The best gravel rides in British Columbia

British Columbia offers a vast network of gravel bike trails, with over 230 routes available on komoot. These trails cater to all skill levels, from easy scenic rides to challenging multi-day adventures across diverse landscapes.

You'll find an incredible variety of terrain, from lush coastal rainforests and extensive forest roads to arid interior deserts and towering mountain ranges. Many routes utilize repurposed logging roads, offering deep backcountry access, while others follow historic railbeds like the Kettle Valley Railway, known for its relatively flat profile and stunning views through canyons and over trestles.

Yes, British Columbia has several family-friendly gravel routes. The Kettle Valley Railway (KVR) is particularly suitable, offering a nearly flat, ex-railbed experience that's great for all ages. Within the Vancouver area, routes like the Burnaby Mountain Loop or the Boundary Bay Dyke Trail in Delta provide gentler terrain. For a scenic, beginner-friendly option, consider the loops around Lost Lake in Whistler.

Many trails in British Columbia boast incredible scenery. The Myra Canyon Tunnels – Myra Canyon Trestle Bridge loop from Myra Canyon Lodge is famous for its 18 trestles and 2 tunnels, offering mind-blowing views. Near Squamish, routes can pass by iconic waterfalls like Shannon Falls. The Okanagan section of the KVR provides stunning lakeside views and vineyard landscapes. For mountain vistas, the Cariboo region offers routes with massive climbs and descents skirting the upper Fraser River.

Yes, many gravel routes in British Columbia are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the popular Seymour Demonstration Forest – Seymour Trailway loop from VCC–Clark, which features significant elevation gain through forested areas, and the View of Mount Baker – Hyde Creek Salmon Hatchery loop from Lafarge Lake–Douglas for an easier option.

The best time largely depends on the region. Generally, late spring through early fall (May to October) offers the most favorable conditions across the province. Coastal areas might be rideable year-round with appropriate gear, while higher elevation routes and those in the interior can be affected by snow in winter and early spring. Always check local weather and trail conditions before heading out.

Absolutely! British Columbia is home to numerous stunning waterfalls. While gravel biking, you might encounter or be near falls like Shannon Falls near Squamish, or Brandywine Falls if riding the Sea to Sky Trail near Whistler. The Kootenays also offer scenic routes with natural beauty, including riverside gravel trails.

Yes, British Columbia offers plenty of challenging routes. The Cariboo region, for instance, is known for hundreds of kilometers of dirt roads with massive climbs and descents. The Halfway Hairpin – Seymour Lake Gazebo loop from Lougheed Town Centre is a difficult 74.8 km path with substantial climbing. For those seeking high-altitude challenges, the Callaghan Lake Forest Road in Whistler provides demanding ascents.

The komoot community highly rates gravel biking in British Columbia, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 360 reviews. Riders frequently praise the incredible diversity of landscapes, from coastal paths and vast forests to routes through canyons and along lakes. The extensive network of trails, including repurposed logging roads, and the opportunity to explore remote areas are also highly valued.

In urban centers like Vancouver, some gravel routes are accessible via public transport. For example, the starting point for the Seymour Demonstration Forest – Seymour Trailway loop from VCC–Clark is near a SkyTrain station. However, many of the more remote and extensive gravel networks, particularly in regions like the Cariboo or Kootenays, often require personal vehicle access.

For easier rides, consider the Kettle Valley Railway (KVR) which is mostly flat. In the Vancouver area, routes like the Pitt River Bridge – Hyde Creek Salmon Hatchery loop from Pitt Meadows or the Mud Bay Park – Boundary Bay Gravel Path loop from Watershed Park offer moderate challenges with less elevation. Whistler also provides smooth, beginner-friendly loops around Lost Lake.

Yes, British Columbia boasts unique geological formations. The Myra Canyon section of the Kettle Valley Railway is an engineering marvel with its 18 trestles and 2 tunnels, set amidst stunning natural beauty. While not directly on a gravel bike trail, the province is also home to the Stikine Canyon, often called the 'Grand Canyon of the Stikine,' and Wokkpash Canyon with its impressive erosional columns, offering a glimpse into the region's dramatic geology.