Regions
Cariboo Chilcotin Coast
Three Hubs, Zero Crowds: Mountain Biking in the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast
The Cariboo Chilcotin Coast region has three major riding hubs: Williams Lake, Quesnel, and the South Chilcotin Mountains. Williams Lake is home to a sprawling network of more than 200 km of trails, Quesnel offers multiple riding zones including Dragon Mountain, Wonderland, and its bike park, and the South Chilcotin Mountains deliver remote alpine backcountry riding and helicopter and float plane-assisted adventures.
Terrain ranges from beginner-friendly flow trails to advanced technical riding and epic cross-country adventures, including the IMBA Epic-rated South Chilcotin Mountains route. Compared to destinations like Squamish and Whistler, the region sees far fewer riders, making it a standout choice for those seeking big, rugged, uncrowded terrain.
Start Planning Your Visit
The Cariboo Chilcotin Coast is centrally located in the province and contains much of the fertile Interior Plateau from Lillooet to Quesnel along Highway 97. The region extends west to the Pacific Ocean along Highway 20 from Williams Lake to Bella Coola and includes the spectacular Chilcotin and Coast mountain ranges.
Frequetly Asked Quesions:
- Is the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast good for beginners? — Yes, Williams Lake and Quesnel both have dedicated beginner flow trails alongside advanced terrain.
- How do I get to the South Chilcotin backcountry trails? — Most access is via guided flight-assisted trips (e.g., Tyax Adventures) rather than self-drive.
Spots to Ride
Choose your own adventure.
South Chilcotin
The South Chilcotin Mountains have been created by four million years of volcanic and tectonic activity along BC's Pacific Coast. Time has shaped this landscape perfect for exploring on a mountain bike. With its vast meadows and alpine terrain, you will see postcard-perfect vistas with every turn and endless opportunities to spot wildlife. As with every backcountry adventure, preparations and precautions are key to safely experience this unique environment which is prone to fast-changing conditions.
Support the local trail associations making this happen: Bridge River Valley Trails Committee
- Number of Trails:
- 103
- Highest Elevation:
- 2,820 m
- Trails:
- 3
- 32
- 62
- 6
Quesnel
Located in the heart of British Columbia between Williams Lake and Prince George, Quesnel is the perfect place to explore untapped trails. Find trails for all ages and abilities that are easily accessible for whatever kind of rides you seek—from technical singletrack to rock slabs, fast and loamy descents to jump tracks, climbing trails to pump tracks.
Support the local trail associations making this happen: Gold Rush Cycling Club
- Number of Trails:
- 36
- Highest Elevation:
- 1,283 m
- Trails:
- 9
- 20
- 7
Tyax Adventures
Tyax Adventures has over 20 years of experience guiding in the South Chilcotin Mountains. Every trip is customized to meet the dreams, desires, and skills of their guests so they can experience the magic of the South Chilcotin Mountains and the historic network of wilderness trails. Book a world-renowned, flight assisted, multi-day backcountry mountain bike adventure and retrace the footsteps of early pioneers for a trip full of stories to last a lifetime.
- Number of Trails:
- 52
- Highest Elevation:
- 2,820 m
- Trails:
- 3
- 14
- 30
- 5
Williams Lake
Fast, flowy, and tight are the best words to describe the experience you’ll have on one of the largest authorized trail networks in the British Columbia. From all-mountain singletrack to the most progressive free-riding to truly epic cross country, there is something for every style and skill level. Ride over 200 km (124 mi) of singletrack trails within the city limits, 100 km (62 km) within a half-hour drive, and the largest civic bike park in the region. Williams Lake is truly the Shangri-La of mountain biking.
Support the local trail associations making this happen: Williams Lake Cycling Club
- Number of Trails:
- 173
- Highest Elevation:
- 1,328 m
- Trails:
- 28
- 96
- 46
- 3
CARIBOO CHILCOTIN COAST
Get Inspired
Uncover the stories of the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast.
