Whistler and Squamish are back. The journey starts where legends were made.
BC Bike Race is going back to Whistler for our 21st edition and our first foray into Enduro racing in 2027.
“There’s no place like Whistler,” says Dean Payne, BC Bike Race President. “It’s the number one mountain biking destination in the world and the perfect place to start the journey of our next 20 years. If BC Bike Race is showcasing the best trails in BC, and Whistler is the best in the world, it just makes sense for us to start there.” – Dean Payne, BC Bike Race President.
Whistler hosted the final stage of the race for 13 of BCBR’s 20 years, and while it provided a wonderful finale, it’s going to be even better as a starting point for the new 5-day journey.
During years when Whistler hasn’t been part of the BCBR tour, many racers have made a special trip there to enjoy both the municipal XC and downhill park trails. Next year, racers can simply arrive early to enjoy the spectacular big mountain scenery and trails, as well as the vibrant Whistler Village, for a day or 2 before racing.
One of the most celebrated mountain bike destinations on the planet, Whistler hosts huge international events including Crankworx, the 2010 Olympics, and soon a World Cup. It’s perfect for events like these, both for its easy access for international travellers and for its whopping 1,362 trails maintained by the Whistler Off-Road Cycling Association and the municipality.
“I couldn’t be more excited for my favourite event to return to my favourite place and home in 2027,” says Chloe Cross, who finished 7th in this year’s BC Bike Race Open Women’s category. “I think anyone who’s been here before will be blown away by the amount of work that’s gone into the network by the WORCA trail crew over the past few years. And if you’ve never been… It’s on bucket lists for good reason. The hype is real!”
Only 25 Super Early Bird spots left. Save $400!
Register now at bcbikerace.com/registration
After Whistler, racers head to Squamish, another Sea to Sky corridor favourite and home to former BCBR champions Geoff Kabush and Katerina Nash.
“The Sea to Sky corridor is just next level,” says Kabush. “The menu of iconic trails in Squamish and Whistler is endless, and I think it will be super exciting to have BCBR returning and for racers to get to experience them again. “
Nash agrees. “I really enjoy the trails in both locations and would be stoked for newcomers to experience that part of BC. Anyone signing up for BCBR 2027 will get the best tour of BC trails.”
GMBN’s Rich Payne, racing at BCBR 2026 didn’t need much convincing when he found out about Whistler and the new Enduro option. “Count me in. Sign me up right now.”
From Squamish, the race crosses the Salish Sea by ferry to Vancouver Island – and yes, the ferry is back, which matters more than it sounds. Cumberland and North Cowichan round out the five days before the race rolls straight into BC Bike Fest, three more days of XC, Enduro, and DH racing for anyone who isn’t ready to stop.
For the first time, BC Bike Race 2027 will offer an Enduro multi-day stage race in addition to the Classic XC experience. These will be completely separate courses designed to give riders the best XC or Enduro experience.
Super Early Bird registration is open now, but won’t last long. Register at bcbikerace.com/registration
BCBR is incorporating Enduro into the race for 2027. Only 150 spots available.
Top image courtesy of Tourism Whistler/Justa Jeskova.