Top-4 places to downhill in Canada

by Malcolm Howe

Downhill riding can be as simple as climbing a long fire road and descending on the trail. Many hilly areas have trails that work well as shuttle runs. All you need is a buddy and two vehicles (one to go to the top and the second to leave at the bottom). Canadians are blessed with a ton of great cycling options, which include lift-serviced DH parks. They really are the best place to start. Chairlifts take you and your bike to the top with a minimum of effort. You can then fit in multiple runs per day and maximum fun. Trails are normally well-maintained, well-marked and rated to accommodate all skill levels. Rentals and lessons are often available as well. The variety of trails keeps it fun and interesting, and allows you to see improvements in a single day. The following list is not comprehensive, but is a good place to start.

B.C.
Whistler is the granddaddy of DH areas. It’s massive in its size and has a great variety of trails. There is something for the raw beginner to sponsored professional. A daily lift pass will set you back $63. Services include rentals, lessons and food options. Note: B.C. is home to many lift-service operations offering great trails and tons of vertical riding. If you fall in love with DH, you may want to consider moving to this province.

Ontario
Despite the lack of mountains, Ontario is home to several lift-service bike parks. The largest is Blue Mountain in Collingwood. Rentals and lessons are available. A day pass costs $38. (First timers will have to spend an additional $10 to register and obtain a photo ID pass.) The Horseshoe Resort near Barrie and Sir Sam’s Ski and Bike in Haliburton also offer lift-service runs and rentals.

Quebec
La belle province offers a few great DH options. MonteSainte-Anne is a regular fixture on the World Cup downhill race circuit. A full slate of rentals and services are available. The park operates daily, but lifts are closed Tuesday and Wednesday. A day pass costs $40. Camp Fortune (just across the bridge from Ottawa, in Gatineau, Que.) operates lift service on weekends and Wednesday evenings, with passes costing $26. Bromont has been a mainstay with the DH crowd for more than a decade. A $40 pass gets you access to a pile of rated runs. Full rentals and services are available.

New Brunswick
Sugarloaf Park in New Brunswick is the self-proclaimed best (and only) DH park in Atlantic Canada. Runs are rated for beginners, intermediates and experts. Rentals are available. Lifts operate Thursday to Sunday and cost $20 for a day pass.

Lake Placid, N.Y.
It isn’t in Canada, but it is really close and I’m thinking of colonizing it. The area is loaded with XC, road and DH riding. Passes cost US$40.