Mountain Biking in Northwest BC: Flow Trails and Big Terrain


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TERRACE

There are no long bike park lift lines or crowded turns in the Northwest. Trails here make use of nature’s gravity and the creativity of bike-obsessed locals to lure you along loamy lines, through old-growth forest and over elemental stunts. Head to Terrace where you’ll find two impressive trail networks that offer a variety of cross-country, downhill and freeride trails. In town, practice your skills at the new skills bike park. Need to rent a bike? Wild Bike Terrace has you covered. Nearby, the Saasak’ Hill Trails offer some of the flowiest trails in the northwest, with over eight-kilometers of progressions, berms and jumps. The trails also serve as an out-and-back hiking route to the viewing platform above the lava beds.

SMITHERS

In Smithers, high alpine access means big descents, and with more than 40 trails you’re spoiled for choice on what to ride. From fast, flowing singletrack to more technical, rooty lines, the terrain reflects the scale and character of the surrounding mountains—each run shaped by the land itself. Pop into McBike & Sport for local advice and trail conditions before heading out. Tucked into the rugged Roche de Boule Mountain Range, the Glen Mountain trail network offers those visiting Hazelton the chance to ride fun tech and flow trails.

CRONIN PASS, SMITHERS
HOUSTON

Houston offers tracks without the traffic. Mount Harry Davis, built and maintained by the Houston Mountain Biking Association since 2016, has become one of the Bulkley Valley’s quiet riding gems, with flowy, well-designed trails through spruce forest and aspen hills for a range of abilities. The Family Riding Hub at P2 makes it easy to spend a full day outdoors, while higher routes in the Morice Mountain area climb toward sweeping northern views. For riders who prefer to flow rather than grind, the Silverthorne Lake trails offer smooth singletrack and a steady lakeside rhythm that lets you settle into the ride and take in the landscape. Beyond that, Houston also delivers downhill, gravel, cross-country, and winter fat biking options shaped by the wide-open character of the North.

MOUNT HARRY DAVIS, HOUSTON BC
BURNS LAKE

Burns Lake is a mountain bike mecca in the north, thanks to the incredible trail network on Boer Mountain built by world-renowned trails experts and maintained by a dedicated local trail crew. It’s a natural bike park without lift-access and arguably the best example of the creative trail building the north has to offer. You can easily spend a few days here exploring flowy lines, the skills and jump park, and rider cross track. Make sure to mingle with fellow riders and get intel at Burnt Bikes before hitting the dirt.

BOER MOUNTAIN, BURNS LAKE
PRINCE GEORGE

Into post-trail culture? Your best bet is to head to Prince George where the sophistication of urban life awaits once you’ve finished tackling any number of the city’s 243 available trails. You’ll find all-mountain to cross-country to downhill on trails networks including Pidherny Recreation Site and Otway, or enjoy lift-accessed trails at Tabor Mountain. Ruckus Skis Board and Bikes, Cycle Logic and the Prince George Cycling Club are great places to start your trip.

PIDHERNY TRAIL, PRINCE GEORGE