All You Need to Know Guide to Fat Biking Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario
Groom It, and They Will Come
Are you looking for the best fat bike trails in Ontario?
Situated on the shores of Lake Superior in the northern Ontario region of Algoma, Sault Ste. Marie has a thriving cycling community. The locals are passionate about cycling, and this passion extends even during the winter season. Thanks to the tireless efforts of many enthusiasts, some of the best Fat Biking trails in Ontario can be found here. These trails range from machine-groomed flow trails to paths through the forest and fields that require more manual effort. So, whether you're an experienced fat biker or just starting out, Sault Ste. Marie is the perfect place to enjoy this exciting activity.
Getting Here
From the USA - Via I-75 and Sault Ste Marie International Bridge.
Within Ontario - The TransCanada Highway 17 will get you here from anywhere.
By Air - A number of carriers offer daily flights to Sault Ste. Marie, including Air Canada, Porter Airlines, Bearskin Airlines and Delta Airlines.
Where to Fat Bike in the Soo
Now that you are here, it's time to hit the trail. First on the must-do list are the machined groomed trails.
Hiawatha Highlands offers around 20 km of groomed fat bike trails, from fun and flowy to a backcountry experience along the Farmer Lake Trail. Bike trail passes are required and are available for purchase from Hiawatha Highlands; for prices and details, visit their website.
Crimson Ridge offers 12 km of beautifully groomed trail that will have you hooting and hollering. Day passes can be purchased online and are only valid on the day purchased.
The following trails offer trails packed by snowshoers and walkers. As always, please be respectful of other traffic. Hikers/walkers always have the right of way.
Sault Ste. Marie Canal National Historic Site has easy fatbike trails on St. Marys and Whitefish Islands adjacent to St. Marys Rapids. This 3-km trail consists of two loops that can be ridden in any direction.
St. Kateri Outdoor Learning Centre has around 3.5 km of fat biking trails.
Fort Creek trails - Maintained by local snowshoe users and walkers.
Maple View / Finn Hill - More snowshoe-packed trails.
Cycling Community
The quality of fat biking in Sault Ste Marie is closely tied to the efforts of the local cycling community. If you're interested in exploring this activity in the area, consider reaching out to the local cycling club or bike shop for information and possibly an invitation to join a ride. They should be able to provide you with all the details you need to get started.
Sault Cycling Club - is an awesome source of information; check out their local Fat Biking information round-up. Where to Ride - Fat Bike Trails
If you require hands-on assistance exploring local fat bike options, the local cycling experts at Red Pine Tours will gladly assist.
Where to Stay
There are many places to stay in Sault Ste Marie, including everything from 4-star full-service hotels to motels, cabins and B&Bs, and you can view the complete list here. Below are a few favourites.
Glenview Cottages - It's hard to beat a cozy cabin after a day on the snow trails. Located a 15-minute drive from downtown Sault Ste Marie and the International Bridge, the modern one and two-bedroom cottages are open year-round and can be rented on a nightly, weekly basis. The Hiawatha Highlands trail system is located just across the highway.
Ambassador Motel - Enjoy northern hospitality, clean, spacious rooms and an indoor pool just minutes from the Hiawatha Highlands and Crimson Ridge fat bike trails.
Quattro Hotel & Conf. Centre - need a little pampering; the Quattro Hotel, with its on-site spa, restaurant and comfortable rooms, will hit the spot after a day on the fat bike.
Eat and Drink
So much good food, so little time. You can find a complete list of Sault Ste Marie eateries here. Below are my personal been there tried that favourites.
The Breakfast Pig -Breakfast is the critical meal if fat biking is your day plan and you are in for a treat at The Breakfast Pig.
Lunchtime, if you are riding at Hiawatha Highlands and Crimson Ridge, there are on-site lunch options. Ernie's Coffee Shop is a local favourite that will not disappoint.
For post-ride refuelling, try Chuck's Roadhouse, Wacky's Wings, The Mill Steakhouse or some fantastic BBQ at Low & Slow Smokehouse.
Grab a pint at Northern Superior brewing
Make it a Winter Getaway
Come for the fat biking; stay for the fun. Sault Ste Marie is a winter playground, so stay a while and partake in winter's best fun.
Skate the beautiful forest ice trail at Crimson Ridge
Cross-country ski and snowshoe at Hiawatha Highlands
Enjoy alpine skiing at the nearby Searchmont Resort
Try Ontario's best backcountry skiing at Bellevue Valley Lodge
Check out the highlight reel on @creakingOn