Where to Mountain Bike in Northeast BC: Trails with Big Views and Big Adventures
Extending from the foothills of the eastern Rocky Mountains to the rolling wheat fields of the Peace River District, the landscapes in Northeastern BC are as wild as they are beautiful.
For bikers, the area’s still-developing infrastructure is a chance to conquer trails that—in more populated regions of the province—would otherwise be crowded.
But here, dense forests and shale-sloped mountain passes hide hundreds of volunteer-maintained trails, while along its valley floors, flat paths wind around quiet lakes and link urban green spaces. From ridge-hugging descents to challenging climbs through hoodoo fields, biking in Northeastern BC is a journey like no other.
Mackenzie
Looming 1,775 metres above the town of Mackenzie, Morfee Mountain is home to 30 kilometres of trails that weave through forest and over rocky knolls before skirting the shoreline of Morfee Lake below. Take in the views on Ridgeline—BC’s longest shuttle-access descent—which stretches 15 kilometres from the mountain’s peak to its valley below, or along Royal Coachmen, which hugs the summit over six epic kilometres. Those craving speed and progression can find their flow on Copper John, a wide downhill route built with smooth berms and park-style features. The route’s optional ride-arounds allow intermediate riders to slowly progress their skills, lap after lap. In town, riders of all ages and skill levels can practice their bunny hops and cornering at the Little Mac Bike Park or opt for a lazy pedal along the multi-use Azan Tunneh Trail, which encircles town and connects to the flat paths of John Dahl Regional Park—offering door-to-dirt access from virtually anywhere in town. The Mackenzie Outdoor Route & Trail Association supports ongoing trail development and maintenance, helping shape Morfee Mountain into a consistently evolving riding destination. Don’t miss the annual Rock the Ridgeline bike and band festival held in July.
Chetwynd
Most of the riding in Chetwynd is concentrated on Mount Wabi, with a handful of multi-use hiking and biking trails available on nearby Mount Baldy. The biking here leans cross-country and all-mountain, but gravity-hungry riders will find a few shuttle-accessible downhill lines that offer fast turns and flowy fun. Local favourites include Ghouls Night Out, a blue-rated trail that winds through stands of quaking aspen, and Gateway, a fast, twisting descent from top to bottom. In town, a network of trails intersects to offer dozens of routes with varying lengths and terrain, including the 12-kilometre Connector Trail, which merges the Community Forest with the Baldy, Ghost Mountain, Powerline, and Muskwa trails. The ideal time of year to ride in Chetwynd? In fall, when the area’s aspen and spruce stands turn vibrant shades of red and orange.
Dawson Creek
Dawson Creek‘s meandering loops and gentle forested climbs are perfect for cross-country cyclists. Here, you can pedal for hours along the trails of the Bear Mountain Community Forest, where 25 kilometres of forested routes are punctuated by clearings that open onto spectacular views of the surrounding hillside and wheat fields. Sitting across the highway from the community forest is Bear Mountain Wind Park, a unique “wind farm,” home to towering turbines that come into view along the Rim Rocks Trail. This relatively short and moderate multi-use path traces the edge of the wind park above the Kiskatinaw River watershed and offers views of the area’s rolling farmland. Radar Lake is an easy out-and-back spin along the water’s edge, while families can cruise the easygoing paths of the Dawson Trail and Chamberlain Nature Park. Before heading out, stop by Griffin Source for Sports to source maps, gear, and local advice.
Prince George
In Prince George, mountain bikers will find plenty of tech and grin-inducing descents, guaranteed to keep you riding all day long. Recognized by Mountain Biking BC as a standout destination in Northern BC, Prince George offers an accessible and well-developed trail network that caters to a wide range of riders, supported by the work of the Prince George Cycling Club, which plays a key role in building and maintaining local trails. Start with the area surrounding the University of Northern BC, which offers a mix of trails just ten minutes from downtown. While most are blue- and green-rated, confident riders will find a few steep fall lines—a good warm-up to the even bigger descents of nearby Pidherny Recreation Site. Here, more than a hundred trails are characterized by fast-paced fun and creative trail-building, offering fun lines layered with berms, jumps, and stunts. In summer, the meandering ski and snowshoe routes of Otway transform into mellow bike trails—perfect for family outings and easy recovery spins—while the Heritage River Trail offers a scenic cruise along the Nechako and Fraser rivers. Need to tune up before hitting the trails? Swing by any of the four local bike shops, including Ruckus Ski Boards and Bikes, Cycle Logic, Koops Bike Shop, and Evolve Sport & Cycle.
Tumbler Ridge
Shaped by ancient glacial activity over millions of years, the landscape in Tumbler Ridge sets the stage for one epic ride. Trails here trace dramatic ridgelines, cut through sweeping river valleys once roamed by giant dinosaurs, and wind along towering sandstone pillars. Where to start? The Wolverine Trails, located east of town, offer double-track routes, accessed via the Tumbler Ridge Trail, a 28-kilometre-long network of trails that intersect and encircle over half of the town. From here, you can pedal beside the Murray River, climb to a backcountry cabin, or bike within a bird sanctuary. East of town, the Tumbler Ridge Mountain Bike Association maintains a few machine-groomed downhill trails along a ridge, as well as a new jump park and pump track—perfect for young riders looking to build confidence and speed.
