Picture this: you're floating down one of Canada's most legendary whitewater rivers when you glance up at the forested hillsides towering above the Ottawa River. Now imagine ripping down those same slopes on your mountain bike. That's exactly what's happening at Wilderness Tours, where a 50-year-old whitewater institution has carved out 25 kilometers of purpose-built singletrack across 500 acres of prime terrain. With over 40 trail segments ranging from beginner greens to gnarly double blacks, this isn't your typical bike park.
The terrain here makes up for what it lacks in vertical with pure technical variety. While the longest DH run clocks in at about three-quarters of a mile with 300 feet of elevation drop, WT has worked hard to find features within the natural terrain that'll test your skills. Take "Gladiator," a double black that features a 60-foot rock roll that'll make you question your life choices. You'll also find natural janky tech, steep loamy chutes, and for the flow seekers, perfectly shaped berms and tabletops on trails like Kessel Run. The soil here has just enough clay to pack hard, fast trails that hold their shape. River Runner offers old school-style trail with techy bits that you can find flow in, if you know the lines.
Here's the practical breakdown: pedal up for $15 (e-bikes welcome) or take the six-minute shuttle for $50. Unlike most bike parks that shut down early for ski season prep, Wilderness Tours stays open until the freeze/thaw cycle forces their hand—sometimes as late as November. Many riders bundle their visit with the whitewater resort experience, but honestly, with trails ranging from greens for beginners to ProLines that'll humble experienced riders, you could easily spend multiple days here without getting bored. The local trail organization BORCA gets free access, and there's a 12-13 mile XC loop coming online soon for those who prefer their suffering in longer doses.
