The Kootenay Rockies region offers some of British Columbia’s most diverse mountain biking terrain, from epic all-day rides to extreme downhill trails. For long distance cyclists, miles of excellent road and backcountry trails await, along with easy-grade rail trails offering spectacular mountain views.
For years, Rossland has unofficially been known as the “Mountain Biking Capital of Canada” (although Squamish holds the official trademark for that title), featuring the world-renowned Seven Summits Trail. Nelson is a freeriding haven, Golden boasts more than 50 trails, and Fernie, Invermere/Radium and Revelstoke have cross-country rides aplenty. Almost every Kootenay Rockies town offers a variety of single-track. Don’t feel like climbing? Check out the three bike parks in the Kootenay Rockies.
Cyclists can tackle the Golden Triangle, a week-long adventure looping through Banff, Yoho and Kootenay national parks. For a slower pace, bike the abandoned rail beds of the Great Northern and Slocan Valley rail trails. Road touring is another endurance-testing option.
Mountain Biking in Rossland
Rossland features 170km/106mi of some of the world’s best mountain biking trails, from gentle rail trails to tight-and-twisty single-track. Don’t miss the Seven Summits Trail, arguably BC’s most famous trail. This 30km/19mi high-elevation route provides stunning scenery as bikers climb and descend seven peaks. The International Mountain Bike Association has granted the Seven Summits "Epic Trail” status.
Mountain Biking in Nelson
Home to some of BC’s best freeriding, Nelson appears in numerous extreme biking movies. There’s something here for all mountain bikers. Nelson has five main trail systems: Mountain Station, North Shore, Svoboda Road Trails in West Arm Provincial Park, Blewett/Giveout Creek, and Baldface Drainage. From epic downhills to big stunts, riders always find new challenges in Nelson.
Other Mountain Biking Areas
Golden boasts more than 50 mountain bike trails spread out over three areas. Freeriders head to Mount 7 for gnarly, steep descents, while novice and intermediate riders appreciate the scenic single-track of Dawn Mountain and the Moonraker Trails system.
Fernie is a cross-country haven with rolling single-track. More than 50 mountain bike trails are spread around town, mostly around the Ridgemount trail system. Shuttle options are available.
Near Invermere/Radium Hot Springs, the Cross River Canyon/Nipika Mountain Resort trail system features more than 100km/62mi of trails winding through evergreen forests, lakes, and streams.
Revelstoke is a paradise for riders who enjoy high-altitude climbs that go through alpine meadows with mountain views before descending on kilometres of single-track. Check out Mount MacPherson.
Kootenay Rockies Bike Parks
The Kootenay Rockies region boasts three bike parks. The Kicking Horse Bike Park has one of the longest lift-accessed descents in North America. Fernie Alpine Resort Bike Park features 100km/62mi of varied terrain. Panorama Mountain Village Bike Park offers 17 trails. Each park has a mix of green cruising runs, intermediate single-track and advanced freeriding trails.
Mountain Biking Events
The Kootenay Rockies celebrate mountain biking culture with numerous races and events. The TransRockies Challenge (August) is a week-long race featuring 250 international team racing a challenging 600km/373mi course. Panorama Mountain Village hosts the National Cycling Championships for top Canadian downhill racers.
Biking on Rail Trails
Cyclists love the adventure of biking rail trails in the Kootenay Rockies. The 48-km/30-mi Great Northern Rail Trail stretches from Salmo to Nelson. It’s a multi-use trail laid out along two rail beds with manageable grades. Cruise across bridges and high trestles, and pass lakes and roaring waterfalls. The Slocan Valley Rail Trail (near Castlegar) is an easy and flat 50-km/31-mi route. Watch for diverse wildlife, from bears and moose to eagles and herons.
Golden Triangle & Road Touring
Up for a challenge? Ride the celebrated 300-km/186-mi Golden Triangle from Golden and Radium Hot Springs, which winds through three of Canada’s national parks. Admire Banff National Park's Lake Louise; explore Yoho National Park's spiral tunnels and fossil-rich Burgess Shale; and soak in the sights of Kootenay National Park’s hanging glaciers.
The Bombi Summit is a challenging 121-km/75-mi route connecting Castlegar, Nelson and Salmo via two scenic highways. Alternatively, bike the 87-km/54-mi Blueberry Paulson Loop from Castlegar, climbing to 1,535m/5036ft, coasting downhill into Rossland, and looping back through Trail to the starting point.
For a long, leisurely ride, try the Lake Windermere Loop (Invermere), a 63-km/39-mi stretch of rolling hills that passes through ranch country, with views of Lake Windermere and the Rocky Mountains.
Practical Points
- Bike helmets are mandatory in BC.
- Obey all trail signs and respect trail closures.
- Many communities and all bike parks in the region offer bike and equipment rentals.
- Full-face helmets are mandatory at some bike parks, and armour is also recommended.
- Cyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as motor vehicle drivers.
- The best season for cycling is between May and October.
- Contact the local Visitor Centre for more information about biking.
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