Summer has arrived, ushering in long, sun-drenched days ideal for outdoor escapades. For those near Calgary, Alberta, a day trip to Kicking Horse Bike Park in Golden, British Columbia promises not just feasibility, but an exhilarating adventure. With the extended daylight, you can enjoy a full day of biking and still make it back to the city with daylight to spare. The scenic drive itself is an added bonus, offering classic Rocky Mountain vistas and a straightforward route.
Our Action-Packed Itinerary
6:45 AM: Depart from Calgary. 9:30 AM: Arrive at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort and kickstart your day with a delicious latte from Double Black Café.
10:00 AM: Start your biking adventure on the Catamount chairlift. Early season conditions may leave some snow at the top, closing certain trails, but the Catamount runs are long and
exhilarating, perfect for warming up. Remember, don’t get off at the grizzly refuge; continue straight to the top where your bikes will be waiting. Begin your biking with Trapper’s Trail (the gravel road) to Easy Rider for a warm-up, green run.
10:45 AM: Next, pre-ride Superberm. This mix of machine-built trail and single track will give you a preview of the big mountain experience at the top. All features can be rolled, so take it easy and enjoy the ride.
11:30 PM: Head up the gondola and have lunch at Eagle Eye Restaurant. Enjoy the phenomenal 360-degree views while refueling for the afternoon ahead.
12:30 PM: Take your time cruising down the gravel road to the top of the green run, Dragon Chaser. Connect with the green run, Training Wheels, and then transition onto Magic Carpet, a blue trail with a nice mix of technical and flowy sections. Cross the road to the newest section of the trail, then drop into Road Runner and hit the wall rides on Trappers Trail. Continue on Trappers Trail to take your re-ride run on Superberm, or challenge yourself with Swamp Donkey, which offers a rollable jump line. The entrance to Swamp Donkey might be intimidating, but the trail is well worth it!
2:00 PM: At this point, you may be exhausted as these are big mountain runs. If so, opt for a visit to Boo the grizzly bear, who lives in a 20-acre refuge right on the resort. There’s a daily guided tour at 2 PM, and if you’re lucky, you’ll see Boo soaking in his cool pool and dancing around.
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If you opt for more biking, you can either head back to the top of the gondola for another run or two, or aim to squeeze in a few more runs from the Catamount chair. Free ride Superberm because it’s just that fun but hit the jump zone on the final descent.
3:30 PM: When the lifts stop spinning, head to Peaks Grill for a well-deserved après-bike reward.
5:00 PM: Hit the road for a smooth ride back to the city, arriving home before dark.
Tips for a Safe Day
● Pre-Ride, Re-Ride, Free Ride: Take your time, especially on your first day of the season and your first runs on unfamiliar trails. Your body and brain need time to adjust to your bike and assess your abilities.
● Safety First: Always wear protective gear and stay hydrated.
● Know Your Ability: While challenging yourself is the name of the game in action sports, don’t hesitate to walk sections that are beyond your technical prowess.
● Build the Skills: If you’re still feeling intimidated, build upon your skills with a lesson from the experts at the mountain bike school.
Ready to ride? Grab your bike gear, rally your buddies, and hit the trails at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort for an epic adventure!
*Disclaimer: This itinerary is intended for beginner to intermediate riders. If you’re an advanced or expert, head straight to the top and rip it up on the many black and double black runs that makes Kicking Horse legendary!
