It is important to respect other trail users and support the organizations that maintain the trails where ever you ride.

Tips on how to ride safely and responsibly.

Regions

Thompson Okanagan

Summerland, Mount Conkle, Thompson Okanagan, Mountain Biking BC
Photo by Kari Medig

Winding trails through golden sagebrush hills, on the shores of glistening lakes, and past sprawling wineries.

The seemingly infinite trails in Thompson Okanagan are celebrated for being fast and fun, rolling over mountain terrain and meeting cool freshwater lakes for respite on a warm, summer days. The region is home to Kamloops, the original epicentre of freeride mountain biking in Canada, and boasts a list of homegrown athletes that have made it to the world stage and put this region on the map.

The Shuswap area offers more than 400 km (250 mi) of trail for every type of rider and connects the communities of Shuswap Lake. Vernon has everything from steep, technical descents to family-friendly rides in grassy meadows. Kelowna is the major centre for the Okanagan and is home to a diverse mix of riding, from fast singletrack to technical rock gardens and wide open rail trails. Penticton is the southern cousin sandwiched between Okanagan and Skaha lakes and surrounded by hills filled with sweey, flowy ribbons of earth. The region also boasts three of North America’s top lift-access bike parks: Sun Peaks, Silver Star, and Big White.

Salmon Arm, Rubberhead, Thompson Okanagan, Mountain Biking BC

"My roots are in the Thompson Okanagan and it may be the most diverse region I’ve ever ridden my mountain bike! From world-class bike parks and deep lush forest singletrack epics to open high-speed desert ripping, the region has everything to satisfy the most voracious mountain biker’s appetite. I hope to one day re-locate to this region and spend my days exploring this vast network!"

-Wade Simmons, Professional Freeride Mountain Biker


Spots to Ride

Discover friendly towns, refreshing lakes, stunning wineries, tasty breweries, and above all—incredible trails.

Bike Big White

Bike Big White

This unique Okanagan riding destination speaks to the soul of mountain biking. Here, top downhill trails sit well above the treeline, high in the alpine with sprawling views of the Monashee mountain range.  Beginner to expert riders will feel at home on Big White with trails designed with both progression and challenge in mind.

2023 Operating Season: June 29 - Sept 4 (Thursday-Sunday and holiday Mondays)

Number of Trails:
23
Highest Elevation:
2,282
Trails:
easy
5
intermediate
8
difficult
7
extra difficult
3
Clearwater

Clearwater

Located on the doorstep of Wells Gray Park, Clearwater with its Candle Creek trail network is the perfect outdoor recreation destination.
Number of Trails:
16
Highest Elevation:
1,096 m
Trails:
easy
8
intermediate
4
difficult
4
Kamloops

Kamloops

Home to the Kamloops Bike Ranch, Canada’s largest municipal bike park, Kamloops is known as a mountain biking mecca with vast landscapes, rolling hills, and expansive bike trails. Riders of all levels can experience the flowy trails and wide-open vistas that make Kamloops a special place to ride a bike.

Number of Trails:
272
Highest Elevation:
1,482 m
Trails:
easy
111
intermediate
114
difficult
40
extra difficult
7
Kelowna

Kelowna

Look no further than Kelowna for an all-around good time both on and off the trails. You’ll find a diverse range of singletrack options, for the expert to the novice, in as little as five minutes from the downtown core. As the diversity is so condensed, you can easily find yourself moving from dramatic forested downhill to cross-country sub-desert trails in a day. And, when the end of that day comes you will find yourself in a vibrant city packed with wineries, craft breweries and distilleries, farm-fresh dining, and lakeside nightlife.

Number of Trails:
303
Highest Elevation:
2,171
Trails:
easy
57
intermediate
162
difficult
71
extra difficult
13
Merritt

Merritt

With four distinct riding areas, each day is a new adventure in Merritt. You will find fast and flowy singletrack, challenging steep and rocky descents, gentle classic grassland routes, and scenic forested pathways. Merritt has something for everyone and more than enough riding to keep you inspired for days.

Number of Trails:
67
Highest Elevation:
1,695
Trails:
easy
8
intermediate
34
difficult
20
extra difficult
5
Osoyoos

Osoyoos

With a unique, desert climate, adventure can be found all-season in Osoyoos. Trails surround our friendly and intimate resort town, which is rich in Indigenous culture and a wide range of culinary and artistic experiences – not to mention sophisticated resorts, championship golf courses, and the nation’s warmest lake.

Number of Trails:
32
Highest Elevation:
944 m
Trails:
easy
4
intermediate
4
difficult
7
extra difficult
1
Penticton

Penticton

The sunny South Okanagan is where you will find beautiful Penticton. Seemingly endless singletrack can be found in the hills overlooking Okanagan Lake and the surrounding vineyards. The Kettle Valley Rail Trail provides an easy peddle and convenient access to many of the challenging trails in the popular Three Blind Mice trail network above the Naramata Bench. 

Number of Trails:
241
Highest Elevation:
2,198
Trails:
easy
48
intermediate
96
difficult
47
extra difficult
3
Shuswap

Shuswap

Over 470 km (290 mi) of mountain bike trails and cross-country tracks serve up spokes of serious highland fun in all directions—big hit downhill, flow, berms, old school, cross-country, bike park features, loops, lines, descents, and distance. It’s a place where you can start your day with breathtaking views and end—no matter the trail—with your feet up at a pub or café.

Number of Trails:
173
Highest Elevation:
1,230
Trails:
easy
70
intermediate
83
difficult
20
SilverStar Bike Park

SilverStar Bike Park

As Canada’s second largest bike park, SilverStar is designed for progression to make you a better rider. Its high-speed chairlift offers downhill riders easy access to the top of an incredible selection of flow and technical trails, maintained throughout the season by a full-time trail crew. This is the place to discover everything from beginner biking trails winding gently through wildflower meadows to expert runs filled with berms, jumps, and features designed to challenge the hardcore rider. 

2023 Operating Season: June 23 - Sept 4 (daily), plus Sat/Sun: Sept 9/10 and 16/17

Number of Trails:
51
Highest Elevation:
1,915 m
Trails:
easy
16
intermediate
17
difficult
13
extra difficult
5
Sun Peaks Bike Park

Sun Peaks Bike Park

With over 20 years of experience in bike park operations, Sun Peaks is one of the best places to ride during the summer months. Accompanying Sun Peaks’ renowned steep and technical singletrack is a plethora of flow trails loaded with tons of hits and berms for maximum airtime. With big upgrades and new trails added over the past few years, you will find fast and flowing freeride trails catering to riders of all ability levels across three mountains.

2023 Operating Season: June 16 - Sept 24 (daily)

Number of Trails:
43
Highest Elevation:
2,009
Trails:
easy
5
intermediate
16
difficult
14
extra difficult
8
Valemount

Valemount

Made for mountain bikers.

Valemount is surrounded by gorgeous snow-capped peaks, making for a spectacular riding experience. Take a shuttle up 5-Mile Road to access the top of the Valemount Bike Park or ride the CBT climbing trail to a wide range of thrilling descents that will bring you back to town for some local trail banter over après-ride refreshments.

Number of Trails:
33
Highest Elevation:
1,510
Trails:
easy
15
intermediate
11
difficult
7
Vernon

Vernon

Vernon is the northern cousin in the Okanagan trifecta offering old-growth forest, parched desert, and one of BC’s most beautiful turquoise lakes. Vernon’s diversity means there is a trail for every rider type and its rapidly expanding network offers fun and flowy singletrack with stunning views over the Coldstream Valley and Kalamalka Lake. The region has the added benefit of hosting some of the best downhill riding at SilverStar just 20 minutes outside of downtown. In Vernon, you are spoilt for choice with local craft breweries, quality accommodations, and tasty dining options at the end of the day.

Number of Trails:
209
Highest Elevation:
2,171
Trails:
easy
39
intermediate
114
difficult
29
extra difficult
27

Get Inspired

Uncover stories of the Thompson Okanagan.

Start Planning Your Trip

The Thompson Okanagan sits in the southern Interior of British Columbia and is home to over 90 diverse communities. In this region, the landscape is as varied—from the tallest peak in the Canadian Rockies to the semi-arid climate of the Okanagan Desert.