Winter trail adventures are calling and fat biking is the answer! Cyclists don’t need to hibernate when there is a snowy playground beckoning enthusiasts to South Eastern Ontario. With the key to any winter fat bike ride being the surface you choose to ride on, you can easily find lots of trail, forest, frozen water and beach riding options.
Fat bikes are a wider tire sturdy bike – built to tackle all Ontario seasons and a variety of terrain. If you own one or are looking to rent for a trial there are a few tips to make the most of a winter ride. Just like any trip or outing, it’s wise to be prepared and plan ahead. Check the weather conditions and forecast, look for advice and info online, and talk to snow sport fans and riders. Milder winter temperatures may mean less snow on trails. A fat bike works best on trails with low snow depth, groomed or pre-existing tracks. Low-pressure set tires and those with studs provide increased traction and are best for variable conditions that may see trails freeze and unfreeze creating ice patches. Groomed or tracked trails tend to be more hard-packed and resilient to thaws. Most importantly dress according to the weather, and don’t forget a helmet to safety guard against any slips or slides.
With a number of ride destinations that stretch across the expanse of South Eastern Ontario – from the Bay of Quinte to Cornwall and north, here is a selection to consider.
Groomed Forest Trails in South Eastern Ontario
Summertown Trails & Rentals, near Cornwall
With 10km of expertly groomed fat bike trails and 10 bikes available to rent by the hour on weekends and holidays, the forested trails maintained by the well-organized local community trails group, and accessed for free (donations welcome), is an obvious and not to be missed place to start. With 30km in total of trails, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing is also an option with more rentals onsite.
After the ride, pop into Cornwall to enjoy nutritional and wholesome eats, baked goods, and coffee at bicycle-friendly Carrots n’ Dates.
L&A Forest, in Flinton, north of Napanee
Growing in length, services and popularity annually, are the trails in L&A Forest. This 120-acre tall pines forest now has 10km of trails, 5km of which are – new this year – groomed for non-motorized users, including fat bikes. Bike on the winter trails set on logging roads and single-track designed with curves and elevations. Trailhead parking is plenty, and trailhead as well as interior directional signage is there to guide the way.
After the ride stop in nearby Northbrook for lodging, dining as well as other winter activities including ice fishing, all close to Bon Echo Provincial Park. Napanee the largest centre nearby is just a country drive south of the forest trails and has plenty of choices for pub and grub plus and other adventures. Try the Loaf N’ Ale or Waterfront River pubs.
Photo: Winter trail grooming in L&A Forest
Ungroomed Forest Trails in South Eastern Ontario
Batawa Ski Hill, just north of Trenton
Adjacent to the winter ski hill, six multi-use ungroomed trails can be used for fat biking. These year-round trails are free to use and there is ample parking plus a warm chalet with food and drinks, plus a cozy fireplace inside and two slope side firepits outside. Snowshoe rentals are available if you are looking for an additional winter activity.
Guindon Park, Cornwall
Located just minutes from downtown Cornwall, this pretty forested park is open year-round for nature lovers. The 10km of mountain trails are perfect for fat biking when the snow flies. All ungroomed, with some paved park roads and trailhead parking by the summer boat docks, enjoy trails that weave and wind through the trees, ponds and hills of this outdoor oasis.
Also located on the western side of Cornwall and not far from the trails, make a stop after the ride for refreshments at bicycle-friendly Rurban Brewing.
Membership Required – Groomed Trails in South Eastern Ontario
The Farm, near Kingston
To access this well-regarded trail system all riders must be members of MTB Kingston to ride the 40km of trails, volunteer groomed, on private land. Club members can use the winter trials for a variety of activities including fat biking, cross-country and skate skiing, and snowshoeing. Membership details are online.
Spend some time in downtown Kingston after visiting the trails. There are a ton of eateries of all types located on Princess Street and nearby.
Larose Forest, in Prescott Russell (north of Cornwall, south of Ottawa) & Rentals
With 36km of mountain bike and winter fat biking trails through forest and marshland, the trails can be found in two areas: the Bouget Sector and the Limoges Sector. Maintained by the Ottawa Mountain Bike Club, all riders are required to become a member to access these multi-use and snowshoe trails.
For post-ride warm-up drinks, head to the small communities of Bourget, Limoges, or just the other side of Highway 417, Embrun – which also has a full-service bike shop, VeloXpress that rents fat bikes on Saturdays.
Frozen Water Fat Biking in South Eastern Ontario
With plenty of frozen lakes, rivers and water bodies, if you are interested in fat biking on varied frozen surfaces there are many choices. First and foremost, make sure the ice thickness is deemed safe for recreational winter use.
Potter’s Creek, Bay of Quinte, near Belleville
An easy place to start, warm up on the six trails that spread over 6km, before riding onto adjacent Bay. If well-frozen and winter-safe, head out onto the snowmobile tracks that crisscross the Bay of Quinte for a hard-packed trail experience.
With four bike and sporting good stores in downtown Belleville, if you have a need be sure to head to town before or after a ride.
Fat Biking Beaches in South Eastern Ontario
Sandbanks Provincial Park, Prince Edward County
As fat bikes are so versatile, snow and sand, a ride along the frozen shoreline of one of the top-rated beaches not only in South Eastern Ontario, but province-wide, might be a winter highlight. While not officially open during winter months, the park can be accessed from the Dunes Beach parking lot, to ride on the cold and firm, winter deserted, sandy shores. Click here for winter access info.
With so much to see and do in Prince Edward County, including a wide range of cafes, restaurants, wineries, craft breweries and bicycle-friendly accommodations – open year-round and quieter in the white season – you won’t regret making a winter, weekend-long visit.
Long Distance Multi-Use Trails – No Grooming – in South Eastern Ontario
There are a number of long-distance trails that are free to access any season that depending on what type of fat biking you are looking for, and current weather conditions, may be perfect for an outing. Check signs at trailheads and online for permitted winter usage, as some allow motorized vehicles, snowmobiles, and ATVs in the snow season and beyond.
- K&P Trail – Access the trail just north of Kingston, for a ride of any distance towards Sharbot Lake and beyond to enjoy the winter landscapes of the Canadian Shield.
- Cataraqui Trail – From just outside Napanee to Smiths Falls, this 104km four-season rail trail travels through some areas made all the more remote during the winter months.
- 1000 Islands Parkway – The 37km off-road pathway and popular summer season trail, is not groomed for winter use but may be suitable during some parts of the winter for fat biking. A snowmobile trail runs parallel to the parkway, and with its proximity to the water, winter weather should be taken into consideration.
- Millennium Trail – This 49km multi-use rail trail that is shared with snowmobiles and ATVs in Prince Edward County, does have some winter grooming but may still be fun to try even, depending on conditions as there may be some uneven and icy patches.
- Prescott Russell Trail – In the winter this 72km multi-use rail trail in Eastern Ontario allows both motorized and non-motorized users, which includes fat bikes.
City Trails in South Eastern Ontario
- Brock Trail, Brockville – The Brock Trail is a 13km return multi-use trail from downtown Brockville to the trail end at the Mac Johnson Wildlife Area and back.
- Gananoque Trails – Ride a 12km perimeter loop around town, that connects park trails and the waterfront, and can easily be started and ended at the town centre.
- Kingston – The city has a variety of on-road bike lanes and off-road trails with routes that can be planned out by using their interactive cycling and walking map online.
Making the most of winter’s beauty, snowy landscapes and frosted forests couldn’t be easier in South Eastern Ontario. With a wide range of destinations to choose from, many of which are set up for multi-use, whether you fat bike or not – you are guaranteed a wonderful winter adventure.
Additional Information
- South Eastern Ontario – Visitor Information
- South Eastern Ontario – Great Place to Cycle – Ontario By Bike – Find cycling routes and trails and bicycle-friendly places to visit, eat, and sleep
- Additional Blog – Winter Cycling & Fat Biking in Ontario
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Sponsored Content Partner: South Eastern Ontario / Regional Tourism Organization 9
Article by: Ontario By Bike
Photos Credits: 1, 2, 4, 5 – Rob Stimpson Photography/Destination Ontario, 3 – L&A County
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