Maple Mountain riding can be best described as classic BC XC. It is technical and challenging both on the climbs and descents. Out of all the riding in town, here is where you will find the most rocks and roots. The exception being the “new” flow trail, Phloem, that brings some of that classic high speed flow and rhythm on a smoother, less technical run.
Maple is a relatively small network compared to Tzouhalem but the loops are longer. This makes it an easy place to follow your nose and worry less about directions and intersections.
From Duncan, take Hwy 1 north until just out of town where you'll turn right onto Herd Road at the lights. Follow Herd for some time until turning left onto Osbourne Bay Road. After a few minutes there is a designated parking area just off of Osbourne Bay—you can't miss it. Here you will find an outhouse, map kiosk, and tool station.
A few other access points exist for Maple, but these are all hiking-focused and not very useful for mountain biking purposes.
Featured RoutesBeginnerLogger's LaneIntermediatePhloemSolar CoasterStory Trail ConnectorXylemAdvancedMaple Syrup (Upper)Maple Syrup (Lower)Tony’s Arbutus Ridge
Maple’s descents are notoriously physical with many climbs mixed in. This route covers both technical and flowy descending with minimal climbs once you have hit the top and point back down hill. Overall, this is suitable for an intermediate rider, but the Upper Maple Syrup portion bumps it to an advanced-rated route.
Main Parking Lot >>> Up Maple Mainline >>> Up Xylem >>> Down Upper Maple Syrup >>> Down Story Trail Connector >>> Down Phloem
Trailforks Link.
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A somewhat technical beginner loop at the base of Maple Mountain. This loop is easily accessible making it a great resource for kids and beginners. If you have a little energy at the end of your ride, it also makes a more engaging finish than descending the rest of the road.
Trailforks Link.
Maple’s signature flow trail. Phloem starts from mid mountain and is a fun high speed rip down Maple. Where the majority of Maple Mountain's trails are largely technical, Phloem is the exception where riders can focus on speed and rhythm. Phloem is a good intermediate trail, but it is worth noting that the first section is somewhat steeper than other trails in this category, such as Double D on Tzouhalem.
Trailforks Link.
A winding cross country style loop through a dense forest. This can be a good comfortable spin if tackled on its own, or an extra punishing challenge if you link it up after a longer run like Maple Syrup.
Trailforks Link.
Story Trail is a useful connector between Xylem and. It can be used as a climb for riders who wish to access Lower Maple Syrup and avoid the steep and technical. Alternatively, it can be treated as a descent for riders who wish to ride Upper Maple Syrup and connect to Phloem. This route provides a more sustained descent as it avoids many of the climbing sections on Lower Maple Syrup.
Trailforks Link.
One of the best climbs on the island, Xylem is arguably the perfect blend of comfortable climbing and technical challenges. It is punishing enough that you will feel like you've earned it, but friendly enough that you don’t have to fight it the whole way. Keep some energy for the last push though, as it gets a little extra steep which can zap your remaining energy.
Trailforks Links: Upper, Middle, Lower.
Steep and technical. Upper Maple Syrup starts at the summit of the mountain and quickly drops in elevation. It is steep and rocky, making it a great technical challenge. Once finished with the technical section, riders are rewarded with a high speed berm section.
Trailforks Link.
With a descent that feels like you gain as much elevation as you lose, Lower Maple Syrup is deceivingly tough. Riders who think they have reached the top and can relax on their way back to the parking lot should think again. Although this run offers some great descending sections, riders should be aware that it is riddled with technical climbs making you work for it the entire way down. Linking both Upper and Lower Maple Syrup is both a challenge for the technically proficient climbers and descenders. As a challenge, it is the complete package.
Trailforks Link.
Tony’s is a great mix of technical terrain and rhythm. It doesn’t fight you quite as much as full Maple Syrup making it slightly more appealing for riders looking for a more consistent descent. There are absolutely still climbs along the way, but it won’t feel quite as punishing as Maple Syrup.
Trailforks Link.