Biking and Cycling in British Columbia is a Popular Pastime

Mountain Biking

Navigating a world class single-track at top speeds, through magnificent canopied forests, down mountains with stunning vistas that lead to lush valleys and lakes beyond, is an experience that a mountain bike enthusiast yearns for. British Columbia offers all of these outstanding features and provides hundreds of opportunities to satisfy every mountain biker’s dream. You don’t have to be an expert to experience many of these rides however, trails abound for the novice and for the whole family.

Cycling

Prefer a gentler two-wheel experience? Then you can take to one of the many trails that most communities, parks and all regions in British Columbia offer. Most are paved or gravel and generally flat. There are short 3-5km rides and all-day trail rides waiting to tempt the outdoor enthusiast and avid cyclist of all ages. Major trails criss-cross parts, or all, of British Columbia including, the Trans Canada Trail which traverses the country and in BC stretches from Victoria on Vancouver Island to the Rocky Mountains in the east. In the north, the Trail follows the Alaska Hwy from Dawson Creek into the Yukon. Crossing the southern part of BC are cycle trails that have been developed on abandoned rail trails. Some of these include: the Kettle Valley Railway, predominantly in the Thompson Okanagan Region; Nakusp & Slocan Railway and the Columbia & Western Railway both in the Kootenay Rockies Region.

Biking Safety

Helmets are mandatory in British Columbia. If cycling on the road you require a white headlight visible from 150 meters and a rear red reflector visible at 100 meters.

The rules of the road apply to cyclists in the same way as drivers. Respect signs and traffic around you.

When on trails, remember you are sharing the trails with hikers and sometimes horseback riders. Be courteous, respect other people’s property and the environment. Stay on the posted trails at all times and watch for wild animals. For more information, review the Top 10 Safety Tips provided by HUB Cycling.

If mountain biking, especially in more remote areas, ensure you take extra inner tubes and a first aid kit with you, plus water and food. Weather can change quickly, so make sure you have appropriate clothing and always ride in a group where possible. Trail maps are generally available at local bike shops. These are useful as you may not be able to access Wi-Fi.

Other Useful Information

Camping & RV in BC has a google map that shows where all the private campgrounds, provincial parks, national parks and recreation sites are and each listing indicates whether they have access to cycling trails and mountain biking.

Read blogs on the Camping & RV in BC website that highlight some of our visitor’s favourite places for biking.

For camping in British Columbia go to the Camping Map.

For more information on biking, cycling and trails, visit:

Mountain Biking BC
Trails BC
HelloBC
Recreational Tourism Cycling
Trail Forks
Recreation Sites and Trails BC

Share your BC camping and travel photos using hashtag #campinbc, #explorebc, #bcnice

It’s always a great day to #campinbc