5 Things to Do with Your Downtime In Rossland
What is there to do in the Mountain Bike Capital of Canada when you aren’t mountain biking?
This guide is for informational purposes only. Availability of these activities is currently being affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Please respect all current local and provincial public health advice and regulations.
That’s right, the town of Rossland, British Columbia has been crowned the Mountain Bike Capital of Canada. It was named that by Canada’s Explore Magazine, and as an early adopter of mountain biking, was instrumental in helping to turn British Columbia into the mountain biking destination that it is today.
Unfortunately, we all have to take a break from riding sometimes, and during a stage race like Singletrack 6, it’s important to rest and recover between stages. So what do you do in the Mountain Biking Capital of Canada when you aren’t riding?
Here are five suggestions!
#1 - Eat, drink & be merry!
Although Rossland is well known as a mountain biking destination, it also draws tourists for myriad other reasons—great skiing, beautiful landscapes, and nearby parks—to name a few. And that means it’s developed an excellent hospitality industry with superb bars and restaurants. After a stage, why not check out one of these great establishments for your rehydration and fuelling needs?
The Flying Steam Shovel Gastropub
As a gastropub and inn, the Flying Steam Shovel could make a great home base for your entire stay in Rossland. But even if you choose not to spend your nights there, it’s worth stopping by to try the food. It’s located downtown, just off the main street and their menu is a mix of upscale burgers and classic pub fare. They also have a pool table and offer take-out and a kid’s menu. If you’re in the mood for craft beer, they have over a dozen on tap and fill growlers.
Location: 2003 - 2nd Avenue
Phone: 250-362-7323
Clansey’s Restaurant & Bar
If you enjoy fresh air and people-watching in your downtime, you’ll want to check out the patio at Clansey’s Restaurant & Bar. It’s located right on Rossland’s main street, so you’ll have a bird’s eye view of the hustle and bustle of downtown. Clansey’s is open seven days a week and serves craft beer, cocktails, wine and pub food.
Location: 2024 Columbia Avenue
Phone: 778-457-3333
The Velvet Restaurant & Lounge
If there’s a chill in the air, but you still want to be outside, the Velvet Restaurant & Lounge has you covered with a fireplace on their outdoor patio. Located in the Josie Hotel, Velvet offers seasonal French-influenced cuisine by Executive Chef Marc-Andre Choquette as well as a locally-inspired drink menu.
Location: 4306 Red Mountain Road
Phone: 778-457-5227
Rossland Beer Co.
The Rossland Beer Co. is the choice for locally brewed craft beer. Not only because it’s the only brewery in town, but because they brew great beer. Their beers have won national and provincial awards and their selection has something for everyone. The small brewery is located in the heart of Rossland and uses Rossland Mountain filtered water for its brews. They’ve got room to sit in with friends or they fill growlers to go. They even have live music on Friday afternoons!
Location: 1990F Columbia Avenue
Phone: 250-362-2122
#2 - Cool off at Nancy Greene Provincial Park
Rossland and the surrounding area are no stranger to summer heat. So, if you need a place to escape after a tough ride, why not give Nancy Greene Provincial Park a try. It’s home to Nancy Greene Lake, a subalpine lake that’s perfect for swimming or paddleboarding. Even if getting into the water isn’t your cup of tea, the high elevation means the temperatures around the lake should be relatively cool for a picnic or walk.
Location: Intersection of HWYs 3 & 3B. Or click here for directions.
#3 - Visit the Rossland Museum & Discovery Centre
Metals, Mountains & Memories, that’s the tagline for the Rossland Museum and Discovery Centre. Like many other Singletrack 6 host communities, Rossland got its start as a mining town but has long been known for its epic skiing and mountain biking. Unlike many museums though, this one has a specific section dedicated to Rossland skiing history, and quite the history it is (but you’ll have to visit the museum to find out more)! In addition to an indoor space, the centre has a large outdoor area where visitors can explore large pieces of historic mining equipment—fun for the whole family!
Location: Intersection HWYs 3B & 22. Or click here for directions.
Phone: 250-362-7722
#4 - Play a round of golf at Redstone Resort
If you’ve still got some energy left after your time in the saddle, why not get in some active recovery with a round of golf? Gather a few friends and play a few holes—it’s the perfect place to debrief on the day’s stage. The Redstone Resort is home to what they call a “mountain golf course”. It’s 18 holes and was designed by the renowned Canadian architect Les Furber. On-site is a restaurant that serves classic pub food and is located in the resort’s restored log clubhouse, which dates back to 1927.
Location: 400 White Tail Drive
Phone: 250-362-9141
#5 - Active recovery at the Thin Air Disc Golf Course
If traditional golf isn’t for you, maybe it’s time to give disc golf a try. At the Thin Air Disc Golf Course it’s free to play, so what do you have to lose? The course is professionally maintained, has jaw-dropping scenery and is fun for all ages. It’s part of the Black Jack Ski Club and is open to play as soon as the snow melts in the spring. Although it’s free to play, you’ll have to bring your own discs. A variety of discs can be purchased at Seven Summits Service and Hardware, located across from the Rossland Museum & Discovery Centre.
Location: Campbell Road. Click here for directions.
Rossland has it all!
This is just a small sampling of what Rossland has to offer visitors. The town and surrounding area have been welcoming tourists for decades—maybe even for more than a century—and they know what they’re doing! Whether you prefer to be physically active, mentally active or just relax during your downtime, the Mountain Bike Capital of Canada has you covered.
We want to hear from you!
What’s your favourite way to spend your downtime after a stage?
Is there anything in Rossland we’re missing?
Let us know in the comments section below.