Biking
Family biking in grasslands (Picture BC photo)
Cycling routes in the Shuswap region surrounding Salmon Arm range from back road to off-road.
Widely varied terrain includes rolling farmland, river and lakeside riparian zones, the forested uplands and open meadows of the Shuswap Highlands and the steep climbs and alpine meadows of the Monashee Mountains.
Cycling Highlights in Salmon Arm
Look for a multitude of wildflowers and wild mushrooms that thrive in this moderate climate. Expect to see lots of wildlife: waterfowl and turtles in the wetlands, coyotes in the open, deer and maybe even a bear in the forest. Some 250 species of birds visit or live in the region, so keep an eye to the sky.
Outstanding lake and mountain views are also part of the package on nearly every trail.
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Salmon Arm Trails
Popular cycling trails around Salmon Arm include: Coyote Park, a 3km/1.9mi forest loop; Fly Hills, a network of cross-country ski trails and a downhill trail with wildflower meadows and excellent views; Little Mountain Park, a wide, smooth, 8km/5mi trail that's great for families; Mount Ida with various trails from easy to very difficult and predictably terrific views; Raven Trail, a 4km/2.5mi ride along the shore of Salmon Arm Bay overlooking the wetland bird sanctuary; and the Larch Hills Trail System, 125 km/77.7mi of well marked trails ranging from short easy loops to challenging all-day rides.
Mountain Biking
Feel the adrenaline rush on Mount Ida's steep trails. Ride Rubberhead, a 3km/1.9mi downhill with tight switchbacks, log pyramids and climbs. Tackle the technical stunts on Meat Grinder or the challenging double black-diamond trails of the South Canoe Trail System.
Cycle Touring
Get away from the Trans-Canada Highway and explore the country roads that thread through rolling farmlands, along rivers and lakeshores, connecting rural villages, resort communities and regional centres. Planned routes range from 26km/16mi to 100km/62mi. The full-colour Shuswap-North Okanagan Cycle Touring brochure provides detailed maps and riding directions.
At the Salmon Arm Visitor Centre, 20 Hudson Ave NE, ask for the brochures Shuswap Hiking, Biking and Trail Riding Guide and Shuswap-North Okanagan Cycle Touring. Online, the Shuswap Trail Alliance, a volunteer organization that develops and maintains trails in the region, provides directions and trail ratings.
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