X-Country Skiing
The base of Mount Macpherson boasts 30 kilometres of cross-country ski trails groomed for skate and classic skiing. If you've still got energy in the evening, try out the 6 km of lit trail until 9 pm, or tackle the trails by the light of a headlamp.
Grooming usually starts in late November and ends in late March or early April. Trails are groomed daily, if possible. There is a dog-friendly loop to enjoy with your furry friends.
Trail Fees
Daily trail fees can be purchased from the ticket office located in the lodge from 9:00 am – 4:00 pm daily, and Wednesday/Friday evening until 8pm. Outside of ticket office hours, please pay trail fees online. Alternatively, you may pay cash by placing the fee in the fee vault, a yellow metal box outside the lodge near information boards.
Trail Running
Looking for a short and sweet loop? Park at the Mount Macpherson Lodge and run the Stimulus loop (3.5 km).
Looking for a mellow jaunt with lots of trails? Head up Leap Frog, Toad School, Dusty Beaver, and end on Eager Beaver. Extend your run by going up Root Canal, TNT, and Break-a-Leg.
Looking for a challenge? Check out the out-and-back trail Flowdown.
Hiking
In the summer, Mount Macpherson can be accessed by hiking trail, although it is not a popular hike. There are little to no trail markers and proper route-finding skills are required. The trail is difficult, approximately 13.4km out and back with over 1100m elevation gain. The first hour is in the forest and the rest is above treeline and exposed, requiring lots of scrambling. Some parts of the scramble are very steep so take your time and be cautious. Once at the top, you will need to scramble the ridge and several false peaks before reaching the true summit. Either way, hikers will be rewarded with sublime views from the summit.
The best time to visit this trail is July and August when the snow has melted in the alpine. You can view Mount Macpherson from Mackenzie Ave downtown & view where the snowline is at.
Mountain Biking
Mount Macpherson’s mountain biking scene offers 55km of trails that span beginner-friendly routes to technical downhill lines. The network is well-maintained and marked, providing a range of options for bikers looking to experience flowy single-track, rooty climbs, and fast descents. Here are some top trails:
Flowdown: A must for all riders, this trail delivers exactly what the name suggests—a smooth, flowing descent with berms and rollers perfect for building speed.
Break-A-Leg: An intermediate route that combines technical sections with smoother stretches, making it ideal for those looking to hone their skills.
TNT: Known for its technical features, TNT includes rock rolls, roots, and small drops. It’s a solid choice for advanced enduro riders who crave a challenge.
The biking trails at Macpherson are typically open from late spring through fall. In early spring or late fall, check out lower Macpherson trails such as Yew R Here and Hemlock Groove - which are the first to dry out and the last to get snow.
Frequently asked questions
Where do I park?
Can I bring my dog?
There are multiple parking lots depending on where you are looking to ride your bike. The most popular parking lots are Flowdown Parking, Griffith Creek Parking, and Mount Macpherson Lodge Parking. Parking for Nordic skiing is located at Mount Macpherson Lodge.
Furry friends are more than welcome on our mountain biking trails. There is a specific dog loop for Nordic skiing but they MUST be on a leash in the parking lot and on the trail until you reach the dog loop.
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