Fat Biking in Ottawa: Your Ultimate Guide to Winter Cycling Adventure

Why Go Fat Biking in Ottawa?

Fat biking isn’t just regular cycling with bigger tires—it’s an entirely different experience. The oversized, low-pressure tires (usually 3.8 inches or wider) are designed to grip snow, ice, and mud, making it possible to ride year-round, even when trails are covered in deep snow.

Ottawa’s extensive trail network and consistent snowfall make it one of the best fat biking destinations in Canada. From the packed trails of Gatineau Park to the off-road paths of the Greenbelt, Ottawa offers fat biking trails that cater to both casual riders and hardcore adventurers.

Whether you’re carving through fresh powder or speeding down a groomed trail, fat biking delivers the perfect mix of cardio, strength, and pure winter adrenaline.

Benefits of Fat Biking

✅ Full-Body Workout – Fat biking engages the core, legs, glutes, and arms.
✅ Improves Balance and Coordination – Navigating slippery surfaces strengthens stabilizer muscles.
✅ High-Calorie Burn – Riding in snow increases resistance, burning more calories than road cycling.
✅ Low Impact – Less stress on joints compared to running or hiking.
✅ Great for Mental Health – Fresh air and winter scenery reduce stress and improve mood.
✅ Year-Round Adventure – Ride through all four seasons, no off-season required.
✅ Community and Social Vibe – Fat biking events and group rides build connection.

“No such thing as bad weather—just bad tires.”

Top Fat Biking Trails Near Ottawa

Ottawa’s fat biking scene is thriving, with a variety of well-groomed trails, technical singletrack, and challenging off-road paths. Here are the best fat biking destinations near Ottawa:

🚲 Gatineau Park (Best Overall Fat Biking Destination)

📍 Location: Gatineau, Quebec (15 minutes from Ottawa)

  • Trail Length: Over 30 km of groomed fat biking trails
  • Difficulty: Beginner to expert
  • Terrain:
    • Forested singletrack
    • Rolling hills
    • Technical switchbacks
  • Grooming:
    • Maintained for fat biking during winter months.
    • Separate from ski and hiking trails.
  • Special Features:
    • Elevation changes and fast descents.
    • Beautiful views of the Ottawa River and Gatineau Hills.
    • Trail pass required ($12 CAD/day).

Best Trails:
✅ Trail 67 – Beginner-friendly with gentle hills and wide trails.
✅ Trail 70 – Intermediate trail with fast sections and tight turns.
✅ Trail 72 – Advanced singletrack with steep climbs and quick descents.

🏆 Pro Tip: Ride Trail 70 at sunrise for stunning views over Gatineau Park.

🚲 South March Highlands (Best for Technical Riding)

📍 Location: Kanata (20 minutes from Ottawa)

  • Trail Length: 14 km of singletrack
  • Difficulty: Intermediate to expert
  • Terrain:
    • Rocky outcroppings
    • Tight turns and steep descents
    • Frozen streams and snow-covered rock gardens
  • Grooming:
    • Not groomed—true off-road conditions.
  • Special Features:
    • High technical difficulty.
    • Mix of natural and man-made obstacles.
    • Open year-round for fat biking and mountain biking.

🏆 Pro Tip: Lower your tire pressure for better traction on the technical rock gardens.

🚲 Ottawa Greenbelt (Best for Scenic and Relaxed Rides)

📍 Location: Multiple access points around Ottawa

  • Trail Length: Over 150 km of mixed-use trails
  • Difficulty: Beginner to intermediate
  • Terrain:
    • Forest trails
    • Open fields
    • Rolling hills
  • Grooming:
    • Groomed for fat biking in winter months.
    • Multi-use with hiking and snowshoeing.
  • Special Features:
    • No trail fees.
    • Easy access to parking and rest stops.
    • Dog-friendly sections available.

Best Trails:
✅ Green’s Creek – Peaceful and scenic; good for beginners.
✅ Pine Grove Trail – Forested singletrack; ideal for intermediate riders.
✅ Mer Bleue Bog – Flat and wide; great for relaxed riding.

🏆 Pro Tip: Ride the Greenbelt after a light snowfall for the most beautiful, quiet atmosphere.

🚲 Larose Forest (Best for Groomed and Fast Riding)

📍 Location: Clarence-Rockland (45 minutes from Ottawa)

  • Trail Length: Over 50 km of groomed trails
  • Difficulty: Beginner to intermediate
  • Terrain:
    • Forested trails
    • Open snowfields
    • Rolling hills
  • Grooming:
    • Maintained for fat biking and cross-country skiing.
  • Special Features:
    • Fast and smooth trails.
    • Good for speed training and endurance riding.
    • Warming huts available.

🏆 Pro Tip: Try the Loop Trail for a fast, flowy ride through the forest.

🚲 Camp Fortune (Best for Downhill Fat Biking)

📍 Location: Chelsea, Quebec (20 minutes from Ottawa)

  • Trail Length: 8 km
  • Difficulty: Intermediate to expert
  • Terrain:
    • Steep climbs
    • Fast descents
    • Switchbacks and technical sections
  • Grooming:
    • Not groomed—downhill and technical riding.
  • Special Features:
    • Best for downhill-focused fat biking.
    • Good for high-speed runs.
    • Chairlift access for fat biking available during special events.

🏆 Pro Tip: Check weather conditions—ice patches can make downhill runs sketchy!

Types of Fat Biking Experiences

Fat biking comes in different styles depending on the terrain and conditions:

🏔️ Trail Riding (Best for All Levels)

  • Groomed and maintained trails.
  • Ideal for beginners and casual riders.
  • Found at Gatineau Park and Ottawa Greenbelt.

🏔️ Technical Riding (Best for Advanced Riders)

  • Steep descents and tight switchbacks.
  • Requires strong bike handling skills.
  • Found at South March Highlands and Camp Fortune.

🏔️ Backcountry and Powder Riding (Best for Adventure Seekers)

  • Riding in deep snow and ungroomed trails.
  • Requires wide tires and low pressure.
  • Found at Larose Forest and off-trail sections of Gatineau Park.

Essential Fat Biking Gear

✔ Fat Bike – 3.8–5.0-inch tires for grip and flotation.
✔ Helmet – Full-face or winter helmet for cold protection.
✔ Goggles – Protects from wind and snow.
✔ Base Layer – Moisture-wicking for warmth and dryness.
✔ Insulated Jacket and Pants – Lightweight and windproof.
✔ Gloves – Insulated with grip material.
✔ Winter Cycling Boots – Insulated and waterproof.
✔ Hydration Pack – Insulated tube to prevent freezing.

🏆 Pro Tip: Lower your tire pressure to 5–8 psi for better grip on snow and ice.

Fat Biking Safety Tips

🚲 Ride Within Your Skill Level – Snow and ice reduce traction.
🚲 Bring Emergency Supplies – Spare tube, pump, multi-tool, and snacks.
🚲 Watch for Ice Patches – Sudden loss of traction is common.
🚲 Wear Layers – Cold weather increases risk of hypothermia.
🚲 Respect Trail Rules – Some trails are shared with hikers and skiers.
🚲 Check Tire Pressure – Adjust based on snow depth and firmness.

Final Thoughts: Ride Fat and Fast!

Fat biking in Ottawa delivers the perfect mix of speed, strength, and adventure. Whether you’re shredding down Camp Fortune or cruising the Greenbelt, Ottawa’s fat biking scene offers endless winter excitement.

💬 What’s your favorite fat biking trail? Share your story! #OttawaActiveFatBiking #RideFatRideFast