Cycling & Mountain Biking

The easiest ride in town is the Campbell River Seawalk, a flat, paved path along Discovery Passage from the foot of 1st Avenue to Maryland Road. It passes Rotary Beach, Ken Forde, Frank James and Jaycee parks, and there is parking along the way, including at Rotary Beach Park and in Willow Point. Walkers and runners use it too, so ride at an easy pace.

The Seawalk is one side of the Greenways Loop, a 28 km signed route around the city. Follow the FROG signs (Forests, River, Ocean, Greenways). The surface mixes paved path, gravel and city streets, and the loop runs through downtown and the Beaver Lodge Forest Lands. It is mostly flat and easy.

Beaver Lodge Lands is a 520-hectare forest on the southwest side of the city, with multi-use trails for walking, running, mountain biking and horseback riding. Park on Trask Road or South McPhedran Road. Expect to meet walkers and riders, and keep to the established trails.

The Campbell River Bike Park is at the Sportsplex on South Alder Street. It has a paved pump track, a beginner track, a dual slalom track, an advanced jump line, a drop section and a kids' area. The Campbell River Bike Park Society built it so riders can practise their skills before heading into the forest.

Snowden Demonstration Forest is the largest trail network around Campbell River, with over 100 km of singletrack in a working forest west of town. Most trails are rated blue and black, with some easier loops. Hikers and horseback riders use the trails too.

Ride from the Lost Lake parking lot on Loveland Bay Road, which has tables and toilets. Take Highway 28 toward Gold River for about 7 km, turn right on Brewster Lake Road after the Snowden sign, cross the dam, then turn left onto gravel Loveland Bay Road for about 4 km.

There is no cell service. Carry water, tools and a map, and respect the posted signs: this is an active working forest.

The Pumphouse Trails are about 10.5 km of beginner and intermediate riding above the Campbell River, a few minutes west of Campbellton: the green Water Tower Trail and the blue Ridge Trail and Dean Martin route. They connect to the Snowden network. Park in the laybys beside the yellow gate on the paved logging road off Highway 28. The nearby Canyon View Trail is for hikers only.

Radar Hill is the steep end of local riding: blue and black trails above McIvor Lake, including some of the few double blacks in the area. Park at the Hill Beach lot and take the green McIvor Lake Access Trail to the network. Most rides climb first, then descend.

The Quadra Island Bike Trails are a short BC Ferries crossing from Campbell River to Quathiaski Cove. Volunteers with the Quadra Island Trails Committee maintain the network. The Morte Lake area, reached by Walcan Road, is the main riding hub, and the Community Centre trails between West Road and Heriot Bay Road are flat and easy.

Stick to the sanctioned trails: routes marked as routes are rough and unmaintained. Bikes yield to people on foot, and motor vehicles are not allowed on the trails.

Every trail here is shared. Slow down for walkers, give horses room, and stay on designated trails. Pack out everything you bring in.

Bears and cougars live in these forests. Ride with a friend when you go further out, and tell someone where you are going when you ride Snowden or Radar Hill, where there is little or no cell service.

For parts and repairs, the town's bike shops are listed below.