The
superb terrain and the moderate climate make Vancouver
Island, BC, a mecca for mountain biking. Active
clubs and their members help maintain the numerous
trails you will find throughout the island, ranging
from easy family tracks to the very difficult
rides that will challenge your physical fitness
and your technical know-how.
In Victoria
there's the Galloping
Goose, a multi use 60 km (37 mi.) trail that
offers beauty and history. Other spots for mountain
biking in the Victoria area are Millstream Highlands,
Burnt Bridge, Can-Am Trails and the Hartland Surplus
Lands/Mount Work Park.
The City of Nanaimo,
which lies on the protected eastern side, features
some of the best mountain biking on Vancouver
Island. Here the most famous course is the Ultimate
Abyss, that's technically very difficult. Other
trails in the Nanaimo area are Westwood Lake Loop
and the Westwood Ridge/Rocky Road/3 Creeks Trail.
Next on your must riding list is found in Parksville,
where crews of mountain bikers have created a
biker's park and maintain excellent trails. The
A.M.C. Top Bridge Mountain Bike Park offers eight
different moderate trails. For a more difficult
ride, try the Hammerfest Race Course. Not far
from Parksville is Hornby Island where there are
twenty-one trails for your riding enjoyment.
For breath taking views and stellar mountain biking,
the CourtenayComox
area is where it's at. If you're looking for that
demanding ride both physically and technically
the B21/Boston Main is waiting for you. Other
challenging tracks are Tomato Creek, Nymph Falls
and Arbutus. For the moderate level rider there's
Salamander, Bears Bait, Bevan Trail, Bics and
The Dump or take it easy on flat single tracks
with a ride on Seal Bay Nature Park.
Campbell
River, where you will find world class fishing,
is no slouch when it comes to mountain biking.
Trails include Pumphouse, Skidmarks, Snowden Trails
and Old Rail Grades. No matter where mountain
biking takes you be safe, have fun!
Adventures
& Suppliers on Vancouver Island, BC
Oak Bay Marine Group: Enjoy the finest world-class BC saltwater fishing adventures with Oak Bay Marine Group. Our seven fabulous resorts throughout coastal BC provide a fishing adventure for everyone! Salmon, halibut and bottom fish, we’ve got it all for people who love to fish. more
Painters Lodge: Located in Campbell River, the Salmon Capital of the World, we set the standard for all other saltwater fishing resorts. Enjoy Sportfishing, the excitement of a wildlife adventure or whale watching trip. Lounge by the pool, or enjoy a meal in the restaurant o... more
Salt Springs Spa Resort: Leave your worries behind at Salt Spring Spa Resort, a relaxing retreat from the burdens of everyday life. The natural beauty of this Gulf Island, and peaceful atmosphere, makes for an ideal island getaway, romantic escape, or health retreat (Ayurveda). more
Tigh-Na-Mara Resort, Spa, and Conference Centre: Families – Conferences – Romance! Relax in log cottages located in a lush forest, oceanfront condos, or our luxurious Spa Bungalows next to the Grotto Spa where you can pamper yourself. Stroll the sandy beach & feast on a meal from Chef Andrew Howarth. more
The best way to cycle and to have complete up
to date information on trails is to join a cycle
club. For information on clubs, activities, rules
and regulations contact the Cycling BC. office
at (604) 737-3034 or visit their web site click
here.
For a list of local bike shops, contact the local
Chamber of Commerce in each town, they will be
pleased to help you out. When out mountain biking
the most important thing is to be safe, have fun
and respect private property.
