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How to Plan a Mountain Bike Trip to the Kootenays

The Kootenays stretch across southeastern BC from Golden in the north to the US border in the south — 13 distinct riding destinations, hundreds of kilometres of singletrack, and a trail culture that's been quietly earning its reputation for decades. It's not a single place with a single trailhead. Planning a trip here means choosing which corner of the region to explore, who you're riding with, and how much ground you want to cover. This guide covers the full picture: when to go, what each region offers, where to start if you have kids or newer riders, and how to string it all into a trip that actually works.

When to Go

The Kootenays spans a big elevation range. Lower-elevation trails in Cranbrook and Kimberley can open as early as April. Alpine terrain in Golden and Rossland might not be rideable until July. Don't assume one season fits the whole region — check Trailforks conditions reports before driving anywhere.

Late May – June

Trails drying out. Lower networks open first, alpine still patchy.

Best for: Cranbrook, Kimberley, Fernie town trails, Golden (Mountain Shadows)

July – August

Peak season. All networks open. Hot and dry.

Best for: All regions — best time for families and first-timers

September – October

Tacky dirt, cooler temps, fall colour. Best riding of the year for many locals.

Best for: Rossland, Nelson, Fernie, Revelstoke

November – April

Most singletrack closed or marginal. Some low-elevation riding possible.

Best for: Cranbrook, Kimberley (lower trails only)

The Regions

Thirteen regions, organised north to south. Each has a full listing in the TrailRippers Hub.

Golden

Golden sits at the confluence of the Columbia and Kicking Horse rivers, surrounded by five mountain ranges and over 165 km of singletrack managed by the Golden Cycling Club. Trails span four distinct networks — Mount 7, Moonrakers, CBT Mainline, and Mountain Shadows — ranging from flowy green beginner loops to technical black descents. The Mountain Shadows network at the base of Mount 7 is particularly well-suited to families and learning riders, with dedicated beginner trails and the Kootenay Columbia Trails adaptive network nearby. Kicking Horse Mountain Resort adds lift-accessed riding in summer.

Full Golden guide

Revelstoke

Revelstoke has built a reputation as one of BC's fastest-growing mountain bike destinations. The Revelstoke Cycling Association manages 150+ km of trails spread across four mountain zones, from beginner-friendly cross-country riding to steep, technical terrain suited to advanced riders. The Pipe Dream trail system is a standout. Revelstoke Mountain Resort offers lift-accessed riding in summer alongside its world-famous ski terrain. The town sits on the Columbia River and has a strong outdoor sports culture, with bike shops, cafes, and a community actively invested in growing the trail network.

Full Revelstoke guide

Nelson

Nelson is the cultural heart of the West Kootenays and home to one of BC's most storied mountain bike scenes. The Nelson Cycling Club maintains trails across eight distinct areas surrounding the city, from accessible lakeshore rides to steep technical descents. The annual Kootenay Fat Tire Festival draws riders from across the region each fall. Nelson's compact downtown is lined with independent bike shops, cafes, and a community that takes its riding seriously. The combination of natural beauty, trail variety, and vibrant town culture makes it a perennial favourite for Kootenays MTB.

Full Nelson guide

Rossland

Rossland is legendary in the Canadian MTB world, home to 71 trails and over 186 km of singletrack managed by the Kootenay Columbia Trails Society. The IMBA-rated Seven Summits Trail is one of the most iconic alpine ridge rides in BC. The KCTS employs a professional full-time trail crew, resulting in a network that's consistently well-built and well-maintained. Trails range from mellow cross-country loops to demanding technical terrain, with Red Mountain Resort providing lift access in summer. The town's small-town energy and deep riding culture make it a destination riders return to year after year.

Skills Parks

Full Rossland guide

Fernie

Fernie is one of BC's most celebrated mountain bike destinations, with a trail network spanning Mt Fernie, Mt Proctor, Morrissey Ridge, Heiko's, and the CONTRA network. The Fernie Trails Alliance manages the majority of riding, supported by a trail pass system that funds ongoing maintenance. Trails cover every ability level, from accessible cross-country loops to burly enduro descents. The town itself is compact and bike-friendly, with dedicated MTB shops, a thriving riding community, and easy access to trailheads from the townsite.

Beginner Trails

Skills Parks

Full Fernie guide

Kimberley

Kimberley sits at the southern end of the Rocky Mountain Trench and is home to a well-developed trail network managed by the Kimberley Trails Society, which has been building and protecting trails since 2009. A trail pass system funds a dedicated trail crew, resulting in consistently high-quality riding conditions. The network covers terrain for all abilities, from cross-country loops to technical descents, with a strong family-friendly component. The Kimberley Bike Park offers progressive skills features for riders developing their technique. The town has a compact, walkable feel with good access to local bike shops.

Skills Parks

Full Kimberley guide

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.

Full Cranbrook guide

Invermere / Radium Hot Springs

The Invermere and Radium Hot Springs area spans the southern Columbia Valley, offering mountain biking alongside world-class hot springs and proximity to Kootenay National Park. The Columbia Valley Cycling Society manages key trail networks including Lake Lillian and Mt. Swansea, plus a dedicated pump track in Radium. Invermere serves as the main service hub with multiple bike shops and rentals. The Westside Legacy Trail is a family-friendly multi-use path connecting the lakeshore communities. Radium's location at the gates of Kootenay National Park makes it a popular base for multi-activity family trips.

Full Invermere / Radium Hot Springs guide

Kaslo

Kaslo is a historic lakeside village on Kootenay Lake's west arm, and home to a growing trail network developed by the Kaslo Mountain Bike Club. The KMBC works with trail builders and land managers to sustainably develop non-motorized riding in and around the area. North Kootenay Bike Shop doubles as a trail shuttle and eco-tour operator, offering e-bike rentals via the Kaslo E-Kruise program. The Kaslo Family Mountain Bike Park provides beginner-friendly skills features designed specifically for youth. Kaslo's scenic setting and quiet roads make it an appealing destination for families seeking a lower-key riding experience.

Beginner Trails

Full Kaslo guide

Nakusp

Nakusp is a small Arrow Lakes town that punches well above its size for mountain biking, thanks largely to the Nakusp Bike Society. The NABS has developed over 50 km of trails at the Mount Abriel Recreation Site, with a deliberate focus on inclusive and adaptive trail design. It's one of the few trail networks in the Kootenays specifically built with accessibility in mind. Shon's Bike & Ski is the town's dedicated bike and ski shop, also operating accommodation for visiting riders. The hot springs and lake make Nakusp a worthwhile destination beyond the trails.

Full Nakusp guide

East Shore, Kootenay Lake

The East Shore of Kootenay Lake is a rugged, sparsely populated stretch of lakeside communities anchored around Crawford Bay. The East Shore Trail and Bike Association maintains the local trail network, funded by memberships and community donations. Riding here is remote and immersive — expect old-growth forest, dramatic lake views, and very few other riders on the trail. The East Shore is best suited to riders who appreciate a backcountry feel and are comfortable with self-sufficiency. The Kootenay Lake ferry connects the East Shore to Nelson, making a multi-day loop trip possible.

Full East Shore, Kootenay Lake guide

Castlegar

Castlegar sits at the confluence of the Columbia and Kootenay rivers in the heart of the West Kootenays — a working town with a trail network that’s still finding its feet. Friends of Trails (Castlegar Parks and Trails Society) is actively building and the riding is improving season by season. For families already in the area or passing through between Nelson and Rossland, it’s worth a look — and worth watching as the network grows.

Full Castlegar guide

New Denver

New Denver sits at the edge of Slocan Lake with the Selkirks rising straight up behind it. It’s a small town with a quiet trail scene — more cross-country than rowdy — but the riding connects you to backcountry terrain that most Kootenay riders never find. If you’re making a loop through the Slocan Valley, it’s worth a stop.

Full New Denver guide

Itineraries

These are starting points, not scripts. Adjust for your group's ability and how much driving you actually want to do.

Weekend — Families with Young Kids, Based in Golden

  1. Day 1

    Mountain Shadows network — Bush Party kids loop, pump track in town, Golden Bike Park. Afternoon: Golden Rotary Trail along the Kicking Horse River for very young kids.

  2. Day 2

    Kicking Horse Resort bike park for lift-accessed riding, or drive to Revelstoke (2 hrs) for Beaver Lodge Kids Bike Park and Eager Beaver / Beaver Tail on MacPherson.

Long Weekend — Mixed Ability Group, West Kootenays

  1. Day 1

    Arrive Nelson. Ride Bonnington Bike Park to warm up, then lower NCC trails depending on ability.

  2. Day 2

    Rossland. Rossglen Skills Park warm-up. Advanced riders on Seven Summits; intermediate riders on the lower Rossland network.

  3. Day 3

    Castlegar or Nakusp depending on ability and drive tolerance. Ferry back via Nelson if doing the loop.

5–7 Days — East Kootenays Circuit

  1. Days 1–2

    Fernie. Town Loop and Ridgemont beginner trails, Dirt Jump & Skills Park.

  2. Day 3

    Kimberley. Bike Park, Happy Hans Loop, Northstar Rails to Trails.

  3. Day 4

    Cranbrook. Community Forest network, Skills Park.

  4. Days 5–6

    Invermere / Radium. Swansea (Sinclair Creek for families), Radium Pump and Jump, hot springs.

  5. Day 7

    Back through Fernie or north to Golden.

Logistics

Getting Here

The Kootenays has no major airport. Fly into Calgary (YYC) for the East Kootenays — Golden is 2.5 hrs, Fernie 3 hrs, Kimberley and Cranbrook 3.5–4 hrs. Fly into Kelowna (YLW) for the West Kootenays — Revelstoke is 2 hrs, Nelson 3 hrs. Castlegar Airport (YCG) has limited service but is useful if you're based in Nelson or Rossland.

Getting Around

A car is not optional. Distances between regions are real — Nelson to Rossland is 45 minutes, but Nelson to Golden is 3.5 hours. Plan your loop before you leave home. Most trailheads are 5–15 minutes from town centres.

Bikes

Every major region has at least one shop with rentals. Fernie, Nelson, Rossland, and Golden have the strongest rental fleets. Book ahead in July and August.

Trail Passes

Several regions run trail pass systems that fund dedicated trail crews. Current passes in operation: Fernie Trails Alliance, Kootenay Columbia Trails Society (Rossland), Kimberley Trails Society. Typical cost is $10–20/day or $30–50/season. Buy one — these networks exist because of them.

Camping Near the Trails

  • Martha Creek Provincial Park (Revelstoke) — Beach campsites, trails in the campground, Boulder Mountain 20 minutes away
  • Mount Fernie Provincial Park (Fernie) — Closest camping to the trail network
  • Jimsmith Lake Campsite (Cranbrook) — Family-friendly, close to town
  • Blanket Creek Provincial Park (Revelstoke / Upper Arrow Lake) — Good for the Slocan Valley loop
  • Rosebery Provincial Park (New Denver / Slocan Valley) — Small, scenic, useful mid-loop

For Families

Not every region is equal for riders who are young or just starting out. Here's an honest ranking based on beginner infrastructure.

  1. 1

    Golden — Dedicated kids trails, coaching available, pump track, flat river trail, lift option

  2. 2

    Kimberley — Best-equipped skills park in the region, flat rail trail, well-groomed network

  3. 3

    Revelstoke — Beaver Lodge Kids Bike Park, adaptive trails, resort lift option, great camping

  4. 4

    Fernie — Named beginner trails (Kiddy Up/Down), strong town amenities, accessible skills park

  5. 5

    Invermere / Radium — Sinclair Creek green trail, Westside Legacy Trail, hot springs as built-in recovery

If your kids are new to trails, consider booking a session before the rest of the trip. One session changes what's possible for the days after.

Book a session

From the TrailRippers blog

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