Campbell River is home to some of the best cross country mountain biking terrain on Vancouver Island, some might even argue British Columbia. Depending on your preference, riders can choose to spend the day on rolling singletrack or ride technical traverses with rock outcroppings, drops and steep descents. There is a trail for every skill level.
Local Tip: Rentals can be limited, we highly recommend calling ahead to make sure you aren’t disappointed.
The Beaver Lodge Lands
A popular starting point for riders who might not have a lot of experience riding is the Beaver Lodge Lands. The trails in the “Beav”( as referred to by local riders) range from rail grade to flowy downhill. For those who might want to get a little technical, there is a dirt pump track, log rides and rock rolls in the clear cut.
Pumphouse Trails
For those riders who like to get out in the woods, away from the bustle of people and are looking for more technical riding then the PumpHouse Trails and Snowden Demonstration Forest is where you want to go.
Known as the gateway to the Snowden Demonstration Forest, the Pumphouse Trail offers flowy and technical single track that ranges from intermediate to advanced. Riders can use this trail network to access Snowdon via a fun ridgeline single track.
Snowden Demonstration Forest
Snowden Demonstration Forest has everything a rider is looking for; solitude, scenery and never-ending single track. To reach the parking for this mecca of riding you take Hwy 28 to the turn for Elk Falls, stay on Brewster Lake road until you see Loveland Bay Main. From here it is about 5kms on a gravel road.
Greenways Loop
The newest addition to Campbell Rivers’s riding scene is the Greenways Loop. This scenic 28 km loop skirts the perimeter of the city on nature trails, pathways, sea walk, bike lanes, and the road shoulder. It gives riders a glimpse of the ocean views, nature trails and urban life as they traverse around our beautiful city.
The Greenways Loop like all of our trails is a volunteer-driven initiative. The riding community of Campbell River is passionate about riding, it would not be unusual for a local rider to roll up, offer trail suggestions, discuss riding equipment and let you know about some of their favourite stops.
Renting a Bike
There are two local bike shops, Pedal Your World and Swicked Cycles, that provide hardtail or full suspension mountain bikes for either half-day or full-day use. Helmets are included with the rental, if you ride with a specific pedal do remember to bring them.
Island Joy Rides also offers self-guided biking tours, they will supply you with the bikes, maps and some snacks to get you on your way!
Local Tip: Rentals can be limited, we highly recommend calling ahead to make sure you aren’t disappointed.
The one item that is not available for rent are bike racks. So when considering where you want to ride, you need to take into consideration how you are going to get to bike there.
After a successful day of biking in Campbell River we recommend celebrating the best way we know-how and that is by having a refreshing bevy. Head over to Beach Fire Brewing and Nosh House for locally brewed craft beer and a delicious locally sourced menu. Or try out Session Taproom Kitchen and Spin their rotating tap always features a great selection of BC craft beers.
