Getting into off-road riding can feel overwhelming, but we’ve got you covered. This hub is packed with everything new riders need to get started: from choosing your first bike to finding insurance, renting trailers, and signing up for your first off-road school. We’ll walk you through the essentials, share practical tips, and point you to beginner-friendly locations so you can start your off-road journey with confidence.

For new riders, starting with a smaller, lightweight bike is key to building confidence and control. We recommend looking at bikes between 50cc and 150cc, depending on your height, weight, and any previous riding experience. Smaller engines are easier to handle and more forgiving on the trails, making them ideal for learning the basics. Check out the manufacturers we’ve listed below for more details.

Not sure what’s right for you? Visit a local dealer to sit on a few bikes and get a feel for what fits best. and take a look at the dealerships we’ve highlighted to find a good fit near you.

If you’re new to dirtbiking, getting the right insurance is an essential step before hitting the trails. To ride the OFTR trails you need to have insurance – and that includes electric dirtbikes. Insurance protects you financially in case of accidents or damage involving other people or property.

Getting covered is simple: contact a motorcycle or dirtbike insurance provider and ask for off-road liability coverage. Be sure your policy is valid for off-road use. Once you’re insured, you can ride with confidence, knowing you’re protected and fully compliant with the law. Not sure where to start? Check out some of the insurance companies we work with below to make the process even easier.

Before you hit the trails, making sure you have the right protective gear is just as important as having a bike. Proper gear not only keeps you safe from falls, flying debris, and unexpected obstacles, but it also makes your ride more comfortable and enjoyable. Not sure what to buy or where to find it? Take a look below at some of our favourite places to shop for quality gear trusted by riders across Ontario.

BMA. Ottawa- Leeds-Grenville-Calabogie 

BPORRA. Bruce & Huron County  

DRRRA. Dufferin and Grey County.  

HORRA.  Halton-No Trails

HTR.  Haliburton County

KORMA.  Kawartha Lakes

LVDR.  Turkey Point & St. Williams

MORR.  Muskoka & Parry Sound

NiTR – Niagara Timberline Riders  Niagara Region

NTR.  Northumberland County

OCMC – Oshawa CMC.  Oshawa-no trails

ODSC.  Dual Sport Club

SCORRA.  Simcoe County 

STARA.  Sudbury Area

VTR  Petawawa-Ottawa Valley-Renfrew

If you’re new to dirtbiking, taking a course at an off-road riding school is one of the best ways to build confidence and skills before heading out on the trails. These schools offer expert instruction in a safe, controlled environment where you can learn the basics of bike handling, trail etiquette, and safety. Even if you’ve ridden before, there’s always something new to learn – and many schools cater to all skill levels. The best part? Most offer bike rentals, so you can get started even if you don’t have your own ride yet. Check out the schools listed below – they’ve got something to teach every rider, and they’re a great way to kick off your off-road journey.

Learning to ride doesn’t stop after your first trail—off-road riding is a skill that gets better with time, practice, and experience. The more you ride, the more confident and capable you’ll become on different types of terrain. Why not turn your practice into a fun weekend getaway? With dirtbike-friendly hotels and trailer rental companies available, it’s easy to plan a trip that’s all about riding and relaxing. Check out the options below or visit our Staycations page for more ideas.