Located in the municipality of Port Hope on the environmentally significant Oak Ridges Moraine, the Ganaraska Forest features “Paul’s Dirty 100,” the only course in Ontario designated an Epic Trail by the International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA). Epic Trails receive their IMBA titles for offering “some of the best riding you’ll find in their home regions”—and, according to cyclists, that’s exactly what you’ll get. Named after Paul Rush, who died in 1996 and loved nothing better than a long, hard ride, the trail features single-track loops of varying lengths (15, 30, 60, and 100 kilometres), as well as wider double-track sections. The trails feature more than 2,000 metres of climbing through pine plantations, twisting dark corners, and “roller coaster fire roads.” More info: Ganaraska Forest Centre and International Mountain Bicycling Association
What’s nearby: Take a break from cycling’s slogging and explore the well-preserved Victorian downtown of Port Hope, Ontario, which recently won the Best Destination award in Reader’s Digest’s “Canada’s Most Interesting Towns” competition.
How to get there: Take the 401 east to 115/35 north. Make a right onto Ganaraska Road, then turn left onto Cold Springs Camp Road. The Ganaraska Forest Centre will be on your left.
