Biking
Family biking in grasslands (Picture BC photo)
Set amidst the spectacular Rocky & Purcell mountain ranges, Kimberley is a biker's paradise.
What makes Kimberley unlike many other communities is the vast trail system found within the city boundaries.
Trails for the Family or for a Challenge
From easy family outings to thrilling technical rides, the area offers trails for all ability levels. Recreational trails range from fast downhill rides, varying terrain of cross-country trails, and long scenic road rides. The city's location within the Rockies means breathtaking views in all directions. With so many spectacular trails in and around Kimberley, the hardest decision for bikers/cyclists will be choosing the perfect path.
Mountain Biking in Kimberley Nature Park
Kimberley Nature Park (800ha/1800ac) is one of the largest municipal parks in Canada and its easy access to trailheads from downtown makes this a very popular choice.
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Entrance locations to the park include the Kimberley Nordic Ski Area, Swan Avenue, Higgins Street, and Jimmy Russell Road (near the Kimberley Riverside Campground). Kimberley has a long and successful history of mining and many trails have been created from the old exploration roads on the mountains.
Kimberley Nature Park Highlight Trails
Some of the more popular rides in the Kimberley Nature Park include:
- Duck Pond Loop – easy to moderate, 8km/5mi;
- Pat Morrow Trail Loop – moderate, 8 – 10km/5 – 6mi;
- Myrtle Mountain Traverse – difficult to technical, 12 – 14km/7.5 – 8.5mi;
- South Side Loop – moderate with uphill, 6km/3.5mi.
The park is multi-use so please use caution and watch for hikers when on trails. A trail guide can be purchased for a nominal fee at local businesses or the Visitor Centre.
Lois Creek, Bike Parks and Bike Rentals
Lois Creek has a smaller trail system and offers more than 20km/12.5mi of double and single-track trails for the beginner to intermediate rider. Access is at 8th Avenue, Elko Street and Nelson/Trail Street. For the more skilled intermediate to advanced rider, the Bootleg Mountain Trails (accessed off the St. Mary Lake Road) offers some of the most technical and thrilling rides in the mountains.
Scenic road biking is plentiful in the Kimberley area with rides to Wasa Lake, St. Mary Lake, Fort Steele and Cranbrook. And the Kimberley Skate & Bike Park is a popular recreational playground for BMXers and skaters. It has a terrain park for biking right next to the new skate park. It is located at Rotary Drive and Marsden Street, Kimberley and is unsupervised.
Mountain bike rentals are available in the Platzl at Poser Sports and Rocky's Ride & Glide.
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