Mountain biking facts
- Recommended travel time
Spring to autumn
- Flight connections
Edelweiss tips:
British Columbia is regarded as one of the world’s greatest mountain biking meccas. Epic, long trails through the wilderness, numerous world-famous bike parks and some of the world’s best-known cycling destinations await you here. If you want to experience multiple in one trip, it’s best to hire a car or a camper van and explore the area from Vancouver. When out and about in the wilderness, make sure you take a bear bell with you, pack plenty of water and fully charge your mobile phone. Detailed information on the routes in British Columbia is available from MTB Project.
https://www.mtbproject.com/directory/8006666/british-columbia
Top mountain bike trails around Vancouver
North Vancouver: where freeriding was born Difficult
Mountain biking is one of Vancouverites’ favourite sports. No wonder, given that the North Shore – a cycling paradise – is right on their doorstep. The famous peaks of Mount Seymour, Mount Fromme and Cypress Mountain offer technically challenging terrain for expert cyclists. But some of the best trails for beginners can also be found in North Vancouver: on Mount Seymour, for example, ‘John Deer’, ‘Slippery Salamander’ and ‘Forever After’ await brave newcomers to cycling. ‘CBC’, on the other hand, is the crown jewel for the daring: slippery sections followed by steep, technical bends, interspersed with jumps and bridges – the highlight is the middle section with its steep slopes and tricky bends. To make the run a little longer, ‘Boogieman’, ‘Corkscrew’ or ‘Pingu-Pangor’ can be added on at the end of ‘CBC’. North Vancouver is also very well known amongst freeriders and offers spectacular obstacles and downhill runs.
- Tour duration 2 hrs 05 min
- Distance 14.3 km
- Ascent 670 m
- Descent 670 m
‘Micro climate’ in the cycling paradise of Whistler Medium
Just one and a half to two hours from Vancouver lies the ultimate destination for cyclists: Whistler and its world-famous bike park. This is where the term ‘flowy’ was coined; the range of trails here is more varied than almost anywhere else. Although professionals cycle here every day, alongside the ‘Experts only’ trails, there are also runs for beginners – for example, the ‘Crank it up’ trail starting from the middle station. ‘Micro Climate’, on the other hand, is more hard-core: after a challenging climb, you’ll encounter tricky sections with roots, tight bends and rocky slabs (take care on wet ground). Day tickets for the park and the cable cars are available from USD 25. Tip: don’t forget the fantastic mountain bike trails around Mount Whistler.
- Tour duration 20 min
- Distance 4.69 km
- Ascent 430 m
- Descent -430 m
Off to meet up with ‘Nelson’ and ‘Rupert’ in Squamish Medium
Between Vancouver and Whistler lies another renowned mountain biking spot: Squamish. This outdoor mecca is regarded as one of the best-kept secrets amongst professional cyclists. The terrain here is said to offer a particularly intense riding experience, which you can experience on its numerous trails. Experienced cyclists should definitely pay a visit to ‘Rupert’ and ‘(Half-)Nelson’. The two trails, rated as intermediate, feature roots, rocks and plenty of action. ‘Half Nelson’ features a particularly large number of spectacular wooden bridges, followed by steep bends.
- Tour duration 35 min
- Distance 4.26 km
- Ascent 180 m
- Descent -180 m
Cycling all year round on the Sunshine Coast Light
A mild climate, lush green forests and steep cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean make cycling on the Sunshine Coast a real highlight against a stunning backdrop. Just over two hours’ drive and ferry ride from Vancouver lies Canada’s first all-year-round bike park: the Coast Gravity Park. Built by bikers for bikers, the park offers 16 trails to suit all levels and preferences. The most popular trail for beginners is the ‘Dirt Wave’ – a perfect downhill run with steep bends and table tops for honing your technical skills.
- Tour duration 20 min
- Distance 2.1 km
- Ascent 170 m
- Descent -170 m
Epic trails in Pemberton Medium
Whilst there’s still snow on the ground in Whistler, people are already out cycling in Pemberton, half an hour’s drive to the north. Whether it’s a hiking trail or a cross-country ski run, you’ll see cyclists everywhere in this outdoor paradise. The Pemberton Loop offers a lovely view of the picturesque countryside and, despite its easy rating, features a few stony sections and a fast descent. Tip: there are hardly any lifts in the area, so using a hire car or shuttle service is recommended.
- Tour duration 2 hrs 10 min
- Distance 21.6 km
- Ascent 620 m
- Descent -650 m
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