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Experience Squamish’s Rainforest Trails and Spectacular Scenery by E-Bike

Updated: 16/02/2025

For those yet to try one, e-bikes are the modern evolution of the conventional bicycle. If you’re not a seasoned mountain biker, the comfort, ease of peddling and speed of an e-bike could make this a better choice for your Squamish ride. With e-bikes, you can go on longer rides; you probably won’t have to get off your bike to push through the hilly or rugged terrain of Squamish; and if you become tired, you should have no trouble getting back to the hotel.

 
 
 

An e-bike combines your own effort with the power of an electric motor. This motor assists you up to around 25km/hr. The battery supplies the current for that extra push. The motor of the e-bike is fitted in the middle, or to the rear or front wheel of the bike. Smart sensors measure your speed, pedal force and rotation and use this information to provide the appropriate electric assistance.

 

E-bikes are easy to operate with controls on the handlebar, allowing you to select the level of assistance. There is also a display on your handlebar with a readout for information such as your speed, distance and remaining battery life.

 

Staying Safe While Exploring Squamish’s Great Outdoors

 

Situated mid-way between Whistler and Vancouver, Squamish is a vast recreational area to explore, with breathtaking views and interesting stops. Pedalling through areas like Garibaldi Highlands, Valleycliffe, or heading out on Highway 99 to Britannia Beach and Porteau Cove covers quite the distance, and wind and hills can draw more energy than expected. Good thing you brought the e-bike.

 

In Squamish, e-bikers are limited to riding on trails designated for e-bike use by Recreation Sites and Trails BC. Safety was very much a concern when selecting the trails, with the rising number of bikers riding across BC’s 700+ trails, with consideration to average levels of fitness, cycling techniques and skill, general e-bike knowledge and the lengths of the trails. E-bikes will also not be allowed in areas closed to motor vehicles or regular bikes but will be allowed on active transportation trails. It’s recommended that you discuss your intended route with the shop where you rent your e-bike.

 

In British Columbia, e-bikers are required to hold a valid drivers’ license. The British Columbia court ruled that e-bikes do not meet the province’s definition of a motor-assisted cycle, as they are not operated primarily by human power; and they look and function more like mopeds and scooters. Therefore, e-bikes require registration and drivers must have a drivers’ license to ride on BC roads legally.

 

Within the town of Squamish, most major streets have paved bike lanes on their shoulders and e-bikes are not permitted on sidewalks. With the speeds e-bikes can achieve, the safety of pedestrians, hikers, other cyclists and even horses must always be the top priority.

 

A Few of Squamish’s Most Popular E-bike Trails

 

Squamish is known for its lush green rainforests and outstanding mountain bike trails. Here are some of its roughly 20 e-bike-approved trails to explore.

 

Angry Midget Trail

 

If you have some mountain bike experience and are looking for a challenging trail, and your e-bike is equipped with front shocks, this 1.1km singletrack black-rated trail is perfect. Situated just up the hill from Half Nelson, Angry Midget is fast, with a constant descent through the Garibaldi Park trees. As you progress further into this technical trail, you will navigate by some root challenges and ladder bridges. You access this trail by riding up Ring Creek Road, a little past Half Nelson.

 

Elfin Lake Trail

 

Elfin Lake Trail is the only e-bike approved trail in Garibaldi Provincial Park, an out-and-back trail that’s 21km return, with a 639 m climb. What makes Elfin Lake a must-ride is the spectacular views of Mount Garibaldi, Atwell Peak and vast alpine meadows from the ridge.

 

The first 2km of the ride can be challenging for beginners, with steep sections and loose rock; but it gets considerably easier after that. This is a heavily trafficked trail, so it’s important to keep your eyes open for hikers and other riders.

 

You access Elfin Lake Trail by taking Mamquam Road off the Sea to Sky Highway. There are two day-use shelters along the trail – the Red Heather Hut and the Elfin Lakes Cabin – which make great places for a rest and to grab a bite to eat. With advance reservations, it’s possible to overnight at the Elfin Lakes Cabin, the usual turnaround point for this trail.

 

Half Nelson Trail

 

Located in the Diamond Head trail network, this 1.9km singletrack trail is great for beginners, intermediate and expert riders alike. It is not too techy and contains a couple of tabletop jumps in the mid-section and plenty of wood bridges that make for an exciting and varied ride.

 

Easily one of Squamish’s most popular trails, Half Nelson comprises rock rollers, jumps and berms. There are also a few creek bed crossings and a switchback area with rollers to add to the thrill. You access this downhill pump trail from Garibaldi Park Road.

 

Ray Peters Trail – Green Loop

 

This easy 7.2km singletrack trail is ideal if you want to hone your off-road biking skills or ride with the kids because it doesn’t have much elevation gain.

 

If you’re looking for a trail with a magnificent mountain view of the Garibaldi Highlands, the fresh scent of forest greenery, Ray Peters is a good pick. This trail contains wooden features and countless loops. There are sixteen other trails crisscrossing the area, so you should set a GPS marker on your phone at the trailhead to avoid getting lost. You can access Ray Peters Trail from Ross Road.

 

Wonderland

 

Wonderland is a beautiful 2.9km cross-country trail with easy corners, some wooden features and low-lying bridges. It’s the perfect choice if you want a smooth ride through the dense forest of Alice Lake Provincial Park.

 

You can ride this singletrack trail in both directions, but it is best ridden from north to south. This tree-shaded trail offers a fun ride, especially on hot days, as the thick canopy of trees will keep your body cool. Some of the old-growth fir, hemlock and cedar trees in this area are more than a century.

 

Wonderland trail starts off Alice Lake Park road and exits north of Depot Road near the MTN Fun Basecamp.

 

Somewhere Over There

 

This 1.8km hand-built singletrack trail is perfect if you are looking for a route through the pristine BC rainforest, over wooden bridges, through flowy loam and rock slabs.

 

Considered one of Squamish’s best Black Diamonds by visitors, the Somewhere Over There trail can be a bit technical – especially the first rock roll – and it’s a thrilling ride. The trail has a great flow throughout, and you won’t need to use your breaks. The rock slabs can be challenging when it’s wet. You access Somewhere Over There from the top of the Bonsai dirtbike trail.

 

Four Scenic Squamish Road Rides

 

If the forest and mountain trails sound a bit intimidating, try one of the scenic e-bike road trips along Government Road and the Sea to Sky Highway.

 

The roughly 9 km flat ride along Government Road to Brackendale, passes through Brackendale Eagles Provincial Park, following the Squamish River and its interpretive trail. It’s a quiet place to stop and sit on a bench by the river, or drive a bit farther to The Crabapple Cafe for a bite. From November through February each year, runs of chum salmon travel up the river to spawn, and the area becomes the feeding grounds for thousands of wintering bald eagles.

The Club Rooms are ideal for overnight stays, offering one Queen bed and featuring a workstation, wireless high-speed internet and Flat screen OLED Smart TV. The suite is Equipped with a mini bar, fridge, microwave and stove. The Bathroom is tiled with heated luminescent mirror and soaker tub.

The Club Rooms are ideal for overnight stays, offering one Queen bed and featuring a workstation, wireless high-speed internet and Flat screen OLED Smart TV. The suite is Equipped with a mini bar, fridge, microwave and stove. The Bathroom is tiled with heated luminescent mirror and soaker tub.

The Club Rooms are ideal for overnight stays, offering one Queen bed and featuring a workstation, wireless high-speed internet and Flat screen OLED Smart TV. The suite is Equipped with a mini bar, fridge, microwave and stove. The Bathroom is tiled with heated luminescent mirror and soaker tub.