Considering that Great Explorations beginnings were in the creation and operating of two premier mountain bike events in BC (we donated in excess of $10,000 cash to local trail building and development), we felt the time was right to offer intermediate mountain bike enthusiasts an epic week of mountain biking in this mecca we call home.
Unlike races, which typically include a lot of road to spread out masses of riders, we typically have 8-12 participants and thus have the opportunity to ride significantly more single-track trail and provide more options. We typically offer a moderate-intermediate ride (mostly blue) and for those that want to challenge themselves on more advanced/technical trail, you will have that opportunity, but the focus will be on all mountain, cross-country, flow trails.
“Quite possibly the best mountain biking in North America, if not the world.” – Robbin McKinney
Only Great Explorations:
This trip should only be considered by those with previous mountain biking experience (intermediate level and above).
Straight Talk
Vancouver, BC, Canada
Day 1+7
Courtenay, BC, Canada
Day 1+2
Hornby Island, BC, Canada
Day 2
Powell River, BC, Canada
Day 3
Sechelt, BC, Canada
Day 4
Squamish, BC, Canada
Day 5
Whistler, BC, Canada
Day 6
| 2026 | 2027 |
|---|---|
| Jun 1-6 | May 30- Jun 5 |
| Jun 8-13 | Jun 7-12 |
Trip can start at any date. Custom trips also available. Call or email for details.
Trip Size
Total Days
Arrive/Depart
Activity LevelIntermediate +
Van supported
Note: This trip should only be considered by those with previous mountain biking experience (intermediate level and above).
TerrainMixed
CostLand Cost
CAD $2,250
Includes 6B/2L/5D
Single Supplement
CAD $675
Please, bring your own mountain bike for this tour.
Prices subject to GST (5%) for trips in British Columbia.
Getting There
Our trip starts and ends in Vancouver.
North Shore/Mt Seymour & Cumberland
We will meet up at 9am at the Lonsdale Quay Hotel in North Vancouver. After coffee at a favourite café nearby, we will ride the North Shore/ Mt Seymour trails in the am. Start from the valley bottom on old Buck climbing trail, or alternatively, enjoy a shuttle up Seymour and start your day with a descent. We will ride some of the route of a previous BCBR (but more trail, less road) with mostly blue-rated trails. Afterwards, we’ll take the ferry across to Nanaimo and make our way up the coast of Vancouver island. If you still have some ‘jam’ left, there should be time for a late-afternoon spin through the Cumberland Community Forest, finishing at the Cumberland Brewing Co.
Distance (morning ride, Seymour): 13 km; 600 m gain
Distance (afternoon ride, Cumberland): 9 km; 135 m gain or 15 km; 400 m gain
Cumberland & Hornby Island
We will make our way to Hornby Island (famous for Hornby Island Bikefest R.I.P.). In addition to superb mountain biking, this island oasis boasts spectacular sand beaches and a laid-back vibe we love. Having spent several years mountain biking here, we have the perfect route to please. Back in Cumberland, an afternoon option will tempt you before returning to Courtenay to spend the night. Tonight, we’ll dine at the popular Black Fin Pub.
Distance (morning ride, Hornby Island): 30 km; 700 m gain
Distance (afternoon ride, Cumberland): 14 km; 400 m gain or 40 km; 900 m gain
Powell River
Today, we’ll ferry across to Powell River which has been revitalized with an influx of outdoor enthusiasts. Enjoy a full day on trails here – all under 400 m in elevation and all blue-rated trails (fast and flowy) followed by an optional beer tastings at Townsite Brewing.
Distance (day ride, Powell River): 52 km; 950 m gain
Sunshine Coast
Up early, we’ll make our way south to Saltery Bay for the ferry to Earl’s Cove and to Half-Moon Bay. From here, ride the trails of West Sechelt, part of the route of the Sunshine Coast Trail Challenge to Sechelt. After lunch at a cool spot in Sechelt, we’ll transfer south to Roberts Creek, and shuttle up to enable you to ride an epic trail which crosses Elphinstone mountain descending 700 m over 10 km, finishing at Persephone Brewing Co. After a late afternoon tasting, we’ll take the ferry back to Horseshoe Bay and then drive north to Squamish.
Distance (morning ride, West Sechelt): 10 km; 240 m gain or 16 km; 230 m gain
Distance (afternoon ride): 10 km; 650 m loss or 13 km; 800 m loss
Squamish
Waking up in Squamish, we have a great riding day planned, starting with a climb up the new Legacy climb trail and a descent on the flow trails of Half Nelson and Psedo-Tsuga, and then lunch and a swim at Alice Lake. For the afternoon, we’ll continue with more great riding including Jacks, 50 shades, Leave of Absence, Roller Coaster, and others. In addition to Howe Sound Brewing, A-Frame Brewing and Backcountry Brewing have tasting rooms and nibbles. Does it get any better?
Distance (day ride, Squamish): 60 km; 1,400 m gain or 12 km; 450 m gain or 10 km; 320 m gain
Whistler
You can’t visit this region and not include Whistler. If you’d like to climb up to the alpine, there is no more epic ride in Whistler than the Lord of the Squirrels trail, that finishes with a descent of over 1,000m. This is a full-day ride (July & August or when snow has melted in alpine) and comes with bragging rights. Alternatively, we’ll offer an intermediate option around Lost Lake that is plenty of fun and/or (when complete) a ride to Cheakamus Lake via WORCA’s newest trail project – Far Out & Flashback trail that connects Whistler Interpretive Forest singletrack around the Cheakamus river to Cheakamus Lake BC Parks Trail and back. We will celebrate this day’s ride with tastings at Whistler Brewery, overnight at a swank hotel in Whistler and dinner at a favourite restaurant.
Distance (day ride, Whistler): 25 km; 1,200 m gain
Sea to Sky Trail
For those who want one last ride, wake up early and descend part of the Sea to Sky Trail, which links Whistler and Squamish, descending 1100 m over 60km. This iconic trail has been decades in the making and takes you back to Squamish in time for lunch. From there, we’ll transfer to Vancouver by 3pm with drop-offs in North Van back at the Lonsdale Quay hotel.
Distance (day ride, Sea to Sky): 60 km; 525 m gain
Located in downtown Cumberland with just 8 rooms (4 shared private bathrooms), this hip lodge has a communal lounge, kitchen, slate pool table and bike wash station. Best of all, the fantastic trails of Cumberland are at the doorstep.
The Old Courthouse Inn is located in a National Historic District in the Historic Townsite of Powell River on the Sunshine Coast, British Columbia, Canada. Build in 1939, it has been restored and renovated in 1997. An eclectic mix of antiques and collectables adorn the rooms and halls will remind you of the days gone by.
Located on the beach in Sechelt, this casual hotel boasts waterfront views, an on-site restaurant and more.
Cozy hotel located in downtown Squamish, BC, with incredible views of The Chief, Mamquam Mountain & the Tantalus Mountain Range. A short walk upstairs from the Brewery, Brewpub & Firebread Restaurant will allow you to relax.
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