Grand Forks is an ideal destination for mountain bikers with a wealth of trails suited to easy riders and hard-core thrill seekers. The Trans Canada Trail runs through the heart of town. The easy grades of this railway trail make it a favourite way to get out and see the wilderness, with bonus features like tunnels and trestles along the route. A second rail trail, the VV&E (Vancouver, Victoria and Eastern) provides more gentle rides through farmland and native grasslands. These trails are also excellent for hiking and horseback riding.
Cross-country and downhill riders head to the mountains for some serious challenges on a variety of local trails.
Highlight Mountain Bike Rides
Rail Trails Trans Canada Trail
The Trans Canada Trail passes through Grand Forks on the rail bed of the Columbia & Western Railway (a CPR subsidiary), which ran from Castlegar in the Kootenay Rockies to Midway where it connected with the Kettle Valley Railway.
Historic Railway Station
There are numerous access points in Grand Forks with parking areas at North Fork Road and next to the Grand Forks Station Neighbourhood Pub on Donaldson Avenue. The pub occupies the oldest CPR station in BC still in its original location. Riders are welcome.
Eholt
A popular day trip starts at Eholt station, a former divisional point, now abandoned, 22km/13.7mi west of Grand Forks. Ride downhill through heavily forested backcountry and stop to take in the views when the trail swings south and skirts the valley of the Granby River. Pass through two tunnels on the way into Grand Forks. Shuttle service is available through Chain Reaction, a bike sales, service and rental outlet.
Christina Lake
Long-distance riders head to Christina Lake, 21km/13mi east of Grand Forks. The trail follows the narrow Kettle River Valley and crosses the impressively engineered Kettle River Trestle. Ride into town for food and lodgings.
Greenwood
The 86km/53mi round trip to Greenwood makes an excellent overnight ride. The trail skirts the Granby River Valley before turning west to cross the 1028m/3373ft Eholt Summit and descend into historic Greenwood. The former smelter boomtown retains tremendous character in its well-preserved heritage buildings. Greenwood served as a set for the movie Snow Falling on Cedars. Restaurants and lodgings available.
VV&R
Another Grand Forks rail trail is the Vancouver, Victoria & Eastern, part of the Grand Trunk system, a direct competitor to the CPR in the great days of rail. A popular hiking trail, it is also possible to ride. Take the easy 6km/3.7mi out-and-back Spencer Hill route to the west from the Reservoir Road trailhead. Ride across grasslands with views of the valley and wildflowers in season. The ride east is moderate, with similar views and a round trip of 6km/3.7mi.
Serious Mountain Biking Challenges Cross Country
Novice to intermediate riders check out the 5km/3mi single track up and down Papa Harpold trail with 590m/1936ft of elevation gain and a great view at the top. Locals describe Fisherman Creek as a lung-buster with 540m/ 1772ft of elevation gain and a predictably steep downhill.
Saddle Lake
Saddle Lake is another ride for improving climbing skills and cardio fitness. A combination of single and double track, it reaches a lookout point with a full view of Grand Forks. On the downhill, swing through the switchbacks and consider taking an alternate route along the VV&E rail grade.
Bundschuh
Bundschuh is a 16km/10mi out-and-back trail for intermediate riders. The combination of single and double track passes an old homestead and cattle coral.
Freeride
Intermediate cross country or advanced freeriders check out the Ripper. This continuous downhill tests skills with log rides, skinnies and stunts. At the bottom it runs into Harpold, which also offers some installs, although these may be tough to find without a local guide. Stop by Chain Reaction for rentals, maps and insider info on all the local trails. Maps are also available at the Grand Forks Visitor Centre, 524 Central Avenue (Hwy 3) in the heritage courthouse.