When most people think of biking in Whistler, they think of the Whistler Bike Park.
With thousands of mountain bike riders coming down more than 50 runs at what many consider North America’s best bike park, it’s easy to see why.
But Whistler was a top mountain bike destination before bikes were loaded on chairlifts. For those who want to earn their descents, there are hundreds of kilometres of loamy trails and rock faces that wind through the old-growth forests surrounding the village, including Comfortably Numb – named an Epic ride by the International Mountain Bike Association.
Want to watch the best freeriders in the world? Whistler is the place to do it during the Kokanee Crankworx festival in August.
Cycling shines here too amid mountain scenery, from deep valleys to idyllic trails. The Valley Trail is an easy way for cyclists and families to get around Whistler. Roadies looking for more challenging routes will love the views and challenge of popular rides such as Whistler to D’Arcy or the Tour de Whistler.
Whistler Bike Park
With more than 200km/124mi of trail spread out over 50 runs, the Whistler Bike Park offers multiple runs for every type of rider. Novices can cruise along gentle, banked trails through coastal forest. Intermediate riders fly around big berms and down tight and twisty single-track, while experts tackle steep rock faces, huge drops, skinnies and gap jumps.
The Whistler Bike Park is also home to two jump parks, two skills centres, a jump and drop park, and the Air Dome, a 780sqm/8,400sqft indoor training facility where riders can take their skills to the next level in a safe environment by practicing getting air and doing tricks off ramps with a soft landing: a foam pit! The Air Dome welcomes spectators.
Whistler Mountain Bike Trails
Mountain bikers who want a serious challenge of skill and endurance must ride Comfortably Numb, granted epic ride status by the International Mountain Bike Association. Featuring 1,700m/5,577ft of gruelling climbs that lead to the sub-alpine, this 26km/16m trail of technical single-track contains numerous rock faces, ladder bridges and spectacular views.
Want to ride stunts, but stay fairly close to the ground? A River Runs Through It features log rides, ladder bridges and a double teeter-totter. Other iconic trails include Kill Me Thrill Me, an intermediate/advanced trail with mostly natural features, including some huge rock faces, and The Flank Trail, a non-technical sub-alpine 43km/27mi cross-country ride with incredible views.
Mountain bikers looking for a long ride that links many of the classic trails can follow orange symbols that mark the Valley Single-track Suggested Route.
Cycle the Valley Trail
The paved Valley Trail winds for 35km/22mi through and around Whistler Village. It’s perfect for a family ride. Cyclists cruise past parks, golf courses, lakes and a wildlife viewing platform. Enjoy a leisurely excursion, stopping for a bite or some lake swimming.
Whistler Road Cycling Routes
The Whistler to D’Arcy route is a classic bike tour. Gruelling climbs are rewarded with views of glacier peaks. The first portion takes the highway before veering onto quieter roads. The journey ends with a 300m/985ft climb to the summit of Pemberton Pass before descending to the lakeside village of D'Arcy. Many cyclists split this 158km/98mi (return) trip into two days.
Like hill climbs? How about nine of them? The Tour de Whistler, an ambitious 52km/32mi route, starts in Whistler and does a loop of the valley. It features 1,300m/4,265ft of elevation.
Biking Whistler to Pemberton, a 64km/40mi ride (return), is a local favourite. Heading out of town, cyclists are greeted by a lake before the road follows a river all the way to Pemberton.
Want to bike from Whistler to the Whistler Olympic Park? This 53km/33mi (return) ride features a couple of small rolling hills before climbing to the park. Tour the facilities, or turn around and descend back to Whistler, admiring the views of the Callaghan Valley.
Tourism Whistler offers more information about these cycling routes on its website.
Bike Events
The Pemberton Slow Food Cycle (August), is a 35km/22mi ride that celebrates bikes and local agriculture. On this valley tour, stop at various farms to sample the delicious produce.
The RBC GranFondo Whistler (September) features thousands of cyclists who make the 120km/75mi journey from Vancouver to Whistler along the scenic Sea-to-Sky Highway.
At the annual, nine-day Kokanee Crankworx festival (August) in Whistler, check out the world’s best mountain bikers competing in events like Air Downhill and Dual Slalom in front of 20,000-plus fans. The party is just as good as the crazy stunts of the freeriders.
Practical Points
- Bike helmets are mandatory in BC.
- Obey all trail signs and respect trail closures.
- Bike and equipment rentals are available.
- Full-face helmets and armour are strongly recommended in the bike park.
- Lessons and summer skills camps are available.
- Cyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as motor vehicle drivers.
- Whistler buses are equipped with bike racks.
- Peak cycling season is from April to October.
Read Less