So you’re a die-hard rider, newbie or someone looking to travel and find a new adventure. Maybe you’re a Canadian through and through or you’re traveling from another country and looking to explore the land of the Great White North. Either way, we’ve picked out the best dirt-bike trails in Canada to give you a good overview of where to ride and stay, and what to do while you’re in the area.
The trails and destinations below give you a number of good options at a variety of skill levels so check them out, and as always, ride safe, wear your gear and ride with a buddy.
1. Kelowna Motocross Track, Kelowna, B.C.
Located in the Okanagan Valley, Kelowna is a beautiful city surrounded by mountain landscape, beautiful lush forest, and provincial parks. The area is a great destination for off-road enthusiasts from all over. The Kelowna Motocross Track is located on the west side of Okanagan Lake, and is open three seasons (spring, summer and fall), weather permitting. The trail is primarily sand and situated in a dry climate; however the Kelowna Dirtbike Club works hard to water down the soil as much as possible. The club also offers a 50cc learning track for children so the entire family can visit, and they’ve built a temporary arena cross track as well. In order to ride here, riders must purchase an annual or a drop in membership (single rider or family pass available). Visit Kelowna Motocross Track for more information.
Where to Stay: Comfort Suites, Kelowna, B.C.
Most dirtbike riders are kids at heart, so why not stay at a hotel when you’re visiting that has…wait for it… a waterslide. The Comfort Suites hotel in Kelowna features an indoor heated pool with waterslide and a hot tub for relaxing after a long day of riding. The hotel offers affordable accommodations including 83 suites with plenty of room for your gear, plus a free hot breakfast in the morning, and pet friendly rooms if needed. The paved parking lot has plenty of space for bikes and trailers if needed. To learn more, visit Comfort Suites, Kelowna, B.C.
2. Blue Mountain / McNutt, Maple Ridge, B.C.
Maple Ridge is located closer to Vancouver, wedged between the Fraser River and Golden Ears Provincial Park. The area is beautiful, and features amazing greenery, mountain views, and lots of activities to partake in, from hiking, swimming, sports, and more. The best riding area located in Maple Ridge, B.C. is referred to as McNutt or Blue Mountain, and is maintained by the Blue Mountain Motorcycle Club. The trail system consists of 120+ km of trails rated moderate to expert depending on the location and elevation. Riders should park on the side of the road the north end of 256th Street, ride past the yellow gate going north on 256th Street (gravel road) where you will then see the first trail head. Trails are clearly marked; ADV bikes or dual sports with street tires are not recommended given the challenging single-track trail system. For more information, including a detailed trail map and list of trails, including difficulty levels, visit the Blue Mountain Motorcycle Club.
Where to Stay: Quality Hotel & Conference Centre, Abbotsford, B.C.
Located about 40 km away, the Quality Hotel & Conference Centre is a great option to stay locally while experiencing the amenities of home. A heated indoor pool and hot tub soothes sore muscles after riding, while the onsite White Spot Restaurant offers delicious food featuring local ingredients, where you can sit with your riding buddies and debrief about the day’s ride. As an added bonus, guests of the hotel can enjoy a 10 percent discount at the restaurant. A variety of room options, including suites and pet friendly options, give visitors plenty of choices at this hotel! To learn more, visit: Quality Hotel & Conference Centre, Abbotsford, B.C.
3. Ganaraska Forest, ON
As an Ontarian myself, I’m proud to include the Ganaraska Forest, located outside of Oshawa, Ontario, on this list. Many people overlook the true beauty of Ontario or don’t think of the province as a dirt bike destination; however there is so much more to Ontario than just Niagara Falls. The Ganaraska Forest features an 11,000-acre park just over an hour from Toronto. Riders need an annual forest membership or day pass to ride from May 1-Nov. 30. Motorized use of the park is permitted in the West and East Forest areas, however riders are cautioned as these are multi-use areas shared with horseback riders or hikers. There are several areas to park vehicles and trailers in the park in the West and East Forest areas. For more information, visit the Ganaraska Forest Centre.
Where to Stay: Comfort Inn, Oshawa, ON
Located just over 30 minutes from Ganaraska Forest, this hotel features a paved parking lot with ample space for vehicles and trailers, plus a free hot breakfast in the morning. Rooms are equipped with a microwave and refrigerator, plus other amenities, to ensure your stay feels like home. Enjoy a good night sleep at this hotel so you can rest up and ride the following day! To book this hotel, visit: Comfort Inn, Oshawa, ON.
4. Inks Lake, Kamloops, B.C.
Kamloops is located northwest of Kelowna, nestled where the North and South Thompson rivers connect. Known as ‘Canada’s Tournament Capital’ the city takes pride in supporting the sporting community, and offers a wide variety of outdoor activities for residents and visitors. Inks Lake trails, sometimes referred to as Outer Inks Lakes Trails, are part of the Duffy Greenstone Trail system featuring a total of 132 km of singletrack and doubletrack riding. Inks Lake Trails are located on the east side of Greenstone Mountain, and consist of a combination of old roads and off-road tracks, including singletrack riding. Riders can easily access the riding area by driving down Inks Lakes Road, past the highway maintenance yard to an intersection. The road on the right is the access route for the riding area. Trails are rated easy-to-moderate with access to more challenging riding as well. For more information, click HERE.
Where to Stay: Comfort Inn & Suites, Kamloops, B.C.
Located within 30 minutes is the Comfort Inn & Suites Kamloops. This hotel also features an indoor pool, hot tub and waterslide, free hot breakfast, and additional amenities like a mini fridge, microwave, free Wifi and more. Rest your head after a long day of riding on the comfortable pillows, or if you still have energy, check out many of the nearby sights and activities in Kamloops. For more information, visit Comfort Inn & Suites, Kamloops, B.C.
5. Motopark, Chatsworth, ON
Located in Southwestern Ontario, this small town may be remote, but it’s home to one of the first motocross training facilities in Canada. Chatsworth is known for its quaint community, surrounded by lush forests, lakes, streams, and the Niagara escarpment. Just two hours from Toronto, this area is just a short drive for those wanting to check out one of the major motocross tracks in the country. The 100-acre Motopark offers a variety of riding options for dirt-bikers, including three tracks rated beginner, intermediate and advance. The facility offers bike rentals, training, motocross camps, and additional activities including paintball and a bicycle adventure park so there’s something for everyone! The park is open to the public, five days a week (closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays) and is a great place to check out and explore. For more information, visit Motoparkracing.com.
Where to Stay: Comfort Inn, Owen Sound
Rest up at the newly refreshed accommodations at the Comfort Inn in Owen Sound, located 20 minutes from Motopark and close to attractions like the Billy Bishop Museum, and Inglis Falls. It offers free breakfast, truck and trailer parking, pet-friendly rooms with premium bedding and climate control and its location minutes from the Owen Sound Harbor make this hotel an ideal place to stay when visiting the area.