When BC Bike Race announced that 2026 would be its last year in the original, seven-day cross country format, it made waves. The west coast XC stage race is one of the longest-running in Canada and a staple on the endurance racing scene, both in Canada and around the world. It also left one question unanswered: what’s next?
Now, BCBR is giving some insight into what the 21st year will look like, including a new format, for the self-named “Ultimate Singletrack Experience.” Or, now, experiences.
BC Bike Race doubles up, starting in 2027
Starting in 2027, BCBR will offer the classic, cross country race program. Along side that, a new and parallel enduro format. Both will now be five full days of racing.
Racers will get to choose their preferred race format, each with its own course. While the two races will travel in parallel, starting and finishing in the same towns as each other each day, the enduro and cross country races will traverse different trails, as suits the different race formats.
A return to the Sea to Sky, and sailing
Speaking of towns, Squamish makes its return to the BC Bike Race after at least six years away. The mainland adds some serious trail selection to Vancouver Island’s buffet of singletrack and returns a rider-favourite stop to the course.
That also means the return of the full BC Ferries experience. Racer’s will get to cross the Salish Sea from Squamish back to Vancouver Island, and maybe see whales, after kicking off 2027 on the mainland.
Registration: 2027 BC Bike Race
So, enduro or XC? It’s up to you. But make your decision soon, as registration is opening up on Thursday, May 14, 2026 and there are limited spots in both fields. Only 150 enduro course spots are available and 450 “Classic” course spots on the cross country side. Considering somewhere around 800 are registered for this year, that could fill up fast.
2027 BC Bike Race, or races, runs from Monday, May 24 to Friday, May 28, 2027.
Check out BC Bike Race for registration details.