Where to Fat Bike in Ottawa This Winter: 2025 Trail Guide

October 17, 2025

Looking to keep riding through the winter? Fat biking offers a fantastic way to stay active and explore the Ottawa–Gatineau region’s snow-covered landscapes. Whether you're new to the sport or a seasoned rider, there are a variety of trails—urban and forested, groomed and natural—that welcome fat bikes. Here's your guide to where you can ride this winter.

1. Gatineau Park

Gatineau Park is a premier destination for winter fat biking, offering nearly 50 km of shared-use snow biking trails. These trails vary in difficulty, from beginner-friendly paths to more technical routes.

Trail Type: Shared with snowshoers (who have the right of way)
Grooming: Not mechanically groomed; trail surfaces are compacted naturally by snowshoe traffic
Fat Bike Requirements: Tire width must be at least 9.4 cm (3.7 inches); tire pressure must be 10 psi or less
Access: A daily or seasonal NCC Winter Pass is required
Restrictions: Pets are not allowed; riding on cross-country ski trails is prohibited
Updates: Trail conditions are updated regularly on the NCC's website

The park is patrolled by both volunteers and NCC staff to ensure safety and compliance with trail use guidelines.

2. Kìchì Sìbì Winter Trail

The Kìchì Sìbì (formerly known as SJAM) Winter Trail runs along the Ottawa River from the War Museum to Westboro Beach. It’s a free, groomed multi-use trail maintained by volunteers.

Trail Type: Multi-use (skiing, snowshoeing, walking, fat biking)
Grooming: Regularly groomed and tracked
Access: Free
Updates: Trail conditions available via https://wintertrail.ca/

This trail is especially popular due to its central location and scenic river views.

3. Ski Heritage East Winter Trail

Located along the Ottawa River in the city’s east end, this 30 km multi-use trail is a favourite for residents in Orleans and beyond.

Trail Type: Multi-use (skiing, walking, fat biking)
Grooming: Groomed regularly for various activities
Access: Free
Updates: Conditions are shared via Ski Heritage East's website

Fat biking is permitted on the wider groomed sections—avoid the classic ski tracks to protect the groomed surface.

4. Ottawa West Winter Trail (OWWT)

This 8 km trail in the Kanata area is groomed by Kanata Nordic in partnership with the NCC. It's designed as a multi-use winter corridor.

Trail Type: Multi-use (fat biking, skiing, walking)
Grooming: Regular updates via Nordic Pulse
Access: Free
Updates: More information at owwt.ca

Please avoid riding on ski tracks, and be courteous to other trail users.

5. Rideau Winter Trail

Serving the Overbrook, Sandy Hill, and Vanier neighbourhoods, this community-driven trail provides an excellent inner-city option for fat biking.

Trail Type: Multi-use (fat biking, skiing, walking)
Grooming: Groomed regularly by volunteers
Access: Free
Updates: rideauwintertrail.ca

A great trail if you're looking for an easy-access ride close to downtown Ottawa.

6. Britannia Winter Trail

The Britannia Winter Trail is one of Ottawa’s newest winter trail initiatives, running along the Ottawa River in the Britannia Beach area.

Trail Type: Multi-use
Grooming: Regular grooming by community volunteers
Access: Free
Updates: Available via community Facebook pages or their website

This trail connects seamlessly to the Kìchì Sìbì system if you’re looking to extend your ride.

7. Centre de plein air du Lac-Leamy

Located in Gatineau, this multi-use trail is groomed and managed by the City of Gatineau.

Trail Type: Multi-use
Grooming: Maintained regularly by the city
Access: Free
Updates: Available on Gatineau’s municipal site

This is an excellent option for those based on the Quebec side of the river.

8. Larose Forest

About halfway between Ottawa and Hawkesbury, Larose Forest offers a network of winter trails groomed specifically for fat biking.

Trail Type: Groomed singletrack and forest roads
Grooming: Groomed starting from P1; check status before heading out
Fat Bike Requirements: Minimum tire width of 3.8 inches
Access: OMBA (Ottawa Mountain Bike Association) membership required
Updates: ottawamba.org

Watch for trail signage—some routes are shared with skiers and sled dog teams.

9. South March Highlands (Kanata Lakes)

These natural singletrack trails are maintained year-round by OMBA. In winter, they remain open for fat biking, though not groomed.

Trail Type: Singletrack
Grooming: None; compacted by use
Access: OMBA membership required
Updates: ottawamba.org

Best used when temperatures are cold and the snow is firm.

10. Limerick Forest

Located in the United Counties of Leeds & Grenville, Limerick Forest offers over 180 km of trails and forest access roads that support a wide range of outdoor activities year-round. In winter, approximately 30 km of these trails are groomed for snowmobile use by the Leeds & Grenville Snowmobile Association.

Trail Type: Multi-use trail network, with both motorized and non-motorized trails
Grooming: Groomed in winter primarily for snowmobiles
Access: Open to the public
Updates: Limerick Forest Website

If you choose to ride here in winter, be aware of motorized vehicles, such as snowmobiles.

Tips for a Great Winter Ride

Person riding a fat bike through a snowy landscape

Check Trail Conditions First: Trail surfaces vary with the weather. Use official websites and social media accounts to stay updated.
Respect Other Users: Yield to snowshoers and skiers. Never ride on classic ski tracks.
Use the Right Gear: Tires 3.7" or wider, low pressure (~10 psi or less), and ideally studded for icy patches.
Don’t Ride in Soft Conditions: If your tires sink more than an inch or you’re leaving ruts, it’s too soft to ride.
Stay Safe: Bring lights, layers, and basic tools. Winter riding is slower, colder, and often remote.

Final Thoughts

Ottawa and Gatineau offer some of the best urban fat biking options in Canada. From the packed trails along the Rideau River to the challenging snow-covered routes in Gatineau Park, there’s something here for everyone. Just remember to ride responsibly, check conditions, and help preserve these trails for others.

Happy riding!

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