Cycling opportunities on vancouver island, the gulf islands. Check out for the latest in cycling and mountain biking news, freeride videos, photos, events and more. Jul 24, 2017 mountain bike vancouver island with jeff kendallweed. With an excellent selection of trails, a comfortable climate, creative trail builders, and ample support services, you are sure to have everything you need to enjoy your next ride.
Buy and sell mountain bikes, gear and parts pinkbike. Exploring the trails of nanaimo, bc tourism nanaimo. From its early origins on vancouvers north shore to the wild trails of the interior, mountain biking culture in british columbia has been shaped by the landscape and nurtured by the tribe. Nanaimos mountain biking trails offer technical challenges for. Island mountain rides vancouver island, bc, canada. Island cup has big plans for its 2019 season canadian. Mountain bike nanaimo mtb vancouver island tourism nanaimo. The subpopulation in florida is known as the florida panther.
On vancouver island, theres a variety of mountain biking trails for everyone from the beginner to the expert. Drive to nanaimo and take a ferry to the sunshine coast. The vancouver island portion of the trans canada trail starts in victoria traveling north where it connects to the mainland by ferry. A back road guide to hiking trails, mountain biking routes. If you are into mountain biking, vancouver island is a top notch destination providing many options to suit any rider. The vancouver island dirt riders association vidra supports the growth and sustainability of offroad dirtbiking for racers and recreational riders on vancouver island, british columbia. Mountain biking on vancouver island test riding the pivot trail 429 hartland bike park. Island cup vancouver island mountain bike race series. From energizing road rides to thrilling crosscountry and liftaccessed mountain biking, british columbia has cycling routes for all tastes. The 10 best vancouver island bike tours with photos. Quebec is one of the best spots to enjoy an extended bike trip in canada.
This is a great option for a teambuilding activity, or family getaway, with the ability to tailor the itinerary to your needs. On vancouver island, theres a variety of mountain biking trails for everyone from the. Local vancouver island mountain bike racer kendall mclean navigates his way through the misty, rainsoaked forest. Youll cross the gorgeous straight of georgia on the ferry, then hop on a bike to start the 34mile 55km. Deep within the fabric of vancouver islands culture is the quintessential activity of mountain biking. Does vancouver island have the best winter mountain biking in canada. The vancouver island cup mountain bike race series is bcs premiere grassroots race series spanning vancouver island. Mountain bike vancouver island with jeff kendallweed. Heres six reasons why heading west might be the best choice when snow falls. The rfh is centrally located and is the perfect spot to base your mountain bike vacation. Another mountain biking paradise, whistler has the perfect combination of downhill trails and singletrack. They have an onsite bike wash, bike storage and plenty of room to relax after riding.
Vancouver island bike tour bike british columbia biking. The length of the trail is approximately 200 km and passes through scenic forest, mountain, coastal rural areas, and provincial parks. The vancouver island biathlon club uses the mount washington biathlon range which has hosted international events and is surrounded by 55km of incredible nordic trails. British columbia has earned an outstanding reputation as one of the most soughtafter mountain biking destinations in the world, and many of those trails are located on vancouver island. On this ride you will ride near allen lake and perseverance creek, you will also see great views of vancouver island s beaufort range, the coast range, cape lazo, the. One of the more exhilarating fitness sports, mountain biking on vancouver island caters to.
Never by the book legal sanctioned trails, more of the turn a blind eye type thing. From its early origins on vancouver s north shore to the wild trails of the interior, mountain biking culture in british columbia has been shaped by the landscape and nurtured by the tribe. List of fatal cougar attacks in north america wikipedia. Nanaimo has quickly become one of the most popular spots on vancouver island for mountain biking. The city of nanaimo, which lies on the protected eastern side, features some of the best mountain biking on vancouver island. Based in an around victoria these are easy day trips to get your fill on 2 wheels. Riding injuries put unnecessary stress on medical systems that need all available resources to fight the virus, and group rides increase your chances of exposure. Find the best trails for mountain biking in vancouver, wa. Hi lisa, its glenn here from the vancouver island visitor centre in the comox valley, about of the way up the island on the east side the comox valley area is definitely a mecca for mountain biking. Cycling opportunities on vancouver island, the gulf. Jeff kendallweed rides vancouver island s best trails. Theres something for everyone, from flat scenic trails, city greenways, to quiet country roads.
There are gentle, wide pathways shared with pedestrians. A total of 125 attacks, 27 of which are fatal, 1 have been documented in north america in the past 100 years. Jeff finds some inspiration at a neighborhood garage sale with a handy guide book to the island get in the van. Recently named the cycling capital of canada, victoria is home to several excellent routes. Ribbons of trails traverse wilderness zones, charming rural towns, and urban centres. Tofino mountain biking on vancouver island and gulf islands. Enjoy a variety of landscapes on all of these bike trips in canada including west coast and east coast scenery, the rocky mountains along with the beauty and steep hills of cape breton island.
Our area is known for its vast network of accessible trails in places like cumberland, courtenay, and campbell river. Mountain biking irresponsibly during the covid19 pandemic puts you and others at risk. Vancouver island has a host of great mountain biking opportunities for the novice and thrill. From victoria, strap your rented bicycle to a bus rack. Menzies mountain trail campbell river all you need to. Information on cycling tours, events, cyclefriendly accommodations and restaurants, bike rentals, cycling organizations, transportation and maps to guide you through cycle tours of vancouver island and the san juan and gulf islands. The island is split by mountain ranges that run the length of the island topping out at 7,000 feet in strathcona park, the island s largest protected area, 23 of the way up the island from victoria, the provincial capital sitting on. The vancouver island region is a large area on the edge of the pacific, encompassing vancouver island and the gulf islands on bcs southwest coast. View trail maps and skill levels, find bike meetups and more. Island mountain rides offers professionally guided mountain biking tours on the trails of vancouver island, in cumberland, campbell river, forbidden plateaucomox lake area and on hornby island imr is based in cumberland, which is centrally located and is a great place to access the trails of vancouver island. With over 100km of smooth single track easily accessible from downtown, plus the highest bike park in n. The 10 best vancouver island hiking trails with photos.
Golden is a community that lives and welcomes the mountain biking culture. Zip over loamy singletrack in the coast mountains, roll through wine country in the thompson okanagan, descend rugged. Find groups in vancouver, british columbia about mountain biking and meet people in your local community who share your interests. Vancouver s north shore is famous for its challenging mountain biking terrain. Leaving behind the stately mansions of oak bay, you pedal your mountain bike past the victoria golf club. The cougar is also commonly known as mountain lion, puma, mountain cat, catamount, or panther. Enjoy riding the only lift access mtn bike park on vancouver island. Nanaimo is the physical centre of vancouver island, nestled between the salish sea and mount benson, and home to some of the regions best backcountry hiking. With temperate weather and trails for every skill level, vancouver s cycling scene in second to none. Vancouver island, with mount washingtons bike park, is a good place to start.
Mountain biking on vancouver island and gulf islands. More vancouver island info at vancouver island mountain biking great overview video vancouver island dirt. Mount washington has implemented an rfid lift ticketing system, this makes your ride access through our gates smooth and increase your laps in the bike park. Rent a car in victoria and explore other parts of vancouver island, its bigger than you think. Where to mountain bike on vancouver island trail bicycles. A new generation of vancouver island mountain bikers will get to experience the legendary hornby island bike fest for the first time this year. Review mountain bike vancouver island map book i just posted up an article on my blog. Vancouver, wa mountain bike trails mountain biking in. Like you, were passionate about exploring british columbia. Deep within the fabric of vancouver island s culture is the quintessential activity of mountain biking. Visit the coastal community of tofino for a surf or a lesson in stunt kites.
Bicycles are allowed on both the kanaka bay trail and mallard lake trail in newcastle island marine provincial park. Mountain biking excursions near olympic national park we twisted and dipped on our mountain bikes through fragrant forests of cedar, hemlock and sitka spruce. Vidra maintains land stewardship of three offroad recreation areas on the island. Recognized as one of the most important regions in the world for mountain biking, bc offers a vast variety of terrain to challenge and delight riders of. Insider tips to discover canadas second most populated island after the island of montreal by bike. Vancouver island has a host of great mountain biking opportunities for the novice and thrill seeker alike. You should be confident cyclist and have experience riding road bikes over moderate distance. A foundational element of any young islanders youth, mountain biking is necessary beyond recreation.
Maps cycling opportunities on vancouver island, the gulf islands. Our thoughts are with our destination and travel industry partners as we all come to terms with the measures to reduce the spread of covid19. America at kicking horse mountain resort, the biking in golden is hard to beat. For the young rider the bicycle is freedom, with endless logging roads and rugged trails acting as the islands arteries. With an ancient rainforest, rocky peaks, a mild climate, and thriving communities, its the place to be when looking for twowheeled adventure.
The parkway and the railway trail in nanaimo are two of the most popular cycle routes in the city of nanaimo. The regions mountain biking hubs, sooke on the southwest coast of the island, and campbell river and the comox valley on the central east coast, are all easily accessible by air or ferry. Island mountain rides is proud to be allied with the riding fool hostel in cumberland. Accommodation island mountain rides vancouver island. From seaside path cycling in cities to solitude in climbing mountain passes, these experiences are for you to behold. Catch the wave and glide your way to health, happiness, and an eco friendly world. Durville island mountain bike track mtb marlborough. Jul 25, 2017 mountain bike vancouver island with jeff kendallweed. Whether its coasting past the ocean on a cruiser bike, or experiencing an adrenaline rush while kicking up some dirt on a mountain bike, vancouver island is an ideal place to hop on a bike and take in everything the area has to offer. Large city touring can be experienced in the lower mainland and the southern part of vancouver island.
Our e bike expert staff is ready to help you find the perfect cruiser, commuter, or mountain bike. Oct 09, 2019 never by the book legal sanctioned trails, more of the turn a blind eye type thing. Mountain biking on vancouver island unofficial fun at mt. On your right, duffers stroll down the courses fairways. Mountain biking on vancouver island mt washington party laps gopro hero 6 karma grip duration. From its early origins on vancouvers north shore to the wild trails of the interior, mountain biking culture in british columbia has been shaped by the landscape. Cycling from major airports is not a problem but a delight. If youre a mountain biker, you have most likely heard of whistler. Outdoor recreation map for southcentral vancouver island 27 x 39 this comprehensive map shows major trails for mountain biking and hiking as well as suggested routes for kayaking. Mountain bike marlboroughs epic high country trails and coastal ridges, road bike undulating routes at the edge of the sea, tour on long flat runs through vineclad valleys or take the whole family biking along one of the regions many rivers. The 36yearold, who grew up in the vancouver island. View bicycle routes, local rentals, tours and more. Vancouver island and the gulf islands of british columbia are popular destinations for cyclists to explore by bike, whether on a ride for a few hours, a full day, or an extended cycling touring expedition. The island is split by mountain ranges that run the length of the island topping out at 7,000 feet in strathcona park, the islands largest protected area, 23 of the way up the island from victoria, the provincial capital sitting on the southern tip.
Bcebike is vancouver island s newest electric bicycle retailer, demo ride experts, and repair shop. Mountain biking hotspots discover vancouver island. Please follow all local health authority directives, and do not take risks. Ride a bike through vancouver island s cycling paths and quiet country roads on a fullday bike tour from vancouver that combines farmfresh food, local wine, and active exploring. Mountain biking mountain biking has returned to mount washington. Washington bike park range from a full day, 4hour afternoon, or a quick 2hour after work visit. We have been scoping out a few great areas for you to hit. Here the most famous course is the ultimate abyss, thats technically very difficult. Jul 21, 2016 youll be hitting the dirt hard when you ride these 6 epic vancouver island mountain bike trail systems vancouver island is a mecca for mountain bikers. All of our multiday tours are packaged with accommodation at the riding fool.
Check out our booking tool to find accommodations in nanaimo and book your stay. Lets go biking is a collection of easy rides for cyclists of all ages and abilities around metro vancouver and beyond. Would helibiking, floatplane drops, and singletrack from backcountry. Vancouver island is approximately 525km long and 150km wide. Feb 26, 2020 an island with waves, miles of singletrack trails for hiking, mountain biking and running, caves and great craft beer. This ride will take you all around the area and will show you many of the cumberland classics. Biking and hiking highlights vancouver island bc canada. Mountain biking vancouver island overland 4x4 rentals.
Does vancouver island have canadas best winter riding. The gulf islands cycling tour has a maximum of 12 guests. Youll be amazed by how much territory you can cover on these bike tours of vancouver island. If youre driving to whistler, its also a must to check out the countless trails in the small mountain town of squamish, along the beautiful sea to sky highway. Rugged coastline and ancient rainforest combine with technical mountain singletrack for an enchanting experience through natural terrain.