What are the best mountain bike trails in or near Toronto? As an avid mountain biker living in the city, this is a question people often ask. There are a lot of options out there and many different opinions, but here is my take on the top 5 mountain bike trails near Toronto!
A Quick Word
Search for the best mountain bike trails near Toronto on Google and you will get a lot of results, with the top ones being mapping websites like Trailforks and Alltrails that provide an overview of all the mountain bike trails nearby.
While these websites are great, I’ve found that when you are unfamiliar with a location or looking at multiple places trying to pick the best one to visit, it can be tough to get a good understanding of what precisely the trails are like, if they suit your riding preferences, and whether it’s worth your time to go check them out.
I usually jump onto a Facebook group like Mountain Bikers Ontario or a forum trying to find input from other riders on what the trail system I’m looking at is actually like. Sometimes it works, and you get good insight, but most of the time, you’re left empty-handed, still not 100% confident if you should jump in the car and go see for yourself.
Lucky for you, I’ve jumped into the car more often than not, meaning I’ve put in the miles and time to figure out what is worth visiting and what’s not. So, rest assured knowing the list below is solid – you can’t go wrong visiting any of the locations mentioned.
Oh, and one more thing. When I say near Toronto, I’m talking about locations within a one-hour drive from the city. There are other options in the 1-3 hour range, some even better than the ones we’re about to discuss, but including those would push the definition of “near.”
These are trails you can quickly access. You may have a busy afternoon and want to go for a morning ride. Or maybe you just worked all day but want to get a quick 1-hour power ride in. We’re not talking about daylong trips or overnight stays, just excellent mountain bike trails within an hour of Toronto that offer 1-2 hours of awesome riding.
The Best Mountain Bike Trails Near Toronto
Don Valley
Located in the heart of Toronto, the Don Valley mountain bike trails offer, by far, the best mountain biking in the city.
Overall, there are 170+ kilometres of twisty, technical, and often janky trails, each cutting its unique way through Canada’s largest urban area. Here are four reasons the Don Valley offers Toronto’s best mountain biking.
Firstly, the unique trail building. For me, the biggest standout feature of riding the Don is how different the mountain bike trails are. Why are they so different? Well, the trails are unsanctioned, meaning they are not overseen, managed, or technically approved by any governing or overseeing body. This means the trail builders are free to build whatever they want, resulting in an eclectic mix of runs, each representing the individual builder’s varying characteristics, style, and vision.
Many of Toronto’s different mountain bike shops have also contributed to the trails, furthering adding to their diverse nature.
Secondly, the variety of trails. The next reason to visit the Don is the variety of trails. And while this may sound similar to the trails being unique from one another, it’s not exactly. While the uniqueness of each trail certainly contributes to the overall variety, the actual variety comes from the simple fact of there being 170+ kilometres of mountain bike trails to choose from. That’s a lot and gives you multiple days of riding and exploring.
Thirdly, the ability to challenge yourself. The Don is the place to be if you’re interested in progressing. Because of the unsanctioned trails, unburdened by conventional grade standards, you’re unlikely to find more challenging and difficult trails and climbs anywhere else in Ontario. Spread this across 170+ kilometres, and it’s almost guaranteed you’ll find a section of trail or a feature that seems unrideable the first time you approach it. This makes the Don an incredible place to challenge some of your weaknesses and become a better mountain biker.
Finally, the location in downtown Toronto. The trails are unique, there’s a lot of variety, and you can challenge yourself – that’s the foundation of why you should visit the Don. But the cherry on top is its location in downtown Toronto – it’s different, it’s cool, and it’s something no other trail system can offer.
Stats
Parking: Redway Road, ET Seton Park, Charles Sauriol Park, Wilket Creek Park
Cost: Free
Best Trail: Motown
Skill: Beginner, intermediate, advanced, expert
Total Trails: 363
Singletrack Length: 170+ km
Trail Type: Varied
Terrain Type: Varied
Max Elevation Change: 131m or 430ft
Durham Forest
Another great mountain bike trail near Toronto is Durham Forest.
In reality, it’s more of a trail centre, offering 20+ kilometres of continuous single track that links to multiple other trail centres nearby (more on one of those later). So, why does it have some of the best mountain biking near Toronto, and why should you go visit?
For starters, the flow. There are 20+ kilometres of continuous singletrack, perfectly linked with no interruptions – it’s incredible.
Second, the terrain. Durham is it if you like to go fast and flow as you weave through rolling terrain and trails that follow the natural contour of the ground. I’ve yet to find a location that offers the feeling of floating through the woods, almost like you’re skiing, the way Durham does.
Finally, the trail material. The trails at Durham Forest are sandy, meaning quick drainage. This means the trails are rideable within a few hours, even after the heaviest rainstorms. So, inside scoop – if you’re looking for a ride after heavy rainfall – head to Durham Forest.
Stats
Parking: Main gate, east gate, Trail Hub
Cost: Free
Best Trail: Ogre and Out
Skill: Beginner, intermediate, advanced
Total Trails: 91
Singletrack Length: 20+ km
Trail Type: Fast and flowy
Terrain Type: Sand mix
Max Elevation Change: 64m or 210ft
Dagmar
Right next to Durham Forest is Dagmar.
While they’re close together, Dagmar offers an entirely different riding experience, enough so that it deserves its own spot on the list. Here are a few reasons why Dagmar is so great!
Firstly, the custom-built mountain bike trails. Unlike most systems, Dagmar was custom-built for mountain bikes. Rather than growing from a random network of mixed-use trails like most networks, Dagmar was meticulously planned and built to create an incredible mountain bike trail network (they succeeded).
Secondly, the features. Not having to make concessions for hikers and equestrians means Dagmar can insert mountain bike features wherever they want.
The result is lots of fun skinnies, rock rolls, jumps, and berms strewn all over the network. It adds a little spice to your ride and keeps things fun time and time again (hit Skin & Bones if you really want to crank up the fun).
Lastly, the use of elevation. Meticulous planning means proper use of elevation, and it shows when riding Dagmar’s trails. Unlike many systems that have you on top of a ridge or in the valley bottom, Dagmar makes the most of its elevation, winding you up, down, over, and across every inch of its hills. It’s a great workout and adds a dynamic quality to the ride not often found in other locations.
Stats
Parking: Road lot, triangle lot, Trail Hub
Cost: Free
Best Trail: Twist & Shout
Skill: Intermediate, Advanced, Expert
Total Trails: 22
Singletrack Length: 13 km
Trail Type: Fast, Flowy, Rolling
Terrain Type: Varied
Max Elevation Change: 69m or 226ft
Albion Hills
To the northwest of Toronto is Albion Hills and its amazing mountain bike trail network.
Here you’ll find 50 km of dedicated mountain bike trails and a range of amenities rarely seen at other mountain bike destinations. I always mention four standout features when people ask me about mountain biking at Albion!
For starters, the old-school singletrack. The incredible single track is the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about Albion Hills. It’s a beautifully connected system of old-school cross country trails, abruptly climbing and descending through the Caledon forest. Albion Hills is the place for you if you like a classic cross country trail system.
Secondly, the system’s approachability. Albion Hills is extremely approachable, and for someone passionate about the sport’s growth and seeing new riders come into it, this is a massive plus to me. What makes it approachable? Well, all the trails are one-way, meaning there is no risk of head-on collisions. The entire system is also wonderfully signed, making navigation a breeze. And there is double track everywhere, meaning no one’s ever stuck on a trail – all you have to do is get to the end and then decide whether you want to continue onto the next singletrack trail or bail out to the double track for a while.
Next up, the amenities. A unique feature of mountain biking at Albion Hills is its amenities. The network is a part of the Albion Hills Conservation Park. With that comes many benefits, most notably the access to amenities like a bike washing station and even shower facilities, meaning you can wash up your bike and yourself after a ride. On top of that, there is a full-service campground, allowing you to stay overnight and make a weekend trip out of your visit!
Lastly, the culture. The final standout feature of Albion Hills is the mountain bike culture it fosters. Whenever visiting, there is a notable enthusiasm for mountain biking, how it brings people together, and just how much fun it really is. Whether in the parking lot or on the trails, there’s always an interesting bike to look at or interesting people to speak to about mountain biking, their bikes, and their favourite trails!
Stats
Parking: Chalet lot, beachside lot, north lot
Cost: Paid – see fees here.
Best Trail: Summer Solstice
Skill: Beginner, intermediate, advanced
Total Trails: 45
Singletrack Length: 24+ km
Trail Type: Punchy with a bit of rolling
Terrain Type: Hardpacked dirt
Max Elevation Change: 46m or 151ft
Palgrave
Finally, just up the road from Albion Hills is Palgrave.
Similar to the Durham Forest/Dagmar situation, the riding at Palgrave is completely different from that of Albion Hills, even though they are so close together. So, why is Palgrave worth an entire trip on its own?
First, the unforgivingness of the trails. On the surface, it might not be the best “standout” feature. After all, unforgivingness is usually not a good thing, and for those out of shape, this will undoubtedly ring true if you ride Palgrave. But for those in mid-season form or willing to take on a sufferfest once or twice, Palgrave is the place to be. Ask any local, and you will likely get a similar comment – it’s a great trail system, but boy, it can be a grunt sometimes.
Second, the downhill flow. Palgrave’s downhill sections are something to celebrate. While the ups are certainly gruelling, you’re more than rewarded with long, high-speed, and sustained downhill sections. The trail builders have gone to great lengths to add various features to keep things interesting. There’s a little bit of everything, whether it’s a steep and chunky rock garden, jumps and drops, or high waste berms ready to be railed.
Third, the trail material. This one’s rather simple. Palgrave is sandy, and with that comes great drainage. It’s not so sandy that it’s challenging to ride, but it is sandy enough that following any precipitation, it’ll be one of the first places you can ride. It handles the spring thaw better than most systems and sheds off summer thunderstorms like nothing.
Lastly, its proximity to Albion Hills. Again, quite simple. Palgrave is only 2 kilometres from Albion Hills, making the two systems easily linkable. Combine them, and you have close to 40 kilometres of incredible singletrack – not bad!
Stats
Parking: Duffy’s lot, Finnerty lot, Hwy 50 lot
Cost: Free
Best Trail: Pally Section 3
Skill: Beginner, intermediate, advanced
Total Trails: 13
Singletrack Length: 15+ km
Trail Type: Rolling/abrupt hills
Terrain Type: Sand mix
Max Elevation Change: 31m or 102ft
Final Thoughts
Indeed Toronto isn’t the first place to come to mind when thinking about where to go mountain biking. But a dense population means there are tons of mountain bikers in the area, and with lots of surrounding forest, there is an abundance of really good singletrack all over the GTA.
These are my five favourite Toronto mountain bike trails and the first locations I suggest you visit if you’re considering mountain biking in or near Toronto. But surrounding them are dozens of other areas that also offer all sorts of different mountain bike experiences. If you’ve finished riding these five or need a location closer to you, I suggest jumping onto Trailforks and looking around.
Lastly, if you want to visit other great mountain bike trails farther from Toronto, my top recommendations would be Copeland Forest, The Hydrocut, Turkey Point, and Porcupine Ridge – all incredible but very different mountain bike systems that are an absolute blast to ride!
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, Toronto is good for mountain biking! Some of Ontario’s best mountain biking trails are located in or near Toronto, including the Don Valley, Durham Forest, Dagmar, Albion Hills, and Palgrave!
The longest bike trail in Toronto is the Don Valley. The bike trails are more than 170 kilometres in length.
Hi Garret,
I have been mountain biking over 30 years in the Toronto area and have biked and/or raced your top 5 areas. I started 30 years ago by biking in Jefferson Forest. In the last few years, Jefferson Forest has been totally rejuvenated as a trail system with 2-3 new trails added each year. It’s close proximity to the city makes it a great trail network to ride, particularly during weeknights. They also have a grooming machine since mid-winter and are grooming fat bike trails that are an alternative to Durham Forest.
Hey Bill, thanks for your comment! I haven’t ridden Jefferson Forest in many years, so I’ll have to check it out this summer. I’ll certainly add it if I feel like it holds up to the other five locations on the list.
Hi Bill
Being from Hammer Town I’m surprised that no mention of the trails in Dundas Valley, Christie Conservation in Flamborough or Dougi’s Drop in Waterdown made your list.
But in any event I look forward to trying your top 5.
Hey Tony, those locations are great, but I tried to limit my list to five areas and the trails mentioned by you are a bit on the shorter side for me. Let me know what you think of my top five when you get a chance to ride them!