BC Bike Race Returns to Squamish and Vancouver Island in 2027 with New 5-Day Format and an Enduro Category
After 20 years of taking racers from around the world on a 7-day Ultimate Singletrack Experience through British Columbia, BC Bike Race is evolving.
In 2027, BC Bike Race returns to the mainland, with Squamish back on the schedule, alongside Cumberland and other Vancouver Island communities riders have come to love. The 21st edition introduces a new 5-day format with the option for Classic or Enduro, providing more ways than ever to experience the Ultimate Singletrack Experience.
THE DISTANCE
BC Bike Race 2027 takes racers on an epic 5-day journey through British Columbia’s most celebrated mountain bike terrain, from Monday, May 24 to Friday, May 28, finishing just in time for the second annual BC Bike Fest. Five days, sharper and more focused, without losing what makes BC Bike Race the best week on a bike.
“Seven days built this race, and five days sharpens it. We’re keeping everything that matters: the riding, the community, the experience, and we’re bringing it back to where it all started.” – Dean Payne, BC Bike Race President.
Above: Hundreds of riders, one start gun, and the Stawamus Chief looming over it all. The Squamish start line hits different.
Below: Squamish delivers it all — technical roots and hero dirt in the same day.
THE ROUTE
The 2027 race features Squamish, one of the most celebrated mountain bike destinations on the planet and a long-time BCBR favourite. After two stages through some of mainland BC’s most celebrated trail networks, racers board the ferry to Vancouver Island, a long-time BCBR location, with a chance to spot porpoises, seals, or breaching humpback or orca whales.
On the Island, racers will start in Cumberland, which features epic variety in its 400+kms of trails, and head south, finishing in North Cowichan, where the second annual BC Bike Fest will begin, featuring 1-day XC, Enduro and DH races through the weekend.
“The United Riders of Cumberland are delighted to host the BC Bike Race, continuing a 21-year relationship with BC’s ultimate mountain bike event.”-Dougal Browne, Executive Director of the United Riders of Cumberland (UROC)
Five stages, five distinct flavours of BC terrain, and the kind of variety that only this province can deliver, all at their very best in May, with prime spring conditions and smaller crowds on some of the most celebrated trails in the world.
Further route details will be announced in the coming weeks.
All aboard. The BC Ferries crossing returns in 2027, and yes, it’s exactly as glorious as it looks.
ENDURO EXPANDS THE EXPERIENCE
For the first time ever, BC Bike Race will offer an Enduro race alongside, but independent of, the Classic stage race. Each day features multiple timed stages through some of BC’s most celebrated singletrack, with a mix of technical and flow trails suited to a range of riding styles.
To mark the inaugural edition, the Enduro is limited to just 150 riders. The Classic stage race remains at the core for riders who want to race every pedal stroke from start to finish. Two formats. Five days. One unforgettable week.
The Enduro category is new. Petri’s hucks are not. BCBR Media Team’s own Petri showing why he belongs on both sides of the camera.
BEYOND BCBR
Just like 2026, the 2027 race will be the marquee event for the BC Bike Fest, a celebration of mountain biking in BC, held in North Cowichan on Vancouver Island. The festival brings together multiple race formats—DH, Enduro, XC, and eMTB—alongside live events, riding culture, and a full weekend of community.
You can register now for 2026 BC Bike Fest races at bcbikefest.com.
Registration for the 2027 BC Bike Race opens May 14. Super Early Bird pricing is limited. Join the mailing list and don’t miss it.
Photos by Dave Silver and Deniz Merdano