 Mountain biking in Fernie
Don Weixl photo Tour the open road or cycle a scenic trail that takes you past clear lakes, hanging glaciers and wildlife. End with a dip into the soothing waters of one of the region's renowned hot springs.
Check local bike shops for trail maps and information or join a guided trip.
Easy
- Galena Trail: This historic hard-packed trail will lead you past abandoned mines, views of Slocan Lake and three diverse vegetation zones.
- Great Northern Rail Trail: Built on the beds of two old rail lines, this trail passes through scenery that is made up of mountains, lakes, marshes and forests.
Difficult
- The Golden Triangle: The route is steep in places but the views are worth the effort as it winds through three of Canada's national parks.
A word or two on safety:
- Bicycle helmets are mandatory in BC
- Lights required at night
- Cyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as motor vehicle drivers
- Obey posted signs and keep to designated trails
Golden Triangle
Hundreds of cyclists each year ride the celebrated Golden Triangle, which winds through three of Canada's national parks. The route follows the Rocky Mountain Trench between Golden and Radium Hot Springs, twice crossing the Continental Divide.
Highlights along the way include Banff National Park's Lake Louise as well as Yoho National Park's Spiral (Railway)Tunnels, Takakkaw Falls, Emerald Lake and Burgess Shale. Kootenay National Park is noted for its hanging glaciers, breathtaking summits and Sinclair Canyon, gateway to the natural mineral pools of Radium Hot Springs.
Expect steep hills along this 300-km (186-mi) route, though most of the highways are well graded and have good shoulders.
The Golden Triangle begins on Highway 95 between the towns of Golden and Radium Hot Springs.
A word or two on your excursion:
- Rated: difficult
- Approximate time required: 3 days
- Best time: June - October (weather dependent)
Galena Trail
The 13-km (8-mi) historic Galena Trail runs from Rosebery, north of New Denver, east to Three Forks along the rail bed of the Canadian Pacific Railway. You'll enjoy a smooth ride on this wide, hard-packed trail. Points of interest include abandoned mines, views of Slocan Lake and Carpenter Creek and three diverse vegetation zones: dry rocky soil at the lake, moist trails around Denver Canyon and cool glacial air at Alamo Siding. Make the crossing by cable car at Carpenter Creek - just hook your bike to the side, step in and go.
The Galena Trail can be accessed from Rosebery, at Denver Siding Road in New Denver, and at the turnoff to Sandon on Highway 31A.
A word or two on your excursion:
- Rated: easy
- Approximate time required: 2-3 hours each way
- Open: May - November (weather dependent)
> Galena Trail website
Great Northern Rail Trail
The Great Northern Rail Trail was built on the beds of two old rail lines that were constructed between 1891 and 1893 to transport silver from a mine on Toad Mountain. Today’s multi-use trail, which focuses on hiking, cycling and equestrian users, runs through rugged, mountainous terrain at a grade that never exceeds 2.4%. It passes over bridges, pile trestles, frame trestles and an S-curve frame trestle. The scenery is made up of mountains, lakes, creeks, marshes and lots of shady forest. Highlights of the route include view of waterfalls as well as viewpoints overlooking the Kootenay River, the west arm of Kootenay Lake, the city of Nelson and the Kootenay Valley. There are 14 bridges and trestles along the route, half of which have been fully decked and railed.
The southern end of the trail starts in Salmo, where many of the buildings date from the 1930s. Running alongside the Salmo River, it climbs gently through the Salmo River Valley for 30 km (19 mi) until it reaches Apex. From there it descends at a slightly steeper grade for 18 km (11 mi) until it terminates at Troup, on the edge of Kootenay Lake. The descending portion passes Cottonwood Lake Regional Park, pathways into the city of Nelson and trails and old rail beds that lead to sandy beaches. This trail is well marked with signs posted every 2 km (1.2 mi) along its entire length.
Salmo is located at the junction of Highways 3 and 6, approximately 30 minutes from the communities of Castlegar, Nelson and Trail. The trail is open year round but the best weather occurs from May through October.
A word or two on your excursion:
- Level of difficulty: easy
- Length: 48 km (30 mi)
- Time required: 1 day each way to cycle its full length
- Surface: gravel
> Back to the top
Slocan Valley Rail Trail
The Slocan Valley Rail Trail was built on the bed of an old, 1897 rail line that was originally used to transport ore from the Kootenays to smelters in Canadian and American cities. It winds through the Slocan Valley, a lush, environmentally sensitive area that sustains many animal species. Watch for Grizzly and Black bear, Moose, Elk, deer and Cougar. Avian inhabitants include Bald Eagles, Osprey, swans, geese, ducks and Herons. Beyond the trail, in all directions, are rolling hills banked by mountains.
The northern end of the trail begins in Slocan City and ends in Slocan Junction, running alongside the incredibly beautiful Slocan River much of the way. It's a very flat ride with a maximum grade of 0.3%. Portions of the trail running alongside Highway 6 have access points for the communities of Winlaw, Passmore, Slocan Park and Crescent Valley.
Slocan is a 20-minute drive south from New Denver via Highway 6. The trail is open year round but some sections are covered in ungroomed snow in winter.
A word or two on your excursion:
- Level of difficulty: easy
- Length: 50 km (31 mi)
- Time required: 1 day each way to cycle its full length
- Surface: gravel
> Back to the top
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