Source
r/MTB•
dynamint

Driving from Winnipeg to Vancouver in 2-3 weeks. Any convenient biking options along the way given the weather for this time of year?

I'm driving across central/western Canada in November. Hope to do a hike or two and I'd really like to hit some trails if possible.

I can tolerate freezing temperatures or a little bit of rain/snow. I've never seen this area of the country before and I'm not sure what to expect. My plan is to take Highway 1.

Any guidance would be most appreciated, thanks! And if you've got any hiking/general sightseeing recommendations, please share.

Thank you!

Posted Oct 25, 2017, 1:55 PM UTC

1026
okbeeboi•

Valley bottoms in bc are still good. Snow starts at 1400m. (Drove nelson to kelowna yesterday)

5
TimHortons_•

One stop that may be available (assuming the weather cooperates) is Moose Mountain in Bragg Creek Alberta, right outside Calgary. It's not a resort, so no chairlift or anything like that, but it has a bunch of great trails that are well maintained. They have a website if you want to check it out.

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dynamintOPGeorgia, USA•

Always wanted to check out Calgary. I figured there'd be some good riding around there. Thanks for the tip!!

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CarsAndMountainBikes•

I ride here all the time, fantastic rides - 727 is a great downhill. Also, Merlin loop in West Bragg is a good one as well

1
aireeek•

I live in Calgary, used to live in Vancouver. There should be some dry trails to ride when you drive through, there is no way to predict where. I'd look at weather / webcams a couple of days before you leave, you'll get a better idea then.

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dynamintOPGeorgia, USA•

The webcam check is a great idea. Thanks!

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tro11mast3r'12 RM Flatline & '12 Intense Uzzi•

If you have never driven through the mountains before then take your time, once the snow hits the number 1 is a very hazardous highway. As for biking on your way through its all going to be based off weather

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dynamintOPGeorgia, USA•

I've never driven through the the Rockies in the fall. Thanks for the warning.

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ticklemebits•

Just get to Vancouver ASAP. The riding is epic here right now.

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dynamintOPGeorgia, USA•

I'm on it! Can't wait...

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DownFalldotcom•

It's out of the way, but Edmonton has a lot of stuff in the river valley. There are more than enough trails in the largest urban park in north amarica to keep you entertained through ugh the your stay. Here is the trail forks link for the valley: https://www.trailforks.com/region/edmonton/ I highly suggest checking out strathcona science park. There are maybe a few trails around Edmonton that might be better, but this place has the best variety, and most of the best. Feel free to message me for more info.

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dynamintOPGeorgia, USA•

Wow, I had no idea this place existed. It might warrant a dedicated visit. Thank you for sharing this!

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havok1980Ontario | 2017 Trance 2•

I'm not from that area of Canada, but you can probably expect a frigid wasteland from Manitoba to Alberta (Edmonton got their first snow in September this year...lol)

2
losercreddit2•

Does it count if it melts immediately? I'm in Edmonton, there is no snow, the river valley trails are pretty leafy but still rideable. I've never been riding anywhere else so wouldn't know if it's worth a stop or not.

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tombomb1•

If you are planning on going the south route, check to weather to see if Fernie, BC has been snowing or not. Huge trail network (5 different mountains basically) all stemming from town or close by. Weather might not hold up long enough though, and it's quite far south, right on the edge of alberta/BC

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dynamintOPGeorgia, USA•

That sounds pretty amazing. Thanks!

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Gopher10•

If you want a quick stop in SK check out Wascana trails in Regina and Buffalo Pound near Moose Jaw. I wouldn't take too much time there though, get out to the mountains it will be way better.

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dynamintOPGeorgia, USA•

It sounds strange but I've always wanted to wander through Medicine Hat and Moose Jaw. I love those names. Thanks for the tips!

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LurkerTalen•

If you’re taking highway 3, check Nelson or Rossland as you go through the Kootenays. There’s some amazing riding there, but it may be muddy and slick right now especially higher up. Check with the locals about the trail conditions.

If you’re going via highway 1 then Kanaskis, Bragg Creek and Allen Bill are all good riding sites.

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[deleted]•

[deleted]

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dynamintOPGeorgia, USA•

I'm taking Highway 1. Thank you for the recommendation!

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Wrencher87•

Okanagan/kelowna is pretty amazing around this time of year. Higher elevation stuff might be a no go by the time you come through. Lots of low stuff will be fine!

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dynamintOPGeorgia, USA•

I'm looking at photos of that area, it looks gorgeous. Thank you for the recommendation, I'll check it out!

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bikernaut•

You should elaborate what kind of riding you like.

Kamloops has great riding 1 minute from the TC, check out Pineview and Dufferin(Kenna Cartwright Park). You could ride those areas for 6 hours and not ride the same trail twice. Pineview first for the rocks, flow, steeps, tricks, structures, etc (thanks Darryl!), then Dufferin for some chill XC. Finally we've had some rain here, so the dirt has come alive again. Was a very dry summer.

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dynamintOPGeorgia, USA•

With the exception of gravel rides, I love all kinds. I'll be bringing my enduro bike. The structures and chunky rocky stuff sound great. But mellow XC through some pastures would be fun too! Thanks for the recommendations.

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Diesel-Dog2016 Remedy 8•

If you hit up pineview you should try A blaze on the hillside and beer run. Both are super fun right now.

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bikernaut•

Both sections are in the trees and mountainy, either will give you 900m ele in 2 hours.

If you'd like to do something completely different, bachelor hills on the north side of town is grasslands/desert riding, fast, flowy, not nearly as steep. 600m in 2 hours type riding. It doesn't have as many trails as Pineview, but is a really fun area.

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