Ride Ideas
Family Road Trip – BC's Vast & Flowy Interior
From forested trails to canyon singletrack, to sagebrush-lined rides, get ready for a memorable adventure with the whole family through the interior of British Columbia. Here, the mountain-bike trails, waterfalls, wildlife, and family-friendly communities come together. Whether your crew is pedalling hard or just enjoying the ride, this itinerary takes you on a four to five (4-5) days journey across three distinct regions.
Ride statistics
- Days of Riding
- 4-5
- Stops
- 3
- total driving distance
- 510 kms / 317 miles
Start Point: Clearwater
Your trip kicks off in Clearwater — a gateway to wild BC terrain and the forested trail system of the Candle Creek Trail Network.
- Trails to Hit: After a bit of a climb up Convoy, take Ridge Loop to connect to either Freebird or Sweet Jane for a fun flowy descent through cedar forest blessed with some big giants. For more technical riding, a second lap might include Rock Lobster or Pub Feed to give both young riders and parents a fun challenge.
- Afternoon Activity: Continue on the trails or visit the stunning waterfall along the Clearwater River — including Silvertip Falls — and let younger riders recharge with a stroll or easy hike. Grab dinner at Hop’N’Hog for cute vibes and delicious food. You can add an extra day of hiking in the Wells Gray Provincial Park if time allows.
- Vibe: Deep green forests, cascading water, fresh air — a serene start with enough riding to get the legs moving.
Stop 1 Williams Lake
Continue your journey via Highway 34 along the Cariboo mountains and arrive at Williams Lake, where trails feel remote yet welcoming. With over 200 kilometers of trails within the city limits, there is something for everyone, including a beginner friendly double-track. We recommend that you spend 2 days in the area.
Trails to Hit: Explore the Westside and Fox Mountain Systems for a mix of singletrack, ridge views and canyon scenery. Both offer a good balance between beginner, intermediate and advanced trails. Most importantly both networks have easy access.
Evening & Stay: Set up at the Williams Lake Stampede Grounds campground for a community-feel lodging option. Wrap up your day with dinner at Fox Mountain Brewing and a game night with the kids — board games can be a hit after a day of riding.
Finish Kamloops
Finish strong in Kamloops — a town that pairs big riding with family-friendly extras.
Morning Ride: Warm up at Dufferin’s KBRA progression park (e.g., the Kenna Cartright Trails and viewpoint ride) for parents and kids to sharpen skills in a lower-stress environment.
Mid-Day Stop: Visit the BC Wildlife Park for an interactive break — burrowing owls, spray parks, shade and rest time while everyone gets a breather.
Evening & Final Ride: Head to Harper Mountain or the sage-brush terrain at the Lac du Bois Grasslands for a final loop. For example, the Easy Rider warm-up followed by the Cucwéll trail brings flow and a bit of finish-line fun.
Final Night: Relax at a hotel suite or lodge in Kamloops with space for bikes and gear, share your best ride moments over dinner, and reflect on the trip before heading home.
Tips & Notes
- Bike Prep: Ensure the bikes are tuned, tires set for varied terrain (forest roots to rocky sage-brush), and carry repair kit + water.
- Breaks Matter: As a parent you know it best, young riders will need regular rest — factor in easy trails or non-bike stops (e.g., waterfall viewing or wildlife park).
- Engage the Kids: Sometimes a sweet motivation will get the gear turning. When it gets too much, alternates lead parents to share the load.
- Trail Etiquette: Whether it's a first time teaching or a continued one, a reminder of Leave No Trace to young riders is important. Stay on marked trails, respect nature, and watch for wildlife.
- Flexibility: You can scale to a 3-stop, 4-day route if time is tight or stretch into 6 days if you want more exploration.