Summary
- Why go mountain biking in Morin-Heights
- Basler Park, the historic heart of the network
- The new trails at Sommet Morin-Heights
- Choosing your trail based on your level
- Preparing your MTB outing in Morin-Heights
- A lifestyle that attracts new residents
- Conclusion
- FAQ
Every spring, the same question comes up among outdoor enthusiasts in the Laurentians: where can you ride this season without always repeating the same trails? Mountain biking in Morin-Heights has become one of the region’s go-to destinations in just a few years, with a network that combines accessible cross-country trails, technical descents and new trails built by passionate volunteers.
Whether you ride as a family with children who are still learning how to link berms, or you are looking for an enduro route worthy of a competition, this guide shows you where to go, what to ride and how to plan your outing.
Why go mountain biking in Morin-Heights
The village has a geographic advantage that is hard to beat: natural elevation, mixed forest that stays cool in summer, and a strong community that has been pushing for years to develop high-quality outdoor infrastructure.
The Vélo Pays-d’en-Haut club and the municipality have worked together to transform the network from a handful of local trails into a true regional park. Today, the municipal network includes approximately 13 km of cross-country trails at Mont Bellevue, in Basler Park, rated easy to intermediate, as well as a 22 km forest route that includes a loop around Lac Lefebvre, according to data from the municipality of Morin-Heights.
Since 2023, this has been complemented by 14 km of new trails built at Sommet Morin-Heights, in collaboration with the club and the municipality. The result is a varied, accessible playground, with free access to the municipal portion.
Basler Park, the historic heart of the network
Located at 99 Chemin du Lac-Écho, Basler Park is the essential starting point for mountain biking in Morin-Heights. The trails are bidirectional and access is free.
For getting started with mountain biking in Morin-Heights
The green trails in the Bellevue sector are perfect for beginners. The network also includes a bike park near the intersection of Chemin du Lac-Écho and La Corniche, with a pump track, a maze, a jump area and mini-routes designed for children.
For intermediate riders
The blue trails offer flowing singletrack with a few berms, perfect for learning to read the terrain without pushing too hard.
For more experienced riders
Black trails such as Sucrée, Salée and 364, a former ski run converted into a bike trail, offer technical sections with rocks, roots and committed descents.
The new trails at Sommet Morin-Heights
The development at Sommet has transformed the local experience. The resort now opens access to cyclists in summer, with parking, washrooms and a bike wash station at the chalet. Trail access is managed by the municipality, so it is important to check rates and opening hours before visiting, especially at the beginning and end of the season.
The development aims to bring the network to a higher level, with the ambition of eventually hosting Coupe Québec-level competitions. Longer descents already make use of the elevation from the former ski hill, including the well-known 364 trail converted into an MTB descent. The trails continue to be completed gradually as volunteers move the work forward season after season.
For mountain biking enthusiasts in Morin-Heights who like alternating between a relaxed climb and a more committed descent, it is a natural complement to Basler Park, located just a few minutes away by bike. Many riders combine both sectors in the same outing to enjoy both the flow of Basler and the elevation of Sommet.
Looking to discover the region or settle there? Speak with a local broker to better understand what Morin-Heights offers active families.
Choosing your trail based on your level
Here is a quick reference based on your profile. Distances are approximate.
| Rider profile | Recommended sector | Typical distance | Level |
| Family with children | Bike park + green trails at Basler | 2 to 5 km | Easy |
| Adult beginner | Green and blue trails at Basler | 5 to 10 km | Easy to intermediate |
| Intermediate | Extended Basler Park loop | 10 to 20 km | Intermediate |
| Advanced / Enduro | Sommet Morin-Heights + black trails | 15 to 25 km | Difficult |
| Bike touring | Aerobic Corridor | Variable | Easy |
The Aerobic Corridor, which crosses the village, provides direct access to the Ski Morin Heights parking lot and makes it possible to combine a smooth ride with incursions into the singletrack trails.
Preparing your MTB outing in Morin-Heights
Whether you are new to mountain biking in Morin-Heights or already familiar with the network, a few basic rules will help ensure a successful outing:
- Get the official map before you leave, available on the municipality’s website.
- Wear a helmet and bring a basic repair kit, including an inner tube, tire levers, a pump and a multi-tool.
- Check trail conditions, especially at the beginning and end of the season.
- Do not ride in the rain or within 24 hours after rainfall, to prevent erosion.
- Respect closed trails and carry out your waste.
For GPS mapping enthusiasts, Trailforks offers downloadable tracks updated by the local community.
A lifestyle that attracts new residents
The growth of mountain biking reflects a broader trend in the Laurentians: the transformation of villages into complete living environments, where people work, raise a family and enjoy the outdoors without having to leave every weekend.
More and more buyers are looking for a property close to a trail network, both for their own use and for the added resale value. A home within riding distance of Basler Park or Sommet attracts a specific profile: active families, remote workers and athletic retirees. For these buyers, proximity to a quality trail network matters as much as lot size or architectural style.
Our team regularly supports clients for whom the outdoors is a central criterion. View our guide to buying a home in Morin-Heights to properly prepare your process.
Conclusion
Mountain biking in Morin-Heights now offers a complete experience for every level, from a learning park for children to technical descents for seasoned riders. Between the historic Basler Park and the new trails at Sommet, there is plenty to ride all season long.
For families dreaming of an outdoor-focused lifestyle, this development is also a factor that contributes to the value of the living environment. Contact the Tremblay Léger team to discuss your real estate project in the Laurentians.
FAQ
Is mountain biking in Morin-Heights free?
Access to the municipal trails at Basler Park is completely free, making mountain biking in Morin-Heights accessible to all budgets. For the new trails at Sommet Morin-Heights, access is managed by the municipality through ticketing. It is recommended to check rates and opening hours on the official website before your visit, especially at the beginning and end of the season.
What is the best MTB trail in Morin-Heights for a beginner?
The bike park near Chemin du Lac-Écho and the green trails in the Bellevue sector are the best entry points for beginners and children. You will find learning bumps, a maze and mini-routes designed to gradually develop skills. The longer green trails then make it possible to explore the forest gently, without major technical difficulty, which is ideal for building confidence.
Can you ride the trails in Morin-Heights when it rains?
No. The rule in the Morin-Heights network is not to ride on rainy days or within 24 hours after rainfall, in order to avoid damaging the trails and causing erosion. This rule comes directly from the volunteers who maintain the network season after season, and it is essential to preserving long-term trail quality for all users.
