THE mountain biking in Val-David is practiced in the Val-David-Val-Morin Regional Park, which has a 35 km network accessible through the Dufresne and Far Hills sectors. There are wide trails suitable for beginners and cross-country, narrow, more technical trails and intermediate flow trails at Mont Plante. To choose correctly, consult the official map, respect the indicated level and check the condition of the trails the same day.

This guide prepares for a trail outing without replacing the signage or advice from the Park. The other outdoor activities in Val-David are presented separately.

TO REMEMBER

  • The Val-David-Val-Morin regional park announces 35 km of trails for different levels.
  • The Dufresne sector gives access to the network from Val-David; Far Hills is located in Val-Morin.
  • The wide trails are better suited to beginners and cross-country; singletracks require more skill.
  • Mont Plante offers flow trail style descents classified as intermediate by the Park.
  • Far Hills includes a bike park, a roller track and a skills area aimed particularly at young people.
  • A mountain bike, helmet and closed shoes are required in summer.
  • A registered map is not sufficient : conditions and official closures always take precedence.

Where to ride and how to choose according to your level?

Dufresne sector: start from Val-David

Le Chalet Anne-Piché, at 1165, chemin du Condor, is the reception point for the Dufresne sector. This entry is the most logical for a person staying in Val-David. The Location of KM42 page locates the chalets about a two-minute walk from the Park and indicates that two access passes are provided. Confirm the activities, dates and people covered by these passes before your stay.

The Park highlights the Mont Plante section, revitalized with several intermediate-level flow trail style descents. These tracks have a series of turns and terrain movements, but “fluid” does not mean “beginner”: the classification and the actual condition of the track take precedence.

The sector also has more technical singletracks. Their opening may change after rain, maintenance or an event, this guide does not recommend any precise route. Ask the staff which circuit corresponds to your experience.

Far Hills sector: initiation and skills

The Far Hills sector is accessible through Chalet Far Hills, at 5966, chemin du Lac-La Salle, in Val-Morin. The Park announces a bike park including a roller track, or pump track, as well as a skills zone. This space allows young people to work on their comfort before considering a longer outing in the forest.

A learning zone does not make the entire neighboring network easy. With a family or different levels, start with the skills area, then ask reception for advice. The less experienced cyclist must determine the route.

Beginner, intermediate or advanced: read beyond the color

The Park specifies that beginners and cross-country enthusiasts can favor the wider trails used for cross-country skiing in winter. Cyclists looking for a technical challenge also have singletracks. Between the two, the intermediate flow trails of Mont Plante are aimed at people already capable of controlling their speed and trajectory.

Distance alone does not measure difficulty. Slope, obstacles, humidity and climbing effort also count. Use the official bicycle trail map to read the legend and build a coherent circuit, then respect the signage on site.

If your objective is more of a linear ride on a multifunctional path, consult the vélo guide on the P’tit Train du Nord. To compare trail outings and cycling loops, see the cyclotourism in Val-Davidguide. These experiences require neither the same bike nor the same skills as a trail ride.

How to prepare for your mountain bike ride in Val-David?

Check the map, conditions and weather

First consult the official Park conditions, then open the network map. The conditions table distinguishes the Far Hills, Dufresne and Mont Césaire–Mont Plante sectors and can indicate an opening, a closure, a muddy state, maintenance or partial access. Do this check the morning of departure, even if you prepared your tour the day before.

In autumn, recent rain, wet leaves and shorter days can change the experience. Allow some time before nightfall and choose a shorter option if the terrain or group requires it. Never ride on a closed trail: the closure can protect cyclists, the ground or work in progress.

Prepare the bike and essential equipment

The Park rules require a mountain bike, helmet and closed shoes for summer activity. Before departure, at least check the brakes, tires, wheels and transmission, or have the bike inspected by a professional. Bring water, a snack, a layer suited to the weather and something to handle a simple repair that you really know how to do.

The Vélo Québec code of conduct reminds you to ride in control, check the bike and take into account the variable condition of the trails. Stay on the marked routes, avoid shortcuts and leave the way. A good outing remains adapted to abilities and conditions.

Provide access, fees and electric bikes

The Park applies summer pricing for mountain biking. By staying at KM42, you benefit from seasonal passes giving unlimited access to the Val-David–Val-Morin Regional Park for the entire duration of your stay. Daily tickets and packages for non-residents are offered online and at the two reception chalets; Eligible residents must attend in person. As amounts and terms may change, always consult the official prices when planning.

For an electrically assisted mountain bike, do not assume that the rules of the P’tit Train du Nord apply to the Park’s trails. At the time of our verification, the official pages dedicated to cycling and regulations do not clearly specify the categories of electric bikes accepted. Contact the Dufresne sector at 819 322-6999 or Far Hills at 819 322-2834 before bringing or renting an electric model.

Organize a simple day around the Park

A drop-off point close to the network reduces travel and allows you to adapt the day if conditions change. From KM42, the Dufresne sector is very close and the village heart is accessible on foot. After the outing, the guide where to eat in Val-David helps you choose an address according to the time and the desired atmosphere.

If a closure prevents you from riding, keep an alternative solution that does not force access to the trails. The guide what to do in Val-David during your stay groups together distinct activities. To sleep on site, compare the KM42 chalets, then check availability.

FAQ about mountain biking in Val-David

How many kilometers of trails does the Regional Park have?

The Val-David-Val-Morin Regional Park announces 35 km of mountain bike trails. This figure describes the entire network; accessible portions may vary depending on conditions, maintenance and temporary closures.

Is the network suitable for beginners?

Yes. The Park indicates that beginners can find wider trails, also used for cross-country skiing in winter. Start with a recommended choice at reception and use the Far Hills bike park to work on skills if this option suits the group.

Where to access the trails from Val-David?

The reception point in the Dufresne sector is Chalet Anne-Piché, at 1165, chemin du Condor, in Val-David. The KM42 chalets are approximately a two-minute walk from this access according to the Site Location page.

Can we ride after the rain?

Only if the Park indicates that the trails in question are open. Soggy ground can become fragile or slippery; consult the official table of conditions on the same day and respect any partial closures or restrictions.

Can you use an electric bike in the Park?

The official pages consulted do not give a precise enough answer for all types of electrically assisted mountain bikes. Confirm directly with the Park that your model is accepted in the area and the planned trails.

Mountain biking in Val-David offers several experiences in a 35 km network, from wide introductory trails to technical singletracks and the intermediate flow trails of Mont Plante. The right choice depends less on a target distance than on the level of the group, the signage and the conditions of the day. Consult the map and the status of the network before each departure, then choose a chalet near the Dufresne sector to organize a flexible stay between trails, rest and village.