October 25, 2023 - Sault Ste. Marie, Northern Ontario’s third biggest city, is vying to become a premiere four-season mountain biking destination. The city has been actively developing its trail systems to increase its tourism product offerings.

Boasting 45km of some of the best mountain bike trails in the province, a plus is they’re only 10 minutes from downtown.

The recent announcement of $600,000 in new funding from the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation will see a 30km extension to the Algoma Trail Network (ATN)
at Hiawatha Highlands and a new skills park at Hiawatha’s Kinsmen Park, which are key parts of the ATN’s master plan.

The newly constructed 7km Farmer Lake trail, one of the plan’s first components, is an out-and-back trail through the stunning Canadian Shield that includes a technical Climb to Canyon section before arriving at beautiful Farmer Lake.

The popular Crystal System has seen an additional 12km of new machine-built trails in 2022, bringing the total to over 20km. With something for every ability, including rollercoaster trails such as Berm Baby Berm, the Crystal System can easily deliver a full day of fabulous mountain biking.

Two more trails that are part of the Hiawatha Highlands network include Pinder, with about 8km of single track making it great for beginners and families, along with the 15km Red Pine system, featuring some of the areas tougher routes.

The “Soo” also beckons gravel riders with amazing routes, such as the 45km Maki Road to Red Rock on Lake Superior, which begins and ends at Thomson Farms Cider and Winery. About 45 minutes east of downtown, the town of Echo Bay boasts loads of gravel route options for all skill levels.

The area also offers excellent, scenic road bike routes on the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail and throughout Central Algoma that include bike-friendly marinas such as Hilton Beach, Echo Bay, Bruce Mines and more. Ride west to the rocky beach and bluffs of Gros Cap on Lake Superior for a great 40-50km out-and-back excursion.

For a more leisurely pace, try the John Rowswell Hub Trail, a 22.5km easy multi-use non-motorized trail system that links key cultural, historical and natural areas of the community, including a waterfront boardwalk, picturesque Bellevue Park and the Fort Creek Conservation Area.

The city also boasts one of the largest fatbike networks in Canada, with over 40km of groomed trails at Crimson Ridge and Hiawatha Highlands, which offers 12km of winter riding.

The “Soo” welcomes e-bikes on most of its trails and also features great bike shops for rentals, repairs and services for all of your cycling needs. With so many awesome routes and options nearby, Sault Ste. Marie is fast becoming a bucket list cycling destination.