Tourism Smithers

~ Sarah Bentley,  cyclist

Explore Smithers by bike! Surrounded by mountains, we have legendary MOUNTAIN BIKING and alpine trails plus scenic country backroads for some epic GRAVEL BIKING tours and a paved multi-use commuter path in the works for ROAD BIKING and other human-powered wheels.

Mountain Biking 

ON HUDSON BAY MOUNTAIN

This is prime mountain-biking country! The Smithers Mountain Bike Association manages trail networks on Hudson Bay Mountain suitable for all abilities: the BLUFF RECREATION AREA has several access points, including one downtown.  This will take you into the BOARDWALK TRAILS, aptly named with hundreds of metres of boardwalks. There’s more to be had on the PIPER DOWN RECREATION TRAILS and PTARMIGAN TRAILS.

IN BABINE MOUNTAINS PROVINCIAL PARK

Across the valley, the BABINE MOUNTAINS PROVINCIAL PARK has trails in simply spectacular settings: SILVERKING BASIN is home to the JOE L’ORSA Cabin where you can enjoy a short break or overnight stay; for the adventurous, ride the CRONIN PASS TRAIL which traverses the Park, past remnants of old mines, over Hyland Pass, and down through Silver King Basin into Driftwood Canyon. It requires some effort, but it is worth it! Check out this 2025 article – "Around the Babines" – in BIKEPACKING.COM written by Myles Arbour.

CALL LAKE PROVINICIAL PARK

Closer to town you can also explore the trails at CALL LAKE PROVINICIAL PARK.  

Gravel Biking 

LAKE LOOPS

If you are looking for paved or hard-packed dirt roads off the highway, try a TYHEE LAKE LOOP and stop for a riverside visit in Telkwa.  If your tires can handle a bit of dirt and gravel, you can ride from downtown Smithers along TATLOW ROAD towards Telkwa to cross the railway foot bridge into the Village (then go for an ICE CREAM CONE!).

Or ride from downtown Smithers AROUND LAKE KATHLYN and back.

DRIFTWOOD ROUTES

Alternatively, head up OLD BABINE LAKE ROAD into the Driftwood area. When you reach the TELKWA HIGH ROAD, you can turn right towards Tyhee Lake to pedal past CANYON CREEK and RURAL FARMLANDS, or turn left and head TOWARDS WITSET for a scenic ride long the Telkwa High Road or up towards the DRIFTWOOD FOSSIL BEDS. If you’re “up” for an epic pedaling ascent, ride BABINE LAKE ROAD (farther east than OLD BABINE LAKE ROAD) towards McKendrick Pass and get ready to scream back down the big hill when you return to Smithers.

TOUR DE SMITHERS ROUTES

Each June our local hereos at McBike host the Tour de Smithers Backroad Challenge with 2 routes offering different levels of epic! Find routing ideas on the TOUR DE SMITHERS event page.

• Route #1: Tour De Valley is 42 km undulating
• Route #2: Paradise Lake - Babine Cruise is 85 km gradual climb with long descent and then some more undulating terrain along Telkwa Highroad + Snake Road

Road Biking

CYCLE 16 TRAIL

Road cycling around Smithers offers a mix of rough & smooth pavement, stunning scenery, and routes for every level of rider. The brand-new Cycle 16 trail will eventually connect Smithers to Telkwa with a safe, paved trail that winds through forests and farmland — perfect for families, commuters, or anyone who wants to enjoy a ride without pedaling in the same lanes as highway traffic. As of May 2023 Phase 1 of the 3 phase trail is complete and in active use! The paved path takes you on a beautiful meandering path from downtown Smithers (Princess Street) out to Highway 16 & NEW Babine Lake Road – 7 km each way or 14km out & back.

CYCLE 16 - TYHEE LAKE LOOP

For those looking for a classic local loop, the Tyhee Lake Loop is a favorite: a scenic circuit that takes cyclists past rolling fields, lake views, and quiet backroads, all within reach of town. From Smithers, take the Cycle 16 trail (see above), turn left at New Babine Lake Road for a few kilometres, turn right on the Telkwa High Road, turn left on Tyhee Lake Road to ride around the lake and back, OR stay on the Telkwa High Road and head to Tyhee Lake Provincial Park for a pleasant picnic stop or a swim! Head down the steep hill into Telkwa for an ice cream cone, then retrace your bike route to head back to Smithers the same way for a full 30-40km out & back. 

Pick up a local map at the Visitor Centre or check our Maps & Trails page and design your own loop.

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