Fat Biking

Fat Biking is emerging across Northern Ontario as a fun-filled and exhilarating way for cyclists to keep shredding and cycling all year-round. With heaps of snow in the winter, North Bay’s fat biking trails are a heart-pumping way to keep active all winter long. 

Where to go Fat Biking in North Bay 

The winter fat biking and mountain biking scene in North Bay has long been a local secret in Ontario, with dedicated cycling enthusiasts creating kilometres and kilometres of well-loved, but unsanctioned trails in the past. 

As of January 2026, North Bay is now home to a managed and fully sanctioned fat biking and mountain biking trail system at the Laurentian Escarpment Conservation Area. 

The North Bay Mountain Bike Association, who created and manages the fully sanctioned Three Towers Mountain Biking trails, partnered with Discovery Routes and the North Bay Mattawa Conservation Area to bring a safe, sanctoned, groomed and signed fat biking trail system to North Bay. The escarpment trails offer an ever-growing moderate to challenging groomed singletrack trail system winding up and down the rocky Laurentian Escarpment, passing through snow-filled forests and along frozen creeks. 

With year-round parking at the top and bottom of the adjacent Laurentian Ski Hill, new switchback and creek-adjacent trails, new boardwalks, multiple trail improvements, evolving signage and groomed trails, the Laurentian Escarpment trail system is perfect for a fat biking adventure.

Dedicated fat bikers looking to explore a variety of terrains and trail systems, that include riverside and lake-crossings, are welcome to fat bike on the wider groomed ski trails at Nipissing University or explore all the free winter fat biking trails in North Bay.

Guided Tours and Fat Bike Rentals

A unique and locally cherished winter fat biking experience involves riding on one of our many frozen lakes and rivers, particularly along the Stepping Stones Trails. Try out fat biking in style with a guided tour, fat bike rentals and campfire lunch from Remedy Rides. If you’re just looking to rent a fat bike in North Bay, call or visit one of our bike shops that rent bikes – the Wheelhouse, Cycle Alley or Cycleworks.

For a self-guided outdoor adventure that combines fat biking, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, check out Discovery Routes’ Ride Winter itinerary. 

To see more fat biking trails near North Bay, take a look at these additional options for winter cycling in Northern Ontario. 

What to Know About Winter Fat Biking

The term “fat” in fat biking, refers to the 3-4 inch wide tires known as “fatties” that enable you to glide across snow-laden mountain bike trails, fields, icy lakes and wide-groomed cross-country ski trails. 

Beginners might wonder how challenging fat biking may be. Riding on the snow can be joyous and sometimes demanding depending on the conditions. There is no doubt that fat biking can help you with your calorie goals, if that’s what you are looking for. With the right equipment, groomed trails, trusted guides and bicycle-friendly breweries and restaurants to fuel up at, fat biking in North Bay reignites and inspires a love of winter and being active outdoors. 

Fat Biking Tips and Winter Cycling Gear

Using a fat bike that fits, having the correct tire pressure (low) for the snow and dressing appropriately for the winter while partaking in an activity that turns up the heat, are all critical aspects for your enjoyment of fat biking. 

The golden rule of Northern Ontario winters – dress in layers – applies here. One tip is to dress like you are going skiing, but for a more detailed take on how to have the best fat biking experience, check out this gear guide for beginners.