Slow Food Cycle Sunday: Pemberton's Beloved Celebration of Farming, Food & Community
Every August, thousands of locals and visitors gather in the Pemberton Meadows for one of the Sea to Sky's most iconic events: Slow Food Cycle Sunday. Equal parts bike ride, farm tour, market, and community celebration, this unique event invites participants to slow down, connect with local growers, and experience the agricultural heart of Pemberton.
What is Slow Food Cycle Sunday?
Slow Food Cycle Sunday is a self-paced cycling event that winds through the spectacular Pemberton Meadows. Riders can explore up to 40 kilometres of paved country roads, stopping along the way at farms, artisan vendors, food stands, and live music performances.
Unlike a race, Slow Food Cycle Sunday is all about taking your time. Ride the entire route or visit a few stops - it’s completely self-guided and up to you and your group.
The event celebrates the values of sustainability, supporting local agriculture, and strengthening the connection between people, the food they eat, and the hard-working people who feed us. Whether you're a passionate foodie, an avid cyclist, or simply looking for a memorable family outing, Slow Food Cycle Sunday offers something for everyone.
Where the Roots Began
Slow Food Cycle Sunday was founded in 2005 by Pemberton residents and farmers Anna Helmer and Lisa Richardson, who shared concerns about the ongoing pressures facing farmland and local food systems. Their vision was simple: create an event that would bring people into the countryside, showcase the importance of agriculture, and help consumers connect directly with the farmers who feed their communities.
What started as a grassroots initiative quickly became one of Pemberton's most cherished traditions. Since 2015, Tourism Pemberton has proudly produced the event, helping it continue to grow while staying true to its original spirit.
Today, Slow Food Cycle Sunday welcomes thousands of participants each year and has become a cornerstone of agricultural tourism in the region.
What Happens on Slow Food Cycle Sunday?
Every year, on the third Sunday of August, Pemberton Meadows Road closes to vehicle traffic and transforms into a celebration of food, farming, and community for people to cycle through the beautiful farmland.
Participants register in the morning and begin their ride at their own pace. Along the route, farms open their gates to welcome visitors, while local businesses, artisans, and musicians create a festive atmosphere throughout the valley based at the various farm hosts properties.
Expect to:
Meet local farmers and producers.
Sample and purchase fresh produce and handmade goods.
Enjoy food trucks and farm-fresh treats.
Listen to live music.
Discover the beauty of the Pemberton Meadows.
Connect with friends, neighbours, and fellow riders.
The atmosphere is relaxed, social, and family-friendly. From cruiser bikes and trailers to mountain bikes and e-bikes, every riding style is welcome. Families with kids will find great stops like pony rides at Copper Cayuse Outfitters to entertain the kiddos.
A Celebration of Pemberton's Agricultural Heritage
Slow Food Cycle Sunday is inspired by the global Slow Food movement, which encourages people to value locally grown food, sustainable farming, and traditional food culture. Pemberton's fertile valley and vibrant farming community make it the perfect place for this celebration.
More than just an event, Slow Food Cycle Sunday highlights the importance of preserving farmland, supporting local producers, and ensuring future generations can continue to enjoy the bounty of the Pemberton Valley.
Ticket Information
Tickets are required to participate and can be purchased in advance online or on the day of the event.
Online Pre-Event Pricing (until August 14th)
$7.50 per person
$25 per family (up to six people: two adults and four children)
Event Day Pricing
$12.50 per person
$50 per family (up to six people: two adults and four children)
Children five and under ride free. A donation option is also available during ticket purchase, with proceeds supporting the Pemberton and District Healthcare Foundation.
Pre-purchasing tickets is the best way to save and skip the registration lines.
Don’t forget to bring:
A bag, basket, or trolley to take home some goodies (fresh produce, flowers, handmade goods)
Water and snacks: while there are stops along the route to purchase, it’s still best to bring your own supplies, especially water.
Sunscreen and sun protection: August is hot in Pemberton and this can be a long day. Protect yourselves from sunburn and sunstroke.
Helmets: it’s the law in BC. Play safe.
Your map! Plan your route, see where you’ve made it to, and where you want to go
Pleasedon’tbring your pets - this event sees around 3,000 and you will also be stopping at farmers properties that have livestock and farm dogs. Please be courteous of your hosts and leave the pets behind. The route is also entirely along pavement and August can get very hot in Pemberton - this is not the event to exercise your pet at.
Join the Celebration
Whether it's your first visit to Pemberton or an annual tradition, Slow Food Cycle Sunday offers a unique opportunity to experience the valley's spectacular scenery, thriving agricultural community, and welcoming spirit.