The riding in the Kootenays can be remote and unforgiving, so be prepared. Most bike destinations in the area have services and guides for hire, which is recommended for first-time visitors. Nevertheless, plenty of other attainable riding exists throughout the Kootenays.

Set amidst the dramatic Rocky and Purcell Mountains in the southern part of the Kootenays, Kimberley is a biker’s paradise. This quaint Bavarian-themed town features Canada’s largest freestanding cuckoo-clock (who knew?!) and diverse bike trails inside the Kimberley Nature Park. In nearby Fernie, riders can lap the lifts at Fernie Alpine Resort or pedal up the many public trails close to town. A few hours away, Rossland’s colourful heritage contributes to the majestic trail views, most notably with the epic Seven Summits trail.

To the north, the Columbia Valley offers hundreds of kilometres of twisty mountain bike trails along alpine peaks and dense forests, with numerous resorts maintaining their own signature singletrack. In Golden, the town is marked by a history of adventure. Mountain biking is a natural fit in this outdoor mecca, attracting athletes from around the globe with its XC singletrack heaven and thrilling, gravity-fueled runs. Revelstoke’s reputation for big-mountain skiing and snowboarding transcends to summer months, with epic bikes rides found in the Monashee and Selkirk Mountains. Shuttle-accessed downhilling or double-digit cross-country rides will reward you with stellar mountain views that eat up the entire skyline.

Off The Bike

• With their therapeutic benefits, the region’s mineral hot springs are the perfect way to relax after a day of riding.
• Strap on a PFD and raft the mighty Kicking Horse River near Golden or float the Slocan River near Nelson.
• Nearby rivers and streams are ideal for fly-fishing and undisturbed lakes are primed for casting a line from a boat.
• The area’s rich mining history has left a number of obsolete heritage sites intact, perfect for discovering old settlements, railways and trading posts.