The best MTB trails around Area B (Shawnigan Lake)

There are over a dozen mountain bike trails available in Area B (Shawnigan Lake), catering to various skill levels. You'll find a mix of easy, moderate, and challenging routes, with the majority being difficult, offering technical sections and engaging features.

The trails around Shawnigan Lake offer diverse terrain, including challenging singletracks, rocky technical sections, and fast, packed dirt paths. Many routes feature berms, jumps, drops, and rock faces, providing an engaging experience for riders. You'll also ride through Douglas fir forests and along scenic lake backdrops.

While many trails are challenging, there is at least one easy route suitable for families or beginners. The Cowichan Valley Trail, a section of the Trans Canada Trail, also offers cycling opportunities, with some parts being more suitable for casual rides, which could be a good option for families.

For advanced riders, routes like the Forest Trail – Torpedo Run loop from West Saanich at Durrance offer challenging features and require good fitness and advanced riding skills. Another difficult option is the Torpedo Run loop from Cal Revelle Nature Sanctuary, which provides a demanding ride through varied landscapes.

Area B (Shawnigan Lake) is often referred to as 'the warm land,' reflecting its favorable climate. This generally means a longer riding season. Spring and fall typically offer pleasant temperatures and vibrant scenery, while summer can be warm but still enjoyable. Winter riding is possible, though conditions may vary with precipitation.

Yes, many of the mountain bike trails in Area B (Shawnigan Lake) are designed as loops. Examples include the Forest Trail loop from Hartland Trailhead and the Mountainbike loop from Koksilah River, allowing you to start and finish at the same point.

Beyond the trails, you can explore several natural features and landmarks. The Kinsol Trestle, one of the largest wooden trestle bridges in the world, is a spectacular viewpoint and part of the Cowichan Valley Trail. You might also encounter waterfalls like Niagara Falls Trail or Goldstream Falls. The region is also home to Douglas fir forests and offers panoramic views of Shawnigan Lake from various summits.

Yes, the region offers spectacular views. The Kinsol Trestle provides sky-high views of the natural beauty. You can also find viewpoints like View of Mount Finlayson, and summits such as Mount Finlayson summit offer panoramic vistas of Shawnigan Lake, Finlayson Arm, and Saanich Inlet.

The mountain biking routes in Area B (Shawnigan Lake) are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.8 stars. Riders often praise the extensive trail networks, the diverse terrain with challenging features, and the scenic beauty of the Douglas fir forests and Shawnigan Lake.

The Shawnigan Lake area itself is known for an extensive network of trails. The Shawnigan Lake Quarry is described as a 'messy network of singletrack.' Nearby areas like Old Baldy Mountain/Rat Lake and Cobble Hill Mountain also offer mountain biking opportunities, sometimes on managed forest land.

Yes, the Cowichan Valley Trail, a section of the Trans Canada Trail, runs through the region and offers cycling opportunities, including a unique rainforest section. Additionally, trails within Koksilah River Provincial Park connect to the Kinsol Trestle, allowing for extended rides.

The longest mountain bike trail listed is the Forest Trail – Torpedo Run loop from West Saanich at Durrance, which spans approximately 24.7 kilometers (15.3 miles) and typically takes around 2 hours and 6 minutes to complete.