Cariboo Mountain Bike Consortium Asks Riders to Respect Closure of Legendary Freeride Spot Farwell Canyon

Words: Tom Schoen, Chair of the Cariboo Mountain Bike Consortium and a director for the Williams Lake Cycling Club.


Farwell Canyon, a legendary free ride area west of Williams Lake has been a popular mountain bike destination for decades. Just search Pinkbike and you'll find countless articles and videos about BC's most spectacular and unique freeride zone.

The Cariboo Mountain Bike Consortium is saddened to announce the closure of this area for a number of outdoor activities, including mountain biking. Leading up to the annual 420 weekend, marking the beginning of the riding season in BC's Interior, we ask all mountain bikers to respect the Tl'esqox First Nation's request to stay off the land. Chief & Council of the Toosey Indian Band designated the area around Farwell Canyon as Tl'esquox Caretaker Land.

The closure has been put in place in 2022 and we continue to see commercially produced content, despite a number of prominent closure signs around the area. As club members, riders and First Nation's allies, we kindly ask everyone to honour Toosey's request.

Farwell Canyon's closure highlights the importance of respecting Indigenous land rights and promoting responsible outdoor recreation. For years, the Tl'esqox First Nation has nurtured the land and sustained its delicate ecosystem. It is essential that mountain bikers and other outdoor enthusiasts understand the cultural and environmental significance of these lands. The Tl'esqox First Nation has a deep spiritual and cultural connection to the land surrounding Farwell Canyon, with a history spanning thousands of years. Preserving the area's natural beauty and ensuring its ongoing health is not only vital for the Tl'esqox people but also for the long-term sustainability of the region's ecosystem.

Disregarding the closure can lead to increased erosion, habitat disruption, and damage to culturally significant sites, ultimately harming both the environment and the Tl'esqox community. Moreover, respecting the land closure is crucial to foster mutual understanding and cooperation between the mountain biking community and Indigenous peoples. As responsible mountain bikers and outdoor enthusiasts, it is our duty to respect Indigenous land closures and work together with the Tl'esqox First Nation and other Indigenous communities to safeguard our natural heritage. When recreating in areas that share history, culture, and the environment with Indigenous peoples, it is important to educate ourselves about the land, its traditional custodians, and any cultural protocols that may apply.

By honouring the Tl'esqox First Nation's request, we demonstrate our commitment to being good stewards of the land and building a stronger relationship with Indigenous communities. This collaboration paves the way for increased understanding, respect, and opportunities for sustainable recreation, benefiting all parties involved. Let us all come together to celebrate and protect the extraordinary landscapes that we are privileged to enjoy.

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