6 Places for Fall Mountain Biking

1. Mountain Biking in Quebec City — Vallée Bras-du-Nord

The secret is out: the Vallée Bras-du-Nord network is a true gem for avid mountain bikers. If you enjoy embarking on an adventure that covers many kilometres over the course of the day before returning to your starting point, you’ll be well served!

With two areas—namely, Saint-Raymond and Shannahan—and nine sectors, the network has more than 100 kilometres of beginner to expert trails. Of note is the famous full Neilson, which combines the eastern, northern and southern sections of the trail, totalling twenty-five kilometres, as well as La Légende, which features a slickrock section alongside magnificent waterfalls. In addition, since it was built, Godzilla has also been winning over riders who love jumps.

A must-visit outdoor destination, the Vallée Bras-du-Nord also offers accommodations at campsites or in cottages. You can even go hiking there and, why not, paddle a canoe down the Bras-du-Nord River, which meanders through the valley.

Bike rental: Yes
Fee: $22.25 for an adult day pass
Chairlift: No

Photo credit: Salah Chtioui

2. Mountain Biking in the Eastern Townships — Sutton

Just a few minutes from the friendly village of Sutton, the eponymous mountain attracts bike enthusiasts for enduro and cross-country cycling and one or two chairlift rides to the top. With more than forty-five kilometres of trails and enjoyable climbs to pedal up, Mont Sutton offers descents for all levels. The team of trail builders and volunteers have continued developing the network this year with a new ascent and a super flowy green trail.

You can pitch your tent at one of the wooded campsites at the Huttopia Campground, which is just a few steps from the mountain, or alternatively, opt for a cozy room at the Auberge Sutton Brouërie, which also houses a microbrewery.

Bike rental: Yes
Fee: $20 for adult daily access/add one or two chairlift rides in an online package 24 hours in advance at $34 for one ride up and $45 for two, including a day pass.
Chairlift: Yes

Photo credit: Dominique Hamel Plein air Sainte-Adèle

3. Mountain Biking in the Laurentians — Parc du Mont Loup-Garou 

In June 2021, Parc du Mont Loup-Garou officially opened. The park, located in Sainte-Adèle in the Laurentians, stretches over 788 acres of lush forest. Teams of volunteers and Plein Air Sainte-Adèle (PASA) have developed a network of hiking, mountain biking, fat biking, snowshoeing and Nordic cross-country ski trails. It’s a little piece of paradise!

For mountain biking, Parc du Mont Loup-Garou offers nine intermediate and advanced level trails. Let yourself be tempted by the Fat Garou loop, which spans about ten kilometres, including beautiful flowy and some quite technical sections along with magnificent viewpoints to admire the fall colours. In addition, Gyromitre and Tricholome offer those who love jumps and berms more than enough to satisfy their thirst for thrills. In short, it’s a wonderful, rapidly expanding mountain bike area that’s worth checking out.

Bike rental: No, but available nearby
Fee: $5 for an adult day pass
Chairlift: No

Photo credit: Judicael Aspirot

4. Mountain Biking in Mauricie — Mont SM 

Located in Saint-Mathieu-du-Parc in the Mauricie region, Mont SM has carved out an important place for itself in the mountain bike community. A former ski resort that has been closed for ages, Mont SM offers more than 20 kilometres of intermediate to expert level trails. And there’s a bit of everything! Beautiful rock slabs, jumps, pro lines, technical and flowy trails. In addition, some new trails were opened this year, much to the delight of cyclists.

The mountain’s team continues to develop its trail network by adding climbs and downhills for all tastes. Its accessible main climb lets you reach Summit 1 in less than 20 minutes and make the most of the descents. You can then reach Summit 2 and 3 from various downhill and connector trails.

Keep in mind that there’s no water source on-site, so bring enough for the day. And if you want to stay in Mauricie, Camping du Parc is a few pedal strokes from Mont SM.

Bike rental: Yes
Fee: $23 for an adult day pass
Chairlift: No

5. Mountain Biking in the Outaouais – Parc des Montagnes Noires de Ripon

Less well known than many other mountain biking centres, Parc des Montagnes Noires de Ripon is a wonderful place to ride during the fall colours. With accommodation options such as camping and huts, it’s easy to spend the weekend enjoying the foliage. The park has about twenty kilometres of cross-country trails, from beginner to expert level. The Parc des Montagnes Noires de Ripon is a great place to ride as a family.

Bike rental: No
Fee: $8.70 + taxes for an adult day pass
Chairlifts: No

6. Mountain Biking in the Eastern Townships – Circuits Frontières

Need a break from the noisy city and busy mountain bike centres? Circuits Frontières will make all your wishes come true. Located in East Hereford beside the American border, Circuits Frontières offers an adventurous mountain biking experience that’s quite unique in Quebec. Circuits Frontières features 55 kilometres of quality mountain bike trails through breathtaking landscapes.

To satisfy all levels of riders, four parking lots have been set up to serve different sectors in the network. In addition, you can arrange a shuttle to Mount Hereford’s summit for a few more runs down the mountain. Surrounded by a beautiful forest wilderness far from the city, Circuits Frontières is a must-visit. Psst! In winter, the ski touring is also magnificent.

Bike rental: No
Fee: $15 for an adult day pass
Chairlifts: No
Note: There is no water on site and sometimes no cell coverage. Plan your ride accordingly!