The most beautiful mountain bike trails in the Outaouais
What could be more exhilarating than speeding down the peaks of the Outaouais on your bike? Fresh air, unspoiled nature, breathtaking views and well-maintained trails: the region is right up there with the rest of Quebec! Test your skills on a fabulous playground and meet a community of enthusiastic cyclists. We’ll show you where to go to have fun on the most beautiful mountain bike trails in the Outaouais.
DOMAINE KANAWE: ALGONQUIN WEALTH AND CONSERVATION PARK
Did you know that Kanawe means “little path” in the Algonquin language? The newly opened Domaine Kanawe cycling centre is located in a magnificent conservation park in the village of Cantley, just 20 minutes from Gatineau–Ottawa, and it’s open 7 days a week. After work or on the weekend, bring out your intrepid side and have fun riding the trails and making jumps along the way. With 19 km of trails carved out of mica-rich earth, mountain biking enthusiasts are in for a real treat! Stay tuned: Domaine Kanawe is in full development. There are lots of surprises in store, including several nature interpretation activities, traditional First Nations activities, and even more options for outdoor lovers!
VORLAGE CENTER: A DESTINATION TO REDISCOVER
Formerly known as Ski Vorlage, Vorlage Center recently added several mountain bike trails. Gravel and road bike trails are also under construction. In the heart of the picturesque village of Wakefield, hop on your bike and pedal through a mature forest. Whatever your level of experience, you’ll be able to ride trails of various degrees of difficulty and explore the mountain’s natural riches. The trails are thoughtfully laid out and clearly marked. It’s the ideal place to progress at your own pace and enjoy a memorable adventure.
Montebello Vélo de montagne: New trails!
Between Montreal and Ottawa, a new mountain biking facility is making athletes happy! Montebello Vélo de montagne offers more than 30 km of trails in the heart of the historic territory of patriot Louis-Joseph Papineau. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced rider, you’ll enjoy the various cross-country and downhill trails. With four-season trails for all levels, you can swap your mountain bike for a fat bike in winter! The reception pavilion and bike rental centre are located at Fairmont Le Château Montebello.
392 Notre-Dame Street, Montebello
Mont Sainte-Marie: Worth the trip!
Mont Sainte-Marie welcomes cyclists of all ages and levels. Boasting the highest vertical in the Outaouais, the mountain is known for its magnificent scenery and superb views of the valley. To the delight of sports enthusiasts, the number of cycling trails has increased in recent years. Explore winding roads and solid boardwalks, and rest your legs in a shelter on the rocks or by a quiet lake. Children can take lessons and build their skills on obstacle courses.
76 Chemin de la Montagne, Lac-Sainte-Marie
Before you go, consult the interactive trail map and check the trail conditions. You can also download the trail map.
Camp Fortune: Bring on the challenges!
Less than 20 minutes from downtown, Camp Fortune is the ideal destination for thrill seekers! There are over 20 km of mountain biking and running trails, including one-way routes. In the beautiful Collines-de-l’Outaouais, follow sunny trails through the forest. While there are zigzag routes for beginners, they’re best suited to intermediate and advanced mountain bikers. To get your adrenaline fix, try the Skyline lift and practise your downhill speed skills!
300 Dunlop Road, Chelsea
Day or season pass required, available in the online store. Check the schedule for the Skyline lift.
Parc des Montagnes Noires in Ripon: A hidden treasure!
In Petite Nation, experience the joy of trail biking uphill and downhill in the Parc des Montagnes Noires in Ripon! There are routes for everyone: beginners’ circuits, technical trails (#8), downhill trails (#10) or flostyle trails (#16, #17) that appeal to both novice and experienced riders. Pedal through 800 acres of protected forest and enjoy beautiful facilities such as a long wooden walkway, a 360-degree observation tower and a lookout point. Near the Stéphane Richer welcome centre, have fun in the modules and the obstacle course. There’s even a bike washing station where you can clean off your bike after your excursion!
39 Chemin de la Montagne-Noire, Ripon
Gatineau Park: a gigantic playground
With over 90 km of mountain bike trails, there’s lots to choose from in Gatineau Park! Along your route you’ll find lookouts, lakes, beaches—and lots and lots of trees! Most of the trails are low-tech, wide and covered with gravel dust to allow for cross-country skiing in winter. Some sections have been left in their natural state, including dirt and gravel paths. As the park is located on the edge of the Canadian Shield, there are some interesting elevation changes; it’s advisable to be in good physical shape before tackling the park’s hilly terrain.
33 Scott Road, Chelsea
For ecological reasons, mountain biking is not allowed on any trails other than those indicated on the Gatineau Park Summer Trails Map.
The Pontiac by bike: Contrasts and discoveries
Hop on your hybrid or mountain bike and gear up for a long ride! Stretching from the Ottawa River to the Laurentian Plateau, the Cyclopark PPJ is a natural park and a 92-km gravel-dust bike path. Built on a former railway line, its safe, flat route is accessible to the whole family. In addition, there are eight routes to enjoy the region to the full, including tours of beaches, lakes, and Grand Calumet Island. Ride through agricultural and forest landscapes, alongside marshes and through welcoming villages.
Cyclopark PPJ - Bristol, Isle-aux-Allumettes
LESLIE PARK: TRAILS FOR EVERYONE
In the municipality of Otter Lake, Leslie Park’s Giant Beaver Trail has two loops designed for mountain bikers. The first is a 4-km trail rated beginner to intermediate. Ride through beautiful scenery, over a river and across a wooden bridge. The second loop is 8.5 km. Rated intermediate to difficult, it stands out for its many curves and valleys. You’ll love the trail options! To round off your expedition, enjoy a picnic and read the interpretive panels to learn more about the history of the Giant Beaver.
The great outdoors is calling you! No more excuses: get on your mountain bike and discover our most beautiful routes. The Outaouais, a favourite with outdoor lovers, is also known for its microbreweries. Perfection in a glass after your mountain adventures!
