Road Trips

Ride North

The new frontier for mountain biking

Northern BC has quickly become one of the most sought after mountain bike trips. Highway 16, known as the Yellowhead, traverses the province from the Northern Canadian Rockies to the Pacific Ocean. Along the way, you will encounter the full spectrum of terrain from big mountains to high plateaus and river valleys. Head north to discover friendly small towns that dot the route with trail networks rivalling those found in major centers in the south.

Trip statistics

Riding Communities: 5+
Trails to Access: 500+
Unforgettable Trip: 1

two mountain bikers descend hudsons bay mountain near smithers bc

Terrace

Where culture and adventure collide.

Terrace is a booming community surrounded by impressive mountain scenery and the mighty Skeena River. It is no wonder why residents embrace adventure and have created two impressive trail networks. Terrace Mountain overlooks the town and offers an array of challenging cross-country trails while Copper Mountain, located in the adjacent Thornhill neighbourhood, has some amazing downhill and freeride trails. For fun and practice, bikers can practice their skills at the town's new skill bike park.

Number of Trails:

Highest Elevation:

1,417 m

Trails:

easy: 5
intermediate: 17
difficult: 16
extra difficult: 7

Learn More about Terrace Visit Kermodei Tourism

The Hazeltons

Unveil the Mystery and Renew Your Spirit.

Nestled in the rugged Roche de Boule Mountain Range, The Hazeltons offer a blend of natural wonder, ancient culture, frontier history, and community charm. The Glen Mountain trail network is a relatively recent addition to the community and has a variety of fun tech and flow trails for every riding ability. After a ride, enjoy the many unique shops and local attractions including the 'Ksan Historical Village. This historic indigenous cultural site at the confluence of the Bulkley and Skeena Rivers has been the home of the Gitxsan peoples for over 8,000 years.

Visit The Hazeltons Opens in a new window/tab.

Smithers

Natural beauty in a charming alpine village atmosphere.

Situated in a beautiful Bulkley Valley, Smithers is located in prime mountain biking country surrounded by forested hillsides, stunning alpine meadows and rugged mountain peaks. A dedicated community of riders have been building and riding here for years on everything from wide open pathways to historical mining roads and alpine singletrack to steep, technical freeride trails.

Number of Trails:

Highest Elevation:

2,106 m

Trails:

easy: 5
intermediate: 25
difficult: 12
extra difficult: 1

Learn More about Smithers Visit Tourism Smithers

Bulkley-Nechako

The heart of Northern BC.

Looking to augment your mountain biking adventure with off-bike experiences? Step off the beaten path into a one-of-a-kind destination rich with culture and history unlike any other. Centrally located between Prince George and Prince Rupert, the Bulkley-Nechako region offers a snapshot of life in the north. The Bulkley Valley, which includes Smithers, Telkwa, and Houston, is a hub for sports fishing and mountaineering. The Lakes District, which includes the communities of Burns Lake, Fraser Lake, and Granisle, has over 300 lakes, exceptional fishing, and world-class mountain biking trails. The Nechako Valley, encompassing Fort St James and Vanderhoof, is noted for its vibrant Dakelh First Nation’s history, remote fishing resorts, outfitter lodges, and hiking opportunities.

Visit Bulkley Nechako

Burns Lake

A trifecta of natural beauty, friendly locals, and flowy goodness.

Burns Lake offers a progressive beginner-to-advanced trail network on Boer Mountain designed by world-renowned experts and a dedicated local trail crew. This destination offers a rider-focussed sequence of cross-country, freeride and downhill trails, as well as a skills park, jump park and rider cross track. The Boer Mountain trail network is recognized as one of the most progressive and sustainable trail networks found in BC.

Number of Trails:

Highest Elevation:

1,245 m

Trails:

easy: 12
intermediate: 23
difficult: 11
extra difficult: 1

Learn More about Burns Lake Visit Burns Lake Mountain Bike Association

Prince George

Rugged wilderness meets urban sophistication.

The welcoming town of Prince George provides big city amenities within mere minutes of pristine forests of thrilling cross-country, all-mountain, and downhill riding. Visitors seeking a northern challenge can ride the trails at Pidherny recreation site or the extensive network at Otway with trails for all skill levels. If you’re looking for an easy, relaxed ride with river views, cycle the Heritage River Trail, which follows the Nechako River as it merges with the mighty Fraser.

Number of Trails:

243

Highest Elevation:

2,038

Trails:

easy: 71
intermediate: 111
difficult: 47
extra difficult: 5

Learn More about Prince George Visit Tourism Prince George

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:

Highest Elevation:

1,510

Trails:

easy: 15
intermediate: 11
difficult: 7

Learn More about Valemount Visit Tourism Valemount

Get Inspired

Northern BC is vast, sparsely populated and filled with opportunities for adventure and mountain biking. Here are a few stories to get you inspired about Northern BC for your next road trip.