World-class ATV riding in Bancroft

Why the small town of Bancroft is such a hotspot for ATVing.

If you are an ATV enthusiast, then Bancroft is a destination you need to know about. Located in Ontario's Highlands, the little town of Bancroft is one of Canada's finest outdoor playgrounds.

The Hastings Heritage Trail is the corridor that delivers it all for quad riders. It's a 156-km multi-use trail that follows an old abandoned railway line, which starts in Glen Ross to the south and heads north to Lake St. Peter. This trail is part of the Eastern Ontario Trail Alliance (EOTA) that boasts a 700+ km network of trails that offer an adventurous mix of terrain for ATV enthusiasts. Located on the southernmost tip of the Canadian Shield, ATV riders will be thrilled with the scenic ride they will experience as the trail system cuts through muddy wetlands, incredible forests, around lakes and over rolling farmlands.

Make sure to try out the EOTA interactive trail map

Checking the map, you’ll see that the trail routes wind their way from Bancroft into all kinds of communities worthy of a stop and fully equipped to cater to your needs. From resorts and lodges to fuel stops and restaurants, touring riders will be well taken care of. Bancroft is the perfect hub to get your ride started and has a by-law permitting ATVs on their roadways. You can choose to take an organized tour, or else head out on your own on marked trails, township maintained trails, forest access roads, the Hastings Heritage Trail and more.

Bancroft 02
Challenging trails in Bancroft

If a special event is more your style, Bancroft is becoming well known for the Dungannon Mud Bog. Hosted in L’Amable, just south of Bancroft on Highway 62, this fundraiser ride has grown significantly over the past few years, and now boasts over 400 quad entries. With a 75-km ride supported by an optional mud pit to play in at the lunch stop, this play day has become the basis of a popular weekend getaway for ATV riders from all over. Enjoy the region's trails on one day and take in the entertaining special event on another. Some folks trailer in and take advantage of the many supporting amenities on connecting trails; others ride in from outside the region and make it a tour.

On the Dungannon Mud Bog trails in Bancroft. Photo: Shelby Mahon

Whether you are coming from the U.S., another part of Ontario or Quebec, the Bancroft area is easily accessible and completely connected to the ATVOntario trails and the Eastern Ontario Trails Alliance network.

About Mark Hamerton

Ontario facinates me; the farther I go in the bush, the more I feel at home. I love showing people new riding areas, and the countless stunning locations you can get to on an ATV.

Recommended Articles

6 Reasons Why Mattawa is Canada's Off Road Capital

Here's why VMUTS in Mattawa, Ontario is this rider's choice for the ATV (and UTV, and dirt bike, and ADV) capital of Canada.

Vintage ATVs: A Guide to Your Favourite Rides

From Honda's FourTrax to today's bush-bashing UTVs, here's a brief history of the ATV (and why you should care).

Video – an ATV adventure in Ganaraska Forest

Off-road Adventures Close to Home

The 9 best ATV tours in "Southern" Ontario

Ride the North

5 ATV Adventures Worth Trailering To

19 Best ATV Cabin Rentals

Check out these awesome ATV home bases all over Northern Ontario..

Checking a Couple Off the Bucket List

The KATVA & HATVA Trails in one weekend

The Eastern Ontario Trail Alliance

Discover this epic off-road trail network in Eastern Ontario

Ghost Town Adventures

Where history meets the trails.

Stay and Play in Kearney

An ATVer's dream at the Gateway to Algonquin Park

Extreme mud, extreme fun

An ATV adventure in Haliburton

Gettin' Dirty in the Kawarthas

The KATVA Annual Mud Run

A Club's First Ride

The Thousand Islands ATV Club shows new clubs how it's done.

Coming Together to Win Big

Record-Breaking Funds Raised at NVATVC Ride for Dad

Blazing new trails

An ATV poker run mixes chance, camaraderie... and a lot of burgers.

ATVing in Ontario - By Region

Everyone is welcome!

Law Change Allows All Off-Road Vehicles Access to Public Roads

Guided ATV Tours

Are You Ready to Hit the Trails?

Park to Park ATV Trails

Now easier than ever to expand your ATV adventure with OnePass

Can you ride your ATV in winter? You bet!

Friendly lodges, dedicated trails, guided tours, and more