4 Outstanding Bike Trail Networks Near Cochrane

Sitting along Highway 11 in the uncrowded northeastern region of the province, Cochrane is a phenomenal destination for outdoor enthusiasts. And we’re not just talking about paddlers and anglers. Cyclists will enjoy the many opportunities to spin their wheels near Cochrane, whether that means flowing through singletrack within a boreal forest, or cruising gravel roads around sparkling lakes and ponds. The choices are many. Here are some of our favourites.

Moonbeam Nature Trails

An hour’s drive west of Cochrane, the town of Moonbeam has an abundance of great trails in its orbit. Moonbeam offers over 34 kilometers of trails to ride on right from town, with everything ranging from a paved multi-use path to mountain biking.

The 11-km Main Trail is a paved and gravel trail, finishing along the side of Remi Lake. This popular trail is accessible to all types of riders and abilities levels. It makes a great out and back ride, and is possible to fat bike in winter.

Mountain bikers will enjoy the steep slopes of the 2.4-km Ski Hill Trail, which climbs, and then descends, from the top of Mt. Remi ski slope.

• Rent a bike from the Moonbeam tourism office
• Book a cabin at Twin Lakes Camping
• Spice things up with a bite of the Louisiana chicken club sandwich at Ellie’s Bistro

Kettle Lakes Provincial Park

Kettle Lakes Provincial Park is a fascinating destination for biking and other outdoor activities, just a 74-km drive south of Cochrane.

There are more than 14 kilometres of biking trails in the park which snake around the 22 spring-fed lakes that lend the park its name. McInnis Woods Road is the main throughway around this jack pine boreal forest. It is an eight-kilometre long doubletrack, and connects different sections of the park, including picnic areas, swim beaches, and the park’s mix of accessible doubletrack and singletrack trails.

• Bike rentals are available near the Kettle Lakes Provincial Park entrance
• Book a site at the park or nearby Cameron’s Beach Campground
• Have a satisfying plate of poutine and cheeseburgers from The Bus Stop in Iroquois Falls

Iroquois Falls Ski Club

Just a 50-km drive south of Cochrane off Highway 11, the Iroquois Falls Ski Club maintains its trails through the summer for bike riding.

In the winter months these well-kept trails are a favourite for sliding, but in the summer they become 20 kilometres of doubletrack that wend through the pine forest and around moss-covered boulders. The trails are of beginner difficulty overall, and great for families or new riders to enjoy accessible mountain biking on a signed trail system. Keep in mind, the Iroquois Falls Ski Club trails are not open to winter fat bike riding, and a day pass is required to access the trails.

• The best place to rent bikes or find gear is at O’ Reilly Source For Sports in Timmins
• Book a room in Cochrane at the Station Inn. While you are there, consider a side trip and ride the Polar Bear Express line to Moosonee, “Gateway of the Arctic”
• Scarf down a post-ride meal at 49th Parallel

Timmins Recreational Trail Network

The city of Timmins is just an hour’s drive south of Cochrane and hosts one of the most impressive trail networks in the region. The Timmins Recreational Trail Network offers 50 kilometres of riding in all fashions, from paved pathways to gravel and even singletrack.

Gillies Lake is a leisurely 2.5-km trail favoured by the locals just outside the town centre, which can be incorporated into a ride around town. Mountain bikers will appreciate the singletrack at Hersey Lake, just five kilometres north of Timmins.

• The best place to rent bikes or find gear is at O’ Reilly Source For Sports in Timmins
• Book a night stay at Balsam Suites Boutique Hotel
• Indulge with a savoury brie burger and a cold drink after a day of riding at Casey’s Grill

Saddle Up and Bike Cochrane

These bike rides near Cochrane are some of the best around, but should also be seen as just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to exploring this northern Ontario outdoor destination. Once you are cruising, you will see for yourself all the outdoors has to offer here. The trick is getting going, so get in gear and make the trip to experience Cochrane, Ontario.

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