5 of the Best Mountain Biking Trails in Ontario

Story by Martin Lortz

There’s something special about mountain biking in Ontario. It’s not just the terrain, though there’s plenty of that. It’s the way forest light flickers through maple and pine, how the scent of damp earth and cedar hits when your tires roll into the woods, and the quiet moments between bursts of effort where you realize you’re exactly where you’re meant to be. Over the years, I’ve had the joy of exploring some of Ontario’s best trails, from the northern flow of the Canadian Shield to the rock and rooty classics of Muskoka.

If you’re looking to fill your season with a few bucket-list-worthy rides, here are five of Ontario’s best mountain biking destinations, each with its own flavor, community, and reason to return.

Hiawatha Highlands – Northern Flow at Its Finest

In Sault Ste. Marie, you’ll find one of the province’s most complete and scenic mountain biking destinations, Hiawatha Highlands. It’s part one of the best cycling communities in Ontario, and whether you’re looking for road or gravel cruising or serious singletrack, this place delivers.

The first thing you notice is how well-marked and maintained everything is. The second is the sheer variety. You can start with a gentle warm-up on the Pinder Trail, then dive into the newer Happy Hour for some fast flow and decent-sized jumps that make you feel like a kid again. If you’re craving more technical terrain, the Red Pine and Mable Lake loops offer all the rock gardens and root tangles your heart desires.

There’s also a sense of northern solitude that’s hard to find elsewhere. You’ll ride for stretches through quiet boreal forest, with the scent of balsam and the occasional chatter of a red squirrel for company.

Don’t miss: The Farmer Lake Lookout trail. It ventures into the backcountry to one of the most peaceful lake views in the Sault, perfect for taking a breath and perhaps snapping a few photos.

Where to stay and eat: Sault Ste. Marie is a full-service town with plenty of options. Outspoken Brewing, located downtown, is a must for post-ride beer. For a bite to eat, Ernie’s Coffee Shop is a local favorite.

Bike Shop: Vélorution Bike & Ski, Algoma Bicycle Company, Duke Of Windsor Sports

Shuniah Mines – Thunder Bay’s Flow Factory

In Thunder Bay, mountain biking feels wild, creative, and community-driven, and nowhere captures that spirit better than Shuniah Mines. Set in a reclaimed mining area just outside the city, this network has evolved into a playground of flow trails, rock gardens, and wooden features, all built with passion by the Thunder Bay Cycling Club.

The terrain is pure Shield, grippy granite, exposed ridges, and rolling elevation. Trails like “Snakes and Ladders” and “Doctor’s” blend natural features with crafted flow, offering everything from smooth berms to jump lines. What’s impressive is how these trails strike a balance between fun and challenge; you can roll or send, coast or carve. It’s all about how you want to ride.

There’s something about pedaling through this rugged landscape with Lake Superior glinting in the distance that makes it feel more like an adventure than a workout.

Local tip: Plan to spend at least two days in this area. Between the Mines and Trowbridge Forest trail system, you could ride all weekend and never hit the same line twice.

Fuel up: The Foundry and Bight Restaurant (on the waterfront) are local favorites for good eats and cold drinks.

Bike Shop: Rollin' Thunder

Walden Trails – Sudbury’s Hidden Flow Zone

The next stop on this Ontario mountain biking tour takes us to Walden Trails, just west of Sudbury. It’s one of those places that often flies under the radar, but locals know it’s pure gold for cross-country riding. Managed by the Walden Mountain Bike Club, the network features approximately 30 km of well-groomed singletrack through rolling terrain, dotted with lakes and granite outcrops.

What I love about Walden is its personality; it’s a place built by riders for riders. The trails have a natural rhythm, with climbs that don’t punish and descents that reward. The “Walden's Best” loop is the perfect introduction to the area, offering a balance of speed, scenery, and challenge.

Walden is also a community hub. On any given weekend, you’ll see families, racers, and casual riders all sharing the same space, united by that familiar post-ride grin. And when autumn hits and the maples flare up, it’s hard to imagine a better place to be on two wheels.

Where to refuel: Grab a bite at Verdicchio Ristorante or a post-ride beer at 46 North Brewing Co., both Sudbury staples.

Bike shop: Adventure365 , Sessions Ride Co.

Bracebridge Resource Management Centre – Muskoka’s Hidden Gem

Tucked just minutes from downtown Bracebridge, the Bracebridge Resource Management Centre (BRMC) is one of those places that surprises you with how much fun can be packed into a compact trail network. The parking lot sits right off Highway 11, but within a few pedal strokes, the sounds of traffic fade, replaced by the rhythmic hum of tires on pine needles.

The BRMC trails, developed and maintained by the Muskoka Off-Road Cycling Association, wind through a mature forest along the Muskoka River, offering a range of terrain from smooth and fast to punchy and technical. Local riders have done a stellar job maintaining them; every berm and bridge feels purpose-built for fun. The place always keeps me smiling.

What makes BRMC stand out isn’t just the trail design, it’s the vibe. Whether you’re a casual rider out for a quick spin or a seasoned cross-country addict chasing speed, it feels like a place built for all of us. Bring your bathing suit, too. A post-ride dip in the Muskoka River or the many lakes in the area is the perfect cool-down.

Where to refuel: Stop at Bracebridge Barrelhouse for a craft beer and burger or The Oven for wood-fired pizza downtown.

Bike shop: Liv Outside Adventures, Nielsens Bicycles, Ecclestone Cycle

Huntsville Mountain Bike Trails – Big Views and Bigger Challenges

I heard the buzz for a while, but I finally made it out of the Huntsville Mountain Bike Trails this fall. Built and maintained by the Huntsville Mountain Bike Association, these trails are a reminder that Muskoka’s beauty isn’t just for paddlers and cottagers; it’s a mountain biker’s playground, too. The trailhead, located near the Hidden Valley Highlands ski area, serves up a mix of rocky climbs, sweeping descents, and forested flow that keeps you grinning even when your legs start to burn.

These trails are classic Canadian Shield: hard granite slabs, sudden elevation changes, and roots that test your balance and line choices.

Riding here feels raw and natural, like the terrain dictates the trail rather than the other way around. When you hit trails like “Muskoka Flow” or “Zoro”, you’ll understand why local riders take such pride in this network. It’s a great mix of challenge and reward, a place that will make you a better rider with every visit.

Pro tip: Pair your ride with a paddle or swim at Arrowhead Provincial Park, just down the road, and make a day of it.

Where to stay: Deerhurst Resort is bike-friendly and offers easy access to the trails, or pitch a tent at Arrowhead Campground if you prefer a night under the stars.

Bike Shop: Muskoka Bicycle Pro Shop, The Bike Shop, Algonquin Outfitters

From the rolling granite of Muskoka to the rugged north shores of Lake Superior, Ontario’s mountain biking scene is more diverse and rewarding than most realize. Each trail system offers a unique experience, some quiet and meditative, while others are fast and flowy, but all are connected by a shared love for exploring this province on two wheels.

The best part? These rides aren’t just about the trails. They’re about the moments in between, the roadside coffees, the lake swims, the local brews, and the feeling of dust settling on your shins as the day fades.

Whether you’re a seasoned rider or just dusting off the bike for another season, Ontario’s trails are ready when you are. Pump up those tires, pack the snacks, and hit the road. The next great ride is waiting just around the bend.

NOTE: This is sponsored content produced in partnership with Destination Ontario