Pedal to the Peaks: Elevate your adventures on the Yukon's mountain biking trails

Canada's north-western Yukon Territory is a global magnet for mountain biking amateurs and pros alike, where even the easiest trails reward you with sweeping vistas of expansive rivers, glaciers and pristine alpine wilderness. With its accessible mountain trails, downhill runs, and back-country roads, exploring this wild territory on two wheels is an unforgettable way to connect with the boreale forests and river valleys. Read on for seven outstanding mountain bike trails and talented operators to lead your next biking adventure.

1. Yukon Loop Trail and Grey Mountain, Whitehorse

Yukon's capital is surrounded by a vast network of mountain biking trails and, during summer, the midnight sun means there's no excuse not to explore them all. The mostly-paved Millennium Walkway and Yukon Loop Trail in Whitehorse is an ideal family route, perfect for a relaxed ride, with rental bikes and gear available in Whitehorse. Nearby, Grey Mountain has a network of trails, with gently swooping runs, and epic views of the city and the deep green Yukon River. Keep your eyes peeled for bearded white mountain goats, grizzly bears and woodland caribou as you take in the mountain vista.

The Yukon River Trail swoops along ridge tops and bluffs and climbs high above the rapids. Access the route from the Juicy Trail off Grey Mountain or from Miles Canyon by following the Upper Canyon City Trail.

2. Mount Sima: 14 kilometres from Whitehorse

Unleash your wild side on Mount Sima, the Yukon's year-round alpine adventure park. Beginners love the 3.9-kilometre flow trail starting at the very top of Mt Sima, while intermediates can pick up speed on the single-track trail, straight from the chairlift, featuring fun features and rock slabs. Single track slayers can brave the rock slabs, down ramps and bridges decorating the numerous hair-raising black runs.

Bikes and protective gear can be rented at Icycle Sports and Cadence Cycle in Whitehorse.

3. Mount McIntyre and Montana Mountain

Bike through multiple eco systems, from alpine meadows filled with wildflowers to thick forests, as you climb to the top of 'Big Mac', on the outskirts of Whitehorse. It's worth the effort for the outstanding views of Whitehorse Valley, Fish Lake, and Lake Laberge. The Porcupine Ridge Trail looks out over the Arkell Wetlands, while the Blair Witch Project features a downhill trail with wooden structures that look straight out of a movie set.

Montana Mountain, an old mining mountain in Carcross, was converted into a mountain bike park, featuring rock drops, bridges, dirt jumps, and technical runs, like Sam McGee Trail, running all the way to beautiful Bennett Lake. The trails are maintained by local First Nations youths under a program designed to re-connect with their traditional territory.

4. Cottonwood Trail, Kluane National Park

One of the most beautiful hiking trails in the Yukon has become a magnet for mountain bikers. Located at the southern end of Kluane National Park, the Cottonwood Trail explores glittering lake shores, steep mountain passes, creek valleys, wildflower meadows and alpine plateaus. A combination of single-tracks, old mining roads and a 4-wheel drive road, the trail also takes in multiple creek crossings for hard-core riders.

5. Multi-Day adventures

With endless summer days a vast network of trails creating a labyrinth of paths ripe for exploration, a single day of riding is never enough in the Yukon. Jump on a multi-day small group tour with Boréale Explorations, staying at the Boréale Ranch near Carcross, less than an hour from Whitehorse. Witness vast mountain ranges, ancient glaciers and alpine meadows under the watchful eye of certified mountain bike instructors who tailor the program to match your ability level.

6. Two-wheeling through a winter wonderland

During winter, don a pair of snow pants and explore the expansive wilderness on a fat bike, named for their thick, oversized tires, designed for traction on snow. With over 4 inches of tire width, you'll be able to shred on the snow, flying down mountain bike trails against a backdrop of snow-drenched forests and frozen lakes. Icycle Sports in Whitehorse provide a fleet of comfortable Trek Farley 5 fat bikes for rental, the perfect starting point for your next winter adventure.

7. Historic trails in Dawson City

Shred the single-track trails down the Midnight Dome, leading to the historic town of Dawson City, taking in steep downhills, jumps, wall-rides and ramps. For long-haul trails, check out the Ridge Road Heritage Trail, originally a wagon road built to service gold miners during the Klondike Gold Rush. The route takes you to the top of King Solomon's Dome, where you'll be treated to breathtaking views of Dawson City and surrounds, with interesting artefacts to behold along the way. These epic trails, considered some of the best in the territory, are maintained by First Nations youths.

Download the app: Consider downloading this Whitehorse Trail Guide app. With over 700 kilometres of local and neighbourhood trails in the Whitehorse area alone, the app focuses primarily on the non-motorised recreational trails, world-renowned for their accessibility, variety and epic views. Added bonus – the app is able to work without wifi.

How to get there

Air Canada offers daily direct flights to Vancouver from Sydney and Brisbane. Direct flights from Sydney to Vancouver are also available on Qantas. Internal flights to Whitehorse and Dawson City are available on Air North and Air Canada.

More information, including travel guidelines, visit travelyukon.com