Vancouver Island

Nanaimo

Nanaimo is a gateway to riding across Central and North Vancouver Island, with easy access from the ferry terminal and classic local downhill and singletrack networks at Mt. Benson (Te’tuxwt’un), Doumont, and Westwood. The Stevie Smith Bike Park and newer trail developments like Finer China continue to expand Nanaimo’s riding scene, adding progression opportunities for riders of different experience levels.

Harbour Air provides floatplane connections to Nanaimo Harbour from Vancouver and other coastal BC communities, making Nanaimo an accessible launch point for an Island riding adventure.

Nanaimo's trails are on the unceded traditional territories of Coast Salish People, specifically the Snuneymuxw and Snaw-naw-as Nations.

Number of Trails:

393

Highest Elevation:

1,021 m

Trails:

easy: 39
intermediate: 238
difficult: 44
extra difficult: 11

Support Our Local Trails

Consider supporting the associations in Nanaimo that help maintain the trails and advocate for the mountain bike community.

Trail Associations

More Info

Getting Here & Trail Access

Nanaimo is the gateway to your Vancouver Island adventure and getting there is half the fun.

Nanaimo on Trailforks.com

Nanaimo is north of Victoria via (Highway 1) and south of Comox via Highway 19. Nanaimo can be easily accessed from Vancouver and the Lower Mainland by BC Ferries.

Driving Distances & Times:

Victoria - 110 km (68 mi), 1 hour 30 minutes
Vancouver via BC Ferries - 81 km (50 mi), 2 hours 30 minutes
Powell River via BC Ferries - 150 km (93 mi), 3 hours

Nanaimo Airport (YCD) is located 15 minutes south of Nanaimo with regional and interprovincial flights available with Air Canada and West Jet.

Harbour Air offers daily seaplane service to the Nanaimo Harbour from downtown Vancouver (Coal Harbour), Richmond (YVR South Terminal/Fraser River) and Sechelt (Sunshine Coast).