There’s something for every type of cyclist in Sudbury, Ontario. The city offers fantastic cycling in all seasons of the year, including dedicated bike trails that are perfect for families; long-distance routes for road- and gravel cyclists; and some of Ontario’s best mountain bike trails—many of which are maintained for fat-biking during the city’s snowy northern winters. This diversity of biking options and its vibrant cycling scene is a testament to Sudbury's eco-friendly values.
This guide highlights the best places to go biking in Sudbury—and makes a strong case for why this city offers some of the finest cycling opportunities in all of Ontario.
Sudbury has embraced active transportation. An impressive network of recreational trails radiates from the city’s downtown core, including the Rotary Park Trail, an easy commuter route through urban greenspace between downtown and New Sudbury. Wilderness and gem-like freshwater lakes are always close at hand in Sudbury; many rides offer opportunities to immerse yourself in nature or enjoy a picnic and swim at a secluded beach.
You may not have the time or energy to take on the entire 22-km Ramsey Lake Tour de Sudbury, but the city’s ultimate urban ride can be ridden in shorter segments including parts of the Trans-Canada Trail. Be sure to browse Bike Sudbury for more urban riding options.
Just about all of the quiet rural roads along Sudbury’s fringes offer excellent cycling and superlative scenery, which is best described as a northern rural mix of woods, wetlands, and lakes. The city is a nexus on Ontario’s epic Great Lakes Waterfront Trail, marking the eastern end of the Lake Huron-North Channel section, which stretches 570 km along mostly secondary roads. This 5- to 7-day bikepacking ride parallels Lake Huron’s scenic North Channel and takes in 26 rural communities along the way to Sault Ste. Marie.
You can also experience shorter segments of the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail if you don’t have the time for a multi-day journey. Gravel Bike Sudbury and Rainbow Routes are excellent resources for planning day rides on gravel and paved surfaces throughout the Greater Sudbury Area.
Sudbury’s famous hard-rock geology has inspired a community of dedicated mountain bikers. Rugged bare rock slabs, steep drops, and technical single-track contribute to the city’s status as some of Ontario’s finest mountain biking. Sudbury’s most popular areas for mountain biking and fat biking include:
Kivi Park maintains dedicated mountain bike trails across its 480 acres of forested greenspace. On-site rentals from Adventure365 make it an easy choice for those visiting Sudbury without a bike. The 15 km of trails range from smooth, family-friendly loops to flowing single-track that’s purpose-built for mountain biking. You can also hike or rent a kayak or standup paddleboard for paddling the park’s pristine lakes. Groomed winter fat bike trails and rentals are available from December through March.
Walden Mountain Bike Trails are the result of local passion and a professionally crafted single-track, which takes advantage of a perfect mix of rock barrens and boreal forest. The result is 15 km of iconic mountain biking that certainly ranks amongst Ontario’s best. Walden’s trails are open June through October, with impeccably maintained fat biking options available in the winter months alongside the area’s Nordic ski trails.
Lake Laurentian’s trails are located adjacent to the city’s downtown core, offering remarkably easy access that will make you envious of the locals to the area. Laurentian’s multi-use trails can be technical and are best for adventure riding: expect plenty of steep ups and downs, rocky sections and challenging parts where you may need to hike-a-bike. The network sprawls across a 2,400-acre conservation area that’s dotted with lakes. The epic 10-km Lake Laurentian Loop is the best way to take it all in.
You can buy, rent, get your bike serviced and pick up some excellent local knowledge at these great Sudbury bike shops:
Looking for accommodations in Sudbury with safe bicycle storage? Check out the following options, all located central to the city’s best riding destinations.
Other great options include the boutique Parker House Suites and the drive-in campground at Fairbank Provincial Park, located within a half-hour drive of most Sudbury cycling trailheads.
Sudbury offers a wide range of dining options, no matter what your post-ride taste. Check out The Laughing Buddha for eclectic fare and a great patio; Don’s Pizza; the Hardrock 42 Gastropub; La Fromagerie for a range of comfort food; Bella Vita Cucina for authentic Italian; Tucos Taco Lounge for great vegan food; and Respect is Burning for an energetic atmosphere.
Feeling thirsty? 46 North Brewery operates a tasting room on Kelly Lake Road, with Crosscut Distillery down the street. Coffee shops in Sudbury are abundant, including Salute Coffee, Kuppajo Espresso Bar, Old Rock Coffee, Beards Coffee Bar and Bakery, and Twiggs Coffee Roasters.
This year, embark on a cycling adventure like no other through Sudbury, Ontario, where every cyclist will find their perfect path. Visit Cycling & Biking in Sudbury for more information.
