British Columbia Mountain Bike Holiday - Sunshine Coast

Bicycle holidays riding the best trails along the Sunshine Coast. Cycling trips led by mature, experienced guides from the Whistler Bike Guide, trusted since 1997.Novice, Intermediate or Expert, join us for a bicycle adventure.

Our focus is cross country mountain biking - we keep our wheels on the ground.

The Sunshine Coast is a temperate stretch of coastline North of Vanercouver that, while considered part of the BC mainland, is accessible only by vehicle ferry. This area of BC offers an increadible coastal experience. Mountains, oceans, lakes, rivers and beaches – this region boasts them in breathtaking abundance and beauty. The spectacular setting provides the venue for a vast array of outdoor adventures. An extensive web of trails crisscrosses the Lower Sunshine Coast with something for every type of rider. Combined with a stay in Whistler you get a true Sea to Sky adventure.

Non Riders Welcome

The diverse scenery and access to some of BC's greatest wilderness areas makes this an attractive trip even for non riders. Recognizing that some folks might like to bring a partner or family members that may not wish to ride, we offer a non-rider experience that provides time to explore and take part in other activities. Other activities include horse riding, boat excursions to sandy beaches on the coast, a trek to the famous Skookumchuck Narrows, the world's fastest saltwater rapids and an extreme kayaker mecca. There is no time to be bored though relaxation is readily available at a number of uniqe spa locations.

Itinerary

Day 1

Pick-up at Vancouver Airport (YVR) is included. Arrive Whistler via our transfer service after a 2 hour journey up the Sea to Sky Highway, rated one of the most scenic drives in Canada. Check into your room then head out to explore the wonderful Whistler Village. Overnight: Whistler. [Meals on own]

Important Notice: Day 1 is the day you should plan to arrive in Whistler. This may require departing your hometown one or more days in advance.

Day 2

The Full pulls begin at one of the trusty cafe's and for these days please eat alot and bring your full kit. Depending on your groups level of riding, weather conditions and a whole bunch of other variables our guides make a route choice that is never bad nor written in stone. On most full days there are some big climbs involved and we don't shuttle. We are sort of fundamentalists at wbg and our planet needs more bike pedals and less gas pedals if you get our drift. With hard work comes rewards and we provide the goods that leave you smiling like the Joker, big views and single track that makes you pay attention and see how fun a bike can be. We like to swim when its hot and we also like to eat good fuel on full days and know tons of secret spots to chill out before, during and after a ride. On a full day you can expect to be riding for 5-7 hours including re-fueling for all levels of riders. We also have some bail-out options should you bonk hard and not be able to recover with a cold drink and a super brownie. Overnight: Whistler. [BL]

Day 3

Your day begins with a strong cup of coffee and a positive attitude as we meet at Behind the Grind or the Riverside Cafe. After fueling up we cruise out to todays choice of trail. Depending on your level of riding, weather conditions and a whole bunch of other variables our guides make a route choice that is never bad nor written in stone.Hell, this is Canada! We like to mix it up with climbs, rollers and downhills that make you want cruise all day. If its smoking hot we will definitely go swimming and ride by the rivers and creeks where it is nice and loamy. The trail choice depends on the group and their skill level. After our day's ride get ready to fly on Skyline, Whistler's most exciting eco adventure! Skyline is an exhilarating cable line expedition through old growth forests on Cougar Mountain. Overnight: Whistler. [BL]

Day 4

That was quick! It's time to pack you bag and head for the coast. We begin the morning in Horseshoe Bay by boarding the ferry and heading off to Langdale on our Sunshine Coast Adventure. The ferry ride provides stunning coastal mountain vistas. We dock and ride off the boat and it is a long gradual climb up the road to where we turn into the trails.
Once at the Sprockids Bike Park we will take a short break before hitting the meat of the order.
First it’s climbing Sidewinder through the lush mossy forest full of massive cedar and fir trees. Most of these giants are second growth so you will see how fast trees grow in this neck of the woods. At the next junction we ride a strech of the main road which traverses the ridge with fun and punchy climbs and descents.
Once off the main road we have a myriad of choices of 1000 vertical meter trails with as much edge to them as you could imagine. We should plan on spending around 4-6 hours riding today and depending on the skill of the group can hit just about anything down to Roberts Creek for some lunch at one of the wicked local eateries.
From here we have a couple of choices as there is a mind-blowing selection to choose from. One option is to climb up some 800 vertical meters and hit the quiver of black diamonds off of Mt. Elphinstone down to Sechelt or we could grab some bevies and head to our Lodge du Jour just a short spin up the road.

After an early dinner we switch modes of transport to kayaks for a summer evening on the water. We begin our paddling at 6pm towards the setting sun. Experience night cruising in quiet glassy waters and a warm evening breeze, then return towards the rising moon. Our journey takes 3 - 4 hours. Glow sticks, lights and head lamps supplied. Overnight: Rockwater Resort, Secret Cove. [BLD]

Day 5

After a good sleep its up for an early chow and a trip to the coffee gods at the water. After loading up we begin with nice little 5 km. warm up on the road through the old growth. I know you find it hard to believe they left any big ones but it is a special place. We then hit the climb for about an hour cruising through mossy switchbacks that seem to go on forever. Once at the top we can see all around the area. The waters of Sechelt Inlet and Porpoise Bay are close to !000 vertical meters below us. We will ride the ridge for what seems like hours swooping in and out before hitting great spot for lunch high above it all. After the feeding we begin the final 30 km. of the day which is almost all downhill. All that is except for a little 500m. climb to gain another ridge. Once on the Ridge it is another hour of descending back down to our great accommodations at Secret Cove for some more good times. We should expect to ride from 4-7 hours depending on the weather. If it ain’t raining we go more! Overnight: Rockwater Resort, Secret Cove. [BLD]

Day 6

You will wake up in the morning and might feel the urge to go salmon fishing as the Rockwater Resort sits right at Secret Cove near Pender Harbour, the gateway to one of the finest salmon fishing areas in the world.
We will be trolling for trails however and after fueling up we will begin the day with a snappy little 1000m climb up to Crowston Lake, if it is hot we will swim!
It is a great climb up lush narrow loamy trails that take us from sea level and place us upon a ridge on logging roads with sweet views of both Ruby and Sakinaw Lakes, which are some of the premier warm and toasty lakes in B.C.
Dropping down into the Pender Harbour area, we then spin on the highway for about a km. before diving into the Suncoast Trail which slithers its way along roads and clear-cuts with spectacular views of the Strait of Georgia.
Our final push is up to Klein Lake and then down to Earl’s Cove where we hang a quick right and head to our little palace for the evening the Wilderness Lodge. You won’t be disappointed.

Riding Time- between 5-7 hours
Mainly Blues and Greens with some road sections.

For those wanting a little wilder ride we suggest riding in the secret Cove area and get picked up by the van. Overnight: West Coast Wilderness Lodge, Egmont. [BLD]

Day 7

Today we rest our legs and we take you to what coastal boaters call the "Holy Grail" of the cruising world in BC, Princess Louisa Inlet. Don't underrate the travel up Jervis Inlet to Princess Louisa Inlet. Our commuter vessel covers the 30 miles quickly while our guide provides informed commentary. There are many interesting features and occurrences in this glacial fjord. When we arrive there is time ashore in this granite bordered fjord. Like everyone before you it will dominate your future dreams. It was carved by the force of glaciers. The steep sides are mirrored in tranquil waters. Waterfalls are numerous, and change with the passing of each weather system. Every encounter with this wonderland is unique. Overnight: West Coast Wilderness Lodge, Egmont. [BLD]

Day 8

Time to pack the bags and head for Vancouver. The journey time to the city is approximately 4.5 hours and we'll arrive sometime around 2pm. If flights to your home town depart early you will require an overnight in Vancouver which we'll be happy to arrange. Those wishing to add a little extra Canadiana to your trip can take a float plane from the dock at the Wilderness Lodge to downtown Vancouver or Whistler for an extension on your holiday.

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Note on Itinerary: Although we do our very best to adhere to the schedule listed above, this itinerary is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control including weather and terrain conditions. Your guide has extensive knowledge of the region and may choose alternate trails or activities as conditions dictate.

Prices Include: Services as specified in the itinerary above include lodging, tours and accommodations; meals as specified [B-Breakfast, L-Lunch, D-Dinner]; local guides; all ground transportation; skyline adventure, kayak tour, Princess Louisa boat trip, cycling and related gear; high performance bike rental, helmet, snacks and bottled water; hotel taxes.

Not Included: Services unless specified otherwise in the itinerary above; meals not specified in the above itinerary; alcoholic beverages; optional additional activities and services in Whistler Village or on the Sunshine Coast; tips and gratuities and items of a personal nature; medical, hospitalization and evacuation costs; and any other extra expenses due to unanticipated changes in our itinerary for reasons beyond our control.

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Activity Level

This trip is rated BLUE for intermediate riders with options for more advanced BLACK terrain. We will contact you prior to arrival to assess your technical and physical ability and will help you select the level of riding that's right for you. Riding levels explained:

BLUE Recommended for fit riders with basic skills

• Riding: Half Day 2 - 3 hours; Full Day 4 - 6 Hours
• Distances: Half Day 10 – 25km; Full Day 40 - 60km
• Surfaces: Moderate single track that will include riding over tree roots, small rocks and some man made bridges. There will be a combination of accents & descends on mostly packed dirt (un-groomed) trails
• Elevation change: Up to 1200m per day
• Altitude: Max altitude will be approx 1800m

BLACK A trip for experienced and very fit riders

• Riding: Half Day 2 - 3 hours; Full Day 5 - 7 Hours
• Distances: Half Day 15 – 25km; Full Day 40 - 60km
• Surfaces: Remote mountainous, exposed terrain with steep ascents and challenging technical descents, uneven trails with loose features, rocks, roots and man made features
• Elevation change: Up to 1400m per day
• Altitude: Max altitude will be approx 2200m

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Weather

The weather in and around Whistler and the coast is generally sunny during summer months, with daytime temperatures around 20-30C. Nights can be chilly (5-15C), especially in the mountains so plan to bring along some warm clothing. As in any mountainous region, weather can change rapidly and rain/wind storms are not uncommon so please pack adequate rain gear.

 

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Rates

Prices below are quoted Per Person in CANADIAN Dollars, excluding 5% Goods & Services Tax

Value Package

	June 20 & August 22, 2008
	Double	Triple	Quad
Riders	$3349	$3299	$3249
Non-Riders	$3049	$2999	$2949

Value Package Includes:

• Whistler - Whistler Village Inn - Hotel Room
• Secret Cove - Rockwater Resort - Ocena View Room
• West Coast Wilderness Lodge - Small Forest View Room

Luxury Package

	June 20 & August 22, 2008
	Double	Triple	Quad
Riders	$4249	N/A	N/A
Non-Riders	$3949	N/A	N/A

Luxury Package Includes:

• Whistler - Four Seasons Resort - ModerateKing Room
• Secret Cove - Rockwater Resort - Tenthouse Suite
• West Coast Wilderness Lodge - Large Ocean View Room

Bringing Your Own Bike? $330 discount off above prices.