For both mountain bikers and cyclists, British Columbia abounds with magnificent terrain to ride and greenery-laden views to enjoy.
Mountain bikers of all skill levels are drawn to BC for its abundance of flowy single-track trails, lift-accessed bike parks, and riding opportunities featured regularly in mountain bike magazines.
Bike through high alpine into the backcountry, across desert-like areas with sparse vegetation, down single-track through the rainforest, and to the top of mountains.
For cyclists, flat, paved paths in and near cities are perfect for tranquil family rides. Rolling hills and mountain passes suit touring cyclists or roadies looking for a challenge. From quick rides to multi-day adventures, BC is a premier cycling destination.
Biking in BC's Regions and Cities
Vancouver Coast & Mountains: Big climbs (or shuttles) and long single-descents in Squamish, the Sunshine Coast and the Fraser Valley, along with great city and rural cycling routes.
Vancouver Island: Buff single-track and freeride trails at Cumberland, Hornby Island, and Mount Washington, plus oceanside cycling to farms, wineries, and nearby Gulf Islands by ferry.
Kootenay Rockies: Small towns with big mountain biking communities and bike parks (Rossland, Nelson, Fernie, etc.), plus cycling along roads and abandoned rail lines with mountain and glacier views.
Thompson Okanagan: The most diverse trails in the province including Kelowna, a freeriders’ paradise – and great cycling, from city paths to former rail lines to award-winning wineries.
Cariboo Chilcotin Coast: Remote mountain bike rides near Williams Lake and Spruce Lake (South Chilcotin Mountains), plus cycling routes like the Gold Rush Trail and Freedom Highway through grasslands, hills, and forests.
Northern British Columbia: Empty, loamy trails and long summer days in Burns Lake, Prince George and Smithers, as well as open roads for biking and spotting wildlife.
Vancouver: Vancouver’s legendary North Shore spawned freeriding and offers some of the world’s toughest mountain bike trails, while cyclists enjoy an urban network of forested and oceanside trails.
Whistler: Home to the Whistler Bike Park and a massive mountain bike trail network, plus flat trails and gruelling climbs for cyclists amid stunning valley scenery.
Victoria: More than 50 trails at Mount Work, just outside Victoria, and a mix of popular bike routes that make this garden-laden city the cycling capital of Canada.
Types of Mountain Biking
British Columbia offers trails for every style of riding. Cross-country riders enjoy everything from dense forests to barren wilderness. All-mountain riders can find single-track climbs and descents for every skill level. Freeriders and downhillers will love the variety or steeps and stunts that will test even the biggest shocks.
Bike Parks
Don’t like pedalling uphill? Let a chairlift do the work. BC boasts eight bike parks around the province. Each park offers trails for every level of mountain biker, from beginner runs winding gently down the mountain to steep and gnarly descents filled with stunts known to make even the best freeriders hesitate.
Practical Points
- Bike helmets are mandatory in BC.
- Obey all trail signs and respect trail closures.
- Many communities and all bike parks offer bike and equipment rentals.
- Full-face helmets are mandatory at some bike parks. All parks recommend full-face helmets and armour.
- Cyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as motor vehicle drivers.
- In some cities, bicycles are permitted on transit services.
- Some regions and cities offer a mild climate that is conducive to cycling year-round, but peak season is from May to October.
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