Hornby Island has about 80 km of on-mountain trails and 30+ km of roadside and inter-community trails. We are blessed with a relatively dry climate that allows us to ride and build trails in all seasons. We are also fortunate to have huge sections of public land open to many forms of non-motorized recreation such as Hiking, Biking and Horseback riding (yes, e-bikes are allowed).
The Majority of our trails are beginner and intermediate skill level with a smattering of expert trails but everything is fun, so we find that all levels of rider can find something to enjoy.
RESPECT THE TRAILS & OTHER TRAIL USERS
Hornby’s trail network equally serves many user groups including cyclists, hikers, runners, and equestrians. The public land on Hornby is not a bike park and our trails are not maintained by a paid trail crew but by volunteers. With this in mind please refrain from destructive riding habits like skidding and schralping corners (the act of kicking dirt off of the trail with your back wheel on a corner). We work hard to maintain our trails and your help in reducing wear & tear is appreciated.
EXPECT EQUESTRIANS
Horseback riding is allowed on some of our trails–In fact, many of our early trails were pioneered by horseback riders before Mountain Bikes were a thing. When encountering a horseback rider, please give way. It is far easier for a cyclist or hiker to move off of the trail than for the horse (and it’s actually the rule).
Horses are permitted on the following trails: Beulah, Cold Deck, Coltsfoot, Northwind & Slade Connector.
E-BIKES
All trail use produces wear & tear on trails, and e-bikes allow riders to cover far more ground than a conventional bike, so if you ride an e-bike, you may have an extra reason to be looking for ways to contribute to the trails you ride. Whether it is here on Hornby or your local riding area, please consider joining a trail maintenance group to help fix what you ride.
The Hornby Island Mountain Bike Association is not opposed to the use of Class 1 e-bikes for those who could not otherwise access the trails, but we encourage fit & experienced mountain bike riders to please consider limiting their use of e-bikes on our trails. This may alleviate wear & tear from extra distances covered. It should also be noted that the faster average uphill & flat ground speeds of e-bikes does present a safety concern for other cyclists, equestrian and hikers, please bear this in mind while you ride.
Class 1 only e-bikes only – Regional District & Provincial Parks guidelines prohibit the use of all but Class 1 ebikes on Hornby’s trails. If your e-bike will take you over 32 km/h, or has a throttle, it is not a Class 1 e-bike. You can find out more about BC Parks e-bike rules and definitions here: https://bcparks.ca/plan-your-trip/things-to-do/cycling/#e-bikes
Trail Map
We sell a trail map printed on strong waterproof paper as a fundraiser. It is a beautiful map and very easy to follow. As it includes the all the roads, many people use it as a way to navigate the whole island and not just our amazing trials. You can purchase the map at the farmer’s market and the gas bar.
