Ottawa
Gnarly bike trails just outside the city
Looking for some fast, fun flow? Head to the mountain bike trails just outside Toronto at Albion Hills Conservation Area. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or have hit up the park before, a few laps of the Gnarly Berms trail are a must – it never gets old. There’s also a weekly MTB race series and a 24-hour mountain bike race.
Driving time from downtown Toronto | 1.5 hours |
|---|---|
Must-do race | 24-hour Summer Solstice race |
Trails to explore | ~50km |
Planning your ride
Make the most of your day at Albion
Map it out
Located just outside the town of Bolton on Highway 50, Albion Hills has a single entrance that branches off to its many areas. When you pay for admission, grab a park map as well as a trail map so you don’t get turned around in the woods. The main building beside the parking lot has washrooms, a bike wash station, equipment rentals and a snackbar area. As always, make sure you’re wearing a helmet as per park rules before you hit the trails.
Totally loaded
The variety of trails is what makes Albion such a special spot to ride. There are routes for all levels of riders that are carefully maintained and well marked. Specific singletrack trails are designed for fun flow, and are connected together by a system of sturdy doubletrack trails. Since this park is in the hills of Caledon, be ready for some leg-burning ascents and long fast downhills.
Try riding Gnarly Berms – it’s got a great flow. With tons of switchbacks and fast corners, this is a trail you’ll want to hit multiple times per session.
Staff tip
You can always walk your bike. Never feel like it makes you any less of a rider.
Events and races
The park’s home to many events throughout the year, including a 24-hour mountain bike race, a huge Canada Day celebration and even a mud-filled obstacle race. There’s also a weekly bike race series along with some other cycling-specific events. Be sure to check out the TRCA website for details and a full list of what’s going on in the park.
Fat bike rentals
A recent addition to Albion Hills is the fat bike rental program. It’s been a hit so far, and is attracting many first-timers to the growing sport. The bikes are equipped with extra-wide tires that allow them to seemingly float over rough terrain and maintain traction in sand or snow. Check with the park before you arrive to make sure they’re available if you want to try them out.
A first-timer’s guide to mountain biking
Nervous about trying mountain biking for the first time? Don’t stress.
How to choose a bike helmet
Essential for cyclists, a helmet absorbs energy in case of impact. A quality helmet should fit well and be certified for riding.
