Winter on Wheels: Ride These Fat Bike Trails Across Canada

Who says you can’t cycle in the winter? Unleash your inner adrenaline junkie by exploring one or more of Canada’s fat bike trails. A popular activity in the winter months, riders can explore different terrains, including snow. 

In existence since the twentieth-century, fat bikes are off-road bicycles with unique features including large tires on wider rims, wide handlebars, and disc brakes. The larger tires were designed for low ground pressure, making them ideal for adventures through soft or unstable terrain including sand and snow. Though these bikes weren’t necessarily made for speed, there is still a sense of exhilaration a rider will feel as they traverse diverse terrain through scenic trails. Are you looking to do some winter cycling in Canada this season? We’ve got you covered with recommended trails across the country.

Cycle Through Acadian Forest at Kouchibouguac National Park in New Brunswick

Located on the east coast of New Brunswick is Kouchibouguac National Park. It is easily defined by its beautiful landscape that includes, barrier islands, sand dunes, lagoons, salt marshes, and forests.

Whether a fat bike enthusiast or a beginner the sights and terrain of this national park prove to be an attractive draw to those looking for a winter cycling experience. Visitors can cycle up to twelve kilometers of winding trail through Acadian forest that opens to some spectacular views. Don’t have a fat bike or it won’t fit in your vehicle? Not to worry. This park offers fat bike rentals as well.

Vallée Bras-du-Nord — An Outdoor Enthusiast’s Paradise in Quebec

Just a one-hour drive from Quebec City is Vallée Bras-du-Nord. This outdoor adventure destination is home to several seasonal experiences including, canoeing, canyoning, backcountry skiing, and of course fat biking in the winter months.

Perfect for beginners or those who are more advanced, Vallée Bras-du-Nord is home to 149 km of mountain biking paths including, 65 km of single tracks. Trails are groomed nightly, and rentals are available on site.

Experience a Fat Biking Experience in Ontario’s Cottage Country Region

Muskoka is one of Ontario’s most iconic cottage country regions, welcoming guests during all seasons of the year. Located just 200 kilometers north of Toronto, it is close enough for weekend adventures or longer stays away from the big city. When looking to explore some of Muskoka’s best winter fat biking trails, two locations stand out. Deerhurst Resort in Huntsville and LIV Bike Park in Bracebridge. 

Deerhurst Resort offers visitors a great opportunity to experience the natural beauty of Muskoka while cycling through a winter wonderland. With trails that overlook Peninsula Lake, you might want to take things slow and grab a picture or two along the way. Start your journey from the resort or ride the frozen lake. Whatever you decide, fat bike rentals are available right on-site.

LIV Bike Park is located on a Bracebridge waterfront where the South Muskoka and Muskoka Rivers become one. When looking for groomed fat bike trails in Ontario, this is the place to be. Their network of single-track cycling trails passes through Muskoka woods, where the sights and smells of winter pine and hardwood will enhance the experience. In addition to rentals, LIV Bike Park also offers guided fat bike tours and trail adventures of up to four and a half hours long.

Ride a Trail in Picturesque Banff National Park

Banff National Park is home to picturesque views and outdoor activity during all seasons of the year. It is home to several easy and moderate trails that can accommodate those looking to cross-country ski, snowshoe, or even fat bike. 

Looking for an easy trail? Tunnel Mountain Winter Trails is wide and well-groomed. The relatively flat terrain doesn’t include any elevation upwards or downwards and is well lit at night. At approximately 3.4 kilometers in length, it also offers a shorter 2.5‑kilometer loop that passes through coniferous forest. 

For those who want a bit more of a challenge, ride the 7.8‑kilometer trail, one way to Aylmer Pass junction at Lake Minnewanka. This trail is both remote and physically demanding. There are some portions of the trail that show exposed sidehill, with steep climbs out of Stewart Canyon. Riders should also be wary of icy conditions that can present themselves suddenly on the trail.

Explore Many Trails at One of Canada’s Largest Resorts in British Columbia

Sun Peaks Resort located near Kamloops, B.C., is home to 5000 acres of land, 137 trails, 13 ski lifts, and 3 enormous mountain peaks. All of which combine to make it one of Canada’s largest ski resorts. If skiing or snowboarding don’t tickle your fancy, you can opt for an off-road cycling experience on a fat bike. 

Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, the extensive trail network at Sun Peaks Resort has something for those of all skill levels. The Valley Trail Network allows riders to explore several areas as it winds from the village center through to the west end of the resort and then up to the east village area. Riders who prefer a challenge can try out a newer track called the SunBurf Loop. This singletrack experience is located right by the main village area. The Nordic Network combines several different trails to create a longer experience. As a bonus, each trail network offers beautiful views of the surrounding resort area.