Where to go fat biking across Canada

Cottage Life

2022-01-06 17:00:54

Crédit:

Photo by Graeme West, Facebook

Who says biking can only take place in the warmer months? With an explosion in popularity over the last few years, the sport known as ‘fat biking’ involves a bike with thicker, more durable wheels that allow you to cycle easier through snow, ice, and other challenging winter conditions. Though many opt to use a fat bike to continue their commute or get around their city, it’s also a great option for winter exercise. The spike in popularity means trails dedicated to the sport have cropped up all over the country. Here are some bucket-list fat biking trails that newcomers and experienced folks alike can enjoy this winter.

Old Railway Bike Trail, Algonquin Park, Ont.

A unique and fun experience, this fat biking trail takes you, as the name says, along an old railway route through this part of Ontario. It also makes for a relatively simple and clear-cut trail, so you can take your time enjoying the sights.

The Montane Trail Network, Fernie, B.C.

Fernie is world-renowned for its mountain biking in the summer months, so it’s only natural that they also have some of the best winter fat biking available. The Montane Trail Network is a great place to start and well-loved by locals, offering excellent views of the surrounding mountains.

Sun Peaks Resort, Sun Peaks, B.C.

Ski resorts tend to come with excellent options for other winter activities, like Nordic skiing, snowshoeing, and of course, fat biking. Sun Peaks is a BC resort that delivers on this, with tons of fresh powdery snow to cycle through all season.

Deerhurst Resort, Huntsville, Ont.

There are many great spots in Muskoka for fat biking, but this resort is one of the best known and loved, and serves as a great jumping-off point for exploring the area on your bike.

La Mauricie National Park, Shawinigan, Que.

The great thing about fat biking (or any activity) in a national park is the reliable maintenance, information, and services available, so you can plan ahead and know what you’re going to get. At La Mauricie, the trails are also regularly maintained and offer excellent options for fat biking through the charming wintery forests.

Panorama Mountain Resort, Invermere, B.C.

Located in the small town of Invermere, Panorama is loved by skiers, but the fat biking trails in and around the resort are just as impressive. The resort itself gives great info on the activity, and you can also rent some gear on site.

Shinrin Trail, Kananaskis, Alta.

become so popular, especially in this part of the Rockies. This one is a great option for beginners and experienced fat-bikers alike.

Rum Runners Trail, Lunenburg, N.S.

This trail that runs all the way from Halifax to the charming village of Lunenburg turns into a beautiful fat biking trail in the winter, with great stops along the way and excellent views.

Crédit: <p>Photo by Graeme West, Facebook</p>

Kouchibouguac National Park, Kouchibouguac, N.B.

This National Park in New Brunswick turns up on many lists for die-hard fat bikers, as it has a whole dedicated trail network for the sport, as well as great snow every season. The trails are maintained throughout the year, and it’s an all-around reliable place for this sport.