Akamina-Kishinena Mountain Biking

If you wish to bike ride in true wilderness, this is the mountain biking experience for you.  The towering peaks and crystal clear lakes of Akamina-Kishinena Provincial Park in southern British Columbia is the backdrop for this incredible adventure. 5 days of spectacular biking in a remote corner of south eastern B.C. and with wild country campsites this an unforgettable trip.

Itinerary

Day 1 We set out for a day of riding on the huge network of trails in the Fernie area. Coal Creek, Roots and Roots Extensions make a great warm up ride in the morning before we stop for lunch at the bottom of the Nature Trails. In the afternoon, we'll check out the trails of the Ridgemont area, where dozens of trails sprawl in every direction. When we've had enough, the van will take us on a 20-minute drive to our spectacular campsite on the Elk River Bluffs. After a quick snack, we'll head out to the Silver Springs Lakes, where we can jump off cliffs ranging from 10 to 50 feet (or just swim). A gourmet meal awaits us back at the campsite, and we'll enjoy sublime sunsets over the Elk River.

Day 2  After a hearty breakfast, we'll hop on the bikes and explore the trails of Wigwam Flats, a protected wildlife sanctuary where we often see large herds of elk and other wildlife. After a picnic lunch by the Wigwam River, we'll tackle the first of 2 climbs on remote Cabin Road, an old logging road. A quick downhill takes us to a beautiful island campsite at the confluence of the Bighorn and Wigwam Rivers.

Day 3 More singletrack! We'll hop on the bikes for a short ride on Wigwam road to a secluded singletrack trail. This wickedly fun ride through Cedar and Douglas fir forest takes us to remote and spectacular Snowshoe Lake, perfect for cooling off on a hot day. After a return to camp for lunch, we'll ford the Wigwam River for an afternoon of riding on the smooth singletrack of the area, then it's back to camp for a gourmet dinner and marshmallows around the campfire.

Day 4 This is the main challenge of the trip: a 13-km climb to the top of Cabin Pass. The climb is steady but not steep; a relaxed pace, beautiful scenery, and the promise of a thrilling downhill make it easier than it sounds. After lunch at the pass and a quick dip in the river, we'll enjoy a 26-km downhill cruise to our campsite at Howell Creek, a scenic and remote site on the edge of Akamina-Kishinena Provincial Park, where we'll enjoy a fireside meal and some campfire John Denver singalongs (or not...)

Day 5 The pot of gold! Our last day offers the pleasure of riding on beautiful singletrack in spectacular Akamina-Kishinena Provincial Park. The trail is a turn-of-the-century logging road that has been turned into a bike trail. Less than 40 people per summer enjoy this remote trail - chances are we'll have it all to ourselves! We'll enjoy the cool shade of the trail as we ascend to spectacular Wall Lake, an awe-inspiring alpine lake ringed with 2000-ft. cliffs (just try not to let your jaw drop!). After lunch and a visit to the ice caves, we'll enjoy 10 kilometres of downhill singletrack as we descend back to our campsite, where the van will be waiting to take us back to Fernie.

Technical Grading: Intermediate.

The trip is not too challenging, however intermediates will need all their skills. Lesser mortals will cope and will develop their mountain bike skills, if you are determined.

Mountain Bike hire: CAD30 - CAD40 per day.
Camping Gear Hire: A two person tent and two sleeping bags - CAD110 for the trip.

What is included
All transport from Fernie BC and back to Kananaskis, with a driver and cook to support the biking (carrying provisions, utensils etc. Plus spares for bikes).  2 nights of accommodation (1 night in Fernie and 1 night in Kananaskis), and dinner and breakfast before and after the tour. Provincial park entry fees, camping fees. Local taxes of 7%, some or all of which may be refunded later by the Canadian government to foreigners.

What is not included
The price allows for joining in Fernie, BC and does not include international or national airfare and departure taxes. Airport pick up / drop off (can be arranged for a small fee).  Personal insurance, visa fees, vaccination costs. A bike or helmet (available to hire) and personal clothing. Tent and camping equipment (tent and sleeping bags are available to hire), all items of a personal nature including all alcoholic / soft drinks.

Additional Accommodation
If you need accommodation in the cities you travel through book online or advise your Muir's Tours consultant (always use this option for extra accommodation in remote locations).

Personal Insurance (for UK only)
Comprehensive personal insurance, including search and rescue is required on this trip. We recommend the BMC policies www.thebmc.co.uk