Discover Ontario’s best trails at a mountain bike event in Sault Ste. Marie
An epic trail network and incredible terrain is rapidly making Sault Ste. Marie a hub for mountain biking. Ontario cyclists are buzzing about the new trails in the Hiawatha Highlands, only a few minutes north of Sault Ste. Marie’s city centre. Hiawatha has it all: Over 50 km of trails include a mix of impeccably-built, flow trails with fun tabletops and banked corners; old-school, lovingly handbuilt trails with steep drops and rooty climbs; a pump track; and a challenging and scenic backcountry route that blends machine-built features with handmade technical sections.
Two events scheduled for this spring and summer promise to showcase Sault Ste. Marie mountain biking and reveal why this bustling city in Northern Ontario is emerging as one of Ontario’s best cycling destinations.
Skeeter Slam, June 28-29
You may have heard that June is mosquito season in Northern Ontario, but for mountain bike competitors at the Skeeter Slam – Ontario Cup #4 races in Sault Ste. Marie, it’s the mosquitoes that’ll be chasing them as they zoom through Ontario’s most exciting network of single-track trails at the Skeeter Slam. Get ready for an adrenaline-fueled ride along the rugged and thrilling Hiawatha Highlands, where racers will leave biting insects in their dust during the fourth stage of the Ontario Cup series!
The Skeeter Slam – OCup #4, presented by Ontario Cycling and the Sault Cycling Club, is set for June 28-29 and promises a weekend of action-packed events that will leave riders and spectators alike buzzing with excitement. Whether you’re an experienced racer or a newcomer, this event has something for everyone! Here’s what you can expect:
- Saturday Morning: The 45-km XC Marathon—a grueling test of endurance that takes you on an unforgettable journey through Hiawatha’s most iconic trails. Get ready to face the technical climbs, rocky uphills, and heart-pounding descents that make this course a true challenge. It’s an exhilarating race where only the toughest will thrive.
- Saturday Afternoon: High-speed Short Track Racing for all ages! Watch or participate in some of the most exciting, fast-paced racing around. This thrilling, spectator-friendly format will keep you on the edge of your seat as riders sprint through tight corners and push their limits in an action-packed environment.
- Sunday: OCup Age-bracket Racing—From kids to adults, and everyone in between, Sunday’s races will offer a variety of age-specific challenges, so riders of all skill levels can experience the thrill of competition. Whether you’re just starting out or you’re an elite racer, this is your chance to get into the action!
“We want this event to be something for everyone,” says Travis Anderson, one of the event organizers. “We’re hoping to draw in those who’ve never raced before alongside some of the province’s most promising up-and-coming racers—the future World Cup and Olympic stars. We’re positioning this as a fun, family-friendly weekend that highlights our world-class trail system. It’s not your typical Ontario Cup event—it’s a celebration of everything mountain biking should be.”
So, whether you’re aiming for the podium or just looking to have an incredible time on your bike, the Skeeter Slam is the event you won’t want to miss! Register today and join us for an unforgettable weekend of racing, camaraderie, and adventure. This is your chance to be part of one of the most exciting mountain biking events in Ontario, and we can’t wait to see you there!
Mark your calendar, spread the word, and get ready to ride the best trails in Ontario at the Skeeter Slam! Register online here.
Salty Marie Trails Festival, July 25-27
Welcome to Year 3 of the Salty Marie Trails Fest, where we rise and brine to celebrate all things “trail” in Sault Ste. Marie! Hosted by Red Pine Tours Canada, this festival is a vibrant homage to the expanding cycling infrastructure, particularly the development at Hiawatha Highlands.
While races are a highlight, the Salty Marie is more than just a competition; it’s a gathering for both serious racers and casual cruisers alike. Whether you’re chasing a personal best or simply out to enjoy the trails, there’s something for everyone at this fun-fueled event.
But the excitement doesn’t stop with the races. For those not hitting the trails, the festival offers a bustling expo filled with local vendors showcasing an array of food, drinks, wares and live entertainment. It’s a perfect opportunity to sample delicious local fare, sip on refreshing drinks, and peruse unique offerings from talented artisans and vendors.
This year, the Salty Marie Trails Festival is July 25-27, with Saturday being the main race day. There are multiple mountain bike race options, ranging from the beginner friendly 2 km Saltine Shred to the epic 50 km Big Brine. Mid-distance 10 km and 25 km events are also available so anyone can test their limits while having fun. What’s more, you don’t need to be a mountain biker to participate, with 10 km and 21 km trail running events also on the schedule.
Sunday is a day for casual group riding – details nearer the time – and for mountain bikers to enjoy a more casual day of riding, while the organizers tear down the event.
- Register online for the Salty Marie Trails Festival, hosted by Red Pine Tours and the Sault Cycling Club at the Hiawatha Highlands
Make a weekend of it!
Come for a races, stay for the weekend! Enjoy a 90-minute river cruise on the Miss Marie Soo Locks Tour boat! If you are just looking to relax and enjoy some local drinks, check out our own microbrewery Northern Superior.
Check out our famous Bushplane Museum featuring 24 real Bushplanes to explore! Inside the Bushplane Museum you’ll also find Entomica Insectarium, complete with a host of real life insects and bugs you can actually hold!
Have you ever tried axe throwing? Check out one of our newest and most fun indoor activities! Missing golf and still need a fix? The Up and Down Lounge has state of the art golf simulators, which can be booked by the hour.
Get info about hotel stays or any other info by visiting the respective page on our website… and enjoy the races!
