Where to ride a dirt bike legally in Ontario (2026 rules)

Short version: you need a plated, insured bike, a helmet, and somewhere you're allowed to be. In Ontario that means a private MX track, an OFTR trail, a day-pass forest like Ganaraska, Crown land where it isn't prohibited, or private land with the owner's permission.

What your bike and you need

Registration and a plate. Off-road vehicles must be registered and display a plate (except in exempted areas such as far northern Ontario). A green plate means off-road motorcycle; a blue plate means road-legal.
Insurance. A motor vehicle liability policy is required anywhere off the owner's property. Carry proof of insurance and the registration permit.
A helmet. An approved motorcycle helmet, fastened under the chin.
Age. Riders must be 12 or older off-road, unless directly supervised by an adult or on the owner's land.

The legal places to ride

1. MX tracks and riding parks

Private tracks set their own rules and fees, and usually have you sign a waiver at the gate. Near Toronto, examples include Gopher Dunes ($35/day per dirt bike rider, per its website) and Motopark Training Facility. See all of them on the map.

2. OFTR trails

The OFTR trail pass opens about 5,000 km of club-maintained trails, including Simcoe County forests, the Dufferin and Grey rail trails, Kawartha Lakes, Haliburton, Bruce Peninsula and the Ottawa-area forests (Limerick, Larose, Calabogie). OFTR says most trails open May 1 and close by November 30. Your bike must be plated, insured and 94 dB or quieter.

3. Day-pass forests

Ganaraska Forest (West & East Forest) isn't covered by the OFTR. It sells its own motorized day passes ($32 adult operator) and is the closest big trail system to the GTA.

4. Rail trails

Some rail trails allow dirt bikes. OFTR notes that operators must be 16 or older with a G2 or M2 licence on rail trails.

5. Crown land and private land

OFTR says off-road motorcycles are permitted on Crown land unless locally prohibited. On private land you need the owner's permission; riding without it is trespassing under the Trespass to Property Act.

Roads

Green-plated bikes can only use roads in municipalities whose bylaws allow off-road vehicles (or which are listed in O. Reg. 8/03). You need to be 16+ with at least a G2 or M2, and you can't carry a passenger. If there's no bylaw and the municipality isn't listed, you can't ride there.

Ready to pick a spot? Start with riding near Toronto, near Ottawa, near London, or our beginner tracks near Toronto.

FAQ

Can I ride my dirt bike on the road in Ontario?

Only if it is plated for it. A blue-plated (road-registered) dual-sport bike follows the Highway Traffic Act like any motorcycle. A green-plated off-road motorcycle can only use a road where the municipality allows off-road vehicles by bylaw or is listed in O. Reg. 8/03, and the rider must be 16+ with at least a G2 or M2 licence. No passengers are allowed on an off-road motorcycle on a highway.

Can I ride an unplated dirt bike anywhere?

According to the OPP, unplated dirt bikes may only be ridden on private property with the owner's permission.

How old do you have to be to ride a dirt bike off-road in Ontario?

At least 12, unless directly supervised by an adult or riding on land occupied by the bike's owner (ontario.ca).

Do I need insurance to ride a dirt bike in Ontario?

Yes, anywhere other than the owner's property. The bike must be insured under a motor vehicle liability policy, and you have to carry proof of insurance and the registration permit.

Can I ride on Crown land?

OFTR says off-road motorcycles are permitted on Crown land unless locally prohibited. Check for local closures before you go.

Sources

Checked October 2026. Rules and prices change. This is a guide, not legal advice; confirm with the operator or the law itself.

Where to ride a dirt bike legally in Ontario.