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Fall schedule
Trail ExplorersNorth Vancouver

Help your child ride forest trails with confidence.

Six supportive sessions for independent riders ages 5–10 who are new to forest trails. Patient coaching, manageable challenges and other kids to ride with—helping them feel at home on the trails and keen to come back.

After school · 4:00–6:00 PM · $299 + GSTSundays by inquiry · 10:00 AM–2:00 PM · $549 + GSTMaximum 5 riders per coach
Two young riders and their coach exploring an easy North Vancouver forest trail
Fall sessions built for first trailsAfter school · Sundays by inquiry · Small groups

From riding a bike to riding the trails

They don’t need trail experience. Just a place to begin.

They can pedal, steer and stop on their own. Now they need time to get comfortable with gravel, gentle slopes and forest trails. We start with what they know and build from there, one manageable step at a time.

Right-sized trail progression

Small wins before bigger terrain.

The programme does not assume that riding a bike and riding forest trails are the same thing. Every new challenge is introduced, practised and applied at a pace the group can handle.

A young rider practising a manageable root crossing while their coach guides them from beside the trail
One manageable challenge at a time.See it. Practise it. Ride it independently.
01

Confirm readiness.

We begin with what each child can already do—not a vague beginner label.

02

Teach one skill.

Braking, body position, looking ahead, cornering or climbing stays simple and useful.

03

Practise predictably.

The group repeats the skill in a controlled space before the trail adds complexity.

04

Apply it on trail.

Coaches choose manageable terrain and stay close while riders try the skill for real.

05

Regroup and progress.

Children can pause, walk or retry. The group moves forward when it is ready.

Six sessions with momentum

Familiar skills become trail skills.

Each session adds only enough complexity to create progress—not overwhelm. The exact riding adjusts with the group, weather and trail conditions.

These coaching stages develop across six weekly sessions—not a fixed day-by-day itinerary. The pace follows the riders.

Stage 1Meet the bike. Meet the group.Bike check · Braking · Balance

Camp begins at Kilmer Park with names, bike and helmet checks, and easy skill games. Coaches see how each child starts, stops, steers and uses their brakes before introducing any forest complexity. The goal is a calm first session that lets everyone feel successful.

Stage 2Take familiar skills off-road.Gravel · Looking ahead · Control

Riders begin adapting familiar bike skills to gravel, gentle slopes and changing surfaces. Short teaching moments lead quickly into games and riding, with plenty of regrouping and time for another try.

Stage 3Discover the first trails.Easy forest terrain · Corners · Small bumps

The group brings braking, body position and looking ahead onto manageable forest paths and beginner trail sections. Coaches choose terrain for the least-ready rider and offer options when a feature feels new.

Stage 4Build comfort through repetition.Climbing · Descending · Trail awareness

Children repeat the skills they have been learning while spending more time riding. Familiarity creates room for smoother braking, better turns and a little more independence without making the day a test.

Stage 5Finish proud—and wanting another ride.Favourite skills · Easy trail adventure

The final ride brings the pieces together in a positive final ride. Progress looks different for every child: more control, trying a new section, walking with confidence or simply feeling at home in the forest. The finish line is a rider who wants to get back on the bike.

Progress is not measured by being fastest. Riders may pause, walk or retry. Coaches select manageable terrain and move forward when control, energy and confidence allow it.

Six focused sessions in North Vancouver.After school $299 + GST · Sundays $549 + GST by inquiry · Maximum five riders per coach
See Fall schedule
A mountain bike coach showing a young rider how to use the brake beside an easy forest trail

How your child is supported

Noticed. Encouraged. Never rushed.

A positive first trail experience depends on more than an easy route. It depends on a coach who notices when a child needs a cue, another try, a short break or permission to walk.

Small groups.
A maximum of five riders per coach creates room for individual attention and frequent regrouping.
Manageable challenge.
Coaches choose terrain for the group and offer options instead of turning hesitation into failure.
A positive finish.
The goal is a child who feels more capable, proud of what they tried and excited to ride again.

Maximum five riders per coach · Every coach is first-aid trained and criminal-record checked

Quick fit check

Three easy yeses?

They can start, stop, steer and brake independently.

They enjoy riding but have little or no forest-trail experience.

They can follow group instructions and stay engaged through an active camp session.

Not completely sure? Tell us where they ride now and what they can do. Ask for an honest fit check

Trail Explorers · Fall 2026

Next Trail Explorers dates.

This season’s camps have started. Email us to hear when the next schedule opens.

Ages 5–10After school + Sundays by inquirySix sessionsIndependent riders

Meeting details: After-school drop-off and pickup are at the Kilmer Park parking lot every session. Weekend and school-break meeting details are in the FAQ below.

Want first notice of the next camp dates?

Tell us the rider’s age and where they ride now.

Ask about upcoming dates

Before you book

The questions that make fit clear.

Readiness, nerves, equipment, supervision and logistics—answered before you have to guess.

Return to dates & prices
Does my child need mountain biking experience?

No. Trail Explorers is specifically for independent riders with little or no forest-trail experience. They do need to start, stop, steer and brake on their own.

What does independent riding mean?

Your child should ride without training wheels or physical help, start and stop under control, steer around obstacles and use their brakes reliably.

What if my child is nervous?

They do not need to arrive fearless. Coaches demonstrate, break a task into smaller steps and allow a rider to watch, walk, pause or return to it later without shame.

Will a slower child be left behind?

No. Groups regroup frequently, routes are selected for the least-ready rider and every coach leads no more than five children.

Is this a learn-to-ride camp?

No. Children who are still learning to pedal, steer or stop independently need a learn-to-ride programme first. Trail Explorers begins at the next stage.

What bike does my child need?

A properly fitting bike in good working order with two working hand brakes and gears, plus a certified, properly fitting helmet. Contact us before booking if you are unsure about the bike.

Where are drop-off and pickup?

After-school camps: Every session uses the Kilmer Park parking lot for both drop-off and pickup. Use the standard Kilmer Park listing in Google Maps.

Weekend and school-break camps: Drop-off and pickup are at Kilmer Park every session. Park on the Kilmer Road side and meet on the gravel field on the south side of the park.

Does camp run in the rain?

Yes. Camp runs rain or shine. Coaches adjust activities and routes when trail, weather or air-quality conditions require it.

Who will coach my child?

Coaches are skilled mountain bikers trained in first aid and in teaching children at the right level. Every coach completes a criminal record check and leads no more than five riders.

What is the cancellation policy?

More than 10 calendar days before camp, families may transfer to another available camp at no charge or receive a refund less a $35 administration fee. Cancellations received 10 calendar days or fewer before camp are not eligible for a refund, credit or transfer. The complete policy is shown before payment.

See Fall schedule