Gravel Bike Camps in BC: Ride the Wild Kootenays with White Grizzly Lodge
If you’re planning a gravel trip to British Columbia and wondering what a lodge-based camp actually looks like day to day, here’s an honest breakdown of what to expect at White Grizzly Lodge.
The Short Answer
Three days of riding in the West Kootenays, guided by Svein Tuft or Moe Nadeau, with a support vehicle, chef-prepared meals, and a remote lodge as your base. Small groups, big roads, and no packing up your bags every morning.
The Riding
The Kootenays are genuinely well-suited to gravel. Forest service roads run deep into alpine terrain, valley routes follow rivers with minimal traffic, and the elevation variety means you can build a three-day program that doesn’t repeat itself.
The camp structure typically runs like this:
Day 1 is a 40km warm-up, enough to shake out travel legs and get a feel for the terrain and the group. There’s a meet and greet in the evening, which matters more than it sounds when you’re about to spend two more days riding with the same people.
Day 2 is the big one. The main loop runs 90–100km with significant climbing and a long descent. This is the day most riders come for. It’s hard, and it’s worth it.
Day 3 is flexible. Routes are adjusted based on how everyone’s legs are feeling and what people want out of their last day. Some riders go long again. Others take it easier and spend more time at the lakes.
The Support
A vehicle follows the group carrying nutrition, spare gear, and a mechanic’s toolkit. You’re not self-supported, which means you can ride harder without worrying about bonking 60km from anywhere. Guides set the pace and adapt the route on the fly if conditions or the group energy calls for it.
The Lodge
White Grizzly sits at the north end of Kootenay Lake near Meadow Creek, remote enough that you won’t hear road noise, close enough to Duncan Lake and Kootenay Lake that a post-ride swim is a reasonable plan rather than a logistics exercise. Meals are prepared on-site. There’s a hot tub. The group eats together, which is where a lot of the better conversations happen.
This matters for a multi-day camp more than people expect. Not having to find food, drive anywhere, or figure out accommodation after a 100km day is a meaningful part of the experience.
What’s Included
- Three nights accommodation at White Grizzly Lodge
- All meals and snacks
- Professional guiding with Svein Tuft and Moe Nadeau
- Support vehicle throughout
- Access to West Kootenay gravel routes
Camps run in late summer and fall. Group sizes are kept small deliberately, as it changes the dynamic on the road and at the table.
Pricing starts at CAD $997.
Who It’s For
Intermediate to advanced riders who are comfortable with long days in the saddle and variable terrain. You don’t need to be a racer, but you should be honest with yourself about fitness — Day 2 is a genuine effort. The guides will work with your level, but the terrain is what it is.
If you’re training for an endurance event, looking for a supported alternative to solo bikepacking, or simply want to ride somewhere genuinely remote without planning every logistical detail yourself, this fits.
Book a Spot
Camp dates for the season are limited.
FAQ
What fitness level is required for a multi-day gravel ride in BC?
Intermediate to advanced. Riders should be comfortable with 4–6 hours in the saddle and sustained climbing on unpaved surfaces. Day 2 covers 90–100km with significant elevation gain. The support vehicle and flexible Day 3 routing provide some buffer, but this is not a beginner program.
What is included in a gravel bike camp at White Grizzly Lodge?
Accommodation, all meals, professional guiding, a support vehicle, and access to West Kootenay gravel routes. You bring your bike and kit — everything else is handled.
When do the gravel camps run?
Late summer and fall. Specific dates vary by season. Small group sizes mean spots fill early.
Can I combine gravel biking with other activities during my stay?
Yes. Lake swimming, hiking, and time on the water are all accessible from the lodge. Most riders build in at least one lake day around the riding days.
What makes the Kootenays good for gravel biking?
Remote forest service roads, minimal traffic, significant elevation variety, and consistent late-summer conditions. The West Kootenays have become a destination for serious gravel riders for the same reasons they’ve long attracted backcountry skiers — the terrain is legitimate and the crowds aren’t
