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Quesnel, the next big BC mountain biking destination you need to ride
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Quesnel, BC Approaching Quesnel from the south, a huge timber-frame sign proclaims "Quesnel Bike Park: Trails for All Skill Levels - Next Exit." For many mountain biking enthusiasts, this sign is the first hint of the emerging BC riding scene in this northern BC town you probably didn't know about.
Every year, more and more riders are choosing to spend their precious weekends and vacation days sessioning the incredible trail networks this town has on offer.
Nestled between the northern hub of Prince George and the legendary freeride town of Williams Lake, the Gold Rush Cycling Club and city of Quesnel have quickly and quietly developed three (and soon to be four) riding networks that cater to all levels of riders.
Preview the Quesnel MTB scene
Join pro rider and builder James Doerfling for a preview of Quesnel's bike trails and local scene, in this video.
Between the bike park, and the Wonderland and Dragon Mountain trail areas, you'll find multiple days' worth of trails and features to explore. And there's no better time than during the second annual community-driven Lhtako Dene Mountain Bike Festival to explore it, with help from local riders.
As a dad and talented rider in his own right, local Ian van Leusden knows a thing or two about what it takes to keep the whole family smiling on ride days.
"Family builds a community, and in Quesnel, the entire family can ride," says van Leusden, trail coordinator for the City of Quesnel.
Your intro to biking in Quesnel, BC
Let's dial you in to riding in Quesnel.
Quesnel bike park
Paved rollers and berms help skills development in the bike park, where the whole family can find technical challenge.
Ian's passion and personal commitment are evident the moment you roll into the newly expanded bike park. A unique rolling, rubberized strider zone gets the young ones learning safely while the older siblings warm up on the paved pump track and three sets of progressive jump lines.
Moms and dads take turns sessioning the progressive drop zone and the balance park, filled with skinnies and a variety of skill building technical terrain features.
Explore the flowy, bermy singletrack in the downhill trails at the Quesnel Bike Park.
Pedaling the paved up-track, or loading up for a quick 10 minute shuttle lap, riders have a choice of 10 professionally built downhill flow trails, from the easiest green runs to heart-pounding, double black diamond jump trails. The quality of construction and range of skills accommodated is truly impressive.
Gesturing to the adjacent Arts and Recreation Centre, Ian points out that "With all the amenities of the Rec Centre right there, whether it's time for a snack, a swim or a shower, the family can really settle in for the day and explore."
Wonderland trail network
The Gold Rush Cycling Club builds and maintains high quality trail connections like this smooth flowing wall ride.
For those more into classic singletrack and rowdy wooden trail features, the Wonderland network might be more your flavour.
Nestled on the hillside at the edge of the South Hills neighbourhood, overlooking Dragon Lake, this is the local's daily go-to destination.
Beginner to intermediate trails
While perhaps best known for its rocky, technical downhills, the first trail you'll come across is the beginner and family friendly Kids Loop where everyone can warm up on some small drops, bridges and skinnies.
Ride from green to black on Wonderland's "stacked loops" featuring everything from friendly beginer jumps and bridges, to technical dowhill descents.
From there you'll ride into the old growth forest to begin What the Huck, the primary climb in this stacked loop network.
"Our goal was to build a climbing line that was fun and interesting enough to keep you engaged, but flowy and easy enough that you'll have gas in the tank for multiple laps", says Michelle Klapatiuk, Gold Rush Cycling Club board member.
Find your next mountain bike mecca in Quesnel
Load up the bikes and hit the road to explore the epic mtb scene in Quesnel
The Klapatiuk family have long been the stewards and caretakers of Wonderland, and with the help of a full time trail crew, you won't find a better maintained network in the province.
Intermediate to advanced trails
From the top, riders have the choice of rock slab and chutes, jumps and drops, techy XC, and yes, a much loved signature flow trail called Mucho Oro named for the crowd pleasing beer at the local Barkerville Brewery.
Ready for a challenge? Then pop up to the top of Wonderland, and you'll find slabs, chutes, jumps and drops.
PRO TIP: snap a selfie with the sign and post to your socials for 10% off your tab at Barkerville Brewing Co. after the ride! WIth 13 professionally built trails (and counting), it's easy to spend the entire day, or just sneak in a quick lap after the kids go to bed.
Dragon Mountain Provincial Park
Dragon Mountain features the most technical terrain of Quesnel's three main riding areas.
A little further to the south, Dragon Mountain Provincial Park is perhaps the most infamous of the Quesnel area networks and is sure to have the most advanced riders in the family in awe.
Shuttle the rough mountain road, or settle in for a mixed machine-built/singletrack climb from parking lot to summit.
Either choice will let you explore wild and raw downhill trails with natural freeride features and big, exposed rock lines more reminiscent of destinations like Squamish or Pemberton.
Preview your ride
Check out Mark Matthews' lap on Rockasaurus for a taste of what you can expect if you tackle the "insane steep, gnarly tech" at the top of the mountain.
Intrigued? There's no better time to explore Quesnel and the incredible riding on offer than during the annual Lhtako Dene Mountain Bike Festival.
Bike Quesnel trails at local mtb fest
Partnering with the local First Nations, the Gold Rush Cycling Club has earned a five star reputation for putting on a fun, family friendly three day festival each August (Aug 22-24 this year).
With a jump jam and pump track challenge on Friday night, a Wonderland Enduro and Pub Night on Saturday, and downhill racing (complete with ice cream truck and food vendors!) at the Bike Park on Sunday, there's sure to be something for the entire family.
Registration for riders opens soon! Register via the Gold Rush Cycling Club here.
Whether you come for the friendly competition and positive vibes, or just spend a couple days exploring as part of your annual mountain bike road trip, don't miss out on the incredible trails that Quesnel has to offer.
"After all", says Ian, "we didn't just build these trails for us. We built them for all riders. The riding community of Quesnel welcomes you to explore the networks we call home."
When you go
Get dialled in to the local riding scene at the Lhtako Dene Mountain Bike Festival. But don't stop there! Quesnel is more than just mountain biking.
Getting to Quesnel
- 1h20 via Prince George, south along Highway 97
- 4h20 via Kamloops north on Highway 97
More things to do
Pack the bike, the hiking boots, and perhaps the canoe! Quesnel is loaded with hiking trails, while right next to Barkerville is the funky community of Wells, home to the Bowron Lake Park and its world-famous 116km canoe circuit!
Stay in Quesnel and day trip out to Barkerville, a full-on historic town with actors who will take you back in time.
Share your adventure
Let us know what you discover, please include the #explorequesnel and #festivalseekers hashtags in your social media posts so we might be able to feature you on our social media.
For more Quesnel events this summer to fill your visit, check out this FestivalSeekers story.
