11 Brag-Worthy Mountain Biking Adventures in BC

If heli-biking, floatplane drops, and singletrack from backcountry lodges won’t make your mountain biking buddies jealous, then I’m not sure what will.

Spend two days on the trails in the mountain playground of Fernie, and a day each riding through the Rocky Mountain trench in Invermere, at Nipika Mountain Resort, and in Kananaskis Country. This trip includes your accommodation, guide, meals, transport, and cold micro-brews at days end.

A 40-minute BC Ferries trip from Horseshoe Bay lands you on the Sunshine Coast—with an already established trail network of 300+ cross-country trails—and at the Coast Gravity Park. Built and designed by the Coastal Crew, you’ll be sending laps in the park all day. Just don’t forget to break for lunch. Their on-site chef cooks up incredible burgers, tacos, and more from the ocean view Coast Gravity Grill.

Retallack Lodge in BC’s Selkirk and Purcell mountains and offers 5,900 square kilometres (2,278 square miles) of wilderness biking, 100 km (62 mi) of singletrack, and a 6,000 vertical foot (1,828 vertical metre) descent—one of the longest downhill tracks in the world. Three-day packages include professional guides, shuttles, accommodation, meals, and full days of riding. Sounds pretty bucket list worthy to me.

In BC’s South Chilcotin Mountains, a five hour drive north of Whistler, Tyax Adventures will fly you into the backcountry (gear and bike included) and drop you off. And that’s only the beginning of the fun. Navigate your way along singletrack trails for a full-day ride back to Tyax Wilderness Resort & Spa or book a multi-day adventure—including overnights in backcountry camps, a guide, and meals.

Best of all? Whistler Village provides all the post-ride relaxation you could ask for. This ride is not for beginners, so make sure your skills are advanced or expert level before you tackle this experience. There is always something to work towards, right?

Vancouver's North Shore

It’s basically sacrilege if you find yourself in Vancouver and don’t ride the North Shore. Mount Seymour, Fromme, and Cypress have a network of trails accessible by shuttle or an uphill ride. Some of BC’s most technical descents can be found here but there are a few good beginner and intermediate trails to play on too. A tour or guided ride is always a good idea for newcomers to the area. These are offered by: Endless Biking, Essential Cycles, and Ozmosis Training.

Vancouver Island and the Mount Washington bike park is a good place to start. Then head to the mainland for the iconic Whistler Mountain Bike Park before making your way to the interior’s three parks—Sun Peaks, SilverStar, and Big White. Now that you are warmed up, head east for the unforgettable riding at Fernie, Panorama, Kicking Horse, and Revelstoke.

Nearly 20 km (12 mi) of trails have been built directly from the lodge door. This full-service backcountry lodge is equipped with a wood-fired sauna and offers both guided and catered options. Want to stay for free? Volunteer your time trail building and you no longer have to dream.

This ride is done best with a Mountain Shuttle to the trailhead before starting the 30-36 km (18-22 mi) of singletrack up and down seven summits. Tackle this trail north to south and give yourself six to eight hours. We’re all a little skeptical of the “epic” claim, but this one may just live up to it.

E-bikes allow for faster rides and more ground covered, as well as an adaptable experience. Tours can be customized for pros who want to shred lap after lap, or for beginners who want a gentle, scenic ride.

Mountain Biking Events in BC

Want to participate in a mountain bike race, or watch some of the best riders around compete? There are great options available for both. On Vancouver Island, the Island Cup Race Series brings together local mountain bike organizations to offer cross-country and enduro-style races across the Island. This year’s BC Bike Race, a multi-day stage race billed as the “Ultimate Singletrack Experience,” also takes place on Vancouver Island.

The Canadian Enduro League hosts events across the country, including several in BC. And the renowned Crankworx festival in Whistler attracts the best of the best to compete in a variety of disciplines and put on a spectacular show.

Originally published in July, 2017.