Riding the trails in Ontario's Ottawa Valley is a bucket list adventure for ATV lovers. Accommodations offering on-site trail access, loads of scenic lookouts, along with friendly restaurants and breweries make the region a perfect stop for ATV lovers.
We spoke with Cassandra Mainville with Mainville ATV and Outdoors who recently led a 2-day all-women ride around the region to get the details.
Read on to learn more about why ATV riding in the Ottawa Valley is a must-do.
It's some of the best riding I've personally seen, and I've ridden a lot of places. Aside from the mountains, of course, the Ottawa Valley is hard to beat because it just offers so much variety. You want scenery? You got it. You want an easy ride? You got it. You want something more challenging, fun, muddy? It's right there waiting for you. It's where I learned to ride, and where I still ride to this day. There's really something for everyone.
The first day we rode down the railbed to Cobden, Ontario to grab lunch and a treat. We stopped at a few different places and took our time so overall it was probably an 8-hour day. One of the key stops that come to mind on the first day were the Whitewater Brewery which is a staple for the region. If you haven't been, you're missing out. I love how fresh their food always tastes because they try to only serve what's in season and can be locally sourced. From there, we went to The Little Coffee Shop which was quite small (shocking) but had a variety of homemade sweet treats and drinks.
The next day was exciting because we did part of the Pakkotina Trail system. It took us about the same amount of time because we stopped at a lookout to take in the views and took things slow taking a few breaks so we could teach along the way. The main stop was the warm-up shack off Round Lake Road. It's well known landmark and great location to meet up.
We stayed at the Best Western Pembroke Inn & Conference Centre. First and foremost, the service was incredible. I've traveled a lot in my life, so I've seen the good, the bad in the ugly and this is definitely one of the better ones. The staff were very accommodating and even had treats for Diesel (our dog). The food and service at the Westwinds Restaurant on site was so good too that we ate there every night. One of the other great benefits of course is the location. It has direct access to both the trails and the gas station, so it really simplifies the whole experience.
Honestly, the biggest benefit to a female-only event is that it forces you to get out of your comfort zone because no one's coming to do it for you. It encourages creative thinking to solve problems that you probably haven't faced on your own before, and builds so much confidence when you overcome them. It's really just a great and sometimes overwhelming feeling of pride.
It's not one site in particular, but the whole experience. Riding the Ottawa Valley, especially in the fall is just absolutely breathtaking. It forces you to look around a little more while you ride and to really appreciate what we have available to us. It's also really fun to watch the fallen leaves dance in the wind after you drive by them on the ATV.
I'm not sure who told you that lol but I've certainly shed my fair share of tears on the trail.
Check out these resources for more information on ATVing in Ottawa Valley.
