The winter sport of fat biking continues to rise in popularity across North America, especially in cooler climates, such as Southern Ontario’s Algonquin Provincial Park and the neighbouring District Municipality of Muskoka. When several inches of snow inevitably cover the earth’s surface, bicyclists and mountain bikers alike are forced to adapt to Mother Nature’s frosty disposition. Thankfully, fat biking in Ontario provides an idyllic balance of modernized exercise and old-world exploration.
Fat Biking in Ontario’s Snow-Covered Countryside
Within minutes of Sandy Lane Resort (the crown jewel of Halls Lake), winter enthusiasts can pedal through the snow-blanketed backcountry en route to true tranquillity amid dense forestry, hidden lakes, and curious wildlife. We’re central to both Algonquin Park and Muskoka, via our lakeside Haliburton Highlands locale. And fat biking in Ontario has never more enticing than it is heading into 2021. The great thing about a sport like fat biking is that participants need only a bicycle and a GPS (or map), as many backcountry roads near Sandy Lane Resort are tailor-made for a self-guided, mid-day cycling expedition. However, we also encourage guests to embark on a short day-trip to a nearby park or preserve in hopes of exploring new terrain with family or friends.
The Best Places to Fat Bike in Southern Ontario
Algonquin Park’s Old Railway Bike Trail remains the region’s most popular place to carve through well-marked snowpack. It’s a beginner-friendly, 12-kilometre pathway that mostly follows an abandoned railway initially built more than 125 years ago. Meanwhile, north of Highway 60, experienced fat bikers can challenge themselves on the rugged, steep Minnesing Mountain Bike Trail, a multi-loop system that covers over 30 kilometres of trails. Highway 60 itself remains a popular roadway for cyclists looking for a lengthy, scenic ride amid winter’s hearth when traffic is limited. Other potential destinations include Huntsville’s Limberlost Forest and Wildlife Reserve, Gravenhurst’s Torrance Barrens, and Liv Outside’s well-maintained Bracebridge area trail system. If you’re looking for opportunities closer to the resort, seek out the expansive Haliburton Forest near Kennisis Lake and the Algonquin Highlands Mountain Biking Trails, located just a few clicks east of Halls Lake.
Algonquin Outfitters’ Huntsville location offers full-day fat bike rentals, starting at $55. Although, most fat bike enthusiasts own and maintain their own bicycles. To learn more about fat biking in Ontario, visit OntarioBikeTrails.com.
Winter Cottage Resorts in Ontario: Sandy Lane
Start and finish each glorious day of winter exploration at Sandy Lane Resort, the perfect escape for those who need a break from the bustling Greater Toronto Area. Sandy Lane is proud to be the winter sports destination of choice for so many. Within minutes (or steps) of the resort, guests can partake in various outdoor activities, including ice climbing, dog sledding, Nordic skiing, alpine skiing, backcountry snowmobiling, and, of course, ice fishing. We boast the only Haliburton cottage rentals that feature wood-burning fireplaces, which pair magnificently with the outdoor hot tubs, full kitchens, and interior’s rustic allure.
To book a well-deserved wintertime escape to lakeside Sandy Lane Resort, please check availability online (or email us directly at holiday@sandylaneresort.com).
