Okay, B.C. Seriously, if you're into biking, this place is pure magic. You've got everything: coastal singletracks, huge mountain climbs, chill valley paths... But here's the thing: with all that wild beauty comes the reality that your phone service is probably gonna bail on you once you get out there.
To actually enjoy these rides and not end up totally lost, you gotta have a plan for finding your way. Being ready means having decent maps, kind of knowing your route, and having a way to figure out exactly where you are, even when you're miles from the nearest anything. Your phone's GPS is cool, but it's useless without maps loaded up before you lose signal. Good topo maps or trail maps, these are your best friends out there.
Wanna check out some seriously epic riding spots in BC? Here are some routes that are straight-up awesome, and where knowing your navigation game makes all the difference.
Pineview, British Columbia
First up, Pineview, just outside Prince George. This place is a straight-up labyrinth of good times. Think flowy singletrack weaving through that classic B.C. forest, with enough roots and rocks to keep you honest. It’s the kind of network where you can easily lose track of time (and direction, if you’re not careful!). And cell service? Yeah, good luck with that once you’re deep in the woods. Pineview is prime Avenza territory, download the below map and explore with confidence!
Check out this map: Pineview Mountain Bike Trails by Trailforks
Williams Lake, British Columbia
Williams Lake, this town gets mountain biking. They've cultivated a serious reputation, and for good reason. From the legendary descents on Fox Mountain that’ll have you grinning ear to ear, to the sprawling network of trails in the Westsyde, it’s a choose-your-own-adventure kind of place. But venture out, and those cell bars will vanish faster than your breath on a climb. Look out for the well-known smooth rock sections on some trails – they add a cool, different feel to the riding here!
Check out this map: Williams Lake Mountain Bike Trails by Trailforks
Wells Gray Provincial Park, British Columbia
Alright, let’s switch over to Wells Gray Provincial Park. We're talking a serious wild feeling here: huge waterfalls, very old forests, and that sense of being really out there. The biking? It's more on the adventurous, remote side of things, exploring old logging roads and rougher paths. It’s beautiful, it’s far out, and your phone? It’ll be about as useful as a screen door on a submarine. For Wells Gray, be ready for possible animal sightings: this is bear country, so make noise and carry spray, just to be safe.
Check out this map: Wells Gray Trails Discovery Map 2024 by RMV Publications Ltd.
Northern BC Adventures: Dawson Creek, Fort St John, Mackenzie
Heading way up north to Dawson Creek, Fort St. John, or Mackenzie? You're in for a treat if you like your biking wild and untamed. This is rugged country, and the trails show it. Think rougher, less perfectly kept paths that lead you through some really pretty and far-out landscapes. It’s the kind of riding where you feel like you're the first one to find a trail. Because it's so remote, always pack more food and water than you think you'll need, and a good bike repair kit is a must-have up here.
Check out this map: Dawson Creek, Fort St John, Mackenzie Recreation Map by Backroad Mapbooks
Revelstoke and Golden Area, British Columbia
Revelstoke and Golden. The names alone make you think of huge mountain descents and amazing high-up views. This is the big time. You’re in for a top-notch experience whether you're hitting the bike park in Golden, trying out the well-known Mount 7, or earning your turns on Revelstoke's incredible high mountain trails like Frisby Ridge. But 'top-notch' also means 'way out of cell range' a lot of the time. The high mountain riding here often means big climbs and being out in the open, so check the weather very carefully before you head up, as things can change super fast.
Check out this map: Revelstoke, Golden Area Recreation Map by Backroad Mapbooks
Download Avenza Maps
Riding these incredible BC routes is something you'll never forget. That wild scenery is incredible, but the sheer size and lack of phone signal mean you gotta be prepared. Having reliable maps and a way to know where you are, even when you're offline, gives you the freedom to ride further, explore with confidence, and just totally focus on having an awesome time on the trail. So before you head out, download Avenza Maps to know where you are and to stay safe out there. Happy pedaling!
Scan this QR code to download the Avenza Maps app.