Manitoulin Island is set to make a big leap in outdoor recreation with the development of its first official mountain bike trails. Backed by $250,000 in funding, the project is led by the Manitoulin Island Cycling Advocates (MICA) and will transform an old ski hill into a compact but legitimate mountain biking area.
The plan includes creating five kilometres of singletrack trails on 80 acres of land near the Cup and Saucer Trail, a popular tourist spot. “It’s not huge, but it’s a start—and it’s something we’ve never had here before,” says project coordinator Steven Martin.
Diverse Trails And Scenic Views
The new trail system, designed by Ontario-based trail builder Zane Davies of Treadscape, will feature a variety of trails for different skill levels. It will include beginner-friendly green loops, flowy blue trails, and some more challenging black runs at the top. The location offers stunning views, perched on the same escarpment as the Cup and Saucer lookout, the highest point on the island, offering vistas across the North Channel.
“This park rounds out the tourism experience here,” adds Martin. “We already have beaches, sailing, and hiking—now we’ll have mountain biking too.”
A Modest Start with Big Potential
This year’s goal is to complete the first five kilometres of trails, along with a dirt pump track at the base. With $250,000 in initial funding from the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation, the team plans to take a phased approach to the project.
The park is expected to have a soft opening this fall, with a full opening scheduled for 2026. It will operate on a membership-based model and is designed for long-term growth, with local stewardship involved in maintaining the park.
Although it may not yet be a major destination for mountain bikers, it represents a significant step forward for Manitoulin Island.