Nelson Biking
Mountain biking, Tourism BC/David Gluns photo
Many of the kids here can ride before they can walk, and locals including Canadian mountain biking freeride athlete Robbie Bourdon have achieved fame and/or notoriety in mountain bike movies that were filmed in and around Nelson. There are hundreds of mountain bike trails cut into these mountains and valleys, and there is one for just about any kind of rider.
Family Outings
For 48km/30mi, the Nelson Salmo Great Northern Trail follows the abandoned railbed of the Burlington Northern Railway. This linear park, which is perfect for families, can be easily accessed from the top of Elwyn Street, or at Mountain Station, a little further south.
An easy trail ride starts at either point and slowly descends, passing over several trestles, to the Canadian Pacific Railway tracks at Troup Junction. If planning to explore the beach at the end of the downhill ride, pack some DEET mosquito spray with the picnic supplies – the flying locals can be mean.
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Downhill
Accessed via Mountain Station, "The Vein" is an epic single track that drops 1,463m/4,800ft from the top of the ridge, in what has been described as "the descent of the gods". Of course, getting to the start of the downhill section involves the same 1,400m/4,600ft grunt of a climb.
Further out of town, on what is known locally as the North Shore, "Hitman" is accessed from the Kokanee Creek Road (ride up or shuttle). With lots of rock slabs and flowy single track, "Hitman" morphs into another trail known as "Dozslabs" before emerging from the forest at Crescent Beach.
Cross-Country
About a 20 minute drive west of town, the Smallwood area offers some terrific cross-country terrain. The trail involves a mellow climb up to a lookout with views of Nelson, Castlegar and Red Mountain, but can be a little steep and technical on the descent.
Check in with the bike shops on Baker Street for more information on trails, rentals and informal group rides.
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