A Two-Wheeled Wonderland
Alongside its world-famous ski culture, Whistler has grown as a cycling destination since mountain bikers started cutting rogue trails into ski runs during the 1990s. Since then, the Whistler Bike Park has exploded into a massive playground for downhill riders, and cross-country trails now weave through the surrounding forests.
But Whistler isn’t just for off-road bikers —the Valley Trail provides a great route for casual cruising, and road cycling through this scenic area is becoming more popular. No matter what kind of wheels you’re spinning, bringing your bike to Whistler is a must! Since opening eighteen years ago, the Whistler Mountain Bike Park has expanded, and now boasts about eighty trails and more new trails are coming soon, mainly within the recently opened Creekside Zone. “Three teams produced around eight kilometres of trail, some of which will require final shaping work before we open the zone this summer,” says Whistler Mountain Bike and Terrain Parks Manager Brian Finestone. As for 2018, Finestone adds, “we will continue with four additional trails and the completion of a machine-built freeride trail.” The Whistler Mountain Bike Park opens May 18. For cross-country mountain bikers, Whistler’s municipal trail network offers kilometres and kilometres of single-track trails. The wide variety of trails can be enjoyed by beginner to professional level riders, and the routes are well marked and regularly maintained. A short drive to Pemberton brings mountain bike riders to another vast trail network, which hosts the Nimby Fifty race each year. This challenging thirty-seven-kilometre race loops up lengthy climbs and descends highly technical terrain. The Nimby Fifty will be held Saturday, May 26. If you’re looking for a new mountain bike, Think Bike Whistler gives the public a chance to test ride the latest cross-country, all-mountain and downhill bikes on Whistler’s world-class terrain. This year’s event takes place from May 31 to June 3. For those who prefer pedalling on roads or bike paths, there’s plenty to explore around Whistler. Following the Valley Trail offers a great opportunity for casual riders to see Whistler’s lakes, golf courses and public parks via a paved pathway that requires basic bicycling skills only.
Finally, road cycling has grown in the Sea-to-Sky Corridor as events like Ironman Canada and the RBC GranFondo bring attention to the area’s top-notch cycling routes. B.C.’s mountainous terrain offers challenging climbs and highspeed descents, not to mention incredible views along the way.