Western Canada’s backcountry is full of outdoor experiences including incredible hikes, clear blue lakes for boating and, of course, ATV trails.
Besides the Tabor Mountain Trails we touch on in our ATV Adventure Guide with Ricky Forbes, British Columbia has plenty of backcountry to offer ATV adrenaline seekers. Check out our list below for where to go exploring.
Difficult weather conditions can make places unsafe for ATV use. Check the local municipalities website for information on the trail conditions before you head out.
Hope
Hope, located roughly 150 kilometres from Vancouver, is situated at the very far east side of the Fraser Valley. Surrounded by mountains and wilderness, Hope leads travellers into the B.C. interior. For ATV enthusiasts, Hope has a lot to offer.
The Hope Nickel Mine has been a rider favourite for decades. Designated family riding areas, novice learning areas and experienced rider trails make it perfect for families or mixed-level groups of riders. It consists of decommissioned forestry service roads, hydro access roads, and abandoned mining roads. With over 100 kilometres of loops and trails through the forest and mountains, there is something for everyone.
Other popular areas near Hope include Emory Creek, Mount Hope, Jones Lake, Skagit Valley and Sunshine Valley.
On your way out to Hope, be sure to stop at the Chilliwack Co-op Gas Bar to fill your ATVs with premium fuel.
Orofino Mountain
Orofino Mountain is located between Osoyoos and Penticton in the Okanagan Valley. It possesses a network of trails around the mountain, taking you past four different lakes -- Sawmill, Madden, Ripley and Taylor. The trails also lead to the abandoned and overgrown Orofino mines. The trails have been reported as fluctuating between moderate to difficult.
The closest Co-op Gas Bar to the Orofino trails is the Otter Co-op in Penticton.
The Telkwa Pass connects Telkwa to Terrace in a 115-kilometre-long trail, the best place for ATVs is a 19-kilometre stretch from the 53-kilometre marker on the Copper River Forest Service Road (FSR). The trail takes you to Top Lake and Blue Lake. Watch out for wildlife, this trail can be very remote at times.
Telkwa Microwave
The Telkwa Microwave Trail begins between the 1,019-kilometre and 1,020-kilometre markers on the Telkwa River Road. At the top, there are two cabins and scenery for as far as you can see. This trail is a favourite for sledders in the winter time but is easily accessible via ATV in the summer.
Depending on where you’re starting from, there’s a Co-op Cardlock located in Terrace and one located in Houston.
Callaghan Valley
Located just outside of Whistler, Callaghan Valley is a beautiful place for ATV trails. For those from out of town, ATV tours are offered with a guide so you don’t get lost. Trails are offered for folks with an expert level looking for a technical single lane or beginners just starting out. The only downside is how far you are from a Co-op gas bar.