails. The convenient chairlift simplifies repeated runs, and the summit provides picturesque views of Eagle Lake and the surrounding Haliburton Highlands.

Location: 1054 Liswood Road, Eagle Lake

Haliburton Forest

Spanning 300 kilometres of mixed-use trails, the Haliburton Forest offers mountain bikers diverse terrain, from flowy singletrack to challenging rock gardens. The trails wind through dense hardwood forests, past glacial lakes and over rugged Canadian Shield landscapes, presenting tough climbs and sweet descents. ​

Location: 1095 Redkenn Road, Haliburton

Nearby: Algonquin Outfitters and Sir Sam’s Ski & Ride offer rentals, gear and expert advice to get you on the trails. This region is also home to the famous eight-hour Hurtin’ In Haliburton gravel relay race in September. 

Northeastern Ontario

Walden Trails

Sudbury was one of Ontario’s first regions to embrace mountain biking, and it’s easy to see why. Picture riding kilometres of whalesback rock—a Canadian take on Moab’s slickrock—with granite and surrounding birch and spruce forests. Less than a five-hour drive from Toronto, carving along these ancient formations is worth the trip. The best time to ride is mid-June and on, once the northern trails have dried out from spring’s slow retreat.

Walden Trails features 16 kilometres of trails made up of shorter, interconnected routes, offering endless ride combinations. Six preset routes are available to download to your phone, ranging from a challenging 11.7-kilometre loop with 163 meters of climbing to a gentler option with just 19 meters of elevation. There’s something for every rider.

Location: 1 Denis Avenue, Sudbury

Two additional places to ride in Sudbury that Ontario mountain bikers love are Kivi Park—a 195-hectare outdoor center featuring 15 kilometres of mountain bike trails suitable for various skill levels; and Lake Laurentian Conservation Area, which offers a scenic 10-kilometre loop tracing bedrock knolls past ponds and marshes, providing a rewarding challenge for riders. ​

Nearby: Adventure365 offers bike rentals and gear and a convenient Kivi Park location; The Outside Store provides outdoor apparel and equipment, ensuring you're well-prepared for Sudbury's diverse terrain; and Sessions Ride Company offers sales, service and a knowledgeable staff of local enthusiasts. 

Sault Ste. Marie and Algoma

Hiawatha Highlands

Carved into the Canadian Shield, the Hiawatha Highlands trail network is a masterpiece of natural terrain and dedicated trail building spanning decades.

Located on the doorstep of Sault Ste. Marie, riders of all levels can explore everything from enduro-style descents and cross-country loops to flow trails and rugged singletrack. Bridges span rushing rivers, trails wind past wilderness lakes and waterfalls, and scenic lookouts offer stunning views of Lake Superior.

The Red Pine trails offer classic cross-country riding perfect for beginners, while the Pinder trail system delivers smooth, fast flow. Head north to Farmer Lake and the Crystal trail network for more challenging terrain, where Soonami and Da Big Kahuna test expert riders with tabletops and extreme gaps. The Farmer Lake Loop delivers berms and hairpins. The heritage trails in Red Pine keep things rooty and technical for those who prefer old-school single track. And with a city-backed master plan, these epic trails will soon become one massive loop with direct access from downtown and no need to drive to the trailhead.

Location: Fifth Line and Landslide Road, Sault Ste. Marie

Nearby: Velorution (voted the city’s best bike shop) and Algoma Bicycle Co. offer top-notch service, gear and great local knowledge. Red Pine Tours runs themed rides and offers rentals. Connect with the Sault Cycling Club for local trail beta and group rides. Don’t miss the Salty Marie Trail Festival in late July. 

Northwestern Ontario

Trowbridge Forest

Thunder Bay boasts some of Ontario’s best mountain biking. It’s one of Ontario’s most active mountain bike communities with the Black Sheep Mountain Bike Club constantly expanding the Trowbridge Forest network, including the rugged Shuniah Mines trails. Kinsman Community Bike Park serves as a hub for events and races.

The Trowbridge trails offer waterfalls, bedrock knolls and jaw-dropping views of Lake Superior and the iconic Sleeping Giant. It’s a playground for mountain bikers of all levels. For beginners, Prospector and Conveyor Belt offer smooth, confidence-building rides. Four years in the making, Grand Chasm delivers flowing berms, ladders, rollable jumps and rock features for more advanced riders. A standout is Otherside, featuring a thrilling nine-metre section along a cliff edge — a true taste of Thunder Bay riding.

Location: Trowbridge Road, Thunder Bay

Nearby: Fresh Air Experience and Rollin’ Thunder are top choices for cyclists, offering high-quality repairs and gear for all riders. 3Ride Bicycle Company specializes in BMX and mountain bike equipment, with a knowledgeable team ready to help you hit the trails.

Tips and trail etiquette:

• Check the website of your destination ride, as many locations have events or weekly rides.
• Some trails require reservations and a nominal fee.
• Bring sufficient water on your bike and plenty of snacks since not all destinations have amenities nearby.
• Mountain bike trails in Ontario are generally dry and ready for riding in late May or early June, check trail websites for conditions and weather. Riding in the rain can ruin some trails.
• Be courteous on the trails. Ascending cyclists have the right of way, so step to the side of the trail to let them by if you’re going downhill. If you want to pass someone, do so on the left and only when the trail widens and it’s safe.