Ontario’s Best Fat Bike Events in 2026

Fat biking is the perfect cycling pursuit for those riders who cannot get enough of mountain biking in the summer months. But be warned: a fat bike feels entirely different from your typical mountain bike, and that’s not a bad thing for riding snowy trails. Fat bikers typically ride tires between nine and 12 centimetres (up to five inches) in widths and tire pressures from three and nine PSI, for more float in soft snow. (For the same reason, fat bikes are also a good choice for summer riding on sand and other extremely soft surfaces.)

Fat bikes also work well in sloppy shoulder season conditions of mud, slush and ice, besides excelling in deep-freeze temperatures when the snow is hard and fast. More and more nordic ski centres and downhill ski resorts across Ontario have invested in grooming equipment to maintain winter fat bike trails, which means smooth, flowy riding on well-packed trails.

Many ski areas offer regular fat biking all winter long including Hardwood Hills, Mansfield Outdoor Centre and Horseshoe Resort near Barrie, Walden in Sudbury, Trowbridge Forest in Thunder Bay, Hiawatha Highlands and Crimson Ridge in Sault Ste. Marie, Georgian Nordic Outdoor Centre in Parry Sound, Deerhurst Resort in Huntsville, and Albion Hills Conservation Area in Caledon. Fat bike rentals are available from cycling shops across the province if you want to give the sport a try.

It’s no surprise there’s also an emerging calendar of fat biking events for those who are competitive or want to ride with a group. Here are a few races to get you started. 

January 2026 Events

18

Rock the Ridge Fat Bike Challenge

Take on an eight-, 20- or 40-kilometre course on the incredible trails at Crimson Ridge. After you've left it all on the course, enjoy great food from Embers on the Ridge and a beverage from Kingsville Brewery.

23-25

Fat Viking Global Edition

Sudbury’s Walden Mountain Bike Club hosts a late-January fat biking event that’s inspired by a classic race in Geilo, Norway, as does the Mansfield Outdoor Centre and Turkey Point Mountain Biking Club. Register and then anytime during the final weekend in January, challenge yourself to ride 50, 100 or 150 kilometres. Don’t be afraid to take a break; the goal is to accumulate distance over the entire weekend. One key rule is that you must document your rides (using Strava or other GPS-based apps) and upload photos.

24

Fat Bike Race Thunder Bay Series

With the first race in the series planned for January 24, enjoy winter trails with the Thunder Bay Cycling Club. Registration is $10. 

February 2026 Events

1

Fat Bike Social

On Sunday, February 1, Sudbury’s Walden Mountain Bike Club hosts its first Fat Bike Social on the Walden Trails. Hang around after the ride at the chalet for food and conversation.

5-8

Pikangikum Ice Road Challenge

Ride 125 kilometres from Red Lake to Pikangikum First Nation by fat bike through deep winter conditions (-20°C to -30°C). This event is a fundraiser hosted by New Hope Community Bikes, in partnership with local community leaders and supported by the Ontario Provincial Police. The four-day program includes time in the community with the Pikangikum Bike Program. The ride is fully supported with safety teams and warm-up stations. Riders bring their own fat bikes with studded tires required.

7

Frozen Toe Fat Bike Festival

The Frozen Toe Fat Bike Race near Sault Ste. Marie draws riders willing to test themselves against deep snow, subzero temperatures and winter winds. Register here.

21

Wendigo Ultra

This hardcore ride has a glorious route through the Ottawa Valley. The Wendigo Ultra offers distances of 50, 100 and a whopping 200 kilometres. This race is for the well-prepared and experienced fat biker. Each route has a mandatory checklist of gear including lights, insulated water systems and enough calories to keep you fueled for this epic ride. Checkpoints along the way do not have food or provisions. The finale takes place at Whitewater Brewing Co. Cold beer tastes good at any temperature.

21

Bear Island Ice Road Challenge

A one-day, 60-kilometre out-and-back ride across frozen Lake Temagami to Bear Island. Riders must bring fat bikes with studded tires on this challenging fundraising event. Registration includes a pre-ride community dinner, ride support and a Bear Island community lunch.

28

Summerstown Forest Fat Bike Race

Enjoy the trails of Summerstown Forest near Cornwall with this fun bike fat race with five-, 20-, and 40-kilometre distances. Enjoy light refreshments and prizes after the race. 

March 2026 Events

7

Sleeping Giant Fat Bike Loppet

In Thunder Bay, fat bike lovers can choose from eight, 20 or 50 kilometres of trail fun at Sleeping Giant Loppet, organized by the local Blacksheep Mountain Bike Club. The course is a beautiful ride along Marie Louise Lake, including a tremendous climb for the 50-kilometre route. The very reasonable race fee includes lunch beside a campfire at Sleeping Giant Provincial Park’s Visitor Centre.

8 - Beaver Freezer

Participants can run, bike or ski in the Beaver Freezer Marathon. The beautiful route on the outskirts of Sault Ste. Marie follows mostly frozen waterways, starting and ending at the Hiawatha Highlands. Distances range from the full marathon experience at 42 kilometres, to a half-marathon, as well as shorter 12- to 14- and five-kilometre courses. Relay options are available and the race is family-friendly. Each distance option includes aid stations—but be prepared for the elements if you’re going the distance!

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