Vancouver Island Mountain Biking

Where to Ride: Vancouver Island’s Regions

North Island (Campbell River & Mt. Washington): In the north, Campbell River is your gateway. The Snowden Demonstration Forest near town boasts over 100 km of trails through lush coastal rainforest . Think smooth, flowy singletrack one moment and technical slabby drops the next. One seasoned rider notes that Snowden’s mossy trails are best enjoyed on a hardtail with a dropper post– though full-suspension enduro bikes cruise these lines too. Nearby Beaver Lodge Lands offers family-friendly loops and gentle climbs, while deeper into Strathcona Park the Forbidden Plateau (Mt. Washington) region delivers high-alpine dh classics: steep shuttle runs dropping to the ocean. (The Pt. at Nymph Falls doubles as a scenic bike-swim spot.)
Caution: Forbidden Plateau is largely unsanctioned and has active logging, so watch for truck traffic and trail warnings . In fact, riders should always obey posted closures and stay on open trails.

Comox Valley / Cumberland: Nestled west of Campbell River, the Comox Valley (Courtenay, Comox, Cumberland) is often called the “unofficial epicentre of Island riding” . From downtown Cumberland you can pedal straight onto 226 km of legendary singletrack . The trails here run the gamut: Blue Collar and New Vanilla are fast, bermed flow trails; Thirsty Beaver has wood features; Queso Grande is a long technical climb-and-descent . Jump enthusiasts flock to Six Pack (a freeride park with gap jumps), while up in the hills you’ll find steep rocky chutes. A rider praises Cumberland’s clear signage and trail maps – it’s surprisingly easy to navigate solo and find your way to trails. Difficulty: Comox/Cumberland has something for everyone, but shines for intermediate-to-expert riders. Of 226 trails, most are green/intermediate (102) or difficult (93), with a few black-diamond lines (14 extra-difficult) . For after-ride brews and gear, Cumberland village and nearby Courtenay have bike shops and cafes right on the trail grid, so you can wash your bike (there’s even a bike wash at the Mt. Tzouhalem trailhead!) and grab a local beer within minutes of finishing.

Nanaimo / Mt. Benson & Central Island: Just south of Courtenay, the Nanaimo area is another hub. It boasts 393 trails ranging from beginner cruises to advanced jumps . Flow-seekers head for Westwood Lake’s Finer China trail – a wide, swoopy singletrack through dry forests – or the Stevie Smith bike park (pump tracks and freeride features on Mt. Benson) . Mt. Benson also offers steep black trails like Sexy Flanders. Farther inland, the Cowichan Valley (near Duncan) has 170 trails on Mount Prevost, Tzouhalem, Maple Mountain and Cobble Hill . Mount Prevost is known for double-black pro lines, so only attempt it if you’re fearless . By contrast, Cobble Hill has gentler beginner-to-intermediate trails (perfect for learning)  . Don’t miss Mt. Tzouhalem’s Double D downhill – a stoked local says it’s a must-ride drop. Cowichan’s trails reward the uphill grunt with rocky descents and bay views; afterward grab some local craft cider or tour the vineyards!

Greater Victoria / Langford & Capital Region: The south end around Victoria is built-up but the riding is still great. Langford’s parks (Jubilee and Mt. Finlayson) are a gravity-lover’s playground: you’ll find jumps, steep berms and a famous bike park named for Jordie Lunn . Dozens of downhill runs snake off these hills. Victoria proper has Hartland MTB Park on the Galloping Goose (a dense network of tech XC trails) and the new Bear Mountain trails on Mt. Doug Road. If you’re after the island’s hardest lines, Bear Mountain’s Beer Run (single-black, steep rock rolls) and No Malarkey are legendary – definitely pad up for these!. (Local tip: these trails were built by a community effort and are kept up via volunteer trail days.) Both Langford and Victoria are year-round rideable – snow is rare here – but plan for mud after heavy rains. Seasonal campgrounds and ferries make it easy to explore the whole south Island on a multi-day road/mountain trip.

Parksville/Qualicum & Sooke (Mid-Island Coasts): On the east-central coast, Parksville/Qualicum Beach is known for the Hammerfest trail network. Here green cruisers sit alongside double-black jump lines: one tourism page says Parksville offers “big adventure… from mellow greens to double-black jump lines”. Climbing rewards you with ocean vistas over the Strait of Georgia; descending takes you through ferny second-growth woods. Nearby Mt. Arrowsmith (Parksville) has more cross-country and gravity trails under development. On the west coast, Sooke surprises many visitors. With the Pacific at your back and coastal rainforests around, it rarely snows in winter, so riders enjoy year-round loops . Trails here (like Harbourview) are loamy and rooty; locals describe Sooke’s “craggy, lush west coast” vibe . Harbourview in particular is a famous intermediate cruise used to introduce beginners to Island riding . Beyond that, expect tight singletrack and some steep climbs. Both Parksville and Sooke have tight-knit volunteer clubs (e.g. SnowMAD in Qualicum, Sooke Saddle Club) – keep an eye out for community workdays if you visit!

Rider Tips & Safety on Island Trails

Know the Trail & Conditions: Plan your route using maps or apps (Trailforks, Google Maps) and heed local warnings . Many remote trails have poor cell coverage, so download offline maps. Check weather: Island winters are wet, making rooty trails slippery. If trails are too muddy or waterlogged, skip them – riding on soft ground causes erosion . (Riders often joke that in some regions, “trails close when muddy” to prevent damage.) If it’s very wet, try a gravel path or downhill park instead.
Gear Up Right: A quality mountain bike is a must. For flow and XC terrain, a hardtail or short-travel trail bike can soar, but for rocky descents and big drops, full-suspension (120–150 mm+ travel) with good tires is safer. One guide even recommends a hardtail with a dropper post for Campbell River’s Snowden forest – the dropper helps on those rocky climbs. Always carry essentials: helmet (and knee pads on technical rides), repair kit (multi-tool, pump, spare tube), first-aid, food and water. The Island has many streams and lakes, but packing enough water is wise on longer rides. In summer, sunscreen and bug spray are also must-haves.
Helmets & Safety: Wear a helmet at all times . Consider gloves and glasses too. If you attempt very steep or jump trails (like Bear Mountain’s black runs), full-face helmets and body armor are smart. Ride within your skill level – for instance, locals say Bear Mountain’s Beer Run “will have you stop and look at each feature” on your first lap . On downhill-only trails, heed signage and yield uphill riders.
Trail Etiquette: Vancouver Island trails see hikers, bikers, and horses. Follow the golden rules: Stay on marked trails, don’t take shortcuts, and pack out all trash . Never cut switchbacks or ride around obstacles – that widens trails and destroys habitat. When encountering others, use courtesy: bikers yield to hikers and horses, unless signs say bike-only . Always let uphill riders go first and announce yourself when passing. If you meet a horse, dismount and communicate calmly (horses are easily spooked) . Be especially careful on blind corners and narrow singletrack. Remember, one littering or trespass incident can close a trail for everyone – leave no trace.
Wildlife: Black bears and cougars inhabit Island forests . They’re usually shy, but it’s wise to stay alert. Making noise on remote trails can deter surprises. Carry bear spray on backcountry rides and know how to use it (don’t keep it deep in your pack). If you see wildlife, give it space and do not feed or approach. Trail closures sometimes occur during cougar/habitat management events – obey them.

Trail Stewardship & Support

Mountain bikers on Vancouver Island are a community, and riders often give back. Clubs and volunteers build and maintain most trails here. Actionable tips from riders:
Volunteer or Donate: Join a local trail association or club (e.g. Cumberland’s UROC, Cowichan Trails, SnowMAD, Sooke Saddle Club). Many groups run work parties to fix drainage, build jumps or re-open eroded sections. Donating via Trailforks’ Trail Karma or directly to clubs is encouraged. One MountainBikingBC PSA notes that “thousands of hours” of volunteer effort keep our trails open . If you love a trail, volunteer to help – even a few hours a year makes a difference.
Respect Volunteer Labor: Remember that favorite berm or feature likely took massive effort by unpaid builders. If you notice damage (fallen trees, washed-out sections), report it on Trailforks or to the club so they can fix it. And honor trail closures – riding a closed trail can undermine trust with land managers.
Leave it Better: Packing out trash is a given, but some riders take it further: wiping down benches after rain, or even shoveling leaves from drainage dips to prevent washouts. These small acts show pride and encourage others. Avoid riding muddy trails (or go gentle) to prevent washboarding. As one rider put it, if trails are muddy, “help maintain or rebuild, like some British builders” – not kill the trail with erosion . Encourage Others: Tell your friends about Island trails, but also remind them of proper etiquette. Post positive trip reports – the tourism and club websites value testimonials. Supporting local bike shops and shuttle services helps the mountain biking economy, which in turn raises lobby power for more trail access.
By following these tips and giving back a little, each rider helps ensure Vancouver Island’s trails stay open and epic for everyone.

Vancouver Island may not wear “mountain biking capital” on its sleeve, but the trails speak for themselves. From the dense cedar jungles of Campbell River to the bench-cut jumps of Cumberland, from ocean-view climbs in Parksville to wild west-coast loops in Sooke, the adventure never stops. Gear up smartly (helmet, repair kit, hydration), ride respectfully (yield, don’t litter, avoid mud), and soak in the unique Island scenery. Then head home to tell the tale – or better yet, share a photo with #MTBBC to inspire others. Every ride on these trails is a story waiting to unfold. Get out there, support the trail crews, and leave the Island better than you found it. The next secret turn is just a pedal-stroke away – go find it.