Make 2026 Your Best Year Yet
A new year always brings fresh motivation, and there’s no better time to set meaningful goals for your mind, body, and spirit. One of the best ways to stay committed is to anchor your training to real events on the calendar and Cranbrook’s event lineup offers plenty of inspiration. From winter endurance to late-summer cycling celebrations, these experiences turn good intentions into unforgettable achievements.
1: Coldride Cranbrook
February 7, 2026
Coldride Cranbrook kicks off the year with a true test of winter grit. This self-supported fat bike endurance event takes riders deep into East Kootenay winter terrain, combining snow-covered singletrack, quiet backroads, and remote landscapes that demand focus and resilience. It’s less about speed and more about determination, making it an unforgettable way to embrace the season and challenge yourself in a uniquely Canadian way.
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Riders can choose the distance that best matches their goals:
FREEZIE (55km. 870m elevation)
Roll through beautiful single-track trails and quiet backroads for a fun adventure with amazing people. You got this!
THE BIG CHILL (130km. 1700m elevation)
Take winter adventure to the next level riding epic backroads and trails showcasing postcard views of sweeping East Kootenay vistas. This route will challenge your limits in one of your most unique cycling adventures! Race for podium cash, or take your time to savour this unforgettable day out.
Coldride is not about podiums alone, completion itself is a victory. Riders must be fully self-sufficient, prepared for cold temperatures, mechanical issues, and changing conditions.
To learn more about the event & how to apply - head to the official website.
2. Wasa Triathlon
June 14, 2026
Sunday, June 14 is set for the annual Wasa Triathlon. If you're pining over the idea of trying your first triathlon, or for a reason to experience Wasa Lake in a new light - this is it!
The Standard Triathlon starts from sandy Horseshoe Bay, taking a dive into the warm waters of Wasa Lake. The cycling leg that follows is mostly flat with some rolling hills. It starts with a clockwise loop going 3/4 of the way around Wasa Lake and then spins cyclists around to follow the Canadian Rockies and the Kootenay River heading south towards Fort Steele Heritage Town. The return portion takes cyclists directly back to the transition area via the south park entry/exit. The triathlon will wrap-up with two flat out-and-back run segments, with a cruise by the transition zone in between.
If that seems a bit daunting, you can look at the Sprint Triathlon. The Sprint Triathlon is for athletes ages 14 and up, suited for the first-timer and recreational, all the way up to the more serious triathlete seeking a speedy effort!
For those who are younger, check out the Trikids Triathlon event! Easily the highlight of the weekend, it offers a full course set-up, with six separate races for various age categories.
Ready to challenge yourself amongst this beautiful terrain? Register here!
To learn more about the event, head to the official website.
3: The Strongman Classic
June 20, 2026
The Strongman Classic is a cornerstone of the Spirit of the Rockies Festival, with competitors and spectators alike enjoying the day while taking part in an exciting show. The Strongman Classic is also a fundraiser, always in support of Cranbrook’s chapter of the BCSPCA!
Hosted by Fitness Inc. this is arguably one of the most impressive displays of strength you could witness. Imagine yourself participating? What an incredible chance to push yourself to limits you never thought possible.
Not ready to compete? Get yourself pumped for 2026 and witness amazing feats of strength like the Atlas Stones, Tire Flips and Truck Pulls with Sportsnet on-site to inspire you to apply for next year! Please note that registration fills up quickly register now here!
To learn more about the event & how to apply - head to the official website.
4: Lost Elephant
July 18, 2026
Lost Elephant is less a race and more a personal expedition. Beginning early in the morning, this rugged cycling challenge sends riders into the backcountry on a long, demanding route that rewards patience, preparation, and self-reliance. It’s an experience built for those who crave adventure and want to test themselves far beyond the comfort of a typical event day.
With a full ultra-distance option and a shorter alternative available, Lost Elephant allows riders to choose their own level of commitment. Training becomes a journey in itself, focused on endurance, fueling, and mental toughness. For many, finishing Lost Elephant is about the story earned along the way, a defining moment in a year dedicated to growth and perseverance.
To learn more about the event & how to apply - head to the official website.
5: Cranbrook Gravel Grind
September 5, 2026
Gear up for an exhilarating cycling escapade this spring with the Cranbrook Gravel Grind, slated for September 5th, 2026. This event, making a bold shift from a fall-season finale to a spring-season opener, promises two days of pedal-powered excitement in the breathtaking landscapes of Cranbrook, BC.
The highlight, the Gravel Grind, unfolds from Idlewild Park, presenting two challenging loops: the 65km Gold Rush Loop and the 112km Big Foot Loop. These routes traverse diverse terrains, showcasing world-class gravel riding around Mount Baker and the Cranbrook Community Forest.
Post-race, festivities ensue with lively tunes, creating a family-friendly atmosphere for riders of all ages. Beyond the thrill, the Cranbrook Gravel Grind supports community growth, with a portion of entries directly benefiting the Cranbrook Community Forest. Save the date for Sep 5th, and be part of this spring cycling extravaganza! Registration opens at the Mid of January.
To learn more about the event & how to apply - head to the official website.
6: Kootenay Rockies Gran Fondo
September 12, 2026
The ride is in September (September 12), giving you plenty of time to train. It starts and finishes at the St. Eugene Golf Resort & Casino, where there’s plenty of space for riders to park in the freshly harvested fields next to the festival tent. In the early dawn light, water bottles are topped up, race numbers are secured to the bikes and hundreds of pairs of padded bike shorts are put on before heading to the festival tent for the continental breakfast. With bellies full of carbs and protein, the riders head for the start line in front of the beautiful St. Eugene Mission Resort.
Like many Gran Fondo events, the Kootenay Rockies Gran Fondo offers three distances.
The Gran Fondo is 152 km using the paved North Star Rails to Trails path to quickly arrive in Kimberley B.C. where the first fueling station is located in the Platzl. While the cheers of spectators echo through town, the riders pedal north along the Kimberley Highway, rolling through farmland and forest until it reaches Highway 95 where excellent views of the Kooteney River are on the right. Cranbrook may be a short distance away, but this is where the big guns take a hard left and ride the peaceful Wardner Fort Steele Road for an extra 50 km before returning to Highway 95 for a few more steep climbs including the King and Queen of the Mountain competition before descending into the valley and onto Mission Road to St. Eugene.
The Medio Fondo is 102 km, also utilizing the same route as the Gran. North Star Rails to Trails > Kimberley B.C. > Kimberley Highway > Highway 95
Tremendous views accompany riders throughout the journey. The Medio follows the same route as the Gran but skips the Wardner-Fort Steele out-and-back.
The delightful Piccolo Fondo is 58 km using the North Star Rails to Trails to reach the Platzl and return the same way. Riders using E-bikes and families are all invited to participate. Every route is surrounded by spectacular scenery using roads with wide shoulders and a minimal amount of traffic.
To learn more about the event, head to the official website.
