The
Okanagan Valley & Similkameen area of British
Columbia has everything a mountain biker might
want. They have trails with speed, plenty of variety,
and a climate that is usually dry and hot in the
summer. The south slopes of the valley are desert
like with sparse vegetation, while the north slopes
offer coolness with plenty of shade.
The trails around Oliver
Osoyoos offer you the opportunity to explore
this desert like region at your own leisure. In
Oliver, the International Bicycling and Hiking
Society Trail, is an easy ride meandering along
a river. The Osoyoos Trails are made up of old
roads and some single tracks.
The terrain available in Penticton
will only make this region more and more popular
with bikers. For some quiet and easy going, check
out the Kettle
Valley Railway. The Campbell Mountain Trails
that are close to town offer moderate to difficult
riding, while the Ellis Ridge Trails are difficult
both physically and technically.
Take time out to investigate the mountain biking
trails around Summerland
and Peachland.
Kelowna
and area offers superb mountain biking. Try the
Knox Mountain Trails which are easily reached
and convenient. The Crawford area with a developed
network of trails, is a popular region with locals
and will also take you to Myra Canyon (the
Kettle Valley Railroad). For something more
challenging try the McDougal Rim, Okanagan Mountain
Park, or Bear Creek.
Once in the Vernon
area there's world class mountain biking on Silver
Star Mountain. Other popular spots are Vernon
Hill trails, BX Creek, The Trinity, Kalamalka
Lake Provincial Park and Eagle Rock. No matter
where you go mountain biking in the Okanagan Similkameen
region, be safe, have fun!
Adventures
& Suppliers in Okanagan-Similkameen:
Beaver Lake Mountain Resort: Join us for family fun. They’re log cabins, a campground, Coffee Corner, fishing, boats, canoes, kayak rentals, hiking & biking, & lots of kids fun. Just east of Lake Country (Winfield) on Hwy 97 there’s a wellness retreat, internet corner, & grocery sto... more
Postill Lake Lodge Fishing Resort: Bring the family for a vacation any time of year. There’s fabulous fly-fishing on a choice of 7 lakes, plus activities including swimming, boating, hiking, and more. In winter slide on that beautiful white stuff with x-country skiing and snowmobiling. more
The
best way to cycle and to have complete up to date
information on trails is to join a cycle club.
For information on clubs, activities, rules and
regulations contact the Cycling BC office at (604)
737-3034 or visit their web site click
here.
For a list of local bike shops, contact the local
Chamber of Commerce in each town, they will be
pleased to help you out. When out mountain biking
the most important thing is to be safe, have fun
and respect private property.