Mountain Biking in The Great Wilderness

Prince George

Traditional Territory of Lheidli T’enneh First Nation

The riders in Prince George (PG) are defined by their penchant for speed. The flow trails are fast, the technical trails are fast, and the jump lines—you guessed it—fast. The terrain isn’t as technical and steep as its neighbouring trail networks, but holds a playful vibe with endless opportunities to get your wheels off the ground. 

It’s worth spending a few days here to sample the different riding areas, from the steep downhill trails around the University of Northern BC, the cross-country laps of Greenway and Otway and PG’s crown jewel Pidherny holding the biggest and best descents. Being the largest city in Northern BC, Prince George offers the most options for food, drink, and accommodation with two stand-out breweries (Trench and Crossroads). PG is the perfect introduction to Northern BC riding.

Smithers

Traditional Territory of the Wet’suwet’en Nation

Smithers may just be the most beautiful town in the north with its Swiss mountain town vibe, manicured main street and commanding views of Dzilh Yez (Hudson’s Bay Mountain). The beautification extends to the trail network as well. As an early adopter of mountain biking, The Bluff hosts a unique riding legacy that harkens back to the 1990s with requisite wooden features and fall-line rocky, rooty trails to keep you on your toes. 

In addition to the steep tech, there’s a plethora of modern jump and flow trails to keep everyone psyched. Smithers also provides an opportunity to head into the alpine on the newly revamped Cronin Pass Trail. Make sure to check out Two Sisters Cafe or Rustica Bakery for a post-ride treat that’s as good as the riding. There are also two breweries in town, Smithers Brewing and Bulkley Valley Brewing, great options for a pint and some live music to cap off your ride.

Nass Valley on Nisg̱a'a Lands

Traditional Territory of the Nisg̱a’a Nation

The trails in the Nass are the new kid on the block in terms of mountain biking, but trails in these lands have been an important part of Nisg̱a’a culture since time immemorial. The purpose-built bike trails were a community initiative by the local Gitwinksihlkw council to get their youth active and provide an accessible trail to the expansive viewpoint of the
Anhluut’ukwsim Lax̱mihl Angwinga’asanskwhl Nisg̱a’a Park (Nisg̱a’a Memorial Lava Beds) from Sa’ask Hill. 

One of the most unique riding experiences in BC is the newly expanded Lava Bed Loop which winds its way through the otherworldly moonscape, following traditional trapping routes between fissures and sinkholes. Accessed from the suspension bridge right beside the Welcome House Café, these fragile lava beds hold a large cultural significance to the Nisg̱a’a Nation people so please tread lightly and stay on the trail and do not remove any piece of lava. 

SIDE ROUTE: Tumbler Ridge / Mackenzie

Traditional Territory of the Dunne-za, Saulteaux, Tse’khene, Cree and Metis Peoples

A short detour north of Highway 16 brings you to two up-and-coming riding destinations with brand new riding experiences. Tumbler Ridge is worth the drive for the UNESCO Global Geopark alone, but now features new downhill and jump trails along with a paved pump track. 

Mackenzie is another standout with a rare opportunity to drive above treeline to access the new alpine trail Royal Coachman which traverses a broad ridgeline with spectacular views and links into the downhill and jump trails of the main network.

Trail organizations in the north are volunteer-run with sweat equity being the main currency. The locals here work with and respect the land, and expect the same from visitors so please consider your own impact and donate to the areas you visit so communities can keep these trails pristine for generations to come for locals and visitors alike.