Southern Ontario is a snowy wonderland right now, and adventure seekers are looking for new activities like fat biking. These oversized-tire wonders bring a new dimension to the region’s diverse landscapes, and here, we offer up the top destinations for a quintessential fat biking experience near enough to the Greater Toronto Area for a rippin’ day trip.
Durham Forest, Uxbridge
Approximately 70 kilometers northeast of Toronto, the Durham Forest offers a fat biking Ontario playground over its 596-hectare expanse. Gorgeous evergreen forests and pillowy trails spanning 15 kilometres, make this a sought-after destination for fat biking every winter. And, given the deep dark woods, the trails stay fresh and crunchy a long time. From wide access roads to steep hills and windy descents, Durham Forest caters to riders of all skill levels, ensuring a memorable fat biking experience in the heart of nature.
Copeland Forest at Horseshoe Resort – Barrie, Ontario
Embark on a winter adventure at Copeland Forest within Horseshoe Resort in Barrie. The nine-kilometer fat bike trail, suitable for beginners to intermediates, promises an exhilarating experience. Open from November to April, with bike rentals available, Copeland Forest provides a serene escape surrounded by snow-covered trails. Extend your stay by opting for accommodations at Horseshoe Resort, offering a variety of hotel and condo-style rooms.
Hardwood Ski and Bike – Oro Station, Ontario
Dedicated to outdoor adventure pursuits, Hardwood Ski and Bike near Barrie beckons fat biking enthusiasts. The facility offers a dedicated five-kilometre fat bike trail, known as “phatty,” and the possibility of venturing onto cross-country ski trails. With online reservations for fat bike rentals, riders can explore over 100 kilometers of multi-use trail systems. Consider a stay at Carriage Ridge Resort, conveniently located a few minutes’ drive away.
Albion Hills Conservation Area – Caledon, Ontario
Approximately an hour’s drive north of Toronto, Albion Hills Conservation Area invites fat bikers to traverse its 6.5-kilometer Black Trail system. Open between December and March, weather permitting, the mixed terrain offers a delightful winter adventure. Ensure you have a CSA-approved safety helmet, mandatory while biking on the trails. For a restful post-ride stay, the Millcroft Inn and Spa in Alton awaits a mere few minutes away.
Whitchurch Conservation Area – Township of Whitchurch-Stouffville, Ontario
Situated around 50 kilometers north of Toronto, Whitchurch Conservation Area offers a serene and beginner-friendly fat biking Ontario experience. The wooded property, replanted in the late ’60s, provides mostly flat, wide trails ideal for families and beginners. Sandy and unpaved, the trails are perfect for fat biking at any time of the year, allowing riders to enjoy the enchanting winter scenery.
Long Sault Conservation Area – Bowmanville, Ontario
About 90 kilometers west of Toronto, the Long Sault Conservation Area sits on the provincially significant Oak Ridges Moraine, offering 400 acres of mature forest, wetlands, and meadows. With 18 kilometers of trails catering to various skill levels, Long Sault has become a popular site for fat bikers. Riders can revel in the beauty of the moraine, but should be mindful of sharing the trails with hikers, snowshoers, and cross-country skiers.
Eldred King Woodlands – Markham, Ontario
Located approximately 60 kilometers north of Toronto, Eldred King Woodlands provides a rustic fat biking experience with relatively flat terrains and rolling hills. Popular among cross-country skiers and snowshoers, the site offers 15 kilometers of easy trails, with additional twisty side trails for the more adventurous fat biker. The unmarked trails add an element of exploration to the adventure.
Palgrave Forest and Wildlife Area – Palgrave, Ontario
The Palgrave Forest and Wildlife Area, nestled amid forests, meadows, and wetlands, presents a diverse landscape for fat bikers. The continuous loop provides an exhilarating ride for mountain bikers, with options for both advanced riders seeking hilly tracks and beginners sticking to wide and straight hiking paths. A truly versatile destination, Palgrave caters to riders of varying skill levels.
Georgian Nordic Outdoor Activity Centre – Parry Sound, Ontario
Just a 10-minute drive from downtown Parry Sound, the Georgian Nordic Outdoor Activity Centre offers a winter haven for fat biking enthusiasts. Boasting almost 20 kilometers of dedicated trails meandering through old-growth forests, the Centre provides a perfect blend of open vistas and challenging single tracks. Adventurers can choose to rent on-site fat bikes or gear up at Parry Sound Bikes. After a day on the trails, unwind at the nearby Bayside Inn, offering proximity to the harbor and local restaurants like Trestle Brewing Company and Trappers Choice Restaurant and Inn.
Embracing the Cold, Unleashing the Thrill
Fat biking in Ontario opens up a realm of winter adventures, allowing riders to explore trails, parks, and conservation areas that transform into serene winter wonderlands. As the crisp air and snowy landscapes beckon, fat biking Ontario enthusiasts can take their two-wheeled steeds into new territories, creating memories against the backdrop of Ontario’s winter beauty. So, gear up, embrace the cold, and embark on an unforgettable fat biking odyssey near the Greater Toronto Area.
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