Two Day 'Mountain Bike Mecca' Itinerary
Soak Up World-Class Singletrack In Cumberland
The small town of Cumberland has big allure for bike riders. Whether or not you mountain bike, here’s two days of activity to enjoy this outdoor cultural hot spot.
Defined by its quaint main street and the vast network of trails that surrounds it, Cumberland—or “Dodge City”— is all about mountain biking. But while dirty trails and big smiles may be the main draw, Comox Lake and live music at The Waverley Hotel also brings people to town from up and down the island. Here’s the hit list.
Spoil yourself at breakfast at 4 Quarters Restaurant, where their unique mix of contemporary Italian, Greek, Finnish, and Indian cuisine has been making people smile and filling tummies since 2017. Want something sweeter? Bite into local history at Cumberland Village Bakery, serving up freshly baked goods for over 100 years! If you arrive early enough, you will get your hands on their coveted cronuts, but don’t let the long line outside deter you away; it’s worth the wait. Fueled up and ready to mountain bike? Chat with the friendly folks at Dodge City Cycles or Beaufort Cycles for advice on what trails to ride. You can also find trail maps on the United Riders of Cumberland’s (UROC) website, and the non-profit society takes all of their membership fees and trail donations to build and maintain the Cumberland Forest trail network where locals and visitors bike and hike.
Not into riding? The lush, emerald trails of nearby Cumberland Community Forest are equally as good for those on foot, and it’s located immediately beside town. After a refreshing “forest bathing”, enjoy a delicious Mexican-inspired lunch at Biblio Taco, where they make a mean margarita. Located in the heart of Cumberland, Riding Fool Hostel is a long-time, friendly spot to lay your head for the night; private rooms are also available. Plus, you can enjoy the world-class mountain bike trails and a host of other activities from its doorstep, including hiking, rock climbing, and paddle boarding on Comox Lake. Speaking of Comox Lake, you didn’t pack a board? Not to worry! Beaufort Cycles rents out SUP boards for paddling around the lake.
Wake up with sore legs from all your adventure and decide whether you want to hit the singletrack again, or maybe the dirt jumps or skateboard at Cumberland Village Park. There’s a huge dog park, playground, BMX track, pickleball courts, and multiple soccer and baseball fields. After stretching your legs in the morning, it’s time to re-fuel in quaint downtown “Cumby” again. Hunt for cool gifts and rare vinyl records at Moon’s Records, or just around the corner at Little Village Store for cheerfully curated children's gifts. Up and down the main street of Dunsmuir Ave, there are incredible shopping options for both clothing and gifts, including Jipsi Tree Brick and Mortar, Rusty Rooster Life & Style and West & Co. Consignment Boutique.
The adventure isn’t over; consider hiking to the Perseverance (or Cumberland) Potholes, a collection of polished stone bowls in Perseverance Creek, located a short two-kilometre hike through the Cumberland Community Forest. If you want to chill instead, go out to Cumberland Lake Park and just take in the view with a to-go coffee from Cumberland Grind Espresso & Smoothie Bar..
Hey, is it time to eat again? Dinner at Riders Pizza is a time-honoured tradition in Cumberland, and they do more than pizza for those who want something else. If you prefer craft beer, they serve some of the valley’s best at Cumberland Brewing Co. and have a small selection of food items to keep almost any diner happy.
Finally, one of Cumberland’s most famous attractions is a live music show at famed The Waverley Hotel. This place has been bringing in the best acts on Vancouver Island for over a decade, and it’s arguably the best live music venue between Victoria and Port Hardy.