Vancouver, Coast & Mountains is one of the world's most alluring mountain biking destinations. Blessed with rugged mountain terrain and a large population of dedicated local riders, the region is home to some of the continent's most challenging and innovative trails. Squamish, the self-proclaimed "Outdoor Recreation Capital of Canada," is famous for its great freeriding and abundant cross-country opportunities, while the Lower Sunshine Coast is home to hundreds of kilometres of diverse trails. The four-season resort town of Whistler boasts over 250 km (155 mi) of lift accessed downhill and an additional 300 km (186 mi) of public off-road trails. And the storied North Shore — birthplace of freeriding and eco-friendly trail-building techniques — features a wide assortment of technically-demanding routes just minutes from downtown Vancouver. So whether it's downhill, cross-country or freeriding you're after, Vancouver, Coast & Mountains will appeal to all comers.
Squamish Biking and Test of Metal
The mountainous enclave of Squamish is best known for its multitude of jagged peaks and rock faces, but any local mountain biker will tell you that the riding here is at least as good as the climbing. The area's rideable terrain ranges from unpaved logging roads to winding single-track trails peppered with rocks, roots, drops, fallen trees and a host of other challenges. Come in June and witness — or ride — the Test of Metal, a 67-km (42-mi) point-to-point mountain bike race.
Squamish Trails
Rated by Mountain Bike Magazine as one of the world's 25 most exotic places to ride, the town features more than 100 diverse and scenic trails that are sure to please riders of all abilities. Some popular biking areas include the Garibaldi Highlands Trails, which connect in and around pristine Alice Lake, the Valleycliffe Trails, which include wicked rock-face riding and root-defying woodland trails, and the Diamond Head Trails, a series of challenging downhill and freeriding routes. The mountain biking season here usually runs from April to October.
Mountain Bike Rentals
Bikes and accessories can be rented in town. Bike shops are staffed with knowledgeable riders who can recommend trails to suit anyone's riding style and ability.
Lower Sunshine Coast
A vast web of trails criss-crosses the Lower Sunshine Coast, offering something for every type of rider. Challenge yourself on cross-country routes, intense downhills, and freerides with ladder bridges, skinnies, teeter-totters and more.
Teaching Park and Trails
Sprockids Mountain Bike Park is a teaching park where you can hone your skills before you hit the trails. From there, take the "Sidewinder", "Hwy 102" or "Hwy 103" trail cross country to the Roberts Creek Forest Service Road. It accesses a number of intermediate to very advanced stunt-type trails (most with go-arounds).
Mountain Biking Events
Two popular mountain biking events are held in the area each year. The Rat Race (late May / early June) includes a gruelling, 46.5-km (39-mi) cross-country course, a shorter cross-country course for kids, and a 1.7-km (1.1-mi) downhill event with go-arounds at all technique jumps and gaps. The Sunshine Coast Trail Ride (August) is a two-day ride that starts out at Halfmoon Bay and finishes in Langdale. Riders camp overnight in Porpoise Bay Provincial Park.
Required Biking Knowledge and Gear
Bring a bike, helmet, and accessories that are appropriate for the route you're riding — most are intermediate to advanced. Be aware that while there are bike shops on the Sunshine Coast, there are no bike rentals. Know your route, and be aware that some logging roads are in active use; exercise caution, yield to trucks, and respect active logging signs. Ask at the local bike shop for tips on the best routes.
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