FAQ

mountain bike

What type of trails can we find in Montebello?

The mountain bike network is in constant development and currently offers adventures for all types of riders: trails accessible to beginners, modern singletracks, flowy trails, as well as technical loops on rocky ridges.

The area around the Château Montebello mainly offers family-oriented singletracks in a beautiful century-old pine forest (Tête à Papineau, Louis-Joseph, Bourassa, Double Pin Centenaire). Families wanting to venture outside the mountain bike trails can ride nearby gravel paths with breathtaking scenery by the Ottawa River.

The northern area features several modern trails such as the legendary Mastodonte flowtrail, Yessir Miller, Auf Spring, Carcajou and Diable.  Other must-do trails include Chat sauvage, Roche Fest and the Patriote flowtrail.  Fans of old-school technical riding will enjoy an area with rocks, ridges, a grotto, and a millennial monolith (Rock & Ridge, Grotte, Grizzly, Yeti, Cougar, Coyote).

For those interested in mountain biking history, we have preserved some wider doubletrack classic trails that were used for races from the 1980’s until 2001 (Championnat 88, Championnat 91, Norbel 95, Raid 2001).

What are your opening hours?
    • Trail access: anytime 7 days a week, weather permitting – please follow our Facebook page for updates.  You must purchase your trail access ticket online and stop by our welcome center to receive the wristband of the day.  If we stepped out, you must keep your phone with proof of purchase and show it to our patrol team if asked.
    • Rentals: 9am-5pm on weekends and by reservation only on weekdays ahead of time, weather permitting – please follow our Facebook page for updates.
Do I have to purchase my access ticket online?

Yes, you must purchase your trail access ticket online on our website.  When you arrive, you must stop by our welcome center to receive the wristband of the day.  If we stepped out, you must keep your phone with proof of purchase and show it to our patrol team if asked.

How can I rent bikes?

All rentals must be reserved online on our website.  For rentals on weekdays, please make your reservation ahead of time so we can coordinate with someone from our team to meet with you at the scheduled time.

What types of bikes are available for rental?

For the summer season, we have hardtail mountain bikes from Trek, Norco, Marin, Specialized and Giant.  We also offer regular fatbikes from Devinci and Moose, as well as electric fatbikes from Spherik.

Where can we park?

Our parking lot, welcome center and trailhead are located at Fairmont Le Château Montebello (392, Notre-Dame Street in Montebello).  Parking is free.  Please take note that this is the only authorized parking lot for mountain biking.  It is important to respect this to preserve our agreements with landowners, as well as good neighbor relations with the local community.

Is there a designated area for vanlife overnight parking?

Yes, free overnight parking for vans is permitted behind the Montebello church (545, Notre-Dame St.), a few minutes away from the trails.  Don’t forget to purchase your trail access tickets.

Please take note that it is not permitted to park overnight or camp in our parking lot at Château Montebello. BBQ’s are also not allowed in the parking lot.

Are e-bikes allowed?

We only accept class #1 pedal-assist mountain bikes, without an acceleration throttle or motor wheels.

Is a helmet required?

Yes, it is always required.

What clothing should I wear for mountain biking?

We suggest soft clothing to be able to move properly.  Avoid large pants or jeans.  We also recommend sports shoes.

What should we bring with us?

We recommend the following items: backpack, water, snack, mosquito repellent, sunscreen.

What is your refund policy?

No refunds under any circumstances, all sales are final. Rain or shine. In the event of inclement weather or other conditions resulting in the partial or full closure of the trail network, or any other reason preventing access to the trail network or the rental of any equipment, day tickets and rentals can be transferred to a different day.

fatbike

What type of fatbike trails can we find in Montebello?

Our evolving winter trail network features adventures for all skill levels and is the largest offering of groomed fatbike trails in Western Quebec. The area near Château Montebello is perfect for families and beginners. Seasoned riders will enjoy our legendary Fat Papineau trail, an epic 15-kilometer adventure with rapid descents, good uphill segments for cardio, a lake crossing, a tunnel full of graffiti and much more!

What are your opening hours?
    • Trail access: anytime 7 days a week, weather permitting – please follow our Facebook page for updates. You must purchase your trail access ticket online and stop by our welcome center to receive the wristband of the day. If we stepped out, you must keep your phone with proof of purchase and show it to our patrol team if asked.

    • Rentals: 9am-5pm on weekends and by reservation only on weekdays ahead of time, weather permitting – please follow our Facebook page for updates.

Are the trails open rain or shine?

Please follow our Facebook page to get updates on fatbike trail conditions and potential closures due to weather.

Do I have to purchase my access ticket online?

Yes, you must purchase your trail access ticket online on our website. When you arrive, you must stop by our welcome center to receive the wristband of the day. If we stepped out, you must keep your phone with proof of purchase and show it to our patrol team if asked.

How can I rent bikes?

All rentals must be reserved online on our website. For rentals on weekdays, please make your reservation ahead of time so we can coordinate with someone from our team to meet with you at the scheduled time.

What types of fatbikes are available for rental?

For the winter season, we have Norco, Spherik, Moose and Rocky Mountain regular fatbikes. We also have a limited quantity of Spherik electric fatbikes.

Where can we park?

Our parking lot, welcome center and trailhead are located at Fairmont Le Château Montebello (392, Notre-Dame Street in Montebello). Parking is free. Please take note that this is the only authorized parking lot for mountain biking. It is important to respect this to preserve our agreements with landowners, as well as good neighbor relations with the local community.

Is there a designated area for vanlife overnight parking?

Yes, free overnight parking for vans is permitted behind the Montebello church (545, Notre-Dame St.), a few minutes away from the trails.  Don’t forget to purchase your trail access tickets.

Please take note that it is not permitted to park overnight or camp in our parking lot at Château Montebello. BBQ’s are also not allowed in the parking lot.

Are e-bikes allowed?

We only accept class #1 pedal-assist fatbikes, without an acceleration throttle or motor wheels.

What helmet should I use to fatbike? Is it mandatory?

Yes it is mandatory. You can use any bike helmet, but we recommend wearing a beanie or windproof skull cap underneath it. Ski or snowboard helmets can work too. We can rent helmets if needed.

Is it permitted to snowshoe in the fatbike trails?

We would instead recommend using the excellent Montebello snowshoe trail network, which is free for everyone to access. Residents can also borrow snowshoes for free from theMontebello leisure committee.

What is your refund policy?

No refunds under any circumstances, all sales are final. Rain or shine. In the event of inclement weather or other conditions resulting in the partial or full closure of the trail network, or any other reason preventing access to the trail network or the rental of any equipment, day tickets and rentals can be transferred to a different day.

Address

Fairmont Le Château Montebello
392, rue Notre-Dame
Montebello (Québec) J0V 1L0

OPENING HOURS

9am–5pm every day

Reservations must be made in advance for rentals.

Please visit our Facebook page for updates on trail conditions / closures.