Canada – Reasons why you should try fat biking

Winter and Québec City go hand in hand. A stroll in the Petit-Champlain after a fresh snowfall should convince pretty much everyone. But to go through a winter, lazy strolls are not enough, you must get active! Traditional activities like snowshoeing, ice skating and cross-country skiing easily come to mind, but what if you prefer to ride a bicycle? Enter fat biking.

What is a Fat Bike?

Fat bikes are a subgenre of mountain bikes that come with bulbous tires, usually between 4 and 5 inches wide. This type of tire allows for a combination of a wider contact patch, massive air volume and low air pressure, which multiply traction on surfaces like snow and sand.

No lessons needed

It’s like riding a bicycle, really: pedal and steer! Of course riding on snow will require some adjustment, but anyone who can already ride a bicycle should feel right at home on a fat bike.

Accessible rentals

Winter sports aren’t cheap and fat biking is no exception. That’s why most trail centres have complete rental fleet on site. Bikes are usually available in hour blocks, making it easy to plan ahead.

Active contemplation

Snow filled trees, frozen ponds, ice cascades… Winter can be beautiful. Thanks to being on wheels, you’ll be keeping your body warm, while covering more ground to reach those picture-perfect spots. Winter is also an ideal time to revisit summer vistas. The now leafless trees open up the view, redefining the landscape.