Mountain biking in the East Kootenays is about more than just the ride. It’s a chance to slow down, connect with nature, and maybe even spot something unexpected along the trail.
Between the Rocky Mountains, winding rivers, wildflower-filled forests, and endless single-track, this region as an incredible mix of birds. One minute you’re flowing through the trees; the next, you’re watching Canadian Geese, band eagles, a woodpecker.
From Fernie to Kimberley, Cranbrook, and Invermere, every ride offers a little adventure on and off the bike. Keep your eyes (and ears) open, and maybe you’ll spot some of these species on your next ride.
Fernie
The only town surrounded by the Rocky Mountains and located within one of the rarest ecosystems in the world — the inland temperate rainforest. Fernie boasts some of the best riding in the East Kootenays.
Many of Fernie’s mountain bike trails start right from town, giving riders opportunities to spot wildlife along the Elk River and near Maiden Lake. Friendly to all types of bikes and ability levels. The Town Loop is an adaptive trail that will bring you along these bodies of water. If you’re lucky, you may spot a Great Blue Heron, Canadian Geese, Common Grackle, or Osprey. From the Town loop, you can bike a short distance to reach Montane, Ridgemont and West Fernie trails. You’ll find a mix of stunning views and shorter mountain bike trails – perfect for a family ride.
Getting excited? Let us be your tour guide to the variety of trails and epic views around Fernie, BC. Find a Fernie program here.
Cranbrook
The gateway to the Canadian Rockies and some seriously spirited singletrack, Cranbrook’s Community Forest features a fun uphill flow trail, Pilset, that might leave you breathless — not just from the effort, but from everything you’ll notice along the way. On the opposite side of the highway, the expanding Star Wars-trail-themed Eager Hill network boasts a brand new 8.1 km trail, Pod Racer, built to accommodate adaptive mountain biking (aMTB) standards that is friendly to families and 3 & 4 wheel mountain bikes. Eager Hill is a hub for rich ecological diversity as well as panoramic views. Keep your eyes open for changing forest textures, wildflowers, and the birds and wildlife that make this zone feel alive on every ride.
What makes this region unique is that the BC Bird Trail and the sanctioned bike trails in the Community Forest intersect. This creates an expansive biking and birding experience. Spring sees the skies come alive with Western Tanagers, Cinnamon Teals, Clark’s Nutcrackers, and even sandpipers along the water’s edge.
Kimberley
With hundreds of kilometers of singletrack winding through old-growth forest, open alpine terrain, and rolling hillsides, Kimberley is a hidden gem. Known for its laid-back mountain town vibe and incredible trail network, the area offers plenty of opportunities to spot birds As you pedal through the Kimberley Nature Park — one of the largest municipal parks in Canada — keep an eye out for Red-naped Sapsuckers, Northern Flickers, and soaring Red-tailed Hawks overhead. If you’re looking for a higher elevation trail, try riding at the Kimberley Nordic Centre were you’ll find more rugged terrain. In the spring and summer, the forests come alive with birdsong, making every ride feel a little more immersive. Kimberley is the place where it’s worth slowing down to take it all in. Ready to get started? Join one of our Kimberley programs for kids and adults of all abilities.
For more information on birds you may spot in Kimberley visit Tourism Kimberleys blog For the Birds: A Guide to the Best Birding in Kimberley
Invermere
Located alongside the largest intact wetlands in North America. The Columbia Wetlands are home to the Wings Over the Rockies Nature Festival. Invermere is a dream destination for both bikers and birders.
This laid-back lakeside town is known for early-season riding on Mount Swansea. It is also home to the Kootenays’ only shuttle-assisted bike park at Toby Creek Adventures. As the weather warms, the wetlands and shoreline come alive with bird activity. From Horned Grebes, Bald Eagles, Great Blue Herons, and Ospreys to the rare Lewis’s Woodpecker. Learn more about birding in Invermere, and British Columbia on the BC Bird Trail website.
Are you ready to chase flow trails and bird songs? the East Kootenays offer a riding and birding experience unlike anywhere else.
Here, every trail tells two stories. One on the dirt beneath your tires and another in the forests, wetlands, and skies above you. Ready to hear the call of an osprey over the Columbia Wetlands? There’s always something waiting to be discovered beyond every corner.
Pack your binoculars next to your bike gear, take the scenic route, and pause every once in a while. In the East Kootenays, the best trail moments aren’t always the fastest ones. Sometimes they’re the ones that soar or sing beside you along the way.
Resources to help you get started
Merlin Bird ID for photo-or-sound based identification
E-bird for tracking and sightings
BCBirdTrail for routes and frequent fliers
Fernie Trail Alliance With options from day and weekend use to annual membership subscriptions
