Empire 47 – Mountain Biking near Quebec City, Lac-Delage

Empire 47 is one of the best places for mountain biking near Quebec City. This four-season outdoor centre in Lac-Delage, just north of the city, runs more than 70 km of mountain bike trails in summer and one of Quebec’s best-known fatbike networks in winter.

Empire 47 is a non-profit organisation founded in 2014, run by a volunteer board and a small team of staff. It is accredited by Aventure Écotourisme Québec and holds a Biosphere sustainability certification – and its own trail crew and patrol look after the network.

The trails

The summer network covers around 73 km of singletrack for beginners, intermediate and expert riders, with a focus on flow, speed and fun. On top of the trails you’ll find two jump lines and a skills park to work on your technique.

There is no chairlift: most riders pedal up. For intermediate riders and above, the E-Shuttle offers single uplift runs, and groups can book a private shuttle.

Pump track and kids

Empire 47 has a 1,800 m² lit asphalt pump track that works for riders from about two years old, with pump-track bikes for rent. Small children have a Pilot Zone with push bikes, and there are youth programmes and day camps in summer.

Rental, lessons and services

• Bike rental: more than 100 bikes in partnership with Norco – hardtails, full-suspension all-mountain bikes, dirt-jump bikes and e-MTBs. Book online at least 36 hours ahead.
• Evolution 47 bike school: 2-hour courses from beginner to expert, private and group lessons, youth programmes, day camps and airbag jump training.
• Guiding: guided rides are available on request.
• E-bikes: Class 1 pedal-assist e-MTBs are allowed with an e-bike access pass.

Season and prices

The summer bike season usually runs from around mid-May to the end of October, depending on trail conditions. A daily trail pass costs CA$24.60 for riders aged 16 and over (2026, plus taxes), with cheaper youth passes, family passes and season passes. Helmets are mandatory.

Winter: fatbike paradise

When the snow arrives, Empire 47 grooms nearly 50 km of fatbike trails – with evening rides on lit trails – plus a 15 km snowshoe network. More than 100 fatbikes are available to rent, which makes it an easy place to try winter riding for the first time.

Tips for mountain biking at Empire 47

• Book rental bikes early: weekends get busy, and bikes must be reserved online at least 36 hours in advance.
• Use the jump lines and skills park first to warm up before heading into the longer trails.
• Take a lesson: a 2-hour course is the quickest way to ride the flow trails with more confidence.
• Check trail status before you go: trails close after heavy rain to protect the network.

Ride Quebec with a local guide or coach

Whether you’re new to mountain biking or ready for the expert trails, riding with a coach or local guide is the best way to discover Empire 47. Find more MTB guides, schools and bike parks in Canada, browse all bike parks, or visit the official Empire 47 website for trail status, passes and bookings.