Mountain bike magic in the Eastern Townships
Why the Eastern Townships needs to be your next mountain biking destination
My first experience mountain biking in this area was at Sutton, from the Huttopia campground. I had no idea what I was getting into. I was intimidated by the elevation; I rode the wrong way on the trails and I got off my bike more times than I could count. I remember asking myself why I even tried. Why even show up when you feel that you’re not qualified to even be there.
Let me tell you, it’s moments like those that make me so grateful that I showed up to explore a new sport and a new network of trails. It opened my eyes to how my mountain bike, Miss Baby, is going to take me on all these epic adventures, and the townships deliver in every way.
I’m going to break this down so that you can have an itinerary that you can follow and share with friends. The trail systems in this area have something to offer for everyone, so don’t be intimidated!
Bromont:
For mountain bikers and for those that love downhill and pretty technical trails, you can head to the main mountain, Mont Bromont. If you’re not comfortable heading out alone, you can hire trail guides to take you out. Parking is free but you will pay to use the trails if you are not a resident.
If you’re looking for a smaller and less intense trail network, try Mont Oak. My favourite trails are WamBam, Fruit Loop and Phooz. There is a small skills parc at the welcome center (44, Chemin des Carrières, Bromont QC J2L 1J6)
Ondago and Trail Forks are the recommended apps to navigate the trail networks.
Passes: These can be purchased on Parc Des Sommets website. Day passes are $17.
Parking: 44, Chemin des Carrières, Bromont QC J2L 1J6 or next to Dooleys as per the parking on Trailforks
Post drink and snack suggestions: Café 1792, Dooley’s, Boulangerie Patisserie Canael
For best quality viewing, I’d recommend you watch the video in Youtube and set the video quality to at least 1080p
Sutton:
The best part about mountain biking at Sutton is the camping that you can do as part of your trip. When you stay at Huttopia, you are right at the mountain bike trails. This offers you the ability to camp, park your car and not have to move it for the remainder of your trip! Huttopia has campsites, cabins and lodges to rent. In addition, they have a restaurant with a wood burning oven which is fantastic.
The trails here are for everyone and I’d highly recommend that you give this network a chance!
Camping: Sutton Huttopia
Information on passes and trails: Sutton’s website. $19 for a day pass.
Post drink and snack suggestions: I haven’t spent as much time in the village as I was camping at Huttopia, but go to the main street and any place you pick will have great food and drink!
Coaticook:
This might be my favourite share of all! This network has so much going for it. The trail system is nestled right in town and it’s runs along the Gorge trail. This mountain biking here is super fun and has something for everyone. There is a fun bike park to practise some of your skills as you venture out and try some of the more technical trails
I found that TrailForks was a little out of date for this network but overall, it got me to where I needed to be.
Passes: Free with camping and $11 for a day pass.
Parking: I’d advise that you park in the main grassy area as you pull in before you go through the covered bridge. It gets really busy and can be a hassle. You can find the parking but simply going to Trailforks and typing ‘Coaticook’ and parking at it’s recommended location.
Information about the trails can be found here.
Post drink and snack suggestion: I opted to try out Compton and head to get some yummy cheese and meets! Fromagerie La Station. It’s a bit out of the way but worth it!
For best quality viewing, I’d recommend you watch the video in Youtube and set the video quality to at least 1080p
