The most beautiful mountain bike trails in the Outaouais

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. 

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. 

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! 

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! For more information on the mountain, trail recommendations or bike repair services, visit Traction–Nation. 

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. 

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. Also in the Pontiac, Leslie Park is a popular destination. This family-friendly park with its sandy beach and shallow waters also has mountain bike trails, including a picturesque route around Moore Lake. It’s a must!