Bike
MTB
The ultimate guide to mountain biking in British Columbia
Here's our guide to a land of float planes, big mountains and hundreds of kilometres of premium trails.
British Columbia is notoriously known for its incredible views, colourful lakes and it’s cool little mountain towns. The license plates don’t say “beautiful British Columbia” for no reason. And for all of the two-wheel enthusiasts out there, BC is without a doubt a world-renowned mountain biking destination.
What started off as skinnys and log rides on Vancouver’s north shore has evolved into a province-wide mecca of mountain biking trails. Just open a trail map app on your phone and watch it light up. Now a go-to host for riding events, popular spot for filming bike movies and home of more than 8 bike parks, add BC to your riding bucket list (if it’s not already number one).
As the second stop on the Crankworx World Tour just wrapped up in Whistler, the mountain biking energy in British Columbia is at an all-time high. Though the event might be over, your BC bike tour may just be kicking off. Trails have changed and new trails have been built, so we’ve updated our ultimate guide to mountain biking in British Columbia this fall.
01
Whistler
Relive Red Bull Joyride 2022
Whistler, the home to Red Bull Joyride and mountain biking capital is top of the list. If you ask an avid rider their favourite biking spot or dream place to ride, odds are the answer is Whistler. Known for having the best mountain bike park in the world, this town also offers a trail network throughout the valley that you couldn’t scratch the surface of in an entire summer of riding.
The bike park is a great place to ride world class trails and get a lot of repetition in. With trails ranking from green circles to double black diamond pro lines, there is a lap here for everyone.
Our Tech Trail Suggestion: Dark Crystal
Our Flow Trail Suggestion: A-Line
It's no joke on the trails in Whistler
© Mattias Fredriksson
02
Chilcotins Mountains
If you can appreciate a big day of pedalling and feeling one with nature, the Chilcotin Mountains have your name on it. This range is a few hours north of Whistler packed with endless terrain, incredible wildlife and epic views. If you want to arrive in style, check out Tyax Adventures helicopter bike drop trips and start your descent from way up high in the Chilcotins.
Our Tech Trail Suggestion: Gun Meadows
Our Flow Trail Suggestion: Ridge-o-Rama
Arrive in style
© Mattias Fredriksson
03
Nelson
The little town of Nelson in BC’s interior is popular among skiers for its epic snowfalls, backcountry access and the large community of hippy ski bums who love to ski everyday. It also happens to be a hidden gem for mountain biking in the summer-time, where they boast the highest concentration of hand-built trails throughout BC.
Our Tech Trail Suggestion: Giveout and Gold Cree
Our Flow Trail Suggestion: Turnstyles
Maximum concentration
© Mattias Fredriksson
04
Retallack
If you’re in Nelson and want to experience an out of this world, back-country bike trip, Retallack Lodge is a must. This spot has built an incredible reputation around its backcountry and cat-skiing operations, but their mountain biking reputation is also making the rounds. With guided tours, shuttles, 100kms of single track and 6000 vertical feet of trail, this place is as close to a biker’s paradise as you can get.
Pefect singletrack in Retallack
© Mattias Fredriksson
05
Rossland
Rossland’s mountain biking scene is notoriously known for biking on very unique trails. The mining boom in BC in the late 1800s put Rossland on the map as a popular gold miners town. Once that era was over, the remaining mine shafts, railways and whiskey running routes made for some epic mountain biking trails. A must-do Rossland classic is the Seven Summits Trail which boasts 35km of alpine riding and will get your heart rate way up.
Our Tech Trail Suggestion: Whiskey
Our Flow Trail Suggestion: Crown Point
Mike Hopkins blazing a trail in Rossland
© Mattias Fredriksson
06
Revelstoke
Similar to Nelson, Revelstoke has built a name for itself in BC’s interior as the ultimate ski destination, even earning the nickname “Revelstoked”. Following similar trend to other BC mountain towns, this place is also a go-to biking destination. It’s famous for its alpine riding adventures in the Monashee and Selkirk mountain ranges which host shuttle-access terrain, downhill riding, cross-country tours and gnarly hike-a-bikes. Something for everyone.
Our Tech Trail Suggestion: Tantrum
Our Flow Trail Suggestion: Fifty Six Twenty
Ripping through alpine country
© Mattias Fredriksson
07
Pemberton
If you’re on a trip to Whistler, you can’t miss the trail network in the Pemberton Valley, about half an hour north. Pemberton sits almost 500m lower in elevation than Whistler does, making it a prime spot for spring biking while winter is still in full swing at the resort. This is arguably the best time to ride here while the ground still holds some moisture. Pemberton’s hot summer temperatures make the trails here perfect for practicing your steep and loose riding.
Our Tech Trail Suggestion: Cream Puff
Our Flow Trail Suggestion: Radio Tower
The Grumpy Grouse trail is one tough run
© Mattias Fredriksson
08
Sunshine Coast
A quick ferry ride from the north shore of Vancouver, the Sunshine Coast’s proximity to the ocean and mild climate makes it a perfect, year-round mountain biking area. This region is also home to Canada’s first year-round bike park, Coast Gravity Park. The mossy green forests and long stretches of beach make the Sunshine Coast unique in nature and the riding is worth writing home about. The trail network is predominantly split into two zones: Northern Sunshine Coast and Southern Sunshine Coast.
Learn more about Sunshine Coast
Our Tech Trail Suggestion: Built to Spill
Our Flow Trail Suggestion: Mach Chicken
The sun always shines on Brandon Semenuk
© Mattias Fredriksson
09
Squamish
Halfway between Vancouver and Whistler is Squamish, an iconic BC mountain biking destination. If the massive granite rock face of the Stawamus Chief doesn’t draw you in enough, the mountain biking terrain is sure to make Squamish worth your visit. Many popular personalities call Squamish home, including Jackson Goldstone, making it the scene of many mountain biking edits and films.
Our Tech Trail Suggestion: Entrails to Bony Elbows
Our Flow Trail Suggestion: Airplane mode
This isn’t just another trail...
© Mattias Fredriksson
10
Cumberland
The Village of Cumberland is a tiny town with big community energy from arts, culture, breweries, restaurants and of course, mountain biking. This trail networks boasts over 80km of hand-built singletrack with tons of trails for each level of rider. When your ride is over and your thirst needs quenching, check out the local brewery in town and fill your stomach at the taco shop or the pizza place. If Cumberland is where you are calling home for a few nights, check out the Riding Fool Hostel, a bike friendly business specially equipped to welcome and accommodate mountain bikers.
Our Tech Trail Suggestion: Blueprint
Our Flow Trail Suggestion: Field of Dreams
11
Mount Prevost
This DH/Freeride trail zone is about an hour outside of Victoria on Vancouver Island. This unsanctioned region is the training grounds for some of Canada’s top downhill racers, like Finn Iles. Most people access the zones by shuttling to avoid a very long pedal up. With a range of flow trails, tech trails and some pretty wild jump lines, this area can accommodate most riding levels.
Our Tech Trail Suggestion: Patchworx to Crème Brulee
Our Flow Trail Suggestion: Adrenaline
