Cranbrook

Cranbrook is the largest city in the East Kootenays and a growing hub for mountain biking in the region. The Wildhorse Cycling Club manages the local trail network, centred around the Cranbrook Community Forest and Isadore Canyon. The club runs a popular 6-week Youth MTB Program, making it one of the more accessible entry points for families new to the sport. The Cranbrook Bike Skills Park provides a dedicated space for skill development before hitting the trails. Kootenay Freewheelers, based here, is one of the longest-running cycling clubs in the region with over 30 years of history.

6 resources in this area

TrailRipper's Take

Cranbrook doesn't always get the same attention as Fernie or Rossland, but it has something those places can't match: a beginner-friendly setup with the Youth MTB Program and Skills Park right there. If you're bringing kids who are just starting out, this is a low-pressure environment to build confidence. Northstar Bicycle Co. is great for trail intel and last-minute gear.

Where to start

Start at the Cranbrook Community Forest — the trail network is well-signposted and the lower cross-country loops are accessible for riders of any age. The Cranbrook Bike Skills Park (free, pump track) is a good first stop for kids who've never ridden off-road. Northstar Rails to Trails is flat and paved — suitable for very young riders.

Trails Worth Knowing

Northstar Rails To Trails

Green

Kimberley

Flat rail trail, good for young kids or anyone riding for the first time.

Skills Parks & Pump Tracks

Cranbrook Bike Skills Park

Cranbrook

FreeSkills Park

Pump Track

Associations

Shops

Skill Parks

MTB Associations

2 organisations

Kootenay Freewheelers

30+ year old cycling club serving Kimberley, Cranbrook, and wider Kootenays. Covers mountain, road, gravel, and e-bikes. Runs a youth MTB program. Contact for youth: freewheelerscoach@gmail.com.

freewheelers.caDetails

Wildhorse Cycling Club

Founded 2011 to unite cyclists of all disciplines in Cranbrook. IMBA-registered non-profit. Runs a popular 6-week Youth MTB Program on trails in the Cranbrook Community Forest and Isadore Canyon.

bikewildhorse.caDetails

Bike Shops

3 bike shops

Funhogz Gear Exchange

4.5

Used sports gear exchange store with a good rotating bike selection. Great for affordable family bikes and trying new sports on a budget.

+1 250-417-2828Details

Gerick Sports

4.6

Multi-sport retailer including bike sales and servicing. Known for thorough, knowledgeable work at fair prices. Ski and outdoor gear also stocked.

+1 250-426-6171Details

Northstar Bicycle Co

4.6

Cranbrook's main MTB shop, also serving espresso. Fat bike rentals, solid inventory, and helpful staff. Active partner with local trail community.

+1 778-520-2480Details

Skill & Bike Parks

1 park

Cranbrook Bike Skills Park

Skills Park

Community bike skills park in Cranbrook. Jump lines and pump track. Good warm-up or skill-building spot before heading to the Cranbrook Community Forest trails.

Family friendly ✓Free

From the blog

Riding Cranbrook

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Mountain Biking as a Family

There’s a short window when kids decide whether mountain biking is their thing or not. A few years of coaching in Golden — and riding with my own two boys — taught me that what happens in that window rarely comes down to the trail. It comes down to a handful of things most families figure out too late. Here’s what they are.

Jun 6, 2026Read →

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