What started as a big idea on an old ski hill now has a firm opening date.
Manitoulin Island Cycling Advocates (MICA) has announced the grand opening of the North Channel Bike Park for Saturday June 13, 2026.
Last year, the plan was still lines on a map and a lot of optimism. A disused ski hill above the North Channel would become a small but dense network of gravity trails, bolted onto Manitoulin’s already impressive road and gravel scene. Now the shovels have done the majority of the digging. The park has a name, a map and a launch date.
MICA says detailed invitations and event plans will follow in early spring 2026. For now, riders can start dreaming and blocking time off on the calendar.
Euro-style gravity, Manitoulin style
The North Channel Bike Park will open with about 5 km of what MICA calls “Euro-style, short gravity trails.” Instead of one long descent, riders will get a tight cluster of laps that mix technical features with cross country-style pedalling and modern flow.
The idea is to have something for everyone. There will be beginner, intermediate and advanced options stacked on the same hillside.
A pump track at the base area will round things out. Giving kids a place to burn endless energy, let adults dial in cornering and balance and offer a low-risk way for new riders to get hooked.
It is not Whistler and it is not trying to be. It is a Northern Ontario take on a bike park, scaled to the hill and the community.
A new reason to bring the squishy bike
Until now, the island has been an easy sell for gravel riders. You came for quiet pavement, rolling farmland and views over the North Channel.
In 2026, you’ll want to add your full squish rig to the bike rack.
Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at Canadian Cycling Magazine…