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The Ultimate Guide to Mountain Biking in Nanaimo: Top 10 Trails

The Ultimate Guide to Mountain Biking in Nanaimo: Top 10 Trails

Derian Thompson |

Are you ready to hit the mountain bike trails in Nanaimo and experience an adrenaline-fuelled adventure like never before? Look no further because we've compiled a list of the top 10 mountain biking trails in Nanaimo that will challenge your skills and push your limits. From thrilling descents to technical features, these trails have something for every mountain biking enthusiast. So, strap on your helmet, and get ready for an epic ride on the mountain bike trails in Nanaimo.

The Top 10 Mountain Bike Trails In Nanaimo

  • Fine China (Upper/Lower) (Doumont)
  • Max Power (South Benson / Wolf Mountain)
  • Sexy Flanders (South Benson / Wolf Mountain)
  • Hutz (South Benson / Wolf Mountain)
  • Finer China (Doumont)
  • Mary Jane (Doumont)
  • Rollercoaster (South Benson / Wolf Mountain)
  • Sempiternal (Westwood)
  • Binx (Westwood)
  • Uterbraten (South Benson / Wolf Mountain)

Local mountain bikers rated these trails, and the community supports them. Read below to learn more about the Top 10 Mountain Bike Trails in Nanaimo.

1. Fine China (Upper/Lower)

Mountain biker riding Fine China in Nanaimo

Embark on an unforgettable journey with Fine China, a trail nestled in the heart of Doumont that beckons the brave and the bold. This blue-rated masterpiece is a symphony of thrilling berms, exhilarating jumps, and intricate rock gardens.

Fine China isn't just a trail; it's a rite of passage for those who dare to challenge their limits and embrace the rush of mountain biking in its purest form. Are you ready to write your own epic on the slopes of Nanaimo? Fine China awaits to test your mettle and transform your ride into a tale of adventure.

2. Max Power

Mountain Bike Rider riding Max power in nanaimo

Prepare yourself for a journey where velocity meets veracity on Max Power within the rugged terrains of South Benson/Wolf Mountain. This trail, adorned with a black diamond badge of honour, is not for the faint-hearted. It's a whirlwind of relentless berms, audacious drops, and sky-touching jumps, all punctuated by a riveting pump track that demands precision, power, and passion.

Here, the conventional notions of right and wrong blur into a backdrop as you embrace the Max Power way—a route synonymous with speed yet demanding a mastery that only the bold dare to claim. This path is a testament to the thrill-seekers who laugh in the face of gravity and ride with a fervour that echoes through the mountains.

3. Sexy Flanders

Sign with "Sexy Flanders" showing the entrance to a mountain bike trail in south nanaimo

Immerse yourself in the exhilaration of Sexy Flanders, a trail that dances through the heart of South Benson/Wolf Mountain with a grace that belies its blue-rated challenge. With every turn, drop, and jump, you're invited into a world where the thrill of the ride is matched only by the surreal sensation of absolute freedom—echoing Ned Flanders' whimsical remark, "It feels like I'm wearing nothing at all."

With berms that carve through the landscape like strokes of an artist's brush, drops that whisper tales of daring, and jumps that launch you into fleeting moments of weightlessness, Sexy Flanders is a testament to the beauty and exhilaration of mountain biking.

4. Hutz

Mountain bike rider on south benson

Plunge into the heart of audacity on the Hutz trail, carved into the dynamic landscapes of South Benson/Wolf Mountain. This trail, donning the prestigious black diamond rating, is a crucible for those who relish a challenge that tests both mind and metal.

This thrilling ride is a testament to the courage that beats within the chest of every rider daring enough to face its trials. With each turn and airtime, Hutz offers a relentless pursuit of biking excellence set against the backdrop of Nanaimo's breathtaking wilderness. Here, in the embrace of gravity and grit, legends are forged.

5. Finer China

Rider jumping on a mountain bike trail in nanaimo

Dive into the heart-stopping exhilaration of Finer China, a jewel nestled within Doumont's rugged terrain. As a black diamond-rated downhill pump track, it stands as a testament to the pinnacle of machine-built mastery, crafted specifically for those who seek the thrill of a lifetime. The trail boasts an array of challenges, including daring berms, breathtaking jumps, gap jumps that demand nerve and precision, and a roller coaster section that sends pulses racing.

Built-in the spirit of adventure by the Nanaimo Mountain Bike Club in 2017-8, Finer China is not just a path but a journey that offers an unmatched adrenaline rush. It's a dynamic playground designed to test your skills, elevate your riding experience, and immerse you in the essence of mountain biking. With every twist and turn, Finer China calls to the brave, promising an unforgettable ride that will leave you yearning for more.

6. Mary Jane

Mountain biker jumping in the rain

Venture into Doumont's wild terrain on Mary Jane, a trail that whispers tales of bravery and skill with its enchanting wood stunts and beautifully constructed blue-rated drops. It's a canvas painted with the colours of adventure, featuring three magnificent drops and a large creek gap jump that have been recently resurrected to challenge and delight. This trail is an ode to the bold, a haven for those who seek to elevate their ride and embrace the essence of mountain biking in its purest, most exhilarating form.

7. Rollercoaster

Mountain biker jumping through trees

Embrace the rush on Rollercoaster, a track that weaves through South Benson/Wolf Mountain with a blend of speed and grace. This trail, designed for the heartiest of adventurers, promises an electrifying journey with its fast-paced flow, captivating drops, and jumps that dare you to fly. The thrill of the descent beckons from the moment you ascend 142 Main or Branch Access Road, each pedal stroke a buildup to the exhilaration that awaits. Rollercoaster is a symphony of the wild, its notes composed of adrenaline-pumping features and the natural beauty of Nanaimo's landscapes. This ride isn't merely about conquering a trail; it's an invitation to test your mettle against the elements, a chance to blend speed with strategy, all while the wind rushes past, urging you forward. Prepare to have your senses awakened and your pulse racing – Rollercoaster awaits.

8. Sempiternal

Mountain biker jumping in woods on westwood

Plunge into the realm of Sempiternal, Westwood's crown jewel for those who dare to dominate the downhill. With a black diamond rating heralding its challenges, this trail is a vortex of exhilarating speed, sweeping berms, and audacious jumps that command both respect and relentless determination. It’s here where the fusion of skill progression and thrill-seeking finds its apex, offering a high-octane experience designed to elevate the essence of mountain biking to celestial heights. Sempiternal, a word synonymous with the eternal, encapsulates the enduring spirit of the rider who seeks not just to ride but to conquer to evolve.

9. Binx

old woodwork in nanaimo on mountain bike trail binx

Dive headlong into the legacy of Binx, an old downhill trail that has been rejuvenated with meticulous care by our dedicated trail crew. This trail unfurls a tapestry of progressive rollers and a singular wood feature that culminates in a daring table at the bottom — a reminder to look before you leap. Crafted for those who seek to blend precision with the thrill of the descent, Binx invites riders into a ballet of balance and boldness. Each feature is a step in a dance, a challenge to be met with grit and grace. As you navigate the contours of this trail, let the spirit of adventure guide your journey.

10. Uterbraten

Mountain bike rider on trail with sign

Embark upon the Uterbraten trail in South Benson / Wolf Mountain, where the ascent is as rewarding as the descent. Navigate your way up 142 Main, taking the second gravel spur to the left, and you'll find yourself on a trail that dares you to elevate your game. Uterbraten is stitched into the landscape with rock gardens that challenge your agility, large roots that test your balance, and jumps and berms that invite you to defy gravity. This trail is not merely a route; it's an adventure that calls to the heart of every rider seeking to conquer the untamed wilds of Nanaimo.

Summary

If you're seeking an adrenaline-fueled adventure on the mountain bike trails in Nanaimo, you're in for a treat. This city offers a diverse array of trails that cater to all levels of mountain biking enthusiasts. The top 10 trails include the exhilarating Fine China in Doumont, known for its thrilling berms and jumps, and the challenging Max Power on South Benson/Wolf Mountain, which is a black diamond trail with relentless features for experienced riders. Trails like Sexy Flanders and Hutz provide both technical challenges and scenic rides, while Rollercoaster lives up to its name with fast-paced descents. For those looking to push their limits, trails like Sempiternal and Finer China offer a mix of flow and technicality, making Nanaimo a must-visit destination for mountain biking enthusiasts. Whether you're looking for jumps, technical descents, or a flowy ride, the mountain bike trails in Nanaimo have something for every rider.

Looking for more recommendations on what trails to ride on central Vancouver Island? Check out this blog post on what 9 Mountain Bike Trails In Parksville You Should Check Out