SQUAMISH, B.C. — April 15, 2025 — A new adaptive mountain biking trail has opened at Alice Lake Provincial Park, marking a significant step toward making outdoor recreation more inclusive for people with diverse abilities.
The newly launched South Coaster Adaptive Trail is a beginner-friendly, one-kilometre route built with smooth and wide terrain to accommodate adaptive mountain bikes. These bikes are designed for riders with mobility challenges and often feature modifications such as hand cranks, additional wheels, and customized seating.
“Everyone should have the opportunity to enjoy active, outdoor recreation,” said Tamara Davidson, Minister of Environment and Parks. “As more people choose to spend their holidays exploring British Columbia, we are making sure that our parks remain welcoming and inclusive. The South Coaster Trail is a fantastic addition to Alice Lake Park, giving more people the chance to explore our beautiful forests.”
The $180,000 project was funded by the Government of B.C. in partnership with the Squamish Off-Road Cycling Association (SORCA). The trail connects to Miki’s Magic and Cardrona trails, creating access to a full nine-kilometre loop suitable for adaptive mountain biking.
Ian Lowe, executive director of SORCA, noted that the trail has been years in the making. “We’ve been working closely with BC Parks for about six years to bring this vision to life,” he said. “At first, the idea was to create a better experience for beginner riders. But with the help of BC Parks, the project evolved to focus on accessibility, making it a trail that can be enjoyed by a broader range of users.”
The trail’s launch comes at a time when demand for outdoor recreational access in the Sea to Sky region continues to grow.
The South Coaster trail complements recent improvements to other nearby parks. At Stawamus Chief and Garibaldi Provincial Parks, upgrades include expanded parking areas to help manage increasing visitor numbers. Trail enhancement work is also ongoing at Stawamus Chief Park.
Positioned near the main parking lot and campground, the South Coaster Trail also connects to the Bob McIntosh Memorial Trail. This provides expanded year-round access for cyclists of all abilities and experience levels.
“Access to the outdoors is essential, and these trails make it easier for everyone to experience the joy and beauty of our region,” said Squamish Mayor Armand Hurford. “We are committed to building an inclusive community where all people can thrive. Thank you to BC Parks and SORCA for creating this trail with adaptive riders in mind.”
The new trail is part of a broader five-year, $21.5-million provincial initiative to improve and expand outdoor recreation infrastructure across B.C. The initiative aims to make parks more accessible through universal design, with inclusive features incorporated into new campground developments and other recreational projects.
Dana Lajeunesse, Parliamentary Secretary for Accessibility and MLA for Juan de Fuca-Malahat, highlighted the importance of collaboration in these efforts. “B.C. is home to some of the most beautiful recreational areas in the world,” he said.
“Everyone should have the chance to enjoy them. This trail is a great example of how partnerships can create real change, helping to build an inclusive province that works for everyone.”
Across the province, accessibility enhancements continue to be a key focus in park development. By integrating universal design standards, BC Parks is working to ensure that outdoor spaces remain open and accessible to all users.