Cycling
Start planning your Arrow Slocan adventure today! Access essential tips, and local insights to make your journey seamless, unforgettable, and perfectly aligned with your sense of adventure.
Bike Packing Journeys
For bike travellers looking to get off the pavement and explore more remote routes, the Arrow Slocan region offers plenty of adventure cycling options.
The area is rife with off-the-beaten path overnighters, engaging out-and-backs and scenic bikepacking loops that traverse dirt and gravel backroads as well as historic rail trails and wagon roads.
Guided Trips & Gear Shops
Sol Mountain Lodge offers backcountry biking from their lodge deep in the Monashee Mountain Range. Access is via 4WD drive from either Nakusp or Revelstoke.
The extensive trail network is paradise for hikers and bikers. Bag some peaks, swim in tarn lakes, and ride the single track over flowing terrain into the excitement of the downhill.
Cycling Routes
Even the most remote bikepacking routes boast an abundance of natural water sources to stay hydrated and cool off on a hot summer’s day, while an array of well-situated BC Recreation Sites make for great places to stop for a snack or pitch up for the night.
Nakusp makes a great base for out-and-back rides to Fauquier (114 km round-trip), Galena Bay (96 km round-trip), and towards Slocan Lake (70 km round-trip or more).
- Challenge yourself to a 400 meter climb on the 30 km round-trip journey to the soothing waters of Nakusp Hot Springs. All routes are paved and feature rolling hills, big views, and little traffic.
Other great day trips include the rewarding climb from New Denver to Retallack (20 km one way, 570 meter elevation gain) with the option to continue on to Kaslo and back (92 km round-trip).
- The Slocan Valley also features a lovely 40 km cycle touring loop between Passmore and Appledale using the quiet back road and the main highway, with great food options at the halfway point in Winlaw.
If longer distance cycle touring is more your speed, you’re in the right place. Pack your panniers and choose from out-and-back rides through the heart of Arrow Slocan or create a cycle touring loop.
- The popular “Silver Triangle” loop runs 230 km, while a more ambitious trip through Trout Lake includes a long gravel road as part of the 400 km loop. Both routes pass through New Denver, Nelson, Kaslo and the Slocan Valley, providing plenty of opportunities to restock and relax.
- Check out the Kootenay Confluence Route on bikepacking.com: https://bikepacking.com/routes/kootenay-confluence/
Accessible & Family Friendly
A network of scenic rail trails perfect for leisurely cycling and exploring the area’s history. These trails, often built on abandoned railway lines, generally feature gentle grades and well-maintained surfaces.
- Slocan Valley Rail Trail is a non-motorized 52 km trail following the contours of the Slocan River. The trail makes its way from Slocan Lake in the north, towards the Kootenay River in the south, with multiple entry and exit areas. The rail line was built by the Nakusp & Slocan Railway in the 1880s.
- Nakusp & Slocan (N&S) Rail Trail connects the 46 km from Rosebery to Nakusp. The rail line was built by the Nakusp & Slocan Rail Company in 1893. The trail climbs gently from Nakusp to Summit Lake and then descends to Rosebery, where it connects with the Galena Trail. A motorized by-pass is being planned for one section of this trail.
- Galena Trail is a popular 13 km section from Rosebery to Three Forks that passes by New Denver. The rail line was built by the Nakusp & Slocan (N&S) Railway in 1895. The 11.5 km section between New Denver and Three Forks can be combined with the 8 km Old Sandon Road Trail for a loop between the two locations.
- Kaslo & Slocan (K&S) Rail Trail follows the path of the historic K&S Railroad for just over 7 km. It can be ridden from the Three Forks end (steep climb) or the preferred Sandon trailhead at the replica railroad station for a family friendly beginning section, then a fun descent. There are historical markers and mountain views along the way. The trail can be combined with the Cody Spur near Sandon for a longer ride.
It’s imperative to bike with safety in mind and be prepared for the unexpected. From sudden weather changes to wildlife encounters, preparedness is key. Leave a trip plan, take the essentials, and know before you go.
- Rail Trails are multi-use – you may encounter hikers, cyclists, horses or motorized vehicles (when permitted). Horses always have the right of way, then people, then bikes, then motorized vehicles (where permitted).
- Slocan Valley Rail Trail, Three Forks area trails and the N&S Rail Trail south of Summit Lake are non-motorized traffic only.
- Please respect our natural environment and keep it pristine. Follow the Leave No Trace principles.
- Learn to mitigate the risks and be prepared through Adventure Smart.
Know your route, pack the essentials, and leave a trip plan! Spotty cell service offers a change to unplug, but in case of emergency, being prepared is key.
- Check local weather forecasts before you head out.
- Leave a trip plan with someone you trust.
- Obey signage and ride single file on roadways.
Or a quick fix? There are a couple of places in the region that can help. Shon’s Bike and Ski in Nakusp is your Arrow Slocan stop to get your bike repairs done right.
- Shons Bike and Ski, Nakusp
- Valhalla Pure, New Denver
