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ποΈ The Ultimate ATV Guide to British Columbia
British Columbia is an ATV rider’s paradise. From coastal mountains to inland forests, the terrain is as wild and diverse as the riders themselves. Whether you're a local or just visiting, here’s your ultimate guide to ATVing in BC.
π Top 10 ATV Trails in British Columbia
ο»Ώ1. Whipsaw Trail – Princeton, BC
Difficulty: Intermediate to Advanced
Length: ~100 km
Highlights: Alpine meadows, steep climbs, historical sites
Watch out for: Sudden weather changes and tight switchbacks
2. Ladner Creek Trail – Hope, BC
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: ~10 km
Highlights: Abandoned train trestle, waterfalls, forest canopy
Watch out for: Narrow passes and fallen trees
3. Bear Creek OHV Trail System – West Kelowna, BC
Difficulty: Easy to Advanced
Length: 85+ km of designated trails
Highlights: Forested single track, wide open fire roads
Watch out for: Wildlife and shared-use sections (dirt bikes, hikers)
4. Chipmunk Creek – Chilliwack River Valley, BC
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: Varies by route
Highlights: Mountain views, deep forest, and logging roads
Watch out for: Logging traffic—yield to trucks
5. Wells-Barkerville Trail System – Wells, BC
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Length: 100+ km
Highlights: Historic gold rush routes, scenic lakes
Watch out for: Sudden drop-offs and old mining debris
6. Mount Ida Trails – Salmon Arm, BC
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 40+ km
Highlights: Panoramic views, alpine ridgelines
Watch out for: Changing terrain and rockslides
7. Kettle Valley Rail Trail – Myra Canyon, BC
Difficulty: Easy
Length: 80 km+ (ATV access on specific sections)
Highlights: Trestle bridges, tunnels, and history
Watch out for: Seasonal closures and pedestrian traffic
8. Tumbler Ridge OHV Trails – Tumbler Ridge, BC
Difficulty: Moderate to Advanced
Length: 150+ km
Highlights: Waterfalls, alpine lakes, dinosaur tracks
Watch out for: Remote terrain—bring GPS and backup gear
9. Revelstoke ATV Trails – Revelstoke, BC
Difficulty: All levels
Length: Network of trails
Highlights: Alpine bowls, glaciers, and forest trails
Watch out for: High elevations = unpredictable weather
10. Cranbrook Area Trails – East Kootenays, BC
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 200+ km of backroads and trail loops
Highlights: Mountains, creeks, wide open riding
Watch out for: Loose shale and steep grades
π οΈ ATV Riding Tips & Tricks for BC
- Check Local Regulations: Not all trails allow ATVs year-round. Some are closed during spring thaw or for wildlife management.
- Carry a GPS or Use Offline Maps: Cell service is spotty in many mountain regions.
- Bring Bear Spray: You’re in bear country! Make noise while riding and stay alert.
- Tell Someone Your Plan: Let someone know where you’re riding and when you’ll return.
- Pack for Weather: It can be sunny at the trailhead and snowing at the summit. Bring layers and waterproof gear.
π¦ What to Pack on Your BC ATV Trip
β
Helmet (DOT or better)
β
First Aid Kit
β
Tire repair kit & air pump
β
Maps or GPS
β
Snacks & extra water
β
Emergency shelter or bivy bag
β
Bear spray or air horn
β
Tool kit (wrenches, duct tape, zip ties)
β
Chainsaw or handsaw (some trails get blocked!)
β
Extra fuel (safely stored)
π¦Trail Etiquette in BC
- Stay on Designated Trails: Protect BC's fragile ecosystems.
- Leave No Trace: Pack out everything you pack in.
- Yield to Non-Motorized Users: Be courteous on mixed-use trails.
- Respect Private Property: Some trails pass near farms and private land—don’t trespass.
- Control Your Speed: Especially on blind corners and near campsites.
ποΈ Best Time of Year to Ride
- Low Elevation Trails: April to November
- Alpine & High-Mountain Trails: June to early October
- Avoid Spring Melt Season (April–May): Trails can be muddy and unstable
π§ Trail Associations and Resources
- ATVBC – Quad Riders ATV Association of BC
They help manage and maintain BC's trail network and promote responsible ATVing. - BC Backroad Mapbooks – Your ultimate offline map source for ATVing
- iOverlander & Gaia GPS Apps – Great for finding trailheads and offline maps
π§ Final Thoughts
British Columbia is one of the best places on Earth to ride an ATV. With towering mountains, endless forest roads, and hidden alpine trails, it's a dream for off-road adventurers. Just remember: respect the environment, ride safely, and take only photos, leave only tire tracks.
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