Oh, and did we mention that we’ve got one of the longest biking seasons around? From late spring to late fall, catch locals and visitors alike getting around on 2 wheels.
Here’s a list of six places to ride, from beginner to expert.
Old Coach Trail
Get a bird’s eye view of the Columbia Wetlands. The Old Coach Trail runs above the river area and has amazing opportunities for birdwatching and sightseeing!
This historic trail was an old road dating back to the early 1900s. The double-track trail winds above the Columbia River and wetlands. There are two access points with the Dry Gulch side being less hilly than the Radium entrance.
Bonus: Stop and watch birds of prey circling above the wetlands.
Spirit Trail
The Spirit Trail connects Fairmont Hot Springs to Canal Flats and offers legendary mountain and lake views! The blue water of Columbia Lake is particularly stunning on bright, sunny days!
The Spirit Trail is a beginner trail with intermediate sections, taking you through the forest. It was once used by the Ktunaxa people for hunting and as a transportation route.
Bonus: Pack a picnic and take a break by Columbia Lake along the lower trail.
Mount Swansea
If you’re looking for a legendary mountain biking experience, Mount Swansea is the trail for you. Mount Swansea is tucked behind the town of Invermere and offers the most rugged downhill biking experience in town!
From early July to late October, the gravel road is open for bikers to drive up and shuttle down (high-clearance vehicle required). The Mount Swansea recreation area also includes hiking trails and a beautiful viewpoint at the summit.
Southpark is the most popular with a berm overlooking Windermere Lake, perfect for photo opps. (There are no green trails, so experience is necessary.)
Bonus: Watch hang gliders and paragliders jumping off the north summit and floating to the valley below.
Westside Legacy Trail
Looking for smooth sailing? The Westside Legacy Trail is calling your name!
Paved from Invermere to Fairmont Hot Springs, head out for a ride on the Westside Legacy Trail for a great ride and even better views of Lake Windermere. The Westside Legacy Trail is perfect for strollers and road bikes as well, and offers photo-worthy stops and benches along the way. This trail is maintained from late spring to late fall.
Bonus: Stop for ice cream in Fairmont Hot Springs or Invermere after your ride for the perfect summer treat!
Panorama Mountain Bike Park
Dubbed “gravity fed greatness” the Panorama Mountain Bike Park offers a smorgasbord of trails available for bikers of all abilities. Ride the lift up, or power up an uptrack before enjoying the way down. The Panorama Mountain Bike Park is open from late June until early September.
Panorama Mountain Resort boasts a variety of bike trails: a lift-accessed bike park with green, blue, and black downhill trails; Hopeful Creek high alpine trail access; and beginner and family riding on the paved Valley Trail or in the forest on the single and double track Monument trails.
Bonus: Keep your eye out for bears down below while riding the chairlift.
Nipika Mountain Resort
Nipika Mountain Resort offers over 50km of mountain biking trails with fast and flowy singletrack, double track perfect for families and beginners, and adaptive trails. Ride high above the Kootenay River, across the chasm of the Natural Bridge, or over the roots of the forest. Mountain bikes are also available for rent.
Bonus: Take a dip in the pond on a hot day.
